Train vs flight
Xiamen to Xi’an
厦门 → 西安
Fly
The train takes 8h 35m longer.
🚄 High-speed train
12h 20m
Typical run time 12h + 20 min at the station
- From
- Xiamen North Railway Station 厦门北站~20 km from centre
- To
- Xi’an North Railway Station 西安北站~13 km from centre
- Change at
- Wuhan (allow ~60 min)
No direct high-speed train on most days — the fastest option is to change at Wuhan. Time includes ~60 min to connect.
✈ Flight
Fastest3h 45m
Typical flight 2h 45m + 60 min at the airport
- From
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)~10 km from centre
- To
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)~40 km from centre
How we count: station-to-station (or airport-to-airport) only — median scheduled time plus 20 min for trains or 60 min for flights. We don’t guess how long it takes to reach the station from your hotel. Estimate — verification pending
What the journey is like
| 🚄 Train | ✈ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage | No weigh-in; you lift bags onto the rack yourself. Large suitcases go at the end of the carriage. | Domestic economy usually includes ~20 kg checked; power banks must be carry-on. |
| Signal & Wi-Fi | Mobile signal most of the way; some trains have Wi-Fi. | Phone off at take-off; Wi-Fi rare on domestic flights. |
| Work on a laptop | Yes — tray tables and sockets on most high-speed trains. | Only in the air, briefly. |
| ID checks | Your passport is your ticket. Many stations have e-gates that read foreign passports; otherwise use the staffed lane. | Passport at check-in and security; arrive 1.5–2h early. |
| Delays | Very punctual. | Air-traffic delays are common, especially in summer storms. |
How to book
Book trains on Trip.com (English, small fee) or the official 12306 app (English, no fee, passport registration needed). Tickets open about 15 days ahead and sell out around holidays. Flights: Trip.com or the airline’s own app.
FAQ
How long is the train from Xiamen to Xi’an?
About 12h on a typical high-speed train, including a change at Wuhan. Allow ~12h 20m including getting through the station.
Which station does the Xiamen–Xi’an train leave from?
Most trains leave from Xiamen North Railway Station (厦门北站) and arrive at Xi’an North Railway Station (西安北站). Always check the station name on your ticket.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Xiamen to Xi’an?
Fly. The train takes 8h 35m longer.