How to Get from Xian to Luoyang

Stepping out of Xian and heading toward Luoyang feels like flipping through the most prestigious chapters of a Chinese history book. While Xian is famous for its Terracotta Warriors and towering city walls, Luoyang beckons with the Longmen Grottoes, which lie south of the ancient capital on both sides of the Yi River.^[1] This journey takes you across the Yellow River valley, a region that has been central to Chinese history for thousands of years.

The route between these two ancient cities is a classic corridor for travelers. Because the distance is short, the high-speed train is the obvious choice, with frequent departures through the day. You can check availability and book tickets through GoAsia.cc.

Xian to Luoyang by Train

On 16 October 2026, 12306 listed 121 train services between Xian and Luoyang, from morning to late at night.^[2] The route is served by two very different kinds of train: fast G trains between Xian North and Luoyang Longmen, and slower conventional trains between Xian and Luoyang Railway Station.

High-Speed G Trains

Most services are G trains from Xian North to Luoyang Longmen. The first G train that day was G1914 at 06:13 and the last was G2218 at 20:01. The fastest trains (for example G652 at 07:07, arriving 08:22) take 1 hour 15 minutes, and the slower G trains take up to about 1 hour 56 minutes.^[2] G trains have Business Class, First Class and Second Class seats. A few G trains leave from Xian Station or from Gaoling instead of Xian North, so check the station name on your ticket.

Conventional K, T, Z and D Trains

The conventional trains run between Xian (or Xian East) and Luoyang Railway Station and take from 4 hours 28 minutes (D94, 15:10 to 19:38) to about 7 hours, for example K396 (19:00 to 02:01). Several leave in the evening or late at night and arrive after midnight, for example Z378 (20:41 to 01:14).^[2] These trains take far longer than the G trains, so most travelers only choose them for a late-night departure or when the G trains are sold out.

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Xian to Luoyang

• Book in Advance: At present 12306 shows tickets 15 days ahead; for travel after 30 December the advance sale period becomes 30 days.^[3] Book your tickets early if you travel on a weekend or public holiday.
• Station Logic: Always check your departure station in Xian. Most G trains leave from Xian North, while the conventional trains use Xian Railway Station or Xian East, and a few services also call at Lintong or Yinzhen.^[2]
• Luggage Handling: Chinese train stations involve security checks. Each passenger may bring 20 kg of luggage free of charge on trains.^[4] Pack light or make sure your suitcase has sturdy wheels.
• Passport Requirements: Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show the same document to enter the station and board the train.^[4]
• Arrival in Luoyang: G trains arrive at Luoyang Longmen, while the conventional trains arrive at Luoyang Railway Station, so check which one your ticket names. Have your destination address written in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers.