How to Book Train Travel from Beijing to Xian
Book Your Train Travel
Step1 Book your trip to Xian directly at the Beijing station, on the Internet or through a travel agent.
Step2 Select your train of choice from the 4 available: T231, T41, Z19 and T55. The Z train is the most luxurious and offers soft sleeper and deluxe soft sleeper compartments only. It also comes with amenities such as a private toilet for each sleeper and a restaurant car.
(Train Z19 from Beijing to Xian: 21:24/08:25, the return train Z20 departs Xian at 20:16 and arrives Beijing at 07:17)
Step3 Choose your class of travel: ‘Hard class’ refers to a wooden bench seat, ‘Hard sleeper’ is an open compartment of 6 beds and a ’soft sleeper’ is a closed, more private, compartment of 4 beds. Fares vary accordingly.
Step4 Know that if you are booking tickets from Beijing to Xian through an agency, some agencies will accept your reservation only after a deposit has been confirmed.
Step5 Make your reservation early. You can book your travel on the Z train up to 1 month in advance. You can book the T trains 4 days early.
Take the Train From Beijing to Xian
Step1 Arrive at the train station in good time to travel. The T231, T41 and Z19 leave in the evening, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Each one leaves about an hour apart.
Step2 Locate the right track for your train. Know that Beijing’s train station can be somewhat confusing.
Step3 Prepare to spend approximately 13 hours on board if taking the T trains, or approximately 12 hours if taking the Z train.
Step4 Prepare to arrive in Xian the next morning between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Plan Your Transportation From the Xian Station
Step1 Board one of Xian’s numerous buses located near the station. Busses are regular and run every 5 to 10 minutes.
Step2 Take a taxi. Trips within Xian are usually in the range of 6 Rembini, which is less than $1. Trips outside Xian can get up to 20 Rembini ($3).
