How to Get from Xi'an to Famen Temple by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take the direct bus from Xi'an Chengxi Coach Station to Famen Temple — about 2 hours, ¥35–39 one way. There are two buses daily (typically 09:00 and 16:30). If those times don't work, the "Tang Dynasty Journey" tourist shuttle from Tang Paradise and the high-speed train to Yangling South plus a taxi are viable alternatives. Famen Temple is one of Buddhism's most sacred sites, home to a finger-bone relic of the Buddha.

Famen Temple (法门寺) is located in Famen Town, Fufeng County, Baoji, Shaanxi Province, about 120 km west of Xi'an. Founded during the Eastern Han Dynasty (around 68 AD), it is one of China's most important Buddhist temples. In 1987, archaeologists reopened the underground palace (地宫) and discovered a finger-bone relic of the Buddha (佛指舍利), along with hundreds of Tang Dynasty treasures. The modern Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area features a massive 148-meter-tall Namaste Dagoba (合十舍利塔) that houses the relic.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — Direct Bus from Chengxi Coach Station (Recommended)

This is the most straightforward public transport option.

Step-by-step

1. Get to Chengxi Coach Station (城西客运站). Take Xi'an Metro Line 1 to Hancheng Lu Station (汉城路站), Exit D. The coach station is a short walk from the metro exit.

2. Buy a ticket to Famen Temple (法门寺).

   • Departures: Typically two buses per day, around 09:00 and 16:30
   • Fare: ¥35–39 per person
   • Journey time: About 2 hours via the Xibao Expressway
   • Buy tickets at the station counter or through the Chengxi Coach Station WeChat account. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

3. The bus drops you at or near the Famen Temple scenic area parking lot, a short walk from the entrance.

[!IMPORTANT] The afternoon bus (around 16:30) arrives too late to fully explore the temple if you plan to return the same day. For a day trip, take the 09:00 bus. The afternoon bus is better suited to visitors staying overnight in Fufeng or Baoji. Schedules may change — verify locally before travel.

Option 2 — Tang Dynasty Journey Tourist Shuttle

The "Sheng Tang Zhi Lü" (盛唐之旅) tourist bus runs between Xi'an and Famen Temple, primarily designed for tourists.

• Departure point: West Gate of Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园西门), a major tourist site in southern Xi'an.
• Departures from Xi'an: Hourly from approximately 08:00 to 11:00 (morning departures)
• Return from Famen Temple: Approximately 14:30–16:00
• Fare: ¥25 per person; free one-way if you hold a Famen Temple admission ticket (the bus company has a partnership with the scenic area)
• Journey time: About 2 hours

[!TIP] This shuttle is convenient if you are already staying near Tang Paradise or the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area. However, it only runs in the morning — plan to start early. The schedule may be reduced in low season (December–February).

Option 3 — High-Speed Train + Taxi (Fastest)

If you want the fastest journey and are willing to pay more, take the HSR and then a taxi.

1. Take a high-speed train from Xi'an North Station (西安北站) to Yangling South Station (杨陵南站).

   • Journey time: 28–34 minutes
   • Fare: ¥27.5–54.5 for a second-class seat
   • Frequency: Many trains throughout the day on the Xi'an–Baoji HSR line
   • Book through the 12306 app or at the station

2. Take a taxi from Yangling South to Famen Temple.

   • Distance: About 40 km
   • Journey time: About 40 minutes
   • Cost: Approximately ¥80–100 by taxi

3. Total journey time: About 1.5 hours. Total cost: about ¥110–155.

[!NOTE] There is no direct public bus from Yangling South to Famen Temple, so a taxi is necessary. The taxi stand at Yangling South is well-organized; use the official queue. You can also try DiDi, but availability may be limited in this smaller city.

Option 4 — You 2 Tourist Bus from Xi'an Railway Station

The You 2 (游2) tourist bus departs from the east square of Xi'an Railway Station.

• Departure point: East Square of Xi'an Railway Station (西安火车站东广场), near the Xi'an Long-Distance Bus Station
• Departure time: Typically 08:00 (some sources report additional departures at 07:00 and 10:00 during peak season)
• Return: The bus waits at Famen Temple and departs back to Xi'an around 15:00
• Fare: ¥25 per person
• Journey time: About 2 hours

[!WARNING] The You 2 schedule can be unreliable — it may not run in low season or may be cancelled if there are not enough passengers. Arrive early and confirm at the tourist bus information booth on the east square. Schedules may change — verify locally before travel.

How to Get Back

• By Chengxi direct bus: Ask the bus driver or check at the Famen Temple visitor center for the return bus schedule. The return bus to Chengxi typically departs in the early to mid-afternoon.
• By Tang Dynasty Journey shuttle: Return buses depart Famen Temple between approximately 14:30 and 16:00.
• By You 2: The return bus departs around 15:00 — do not be late, as it is the only return service.
• By HSR: Taxis from Famen Temple back to Yangling South cost about ¥80–100 (40 minutes). Trains from Yangling South to Xi'an North run frequently until late evening.
• If you miss all buses: A taxi or DiDi all the way back to Xi'an costs approximately ¥300–500 depending on traffic and your destination.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally before travel. Famen Temple bus services are less frequent than urban transport, and some may be reduced in winter. Confirm the return schedule when you arrive at the temple.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Taking the afternoon bus for a day trip. The 16:30 bus from Chengxi arrives too late to see the temple and return the same day. Always take the morning bus.

2. Not confirming the You 2 bus is running. The You 2 tourist bus can be suspended in low season or when passenger numbers are low. Do not rely on it without checking first.

3. Confusing Famen Temple with Famen Town. The temple scenic area is a large complex outside the town. Most buses drop you at the scenic area parking lot, not in the town center.

4. Underestimating the size of the scenic area. The modern Famen Temple complex is enormous — the walk from the entrance to the Namaste Dagoba is about 1.2 km along a wide promenade. Allow 2–3 hours for your visit, plus time for the old temple and museum.

5. Missing the return bus. The last return buses to Xi'an leave in the mid-to-late afternoon. If you are still inside the scenic area when the bus departs, you may be stranded. Set an alarm and arrive at the bus stop early.

Before You Go

• Admission: Peak season (March–November) approximately ¥100; off-season (December–February) approximately ¥90. Some sources report updated pricing of ¥78/¥58 — verify at the official ticket office or website.
• Opening hours: Approximately 08:30–17:00/17:30 (last entry 16:30)
• Address: Famen Town, Fufeng County, Baoji, Shaanxi Province (陕西省宝鸡市扶风县法门镇)
• The temple complex has three main sections: the old temple (with the underground palace and museum), the new Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area (with the Namaste Dagoba), and the surrounding gardens. The museum houses the Tang Dynasty treasures — don't miss it.
• The Buddha finger-bone relic is only displayed on certain dates (weekends, lunar festivals, and Buddhist holidays). If seeing the relic is important, check the display schedule in advance.
• Bring water and a hat — the promenade between the old and new sections has little shade.

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Our local team can help with bus tickets, Famen Temple entry, or arranging a private guided tour. Get in touch or message us on WhatsApp.

Related Guides

• Xi'an Travel Guide — full city guide with itineraries and practical tips
• Xi'an to Terracotta Warriors by Public Transport — Xi'an's most famous day trip
• Xi'an to Mount Hua (Huashan) by Public Transport — for hikers and adventure seekers
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China

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Transport information is based on Xi'an Bendibao Famen Temple transport guide, TravelChinaGuide (updated May 2026), Shaanxi provincial tourism website, and traveler reports. Bus schedules may change seasonally — verify at Chengxi Coach Station or the Famen Temple visitor center before travel.

Last verified: August 2026