Layover in Xi'an (XIY)

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.

Plan my Xi'an layover

About Xi'an

Xi'an is a city in Shaanxi Province in China. The oldest surviving capital of ancient China, Xi'an is home to thousands of years of Chinese heritage and history. The city has a pleasant cosmopolitan flair to it and it is worth visiting for the famed Terracotta Warriors. It has often been said that, "if you have not been to Xi'an, you have not been to China!"

From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.

How much time can you use?

After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.

LayoverDomestic arrivalInternational arrival
4 hoursAbout 1h 55m in the cityHead straight to your gate
6 hoursAbout 3h 55m in the cityAbout 2h 20m in the city
8 hoursAbout 5h 55m in the cityAbout 4h 20m in the city
12 hoursAbout 9h 55m in the cityAbout 8h 20m in the city

Getting into Xi'an

About 15m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center. This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.

Questions

Can I leave the airport on a layover in Xi'an?

On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Xi'an and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.

How do I get from XIY to central Xi'an?

Allow about 15m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center.

How early should I head back to XIY?

Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.

Build a plan for your exact flight

Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.