Transport to Terracota

Hi, I saw that it is better to take Public Transport from Xian to Terracotta. What transport should I be taking and is that the fastest?

Please advise. Thank you.

The Terracotta Army is located about 40 km northeast of Xi’an city center, in the Lintong District. There are several public transport options to reach the site, though the fastest will depend on your priorities (speed vs cost).

Public transport options from Xi’an to the Terracotta Army:

  • Tourist Bus Line 5: Departs from the Bell Tower (Xian city center) and goes directly to the Terracotta Army. The journey takes about 1–1.5 hours. This is a convenient and cost-effective option.
  • Bus 306 or 915: Local public buses from the city to Lintong District, then transfer to a local shuttle to the Terracotta Army site. Cheaper, but slower and less convenient if you don’t speak Chinese.
  • High-speed Train to Lintong: A very short train ride from Xi’an North Railway Station to Lintong, followed by a taxi or shuttle to the site. Fast and comfortable, though you may need to check schedules carefully.

Other options:

  • Taxi or Didi (ride-hailing): Directly from your hotel in Xi’an to the Terracotta Army. Fastest and most flexible, taking roughly 45 minutes depending on traffic. Costs more than public transport but convenient for small groups or families.
  • Private Tour: Book a guided tour that includes pickup and drop-off. Usually includes transport, entry tickets, and a guide. Efficient if you prefer a stress-free experience and want to maximize time at the site.

Recommendation: If your priority is speed and convenience, a taxi/Didi or a private tour is the best. For budget-friendly public transport, the Tourist Bus Line 5 is straightforward and reasonably quick. Local buses and transfers are more economical but slower and potentially confusing for first-time visitors.


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