Xi an Xianyang International Airport
Xi an, China · Since 1991
Last updated:
About XIY
Gateway to the ancient capital of Xi an and the Terracotta Warriors.
Why "XIY"?
XIY stands for Xianyang, the city where the airport is located. Xianyang was the capital of the Qin Dynasty and is adjacent to Xi an, the ancient capital famous for the Terracotta Warriors. The airport serves both Xi an and Xianyang metropolitan areas.
Terminals
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal at Xianyang Airport, primarily handling domestic flights for budget carriers and smaller airlines. Basic facilities with food court and convenience shops. Currently being considered for renovation.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 handles the majority of domestic flights and some international services. Features modern check-in facilities, domestic lounges, and improved dining options. Connected to Terminal 3 via shuttle bus.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the newest terminal, opened in 2012. It handles Air China and international flights with a modern design inspired by Silk Road architecture. Features expanded duty-free shopping, premium lounges, and international dining. The largest and most comfortable terminal at XIY.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at XIY
Air China
Hub
China Eastern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
9 Air
Air Busan
Air Changan
Air Guilin
AirAsia
Showing 8 of 43 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
CNY 100-150 (USD 14-21)
40-60 minutes to city center to city center
Public Transport
CNY 7-25 (USD 1-3.50)
45-70 minutes by Airport Express to city center
Popular Destinations
Parking at XIY
Terminal 2 Parking Lot
Terminal 3 Parking Building
Long-Term Parking
Economy Parking
Airport Lounges
Air China First & Business Class Lounge
Air China's flagship lounge in Terminal 3 with Shaanxi-inspired cuisine including biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and yangrou paomo (lamb bread soup). Shower suites, rest area with recliners, and views of the runway. Excellent local food selection.
BGS Premier Lounge
Premium independent lounge in Terminal 3 with shower facilities, sleeping area, and a good spread of Shaanxi local dishes alongside standard Chinese cuisine. Massage chairs available. One of the better independent lounges at a Chinese airport.
Hainan Airlines Gold Lounge
Comfortable lounge in Terminal 2 with Hainan Airlines signature service. Chinese cuisine, congee bar for breakfast, and a selection of hot and cold beverages. Quiet atmosphere.
China Eastern VIP Lounge
Terminal 2 lounge with Chinese buffet, noodle bar, snacks, and beverages. Comfortable seating with power outlets. Basic but well-maintained.
V1 VIP Lounge (T2)
Domestic lounge in Terminal 2 with Chinese snacks, noodle soups, tea service, and soft drinks. Clean environment with adequate seating. Good for a quick rest before domestic flights.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Xianyang Airport Hotel
Adjacent to Terminal 2, connected by covered walkway
Budget hotel directly connected to the airport. Clean rooms with basic amenities, day-use rates from 4 hours. 24-hour front desk. Convenient for short layovers and early morning flights.
Nearby Hotels
Vienna Hotel Xianyang Airport
10 minutes from airport by free shuttle
Popular Chinese chain hotel with clean modern rooms, breakfast buffet, and free airport shuttle. Excellent value. Book via WeChat mini-program for best rates.
Holiday Inn Express Xi an Airport
Free shuttle, 8 minutes from terminals
Reliable IHG property with complimentary breakfast including Chinese and Western options, free shuttle, and modern rooms. Good value for overnight layovers at XIY.
Hilton Xi an Airport
Free shuttle, 5 minutes from terminals
Modern Hilton property with heated indoor pool, fitness center, Chinese and Western restaurants, and executive lounge. Free airport shuttle every 20 minutes. Soundproofed rooms with excellent bedding. Hilton Honors points eligible.
Capsule Hotels
Airport Capsule Hotel
Inside Terminal 3, domestic departures area
Compact sleeping pods available by the hour inside Terminal 3. Each pod has USB charging, adjustable lighting, and ventilation. Blanket and pillow provided. Perfect for overnight layovers.
Food & Dining
Kung Fu Restaurant
Chinese Fast Food
Reliable Chinese fast food chain with steamed rice combos, congee, and dumplings. Quick, affordable, and consistently decent quality.
6:00 AM - 9:30 PM
McDonalds
Fast Food
Open 24 hours for late arrivals and early departures. Standard menu with China-exclusive items. Reliable fallback option.
24 hours
Lanzhou Beef Noodles
Northwestern Chinese
Hand-pulled beef noodle soup in clear broth. Choose noodle thickness from thin to wide. The broth is simmered for hours with spices. Halal certified. Affordable and filling.
6:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Xi an Famous Noodles
Shaanxi/Chinese
Authentic Shaanxi noodle restaurant serving biangbiang noodles (belt-wide hand-pulled noodles), youpo chemian (oil-splashed noodles), and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger). A must-try for experiencing Xi an's legendary noodle culture. The biangbiang character is one of the most complex in Chinese.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Yangrou Paomo Restaurant
Shaanxi Traditional
Specialty restaurant serving yangrou paomo - Xi an s signature lamb bread soup where you tear flatbread into small pieces and it is cooked in rich lamb broth. A hearty and warming dish perfect before a flight. Halal certified.
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Starbucks
Coffee/Cafe
Standard Starbucks with China-exclusive seasonal drinks. Multiple locations in Terminals 2 and 3. Good for a familiar coffee experience.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Car Rental
China Auto Rental (CAR Inc)
Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, Counter 5
China s largest car rental. Chinese driver license required. EV options (BYD) available. App-based rental for faster pickup.
eHi Car Rental
Terminal 2 Arrivals, Ground Level
Chauffeur service available for foreign visitors. Bilingual drivers on request. Good option for Terracotta Warriors day trips.
Avis China
Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall
International brand with English-speaking staff. Foreigners need Chinese driver license for self-drive. Car with driver service recommended.
Shenzhou Zuche
Terminal 2 Arrivals
Domestic rental company with competitive rates. Chauffeur service available. Good for multi-day sightseeing around Xi an region.
Didi Chuxing (Car Rental)
App-based, pickup at arrivals
Didi offers rental cars and chauffeur service through their app. Best option for foreign visitors. Book in advance for airport pickup.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Shaanxi Cuisine Tasting
Terminal 3 has several restaurants serving authentic Shaanxi cuisine. Try biangbiang noodles, yangrou paomo (lamb bread soup), and roujiamo without leaving the airport. Budget CNY 50-100 for a comprehensive tasting of Xi an s iconic dishes. The noodle restaurants are particularly authentic.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Explore the Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter near the Bell Tower is Xi an s most vibrant food street. Sample roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), persimmon cakes, lamb skewers, pomegranate juice, and various noodle dishes. Free to walk through. Budget CNY 50-100 for extensive tasting. About 50 minutes from airport. Best visited for dinner atmosphere.
Walk the Ancient City Wall
Xi an s City Wall is the best-preserved ancient city wall in China, dating to the Ming Dynasty (1370). Rent a bicycle and ride the full 13.7 km circumference on top of the wall. Entry CNY 54 (USD 8), bike rental CNY 45/hr. About 50-60 minutes from airport to the wall. A truly unique experience.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
This iconic Buddhist pagoda was built in 652 AD to house scriptures brought from India. The surrounding plaza features the largest fountain show in Asia (free, evenings). Entry CNY 40 (USD 6). About 40-50 minutes from airport by taxi. Combine with nearby Tang Paradise park.
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China s premier history museums with over 370,000 artifacts spanning 1 million years of Shaanxi history, including Tang Dynasty treasures, Silk Road artifacts, and ancient pottery. Free entry (reserve online or queue for tickets). About 45 minutes from airport. Allow 2-3 hours inside.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Army is one of the most extraordinary archaeological finds in history. Over 8,000 life-size clay warriors, horses, and chariots were buried with China's first emperor in 210 BC. Located 65 km from the airport. Take a taxi (90 min) or airport bus to city then Tourist Bus 5. Entry CNY 120 (USD 17). Allow 2-3 hours at the museum. Requires 8+ hour layover.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type I (Chinese), USB ports
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: CNY 10-30 per item per day
- Showers: Available
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Exchange: Bank of China counters in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 arrivals halls. ICBC exchange near check-in area. ATMs accepting international cards throughout all terminals.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China. It is not expected at restaurants, hotels, or taxis. Some upscale international hotels may accept tips but it is never required.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms outside terminals on ground level. No smoking inside the terminal buildings.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +86-29-88798456
Facilities & Contact
Traveler Reviews
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