Find out how to get to the Terracotta Army Museum from downtown Xi'an, the airport, and the railway stations (buses, taxis, private transport, and tours).
The Terracotta Army, also known as Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum, is located in Xi'an.The 2,000-year-old army of clay statues includes life-size soldiers, archers, horses, weapons, and utensils.
You can reach the Terracotta Army by taking a bus, driving yourself, or booking a private tour with us to enjoy a hassle-free visit.
Getting to the Terracotta Army from Downtown Xi'an
- Terracotta Army location: 42 kilometers (26 miles) east of Xi'an, in Lintong District
Plan A: Private Transport (most convenient/recommended)
- Distance: 42 kilometers (26 miles)
- Travel time: 1 hour
Plan B: Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306)
- Bus stop: Xi'an Railway Station
- Operating hours:
- 07:00–19:00 from Xi'an Railway Station
- 08:10–19:00 return from the Terracotta Army
- Frequency: every 5–10 minutes
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
- Fare: 7 yuan
Plan C: Bus 914 or 915
- Bus stop: East Square at Xi'an Railway Station
- Operating hours:
- 06:00–21:00 from Xi'an Railway Station's East Square
- 05:30–20:00 return from the Terracotta Army
- Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Fare: 7 yuan
Plan D: Taxi (for details/scams see our Xi'an taxi guide.)
- Distance: 42 kilometers (26 miles)
- Travel time: 1 hour
- Fare: dependent on the taxi meter
Get to the Terracotta Army from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
The Terracotta Army is 66 kilometers away from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, taking about 55 minutes to reach by car. Below are the two most common ways to get to the Terracotta Army from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Read more on Xi'an Transportation.
Plan A: Airport Shuttle Bus+ Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306)
- Operating hours (shuttle bus): 07:00–02:00 (the next day)
- Frequency: every 20–30 minutes
- Travel time: approximately 3 hours
- Fare: 25 yuan +7 yuan
Plan B: Taxi
- Distance: about 40 kilometers
- Travel time: 1 hour
- Fare: dependent on the taxi meter
Get to the Terracotta Army from the Railway Stations
Departure: Xi'an Railway Station
Plan A: Tourist Bus Line 5 (306)
- Bus stop: Xi'an Railway Station
- Operating hours: 07:00–19:00 from Xi'an Railway Station
- 08:10–19:00 return from the Terracotta Army
- Frequency: every 5–10 minutes
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
- Fare: 7 yuan
Plan B: Bus 914
- Bus stop: East Square at Xi'an Railway Station
- Operating hours:
- 06:00–21:00 from Xi'an Railway Station's East Square
- 05:30–20:00 return from the Terracotta Army
- Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Fare: 7 yuan
Plan C: Bus 915
- Bus stop: East Square at Xi'an Railway Station
- Operating hours:
- 06:00–21:00 from Xi'an Railway Station's East Square
- 05:30–20:00 return from the Terracotta Army
- Travel time: approximately 2 hours
- Fare: 7 yuan
Departure: Xi'an North Railway Station
Plan A: Free Shuttle Bus (the Most Convenient Way)
- Bus stop: West Square at Xi'an North Railway Station
- Operating hours: 08:00–16:00 from Xi'an North Railway Station
- 10:30–19:30 return from the Terracotta Army
- Frequency: 1 hour
- Travel time: 1 hour
Required information for boarding: You need the railway ticket displaying the date and your ticket for the Terracotta Army. (You can purchase tickets for the Terracotta Army at the Tourists' Service Center on level 1F at Xi'an North Railway Station.)
Plan B: Xi'an North Railway Station to Xi'an Railway Station + Bus 306
Transportation route 1: Metro Line 2 from Xi'an North Railway Station to Xi'an Railway Station + Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306)
Transportation route 2: Bus 266 from Xi'an North Railway Station to Xi'an Railway Station + Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306)
- Travel time: 2 hours
- Fare: 10 yuan
- Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Fare: 9 yuan
Tour with Us
If you don't want to waste time on finding a reputable taxi or public buses to reach the attraction, queuing for tickets, reading maps, or trying to make sense of Chinese signs, a private tour is a great option.
You can tailor-make a unique trip through China Highlights, allowing you to see the Terracotta Army at your own pace. It's a nice idea if you wish to see more in less time.
What you can expect:
- Your own guide, driver, and vehicle
- Visit the attraction without any detours
- Skip the long line
- Get a closer view of the Terracotta Army
- No shopping detours
Here are some sample itineraries for inspiration:
- Half-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Discovery Tour: Uncover the amazing history and vivid stories behind the terracotta figures.
- 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Private Tour: See all the must-see attractions in Xi'an and learn how to make miniature terracotta warriors.
- 4-Day Xi'an Ancient Relics Tour: Dig deep into China's ancient culture with 4 days of traveling around Xi'an, the capital of 13 ancient dynasties.
