How to Get from Chengdu to Xian

Leaving behind the mist-shrouded teahouses and spicy hotpots of Chengdu for the ancient, fortified walls of Xian feels like a journey through the heart of Chinese history. While Chengdu offers a relaxed pace of life centered around panda conservation and Sichuanese culture, Xian is a gateway to the Silk Road and home to the First Emperor and his army of clay soldiers.

The Qinling Mountains once made this journey a grueling multi-day trek, but modern engineering has turned it into an easy rail trip. Today the connection between these two hubs is a transition from the home of the Giant Panda to the home of the Terracotta Warriors, so it is easy to link these two cultural stops in one trip.

Chengdu to Xian by Train

The high-speed rail link between Chengdu and Xian is the definitive way to travel this route. The Xi'an to Chengdu line runs from Xi'an North through Hanzhong, Guangyuan, Mianyang and Deyang to Chengdu East. It is 658 km long with a design speed of 250 km/h, and when it opened in December 2017 the fastest trains took 3 hours 11 minutes.^[1]

The published second-class fare for the whole line (Xi'an North to Chengdu East) was raised from 263 to 316 yuan on 30 October 2025, while fares became floating at the same time and the highest fare charged stayed unchanged at first, so what you pay depends on the train and date.^[2] Check the exact fare of your train when you book. Departures are frequent throughout the day. You can check availability and book on GoAsia.cc to secure your preferred seat class, as these trains are popular with both tourists and business travelers.

Second Class Seat

This is the most common way to travel. Second Class is the most economical choice and offers a reserved seat for the whole trip. There is overhead storage for luggage as well as racks for larger suitcases.

First Class Seat

For those looking for a bit more personal space, First Class offers wider seats and a quieter cabin than Second Class. At a higher price, it is a more relaxed way to catch up on work or watch the mountain scenery.

Business Class

Business Class is the top class on Chinese high-speed trains and the most comfortable way to cross the Qinling Mountains. It costs the most, so compare it with First Class for a trip of this length.

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Chengdu to Xian

• Choose the Right Station: The high-speed line runs between Chengdu East and Xi'an North, which are outside the city centers, so factor in the travel time to these stations.
• Book in Advance: Tickets can sell out quickly during public holidays such as Golden Week or the Lunar New Year, so book well ahead for those periods.
• Carry Your Passport: Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show the same passport to enter and leave the station and to board the train.^[3]
• Food and Drink: Pick up snacks or a coffee at the station before you board, so you are not dependent on what is sold on the train.
• Luggage Considerations: You must be able to carry your own bags onto the train. With very large suitcases, board early to secure space in the luggage racks.