How to Get from Xi'an to the Terracotta Warriors by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take Bus 306 (also called Tourist Bus 5 / 游5) from Xi'an Railway Station East Square — ¥7, 60–90 minutes, drops you at the museum entrance. This is the cheapest and most popular option. If you prefer the metro, take Line 9 to Huaqing Chi Station and transfer to Lintong Bus 613 (¥5) — total cost about ¥12 and roughly 1.5 hours.

The Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑, officially the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum) is located in Lintong District, about 40 km northeast of central Xi'an. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Compare Your Options

Option 1: Bus 306 (You 5 / 游5) — The Classic Route

Step-by-step

1. Get to Xi'an Railway Station (西安站). This is the old central station, not Xi'an North (西安北站, the high-speed rail station). Take Metro Line 4 to Xi'anzhan Station.

2. Exit from the east side of the station to the East Square (东广场). Look for the large parking lot with buses.

3. Find the official Bus 306 (游5/306路). Key identification:

   • The official bus is a grey/silver public bus with "306" clearly displayed.
   • It departs from Platform #2 in the East Square.
   • There is usually a queue of local Chinese passengers — that is a good sign.
   • Ignore touts yelling "Terracotta Warriors! Bus here!" — they direct you to unofficial minibuses that may stop at jade shops or souvenir stores.

   [!WARNING] There are fake "You 5" buses. The real Bus 306 is government-run, grey/silver, and charges the metered fare (¥7 to the terminus). Fake buses are often painted green or white, charge ¥10–30, and may take detours. If someone aggressively tries to steer you onto a bus, walk away.

4. Pay your fare. The conductor collects cash on the bus. Fare to the Terracotta Warriors is ¥7 (starting fare ¥2, incrementing ¥1 per section). Have small bills ready — the conductor may not change large notes. A transport card can also be tapped on some services.

5. Stay on until the last stop: Bingmayong (兵马俑). The bus also stops at Huaqing Chi (华清池, Huaqing Hot Springs) before reaching the museum. The ride takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

6. The bus drops you in the parking lot, about a 5-minute walk from the museum entrance. Follow the signs and the crowd.

Bus 306 details

[!TIP] Take the 07:00 bus. You will arrive at the museum around 08:15–08:30, just as it opens. The first 45 minutes after opening are the least crowded. In peak season, the queue for Bus 306 can stretch 200 meters by 08:30.

Option 2: Metro Line 9 + Bus 613 (Modern Route)

Xi'an's Metro Line 9, opened in 2020, connects the city to Lintong. This is a good alternative if the Bus 306 queue is too long or if you are already near Line 1 or Line 6.

Step-by-step

1. Take Metro Line 1 or Line 6 to Fangzhicheng Station (纺织城站).

2. Transfer to Line 9 (direction: Qinling West / 秦陵西).

3. Get off at Huaqing Chi Station (华清池站). Take Exit C.

4. Walk about 100–200 meters east to the Huaqing Chi bus stop.

5. Take Lintong Bus 613 (临潼613路) directly to the Terracotta Warriors. Bus 613 is the faster option — it goes directly to the museum with fewer stops. Lintong Bus 602 also goes there but makes more stops.

   • Bus 613 fare: ¥5
   • Frequency: Every 25–30 minutes
   • Operating hours: Approximately 06:30–19:30 (Apr–Oct), 07:00–19:00 (Nov–Mar)

6. Total cost: Metro ¥5–7 + bus ¥5 = ¥10–12

7. Total time: About 1.5 hours

[!TIP] Bus 613 is generally preferable to 602 for getting to the Terracotta Warriors because it makes fewer intermediate stops. Both depart from near Huaqing Chi Station Exit C.

Option 3: Direct Tourist Bus

Official tourist buses depart from several central locations:

• Bell Tower area (Yisu Grand Theater east gate): Departures 08:00–14:00, return 13:00–18:00, every 30 minutes, ¥30 one way
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta Vienna Hotel): Similar schedule and fare
• Additional pickup points at Sajinqiao Metro Station, Longshouyuan Station, and Shijiajie Station

Only board buses where staff wear red vests — these are the official services.

Option 4: Taxi or DiDi

• A taxi/DiDi from central Xi'an to the Terracotta Warriors costs approximately ¥100–150 if the driver uses the meter.
• Many taxi drivers will quote a flat fare of ¥200–250, especially if they see you are a tourist. Insist on the meter (打表, dǎ biǎo) or use DiDi for transparent pricing.
• Travel time: 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
• A DiDi is the most convenient option for groups or anyone with limited time.

Returning to Xi'an

• Bus 306 return: The last bus from the Terracotta Warriors parking lot departs at approximately 19:00. Join the queue by 18:30 to be safe. In winter, service may end earlier (around 18:00).
• Bus 613/602 return to Huaqing Chi Metro: Service runs until around 19:00–19:30.
• If you miss the last bus: Taxis and DiDi are usually available at the parking lot, though fares may be higher in the evening. Expect to pay ¥120–180 back to central Xi'an.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally. Check the return bus times at the parking lot when you arrive, and set an alarm for when you need to leave the museum.

Combining with Huaqing Palace (华清池)

The Bus 306 route passes Huaqing Palace (Huaqing Chi), a Tang Dynasty hot spring palace at the foot of Mount Li. You can easily visit both in one day:

• Morning: Terracotta Warriors (arrive at 08:30, spend 2.5–3 hours)
• Afternoon: Take Bus 306 or 613 back to Huaqing Chi (about 15 minutes), visit Huaqing Palace (2 hours)
• Evening: Return to Xi'an on Bus 306 or Metro Line 9

The evening outdoor performance "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (长恨歌) at Huaqing Palace is spectacular but requires a separate ticket (¥200–988 depending on seat category).

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Going to Xi'an North Station instead of Xi'an Railway Station. Xi'an North is the high-speed rail station, far from the city center. Bus 306 departs from the old Xi'an Railway Station (西安站). If you arrive at Xi'an North, take Metro Line 2 to Wulukou, then Line 1 to Fangzhicheng, then Line 9 — or just take a taxi.

2. Getting on a fake "You 5" bus. Fake tourist buses hang around the station area. The real Bus 306 is grey/silver, government-run, charges ¥7, and does not have salespeople. If the "conductor" approaches you before you reach the bus, it is fake.

3. Following people who offer "shortcut" entrances. Near the museum parking lot, scammers may tell you the main entrance is closed and offer to lead you to a "special entrance." There is only one public entrance. Ignore them.

4. Not booking tickets in advance. The Terracotta Warriors require real-name advance booking, especially in peak season (March–November). Book via the museum's official WeChat mini-program (秦始皇帝陵博物院) or Trip.com/Klook. You must bring your passport.

5. Visiting Pit 1 first. Most crowds go straight to Pit 1 (the famous main pit). A smart strategy: visit Pit 3 (command post) and Pit 2 (cavalry/archers) first, then end at Pit 1 when it is slightly less crowded.

6. Missing the last bus. The last Bus 306 leaves around 19:00. If you are still in the museum at 18:30, leave now.

Before You Go

• Check crowd levels: Terracotta Warriors Crowd Forecast — choose the best time to visit.
• Tickets: Peak season (Mar 16–Nov 15) ¥150; off-season ¥120. Students with ID ¥60–75.
• Opening hours: 08:30–17:00 (peak season, last entry 16:30); 08:30–16:30 (off-season)
• Recommended visit duration: 2.5–3 hours

Related Guides

• Xi'an Travel Guide — full city guide with City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and food tips
• How to Use Didi in China — if you're considering a taxi
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — if arriving in Xi'an by train

Need Help?

Need help booking Terracotta Warriors tickets, arranging an English-speaking guide, or planning your Xi'an itinerary? Our local team can help. Send us your request.

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Bus and metro information is based on TravelChinaGuide (updated June 2026), Xi'an Bendibao bus route listings, the official Terracotta Warriors Museum website, and Trip.com transport guides. Bus fares and schedules may change — verify at the station on the day of travel.

Last verified: August 2026