Beijing to Xi'an by Train
By China Rail Guide Updated 2026-05-29 Fares verified May 2026 against China Railway (12306)
- Fastest
- 4h 10m
- Distance
- 1,216 km
- Trains/day
- 25+
- From
- $81
Beijing to Xi’an is a 1,200 km high-speed run linking the capital with the home of the Terracotta Army. The fastest non-stop G-trains do it in about 4 hours 10 minutes, departing Beijing West for Xi’an North; overnight sleeper trains are a cheaper, slower alternative.
At a glance
- Fastest non-stop service: about 4h 10m; most G-trains take 4.5 to 6 hours.
- Around 25 daytime G-trains, plus overnight D/Z/T sleeper trains.
- Departs Beijing West (北京西), arrives Xi’an North (西安北), both on the metro.
- Seat classes: Second, First, Premium First-class and Business.
Fastest, or cheapest?
This route runs more than one type of train — here's the trade-off:
| Train type | Fastest | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| G — High-speed | 4h 10m | ¥515 / $73 | Fastest |
| Overnight sleeper (Z/T/K) | ~12h | ¥254.5 / $36 | Overnight — saves a hotel night |
Fares by class
High-speed (G/C) seat classes on the main service:
| Class | Price (CNY) | Approx. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class | ¥577.5 | $81 |
| First Class | ¥922.5 | $130 |
| Premium First-class | ¥1,204 | $170 |
| Business Class | ¥1,815.5 | $256 |
Official China Railway (12306) fares for the fastest non-stop G-trains. Slower G-trains are cheaper (Second Class from ¥515); overnight sleeper trains less still.
Stations & train types
Trains depart from Beijing West and arrive at Xi'an North. Direct trains run this route.
- G — High-speed (up to 350 km/h)
- D — Express EMU (200–260 km/h)
Train or flight from Beijing to Xi'an?
A flight looks quicker on paper, but China's domestic flights ask you to arrive about 2 hours early, and airports sit well outside the city. High-speed trains leave from a central station with quick security. Most trains take 4h 10m – 6 hours (fastest non-stop 4h 10m). Counting the whole door-to-door trip:
| 🚄 High-speed train | ✈️ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| On board / in the air | 4h 10m | ~2h 15m |
| Getting there & through | + ~30m (central station, fast security) | + 2h arrive early, + ~1h30m to/from airports |
| Realistic door-to-door | ~4h 40m | ~5h 45m |
Flight time is estimated from route distance; airport arrival and transfer times are typical for China domestic travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Beijing to Xi’an?
The fastest non-stop G-trains take about 4 hours 10 minutes; most run 4.5 to 6 hours. Overnight sleeper trains take 11–12 hours.
How much is a Beijing to Xi’an train ticket?
On the fastest G-trains, Second Class is about ¥577.5 (~$81), First Class ¥922.5, and Business Class ¥1,815.5. Slower G-trains start around ¥515, and overnight sleepers are cheaper. These are official China Railway (12306) fares.
Which stations do Beijing–Xi’an trains use?
High-speed trains depart Beijing West and arrive at Xi’an North, both connected to the metro.
Schedule and fares reflect China Railway (12306) official services, last verified 2026-05 against live booking data. Times and prices can change — confirm when you book.