How to Get from Xian to Shanghai

If you are planning a Xian Shanghai tour, you are in the right place to get ideas about how to transfer from Xian to Shanghai.

The ancient capital Xian is located in Shaanxi province, northwest of Shanghai. The direct distance between Xian and Shanghai is about 1200km, while the railway distance is about 1509km. Transportation between the two cities is convenient and easy. There are three convenient and comfortable ways to transfer from Xian to Shanghai – by flight, by high-speed train, and by normal train..

How to travel - by flight, bullet train, or normal train?

By Flight: the fastest way to get to Xian, only takes 2.5 hours; sometimes, you may have a chance to get a discounted economy flight ticket which is even cheaper than the high-speed train's;
By Bullet Train: comfortable, enjoyable, and environment-friendly; takes about 6 hours to 7.5 hours; beautiful scenery on the way;
By Normal Train: the slowest way to reach Xian; crowded on the train; budget and money-saving, if you take an overnight train, also save one-night accommodation fee.

Xian to Shanghai map

Xian to Shanghai Transportation Map

Flights from Xian to Shanghai - Top-Recommended

Taking a flight is the most popular and convenient way to transfer from Xian to Shanghai. Flights from Xian will land at two Shanghai airports – Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. Every day, there are about 40 direct flights from Xian to Shanghai. It only takes about 2.5 hours. Planes are scheduled leaving from 06:30 to 21:00. Travelers could take the most suitable one according to your schedule and budget.

Transfer Tips: Xian Xianyang Airport is 41 kilometers northwest of Xian City center and 13 kilometers northeast of the center of Xianyang. Travelers could take airport shuttle bus or taxi to reach the airport.

Recommended Shanghai Xian Tour: 5 Days Shanghai Xian Contrast Tour (by Flight)

Highlights: This Tour all about CONTRAST of Shanghai and Xian - modern and ancient, future and past, west and east, skyscraper and old architecture...

Recommended Shanghai Xian Tour: 5 Days Classic Xian Shanghai Tour (by Flight)

Highlights: Transfer in the fastest way from Xian to Shanghai by flight and see the most classic tourist attractions in 5 days. During the trip, you'll explore Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Xian Ancient City Wall in Xian and Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Bund and Nanjing Road in Shanghai.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai to Xian Flight Schedules

The followings are the updated flights and airports information in detail, for your reference. Since the ticket price changes from time to time in different seasons, please don't hesitate to contact us to get the updated flight schedules.

From: Xian Xianyang Airport • To:  Shanghai Pudong International Airport/Hongqiao International Airport; 

Check the Real-Time Flight Schedules: Xian to Shanghai | Shanghai to Xian

Xian Xianyang International Airport (西安咸阳国际机场, IATA: XYI)

Address: Dizhang Town, Weicheng District, Xianyang City, Shaanxi 陕西省咸阳市渭城区底张镇

It is actually located in Xianyang city, about 40km to the northwest of Xian center, but you can get to Xi’an downtown conveniently by Airport Shuttle Bus. The airport connects Xi’an with most major cities in China and many cities abroad. So far (2021), there are 62 airline companies running 313 lines covering over 170 cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Kunming, Chongqing, Nanjing, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Nagoya, etc. There are 3 terminals in total. T1 and T2 are for domestic flights, while T3 is for both domestic and international flights. Passengers can walk (about 10 minutes) or take free buses (3-5 minutes) to transfer between the terminals.

Useful Link: >>Learn more about Xian Xianyang International Airport | >> Xian Airport to Downtown | >>Xian Airport to Terracotta Warriors

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东国际机场, IATA: PVG)

Address: S1 Yingbin Expy, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区迎宾大道6000号

As one of the largest international airports in China, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located in the east of Shanghai, about 35 km to the Bund, 30min to Shanghai Disney Resort by car. You can take Metro Line 2 and stop at Lujiazui, Nanjing Road, Zhongshan Park, etc, or easily grab a cab heading downtown. Also, the fastest train in China, Shanghai Maglev Train is here connecting Pudong Airport to the downtown area with the highest speed over 430km/h. Different bus lines serve day and night and spread over the city and each bus departs within every half an hour with some shuttle buses running between Pudong airport and Hongqiao airport.

Useful Link: >>Learn more about Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (上海虹桥国际机场,IATA: SHA)

Address: 2550 Hongqiao Rd, Changning District, Shanghai 上海市长宁区虹桥路2550号

Located in the west of Shanghai, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is near the downtown of Hongqiao in Changning District. By comparison with Pudong international airport, it mainly serves domestic and regional flights. It is quite convenient since the Metro station right inside the airport helps passengers save a lot of time and the airport is very close to the city center, only 13 km to the Bund, about 50min (by Metro line 10) to reach the ancient Yuyuan Garden and the neighboring urbanized buildings such as Shanghai World Financial Center.

Useful Link: >>Learn more about Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Xian Xianyang International Airport

Xian Xianyang International Airport

Xian to Shanghai Bullet Train

At present (Jan. 2021), there are about 15 high-speed train running between Xian and Shanghai, including 2 D trains and 13 G trains. The G trains are faster with the duration about 6 to 7.5 hours to reach Shanghai Hongqiao Railway station, departing from about 06:30am to 16:00pm at Xian North Railway Station. The 2 D trains (D308 & D312) are cheaper than other bullet trains but take about 10 to 11 hours to get Shanghai Railway Station>. Both comfortable seat and soft sleeper are provided on the bullet D trains. Thus, the travelers will spend one night on the train and save one night accommodation fee, while the G train provides only different seat (second-class seat, first-class seat, business seat), and you may choose one according to your preference and budget.

Recommended Tours:  4 Days Shanghai Xian Overnight Train Tour (by High Speed Train)

Useful Links: Xian Shanghai High Speed Train | Xian to Shanghai Train Schedules, Seats & Ticket Fares

G Trains From: Xian North Railway Station; • To: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

D Trains From: Xian North Railway Station; • To: Shanghai Railway Station

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (Pinyin: Shanghai Hongqiao Zhan 上海虹桥站)

Address: 1500 Shengui Rd. Minghan District, Shanghai上海市闵行区申贵路1500号

Right near Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is in the west of Shanghai, about 20km to the city center. Right near Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is in the west of Shanghai, about taking a taxi for around 1 hour and 20 minutes is the most convenient way. Meanwhile, there are two subway lines (Metro Line 2 & 10) available for transportation to the central city area.>>Learn more about Shanghai Train Stations

Useful Link: >>Learn more about Shanghai Train Stations

Xian North Railway Station (Pinyin: Xian Bei Zhan 西安北站)

Address: Yuansuo Rd, Weiyang District, Xian City 西安市未央区元朔路

Xian North Railway Station, also called Xian Bei Railway Station, is the only high speed railway station in Xian. It is also one of the largest railway stations in China. It is 20km/12mi to the downtown area (about 50min by car), 50km/31mi to Terracotta Warriors and Horses (about 1h by car), 20km/12mi to Muslim Quarter (about 1h by car), 15km/9mi to the Ancient City Wall (about 40min by car), and 30km/19mi to Xian Xianyang International Airport (about 40min by car). >>Learn more about Xian Train Stations

Useful Link: >>Learn more about Xian Train Stations

Xian North Railway Station

Xian North Railway Station

Shanghai to Guilin Train

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Xian to Shanghai Normal Train

Taking a normal train from Xian to Shanghai is the cheapest and slowest way, and the travelers need to spend about 14-22 hours to reach Shanghai. The normal trains include Z series trains, T series trains and K series trains. There are only 12 trains running from Xian to Shanghai. Some of them are overnight trains which means travelers would spend one night on the train and save one night accommodation fee. For your convenience, we suggest you taking Z42, Z166, T118, and Z94.

From: From: Xian North Railway Station; • To: Shanghai Railway Station

Shanghai Railway Station (Pinyin: Shanghai Zhan 上海站)

Address: No. 303, Moling Road, Jing'an District (上海市静安区秣陵路303号)

Xian Railway Station (Pinyin: Xian Zhan 西安站)

Address: No. 44 Huancheng North Road, Xincheng District 西安市新城区环城北路44号

Xian Railway Station

Xian Railway Station

Check the Real-Time Train Schedules: Xian to Shanghai | Shanghai to Xian

Note: The ticket price and train schedules are subject to change. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Also, if you are looking for private transfer service from Xian city center to Xian Xianyang Airport, Xian North Railway Station and Xian Railway Station, please contact with our travel consultants. They are here ready to help to make you a worry free Xian Shanghai trip.

How to Plan Your Xian Shanghai Tour

As the ancient capital city of China for 13 dynasties, ruled by 73 emperors, Xian has left massive cultural heritages and relics for you to explore. Within about two days, you can finish visiting the main sites, which include the incredible man-made wonder, the Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter where you can get to try the local cuisines. Besides, biking around the Ancient City Wall and tracing back the history at Shaanxi History Museum and watching the Tang Dynasty Show, all of these activities are definitely unmissable for your stay in Xian. Now, it is available to have 72 hours Visa-Free Transit in Xian, and you can go for a history and culture tour or photography tour to explore all the stunning attractions in the city even without applying for a visa.

✔ 2 Days Xian City Break
✔ 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
✔ 4 Days Xian In-depth Experience Tour

Travel from Xian to Shanghai

Usually, spending 4 to 6 days in Xian and Shanghai is the most suitable travel length for the two hot destinations. A tour from Xian to Shanghai is like traveling by time machine taking you from the ancient China to the bustling metropolis. Flights, high-speed trains and normal trains are available from Xian to Shanghai every day. As an important gateway city to/off China, Shanghai preserves the mixed culture of the western and eastern, including the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center in Lujiazhui, various historical architectures, Yu Garden, City God Temple along the Bund and busy Nanjing Road, etc. Local culture lovers can use one extra day to visit Tianzifang, Zhujiajiao Water Town, while family travelers can have fun in Shanghai Disney Resort. Meanwhile, you can also expedience Maglev Train and energetic nightlife, taste diverse snacks to make your Shanghai tour interesting and memorable.

✔ 5 Days Classic Xian Shanghai Tour (by Flight)
✔ 4 Days Shanghai Xian Overnight Train Tour
✔ 5 Days Shanghai Xian Contrast Tour (by Flight)

Travel Xian with Shanghai, Beijing & More China Destinations

Beijing Xian Shanghai are golden triangle cities often visited together for a week holiday. Besides Xian and Shanghai, you can use 3 days to visit the Great Wall in Beijing and major iconic spots like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, etc. Or, with more time in Shanghai, you can extend the trip to the nearby cities of Shanghai such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan Mountain, and further to Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, Yunnan, Silk Road, Tibet and more phenomenal destinations to enrich your China discovery.

✔ 6 Days Beijing Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train
✔ 8 Days Best of China Tour
✔ 8 Days Beijing Xian Shanghai Tour by Flight

Travel with China Discovery

As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai Xian tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in China.

Xian Tour with China Discovery Daniela and Her Family in Terracotta Warriors Museum Xian Tour with China Discovery Nijman Family in Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Best Shanghai Tour with China Discovery Paul & His Wife Visited the Bund Shanghai Tour with China Discovery Timothy Family in Yu Garden

Recommended Xian Shanghai Tours

Top 3 Xian Shanghai tours chosen by most customers to explore Xian Shanghai in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Amazing Terracotta Warriors with 2000 Years History

4 Days Shanghai Xian Overnight Bullet Train Tour

Shanghai / Xian

Our guests biking on the Ancient City Wall

5 Days Classic Xian Shanghai Tour (by Flight)

Xian / Shanghai

Splendid Shanghai Night View

5 Days Shanghai Xian Contrast Tour (by Flight)

Shanghai / Xian

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip

Questions & Discussions

Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.

Extra buggage fee
My root is from Xian xiangang airport to Shangjai pudong Int. Airport I have an extra bag of 20 kg how much will I pay?
2020-02-10 20:13
Hi Nigatu,
Baggage policy differs from airline companies. If you take the China Eastern Airline for domestic flight, you can carry 10kg baggage on board with you, and the free allowance checked-in luggage is 50kg. Our advice is check details with the airline company to make sure you get aboard smoothly.

During the coronavirus period, we remind you of doing proper protection, wear mask, wash hands frequently and make protective measure.
Best regards for you and your family.

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