Beijing to Xian High-Speed Train — Schedules & Booking Info

Beijing to Xian Train Schedules, Tickets and Stations

Latest China Train News (Updated on August 12, 2025)

Foreign passengers can book China train tickets on their own on the China Railway official website https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html. At present, www.12306.cn is the ONLY China Railway official website for China train tickets booking. No matter you want to book high speed train tickets (G train, D train or C train), or purchase normal train tickets (like T, Z or K train), you can check latest train routes & schedules, seat classes and prices and as well as buy tickets on this website.

WeTrip will update the latest news about China train travel for you. We are also good at create tailor-made China train journeys.

Beijing Xian High Speed Train Route

Beijing Xian High Speed Rail starts from Beijing West Railway Station and arrives at Xian North Railway Station with a total length of 1216 kilometers. The first section is a vertical rail on Beijing Guangzhou High Speed Railway, via Beijing, Shijiazhuang and Zhengzhou. The second horizontal section is Zhengzhou Xian High Speed Railway, which extends to Lanzhou, in northwest China. Along the route, you can visit more China's ancient capitals and World Cultural Heritages, like Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang (洛阳), Yin Ruins in Anyang (安阳), Handan (邯郸) and etc, and a side trip to Mount Hua around Xian.

Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站)

Location: No.118, East Lianhuachi Road, Fengtai District, Beijing (北京市丰台区莲花池东路118号)

Beijing West Railway Station is one of the major train stations in Beijing, handling 285 daily trains (196 high speed trains and 89 normal slow trains) to Xian, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Guiyang and cities nationwide. It is located about 1 hour's driving to Beijing Capital International Airport and 25 mins to Palace Museum. This station is the origin stop of Beijing Guangzhou High Speed Railway and Beijing Kowloon (Hong Kong) Railway and departure station of Beijing Lhasa (Tibet) trains.

Except from taking taxi, you can also get to the station by airport bus from Beijing Capital Airport. Meanwhile, Metro Line 7 and Line 9 are available to transfer to downtown or reach the train station.

Xian North Railway Station (西安北站)

Location: Yuanshuo Road, Weiyang District, Xian (西安市未央区元朔路)

Xian North Railway Station is a large high speed train station of Xian, running 326 high speed trains (about 87% of sum of Xian's high speed trains) to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Taiyuan and lots of domestic destinations, which is Linked by Xuzhou-Lanzhou High Speed Rail, Datong-Xian High Speed Rail, Xian-Chengdu High Speed Rail and etc.

It lies about 20 kilometers to downtown, 1 hour's ride to Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter. To get to the station, you can take airport bus from Xian Xianyang International Airport or take a taxi from anywhere you are. Catching Metro Line 2 at Bell Tower to go to the station is also a fast and convenient way.

High Speed Train Tips

Class of Ticket

On high speed trains from Beijing to Xian, there are three kinds of tickets are provided, including Business Class Seat, First Class Seat and Second Class Seat. Second Class Seat is the most budget level you will share a row space with other passengers. First Class of Seat is more comfortable and quiet for those who prefer a good rest on the way. If you would like to try the most luxury and superior train travel experience, the Business Class Seat better than the business level on airplane will shock you beyond expectation.

Book, Collect, Alter and Cancel

Foreign tourists can book train ticket online or ask help from ticket agency, or buy the tickets physically at the train station with your valid passport. One thing you should remember is to book the ticket as early as possible, especially in peak tourist seasons. After collecting the tickets, please read carefully about the train number, departure date and station to make sure you won't miss the train. If you want to cancel, alter your train tickets, you are required to bring your passport to the ticket counter and make the adjustments.

Board & Get off

1) Prepare your documents well (valid passport with China Visa); 2) Get to the right train station in advance; 3) Collect train tickets; 4) Read your train ticket; 5) Pass the security control; 6) Pass through Security & Luggage Checks; 7) Find the right waiting room; 8) Cross the ticket checking gate; 9) Get to the right platform; 10) Get on your train. Keep the ticket well, because the ticket will be checked again to leave the station after you get off.

Baggage Allowance

China train travel with luggage is much easier than taking flight, for you don't need to check luggage separately. Each passenger with a train ticket is allowed to carry luggage in certain weight and volume, but without limitation of amount and types. Though there are written regulation and rules about the luggage allowance, in practice, passengers can take as much luggage as you can if only you handled them properly.

Facilities and Service

All high speed trains in China are equipped with advanced facilities and good service to make your journey more convenient and comfortable. There are different places you can put your luggage onboard, racks and specialized luggage storage areas. Besides, the air-conditioner train offers you plug under the seats to charge your phone or laptop, sightseeing window to view the outside scenery as well as western-style toilets. There is also available dining area you can get some supplies. Bilingual signs and the broadcast use both Chinese and English so that you don't need to worry about the communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book China high-speed train tickets as a foreigner?

You can book through the official 12306 app (passport registration required), at train station ticket counters with your passport, or through WeTrip's booking service. We recommend booking 5-10 days in advance for popular routes.

What's the difference between G, D, and C trains in China?

G-trains (Gaotie) are the fastest at 300-350 km/h, D-trains (Dongche) run at 200-250 km/h, and C-trains (Chengji) are intercity trains at 200 km/h. G-trains offer the most comfortable experience with business, first, and second class seats.

Can I use my passport to board a Chinese train?

Yes, foreign passports are accepted at automated ticket gates in most major stations. Simply scan your passport at the gate. Some smaller stations still require manual verification at staffed counters.

What's the Beijing to Shanghai bullet train schedule?

There are 50+ daily G-trains between Beijing and Shanghai, running from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The journey takes 4-5.5 hours depending on stops. Second class tickets start from ¥553 (~$77 USD).