How to Get from Shanghai to Xian 2024

If you are planning a Shanghai Xian tour, you are in the right place to get ideas about how to transfer from Shanghai to Xian.

Shanghai lies in the southeast of Xian. The direct distance between Shanghai and Xian is about 1200km, while the railway distance is about 1509km (938 miles). The transportation from Shanghai to Xian is convenient and easy. The travelers can take flight, high-speed train, or normal train to transfer from Shanghai to Xian.

How to travel - by flight, bullet train or normal train?

① By Flight: the fastest way to get to Xian, only takes 2.5 hours; sometimes, you may have a chance to get discounted economy flight ticket which is even cheaper than the high speed train's;
② By Bullet Train: comfortable, enjoyable and environment-friendly; takes about 6 hours to 7.5 hours; beautiful scenery on the way;
③ By Normal Train: the slowest way to reach Xian; crowded on the train; budget and money-saving, if you take an overnight train, also save one-night accommodation fee.

Shanghai to Xian Transportation Map

Flights from Shanghai to Xian - Top-Recommended

Taking a flight is the most popular and convenient way to Xian. Both Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport have flights to Xian Xianyang Airport. Every day, there are about 40 direct flights from Shanghai to Xian. It only takes about 2.5 hours. Flights are scheduled to leave from 06:30 to 23:00. Travelers could choose one according to your schedule and budget.

Transfer Tips: Shanghai Pudong International Airport is 30 kilometers east of Shanghai City center, while Hongqiao International Airport is 13 kilometers west of Shanghai City center. Both of them serve domestic flights to Xian. Travelers could take airport shuttle bus, taxi or subway to reach the airport.

• Recommended Shanghai Xian Tour: 5 Days Shanghai Xian Contrast Tour (by Flight)

Highlights: This Tour all about CONTRAST of Shanghai and Xian - modern and ancient, future and past, west and east, skyscraper and old architecture...

• Recommended Shanghai Xian Tour: 5 Days Classic Xian Shanghai Tour (by Flight)

Highlights: Transfer in the fastest way from Xian to Shanghai by flight and see the most classic tourist attractions in 5 days. During the trip, you'll explore Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Xian Ancient City Wall in Xian and Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Bund and Nanjing Road in Shanghai.

Shanghai to Xian Flight Schedules

The followings are the updated flights and airport information in detail, for your reference. Since the ticket price changes from time to time in different seasons, please don't hesitate to contact us to get the updated flight schedules.

• From: Shanghai Pudong International Airport/Hongqiao International Airport; • To: Xian Xianyang Airport

• Check the Real-Time Flight Schedules: Shanghai to Xian | Xian to Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东国际机场, IATA: PVG)

▶ Address: S1 Yingbin Expy, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区迎宾大道6000号

As one of the largest international airports in China, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located in the east of Shanghai, about 35 km to the Bund, 30min to Shanghai Disney Resort by car. You can take Metro Line 2 and stop at Lujiazui, Nanjing Road, Zhongshan Park, etc, or easily grab a cab heading downtown. Also, the fastest train in China, Shanghai Maglev Train is here connecting Pudong Airport to the downtown area with the highest speed over 430km/h. Different bus lines serve day and night and spread over the city and each bus departs within every half an hour with some shuttle buses running between Pudong airport and Hongqiao airport.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (上海虹桥国际机场, IATA: SHA)

▶ Address: 2550 Hongqiao Rd, Changning District, Shanghai 上海市长宁区虹桥路2550号

Located in the west of Shanghai, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is near the downtown of Hongqiao in Changning District. By comparison with Pudong international airport, it mainly serves domestic and regional flights. It is quite convenient since the Metro station right inside the airport helps passengers save a lot of time and the airport is very close to the city center, only 13 km to the Bund, about 50min (by Metro line 10) to reach the ancient Yuyuan Garden and the neighboring urbanized buildings such as Shanghai World Financial Center.

Xian Xianyang International Airport (西安咸阳国际机场, IATA: XYI)

▶ Address: Dizhang Town, Weicheng District, Xianyang City, Shaanxi 陕西省咸阳市渭城区底张镇

It is actually located in Xianyang city, about 40km to the northwest of Xian center, but you can get to Xi’an downtown conveniently by Airport Shuttle Bus. The airport connects Xi’an with most major cities in China and many cities abroad. So far (July 2019), there are 62 airline companies running 313 lines covering over 170 cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Kunming, Chongqing, Nanjing, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Nagoya, etc. There are 3 terminals in total. T1 and T2 are for domestic flights, while T3 is for both domestic and international flights. Passengers can walk (about 10 minutes) or take free buses (3-5 minutes) to transfer between the terminals.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Hongqiao International Airport

Xian Xianyang International Airport

Shanghai to Xian Bullet Train

At present (2021), there are about 15 high-speed trains running from Shanghai to Xian, including 2 D trains and 13 G Trains. The G trains depart from 6 am to 5 pm at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and arrive at Xian North Railway Station in about 6 or 7 hours. While the two D trains also get to Xian at its north station, they depart after 10:30 pm and take about 11 hours from Shanghai Railway Station, and therefore the ticket price of the D train is cheaper than the G trains. Besides, the G trains get to Xian in the afternoon and evening, while the D trains arrive in the morning of the next day and the comfortable overnight sleepers are provided on the two D trains (D310 & D306). Usually, there are three types of seats on the G train from the cheapest to the most expensive class - Second Class Seat, First Class Seat, and Business Class Seat. You could decide which class seat you want to take according to your budget.

Bullet Train

• Useful Links: Shanghai Xian High Speed Train | Shanghai to Xian Train Schedules, Seats & Ticket Fares

• G Trains From: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station; • To: Xian North Railway Station

• D Trains From: Shanghai Railway Station; • To: Xian North Railway Station

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (Pinyin: Shanghai Hongqiao Zhan 上海虹桥站)

▶ Address: 1500 Shengui Rd. Minghan District, Shanghai上海市闵行区申贵路1500号

Right near Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is in the west of Shanghai, about 20km to the city center. Right near Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is in the west of Shanghai, about taking a taxi for around 1 hour and 20 minutes is the most convenient way. Meanwhile, there are two subway lines (Metro Line 2 & 10) available for transportation to the central city area.>>Learn more about Shanghai Train Stations

Xian North Railway Station (Pinyin: Xian Bei Zhan 西安北站)

▶ Address: Yuansuo Rd, Weiyang District, Xian City 西安市未央区元朔路

Xian North Railway Station, also called Xian Bei Railway Station, is the only high speed railway station in Xian. It is also one of the largest railway stations in China. It is 20km/12mi to the downtown area (about 50min by car), 50km/31mi to Terracotta Warriors and Horses (about 1h by car), 20km/12mi to Muslim Quarter (about 1h by car), 15km/9mi to the Ancient City Wall (about 40min by car), and 30km/19mi to Xian Xianyang International Airport (about 40min by car). >>Learn more about Xian Train Stations

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Xian North Railway Station

Shanghai to Xian Normal Train

Taking a normal train is usually the cheapest and slowest. From Shanghai to Xian, travelers need to spend about 15 to 21 hours on the train. The normal trains include Z series trains, T series trains, and K series trains. There are only about 10 normal trains running from Shanghai to Xian. Some of them are overnight trains and the traveler can save one-night accommodation fee by taking the overnight trains. For your convenience, we suggest you taking Z40, Z164 (the fastest normal train), Z216, Z92, Z252, T116. The K trains are not recommended, since they are even slower than the T and Z Trains.

• From: From: Shanghai Railway Station; • To: Xian North Railway Station

Shanghai Railway Station (Pinyin: Shanghai Zhan 上海站)

▶ Address: No. 303, Moling Road, Jing'an District (上海市静安区秣陵路303号)

Shanghai Railway Station mainly serves north-south and westward location. It operates 155 high-speed trains (147 G-trains and 8 D-trains) as well as T-trains and K-trains. It is in the downtown area, about 5km to the Bund (about 20 minutes’ driving), 5km to Shanghai Museum (about 15 minutes’ driving), 7km to Yuyuan Garden (about 20 minutes’ driving), 10km to Lujiazui (about 25 minutes’ driving).

Xian Railway Station (Pinyin: Xian Zhan 西安站)

▶ Address: No. 44 Huancheng North Road, Xincheng District 西安市新城区环城北路44号

Located in the downtown area and near the city center, Xian Railway Station is an old railway station with a history of over 80 years. It has a Tang’s style architecture with glazed tile roof and yellow glazed walls. It is 5km to Muslim Quarter (about 20min by car), 37km to Terracotta Warriors (about 1h by car), and 40km to Xian Airport (about 1h by car). At present, Xian Railway Station only operates normal trains (like K-trains, Z-trains and T-trains) to other cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Tianjing, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, etc.

Shanghai Railway Station

Xian Railway Station

• Check the Real-Time Train Schedules: Shanghai to Xian | Xian to Shanghai

• Note: The ticket price and train schedules are subject to change. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Also, if you are looking for a private transfer service from Shanghai city center to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao International Airport, and Shanghai Railway Station, please contact our travel consultants. They are here ready to help to make you a worry-free Shanghai Xian trip.

How to Plan Your Shanghai Xian Tour

Known as an important gateway city to China, Shanghai preserves the mixed culture of the western and eastern. The duration and theme of your Shanghai tour can be flexibly arranged based on your time and interests. Usually, tourists spend 1 to 2 days on sightseeing the most famous landmarks in Shanghai, including the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center (WFC) - the highest breathtaking skyline in Lujiazhui, various historical architectures, Yu Garden, City God Temple along the Bund and busy Nanjing Road. Local culture lovers can use one extra day to visit Tianzifang, Zhujiajiao Water Town, while family travelers can have fun in Shanghai Disney Resort. Meanwhile, you can also expedience Maglev Train (the world’s fastest high-speed bullet train) and energetic nightlife, taste diverse snacks to make your Shanghai tour interesting and memorable.

✔ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour
✔ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
✔ 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

Travel from Shanghai to Xian

Usually, spending 4 to 6 days in Shanghai and Xian is the most suitable travel length for the two hot destinations. A tour from Shanghai to Xian is like traveling by time machine taking you from the metropolis to explore ancient China. Flights, high-speed trains and normal trains are available from Shanghai to Xian every day. As the ancient capital for 13 dynasties with more than 3000 years, Xian has many historical ruins, museums and cultural relics. For first-timers to Xian, explore the must-see sights like Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Xian Ancient City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Bellow Tower, Drum Tower, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter. For further exploration, go to Mount Hua, Hanyang Mausoleum, Qianling Mausoleum, etc.

✔ 4 Days Shanghai Xian Overnight Train Tour
✔ 5 Days Shanghai Xian Contrast Tour (by Flight)
✔ 6 Days Shanghai Xian Tour with Suzhou Gardens

Travel Shanghai with Xian, Beijing & More China Destinations

Beijing Xian Shanghai are golden triangle cities often visited together for a week holiday. Besides Shanghai, you can use 3 days to visit the Great Wall in Beijing and major iconic spots like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, 2 days for fulfilling your Terracotta Warriors tour in Xian. With more time, you can extend the trip from Shanghai to the nearby cities such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan Mountain, and further to Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, Yunnan, Silk Road, Tibet and more phenomenal destinations to enrich your China discovery. (more top China tours from Shanghai >>)

✔ 6 Days Beijing Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train
✔ 7 Days Shanghai Suzhou Beijing Contrast Tour by High Speed Train
✔ 5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Tour by High Speed Train
✔ 6 Splendid East China Tour by Bullet Train

Travel with China Discovery

As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.

Paul & His Wife Visited the Bund Shanghai Tour with China Discovery

Timothy Family in Yu Garden Xian Tour with China Discovery

Daniela and Her Family in Terracotta Warriors Museum Xian Tour with China Discovery

Nijman Family in Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Keep Reading on Getting Around Xian

Xian Essential Travel Guide

Keep Reading on Xian Tours

Recommended Shanghai Xian Tours

Top 3 Shanghai Xian tours chosen by most customers to explore Shanghai Xian in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

4 Days Shanghai Xian Overnight Bullet Train Tour

Shanghai / Xian

5 Days Shanghai Xian Contrast Tour (by Flight)

Shanghai / Xian

5 Days Classic Xian Shanghai Tour (by Flight)

Xian / Shanghai

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip