How to Get to the Terracotta Army from Xi’an (My Solo Travel Experience)

That morning when I left my hotel near the Bell Tower, the sky was still dim. Xi’an’s air had that unique mix of dust and fried bread sticks, waking me up right away.

Rubbing my eyes, I’d been reading travel guides late into the night, my head full of routes to the Terracotta Army.

“Direct tourist bus is easiest”

“Metro Line 9 is super convenient”

“Just take a taxi and save trouble”

I was confused by all the advice, but I wastraveling alone, on a budget, and didn’t want to be tired.

So I chose public transport.

That way I could use the money saved for another bowl ofbiangbiang noodles.

Bell Tower Station → 👉Xi’an MetroLine 2 → Transfer to Line 1 at Beidajie → Fangzhicheng Station → Line 9 (purple) → Qinling West Station → Bus 613 → Terracotta Army

I walked to Bell Tower Station and bought aChang’an Card.

(You can also use e-tickets on WeChat, but a physical card felt more reliable.)

I took Line 2 north, transferred to Line 1 at Beidajie, and rode to the last stop:Fangzhicheng.

Watching skyscrapers slowly turn into old factories, farmland and distant mountains,

I felt like I was traveling from modern Xi’an back to the Qin Empire 2,000 years ago.

At Fangzhicheng I changed toLine 9, which is new and clearly for tourists.

Announcements repeat “Huaqing Pool, Qinling West”, so you can’t get lost.

I got off atQinling West Station.

Locals said this is the closest stop to the Terracotta Army.

When I exited from Exit D, taxi and tricycle drivers called out:

“Terracotta Army! 10 yuan!” I smiled and walked on.

Following Gaode Map, I walkedabout 50 meters to the bus stop.

The bus you need isLintong Tour 613.

(Previously 617 or 621; now unified as 613.)

・Price:2 yuan

・Time:15–20 minutes

・Destination: Right in front of the North Gate of the Museum

The driver was friendly and said:

“First time here? Don’t miss Pit 1 — it’s the most amazing!”

・Travel time:1h20m ~ 1h40m

・Metro: About7–8 yuan

・Bus:2 yuan

・Total:Around 10 yuan

A taxi one way costs around80–120 yuan,

so public transport ismuch cheaper and safer.

On the way back my legs were tired,

so I took a car from the North Gate back to Qinling West Station.

Cost only6–8 yuan— very good value.

Tickets are sold at the official counters or machines.

A combined ticket is120 yuan, including the Terracotta Army, Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, and Bronze Chariots.

(Booking online via the official WeChat account is highly recommended to avoid long lines.)

I rented an audio guide for20 yuanand walked slowly.

The moment I stepped into Pit 1, I was speechless.

The perfectly lined-up warriors, every face unique,

2,000 years of history standing right in front of me.

This is why it’s called one of the world’s greatest wonders.

The kneeling archer in Pit 2, the command center in Pit 3,

and the incredibly detailedBronze Chariotsleft me amazed.

Even after 2,000 years, they still shine beautifully.

I spent about 5 hours exploring everything.

My legs were sore, but I truly thought:This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’regoing to the Terracotta Army alone from Xi’an,

Metro Line 1 → Line 9 → Bus 613

This route is the safest, cheapest, and most reliable.

You only need to transfer twice, and signs are very clear.

Even if you don’t speak Chinese, you can do it easily alone.

Wake up early, go slowly, and feel the history.

It will be a memory you’ll never forget.