Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Guide for Beginners
For complete beginners, the first thing to know about Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is a common geographical misconception: This airport is not actually located in Xi’an City. It is located in Weicheng District, Xianyang City, 13 kilometers from downtown Xianyang and 25 kilometers from downtown Xi’an. The airport currently operates mainly out of Terminal 2 (T2) , Terminal 3 (T3) and Terminal 5 (T5).
How to get from Xianyang Airport to downtown and surrounding areas?
Option 1: The “Traffic-Jam Proof” Rail Transit (Subway) If you want to reach downtown Xi’an quickly or catch a high-speed train, the subway is the most efficient choice:
- Metro Line 14: Fares range from 2 to 9 RMB. This line connects “Airport West Station” (机场西站), Xi’an’s high-speed rail hub “North Railway Station” (北客站), and “Heshao Station”.
- Operating Hours: The last train heading from Airport West to North Railway Station usually departs at 22:20.
Option 2: “Luggage-Friendly” City Airport Buses If you have a lot of large luggage, taking the airport bus is the most comfortable way:
- Routes & Fares: There are multiple lines heading to downtown Xi’an (single trip 25 RMB) and one line heading to downtown Xianyang (single trip 15 RMB).
- Beginner Ticketing: You can simply search for the WeChat mini-program “巴士乘客服务2025” to check schedules and buy tickets online.
- Student Perks: During winter and summer breaks, the airport opens temporary “Student Return Lines” (大学生返校专线) running directly to universities in Xi’an. You can check these on the “西安咸阳国际机场服务平台” WeChat official account.
Option 3: Extremely Convenient “Intercity Buses” (to other cities) If your destination is not Xi’an or Xianyang, but a surrounding city, do not head into the city to find a bus station! The Long-distance Passenger Transport Center on the first floor of the east side of Terminal 3 (T3) provides a massive intercity transport network.
- Within Shaanxi Province: Buses head to Ankang, Baoji, Fengxiang, Fuping, Hancheng, Lintong, Yangling, Ziyang, Guozhen, Yanliang, Xixiang, Pucheng, Huayin, Heyang, Weinan, Tongchuan, Shangzhou, Sanyuan, etc.
- Cross-Province: There are also buses heading to Gansu Province (Pingliang, Jingchuan) and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Guyuan).
- Door-to-Door “Intercity Express”: Extremely friendly for beginners, routes to Yanliang, Lintong, Meixian, Baoji, Pucheng, Heyang, Huayin, and Guyuan offer commercial “Intercity Express” (城际快客) vans in addition to regular large buses. These vans offer free door-to-door pick-up and drop-off in designated downtown areas of the destination cities. You can easily buy tickets via WeChat mini-programs like “巴士乘客服务2025”, “出行365”, or “宏图出行”.
Option 4: Regular Public Transit for Short Trips If you are only heading to industrial parks or bases near the airport, you can choose Xixian Bus Line 802 or Line 803, which cost only 2 RMB and stop at T2, T3, and surrounding areas like the HNA Chang’an Airlines Base.
Comprehensive Services at Xianyang Airport
Where can I eat at Xianyang Airport?
As the gateway to the ancient capital, Xianyang Airport is a “carb heaven.” Not only can you find standard Western fast food and coffee like KFC, McDonald’s, and Starbucks, but you can also taste authentic Shaanxi specialties like Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Liangpi (cold noodles), Yangrou Paomo (mutton soup with flatbread), and Qishan minced pork noodles. There are abundant dining areas both before and after security.
Are there vegetarian or Halal restaurants?
Shaanxi cuisine relies heavily on noodles, so many noodle shops and Chinese restaurants can easily prepare pure vegetarian noodles or cold dishes for you. Additionally, due to the large Muslim population in the Northwest, there are dedicated Halal restaurants (usually marked with clear Halal certification signs) inside the terminal.
Where can I stay near Xianyang Airport?
If you arrive late at night or have an early morning flight, there are very convenient hourly lounges and capsule hotels (sleeping boxes) inside Terminal 3. In addition, there are plenty of business and budget hotels in the surrounding areas that offer free 24-hour airport shuttle services.
Where can I shop at Xianyang Airport?
If you want to bring souvenirs home, there are many shops in the terminal selling Shaanxi specialties like crystal cakes, large jujubes, shadow puppetry crafts, and replica Terracotta Warriors. If you are taking an international or regional flight, duty-free shops are available in the restricted area for tax-free cosmetics, perfumes, and liquors.
Where can I get a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device?
Telecommunication service counters and automatic kiosks are located near the exit of the international/regional arrival hall. Overseas travelers can use their passports to purchase local prepaid SIM cards or rent portable Wi-Fi devices here.
Where can I exchange currency or find ATMs?
Foreign currency exchange counters are prominently located in the international arrival and departure areas. Additionally, ATMs from major Chinese banks are widely distributed throughout the terminals, supporting direct RMB cash withdrawals using overseas bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay logos.
How do I store/check my luggage?
“Luggage Storage” service desks are usually available in the departure and arrival halls. If you have a long layover and want to take the subway into Xi’an to grab a Roujiamo without carrying heavy bags, you can securely store your luggage at the airport for a small fee based on the number of items and storage duration.
