Visiting the Terracotta Army in Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is a must-do when in Xi’an, and getting there efficiently is key to making the most of your time. Whether you’re looking for the quickest route or the most budget-friendly option, this guide provides three convenient travel options – from trains to subways and direct buses – so you can choose the best way to reach this iconic historical site. Here are the top three ways to get from Xi’an to the Terracotta Army in under 1.5 hours.
1. By Train (Time Saving)
The fastest option to get to the Terracotta Army is by taking a train from Xi’an Station to Lintong Station (临潼站). The journey lasts approximately 20 minutes. There are five trains in the morning, departing at 7:16, 7:31, 8:06, 9:08, and 9:55.
Price: 5-10 RMB
After arriving at Lintong Station, you can either hail a Didi or take a taxi from the station directly to the Terracotta Army Museum, which will cost about 20 RMB.
Pros: Fastest option, with a total travel time of about 50 minutes. Convenient and efficient.
Cons: Limited train departures, requiring you to arrive early at the train station.
2. By Subway + Bus (Popular Choice)
Start your journey at Bell Tower Station (钟楼地铁站) by taking Line 6, then transfer to Line 9 to reach Huaqingchi Station (华清池地铁站), which takes around 55 minutes and costs 7 RMB. From there, you can catch the 602 or 613 bus directly to the Terracotta Army Museum.
Travel Time:
- Subway: 55 minutes
- Bus: 25 minutes
- Total: 1.5 hours
Price:
- Subway: 7 RMB
- Bus: 2 RMB (602) / 5 RMB (613)
Note: The 613 bus is faster and departs every 10 minutes, but be aware that there may be some sales promotions on board.
Pros: Convenient and affordable. Flexible departure times and frequent buses.
Cons: Total travel time is around 1.5 hours, with a few transfers involved. More time-consuming compared to the train option.
3. By Direct Bus (Family Friendly)
Direct buses to the Terracotta Army are available and can be purchased either online or at the departure points. The bus ride lasts about 1 hour.
Price: 30 RMB
Departure Points:
- Vienna Hotel (Big Wild Goose Pagoda Branch) parking lot
- Yisu Theatre (易俗社大剧院门口) (near Bell Tower)
- Xi’an City Library
- Sajinqiao Metro Station (洒金桥地铁口)
Pros: Direct route with no transfers, ideal for families or those traveling with elderly people or children. Comfortable and easy.
Cons: Buses only depart in the morning and may require waiting for the bus to fill up, which can take time (sometimes over 1 hour).