As a key transportation port and important municipality in the vast west China, Xian lies in the Guanzhong Basin of Shaanxi Province and is easily reachable by bus, train and air. The urban pubic transportation system of Xian is also among the most advanced and convenient in China.
Xian Xianyang International Airport is situated in the suburb of the city of Xianyang, 50 kilometers from downtown Xian. It takes about 80 to 100 Yuan and less than one hour to go to the airport from central Xian by taxi. As the fourth largest airport in China, there are several flights to and from Xian to the major tourist stops such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Urumuqi and other cities. There are also a few flights to Lhasa and international flights to Hong Kong, Macao and Japan. The airport shuttle bus runs from 5 a. m. until 6 p.m.
By train
As of June 2007, Xian has broken ground on the North/South line; the first line. Officials claim it will take one year to build and once the North/South line is built, they will build an East/West line which is projected to take another year. Once North/South and East/West are completed (2009), a beltway is planned around the outside of the city.
By bus
There are buses leaving regularly for the Terracotta Warrior museum in front of the Xian bus station (opposite the train station, within the city walls). Take bus 306 from the central bus station. It will take you to a parking lot right in front of the museum site within 40 minutes. A one way ticket costs 7yuan. Alternatively, most hostels run tours to the warriors with an English speaking guide. These aren't necessarily better, be prepared to spend a good portion of the day (as with any Chinese tour) visiting "terracotta factories," "museums" and other tourist traps. But, you will get to your destination without dealing with the bus (the warriors are quite far outside of town) and not all of the public buses that go there are legitimate. Regular buses within the city cost ¥1 (¥2 for air-conditioned, marked with a snow-flake) no matter how far you go.
By taxi
Watch the taxi drivers in Xian as the industry is not regulated as it is in other larger cities like Beijing. You may find yourself being taken on a long ride around town to get where you are going. It can also be difficult to convince them to take you anywhere - even to the railway station, if in doubt get your hotel or hostel to write down the place you want to go in Chinese. Trips within the city walls are generally in the ¥6 range; longer trips to the attractions south of the city are in the ¥12-20 range. Some taxi drivers in Xian won't take you seriously when you tell them that you want to go somewhere and will drive off without you getting in. The rate is CNY6 for the first two kilometers and then CNY1.5 for every additional kilometer.
By bike
Fortunately Xian's main sites (with the notable exception of the Terracotta Warriors) are bunched fairly close together, so renting a bike is a good option. Be wary of the narrow streets and cars that squeeze you out of the way.