Shuttle Bus From Xian Airport to City area

Hi,

Will be arriving Xian Airport after midnight, would the shuttle bus still be operating.

If not, what is the best option to get to city area.

Thank you

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is located about 40 km northwest of Xi’an city center. If your flight arrives after midnight, the airport shuttle buses will most likely have stopped operating, as most city shuttle services run roughly between 6:30 AM and 9:30 PM. The exact last bus may vary depending on the route.

Since the shuttle bus won’t be available at that hour, you have several alternative options to reach Xi’an city center safely and conveniently:

  • Airport Taxi: Taxis operate 24/7 from the airport. There is a designated taxi queue at the arrivals area. The ride to downtown Xi’an (such as Bell Tower area) typically takes around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately 120–150 RMB. Make sure to use official airport taxis to avoid scams.
  • Ride-Hailing Apps (Didi): Didi is widely used in Xi’an. You can book a ride via the app once you have a local SIM or airport Wi-Fi. Airport pick-up points for Didi are usually the same as taxi stands or a nearby designated area.
  • Hotel Airport Transfer: Some hotels in Xi’an provide late-night airport pickups. If your hotel offers this service, it can be convenient to pre-arrange it.

Other public transport options such as the airport express bus or metro line are not available after midnight. For late arrivals, taking a taxi or arranging a private transfer is the most practical solution.

Tip: Keep some cash in RMB for taxis, as not all drivers accept cards, and ensure you have the exact hotel address written in Chinese to show the driver.


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