Xi'an Metro Guide for Tourists (2026): Lines, Fares & Tips
Ride the Xi'an metro — pay by QR code, the lines to the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, fares and day passes.
Xi’an’s metro is the fastest way around the old city and out to the new sights — and it’s QR-code easy for tourists. This guide covers paying, the lines you’ll actually use, fares and the practical details.
How to pay
- Alipay QR code (easiest): get the ‘Xi’an metro code’ inside Alipay and scan at the gates — the fare is deducted automatically.
- Xi’an Metro app: also fine, linked to Alipay or WeChat.
- Single-journey tickets: at the ticket machines, if you’d rather not use your phone.
- All stations and gates on every line accept QR codes.
Fares & passes
- Fares are by distance: ¥2 for the first 6km, then ¥3, ¥4 and up. Most sight-to-sight rides run ¥2–8.
- Day pass ¥15 and three-day pass ¥40 (unlimited rides) are great value if you’re hopping around.
The lines you’ll actually use
| Line | What’s on it |
|---|---|
| Line 2 | Bell Tower, Yongning Gate, Xiaozhai, Xi’an North |
| Line 3 | Xiaozhai, Big Wild Goose Pagoda |
| Line 4 | Railway station, Daming Palace, Big Wild Goose Pagoda |
| Line 9 | Toward Lintong (bus to the Terracotta Army) |
- Bell Tower → Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Line 2 to Xiaozhai, change to Line 3 — about 20 minutes, ~¥6.
- To the airport: Line 14 from Xianyang Airport, then Line 2 to the center — about 1 hour.
Practical tips
- Hours: about 6am–11pm (to 11:30pm on some lines), extended on holidays.
- Avoid peak: 7–9am and 5–7pm are crowded at the Bell Tower and Xiaozhai.
- Luggage: bags go through security scanning at the station entrance.
- Short hops: within the old town, walking or a shared bike often beats the metro.
- Payment and data: set up Alipay and an eSIM before you arrive.
Getting around the city
Xi’an’s sights are well served by Lines 2, 3 and 4 — the city guide maps them out. For the Terracotta Army, the dedicated guide covers the trip in detail, and our China metro guide explains the system-wide basics.
Where this fits
Xi’an is the second stop on the 7-day, 10-day and two-week routes, and the eastern gateway to the Silk Road. For the city and its hotels, see the Xi’an guide and where to stay.
Fares and hours as of August 2026 — confirm current schedules in a maps app before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for the Xi'an metro?
Get the 'Xi'an metro code' in Alipay — scan it at the gates and the fare is deducted automatically. The official Xi'an Metro app also works with Alipay or WeChat. All gates on all lines accept QR codes. See our [payments guide](https://chinotrips.com/how-to/pay-in-china/) to set up Alipay.
How much does the Xi'an metro cost?
Fares are by distance: ¥2 for the first 6km, then ¥3, ¥4 and up. Most rides between sights cost ¥2–8. A day pass is ¥15 (unlimited rides for one day) and a three-day pass ¥40 — worth it if you're hopping around a lot.
Which metro line goes to the Bell Tower?
Line 2 — it runs the north–south spine through the Bell Tower, Yongning Gate and Xiaozhai, and links Xi'an North railway station to the center in about 30 minutes. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is on Line 3 (change at Xiaozhai).
How do I get from Xi'an North station to the center?
Metro Line 2 (or Line 4) from Xi'an North reaches the Bell Tower in about 30 minutes for roughly ¥4 — the easiest way in. For the airport, Line 14 connects Xianyang Airport and continues to the rail network.
Can I take the metro to the Terracotta Army?
Almost — take Line 9 toward Lintong, then the official 游5 bus (306) to the site. It's a half-day trip from the center; the metro covers the city leg and the bus covers the rest. See our [Terracotta guide](https://chinotrips.com/destinations/terracotta-guide/).