Xi'an Transport - Introduction

Xi'an is a vital gateway city to western China, and is well-served by transport links. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport offers flights to most of China's major cities and to destinations in Asia, Europe, Oceania and America. Xi'an Railway Station is a vital part of China's rail network, as the city lies on the main east-west rail route that joins Shanghai in the east with the far western border of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Connections from Xi'an to all the major cities in China are possible. The flat terrain of this part of China, together with Xi'an's importance as a transport hub means that road access to the city is excellent, and long-distance buses are a popular form of economical transport, serving over 300 cities and counties.

Xi'an's in-city transportation, while comprehensive, is currently over-stretched, with crowded buses making taxis a better option for most round-town trips. A new subway system is under construction, the first line of which is due to enter service in 2011.