Long distance trains in China are pretty amazing. Fast, comfortable, and considering the distance, they cover, affordable. Catching a train from Beijing to Xi’an is a very popular route for travelers and locals alike – and there’s a good reason for that.

The train from Beijing to Xi’an covers roughly 1200 kilometers in just over 5 hours. That’s just under 300 km/hr! (298km/hr to precise). Not only are you getting cost-effective transit, but as with all of my experiences in China, you’re never far off from a dose of culture shock or fun story – always memorable experiences.

The scenery itself along the way seemed to be either rice fields and farms with locals tending by hand, or endless rows of cookie-cutter style high-rise apartments and built up city.  There definitely are more picturesque train rides in China, but it’s still an experience and efficient way of traveling from Beijing to Xi’an.

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How much does the train from Beijing to Xian cost?

When I visited and took this train journey to Xi’an, I was able to purchase a 2^nd class ticket for around 485 Chinese Yuan ($70 USD). However, when researching online, there were only first-class tickets for around 776 Chinese Yuan ($110 USD). I was only able to buy this 2^nd class ticket at the train station itself.

I visited Beijing West Train Station two days prior in order to secure my ticket. My trip from Beijing to Xi’an happened to coincide with a public holiday, and tickets were selling out fast! After a frustrating hour of waiting in the “English” line, and having person after person cut in front of me and shove their way into the queue, I finally secured my ticket. It was worth the savings, plus 2^nd class is just fine. It’s comfortable and clean – all I need!

 

Is there baggage storage on the train from Beijing to Xian?

This high-speed train is modern. It has plenty of baggage storage over-head, and at either end of the carriages. You shouldn’t find an issue with regular sized luggage and even large sized bags.

 

What else should I know about the train journey from Beijing to Xi’an?

• Make sure you turn up to the train station a little early. You are required to “check-in” for this train to Xi’an. It was a first for me, but being rushed is never fun.
• These trains have assigned seats and are very clean.
• As is super common in China, hot water is everywhere. Taking a snack of noodles and instant coffee is a quick, easy, reliable and cheap meal to make in the station, or the train itself.
• Beijing West Railway Station is both where the ticket was purchased and where the train departed from two days later.
• Even though the train covers ground quickly, there are quite a few stops between Beijing and Xi’an.
• If you’re like me, you’ll get stared at a lot in China. Trains are no different than just walking the cities – this was a huge part of culture shock in China for me.

 

Find great accommodation in Beijing

China’s capital city is full of accommodation and great places to stay.

Hostels in Beijing are cheap and usually great places to stay at. I suggest checking Hostelworld for the best deals for hostels. For a huge range of hotels (and hostels as well) Booking.com is another solid place to compare prices.

 

Find great accommodation in Xian

Being a popular city, Xian is home to more places to stay than you can possibly look into. So where to go to book the best places to stay?

Hostels in Xian are cheap and usually great places to stay at. I suggest checking Hostelworld for the best deals for hostels. Booking.com is another solid place to compare the prices of both hostels and hotels.

 

Have you made the journey from Beijing to Xi’an by train? I’d love to hear your experience, or if you notice anything I’m forgetting. Just leave a comment below!

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Related reading for traveling China:

The overnight train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

A strange layover policy in Nanjing

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels

Ben – Horizon Unknown

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