Airport transfers • City charter • Terracotta Warriors • Huashan Mountain • Famen Temple
Book a private car with driver in Xi'an for airport transfers, city tours, Terracotta Warriors day trips, Huashan Mountain excursions, and Famen Temple visits. China Wonder Cars provides sedans, vans, minibuses and coaches.
Why Visit Xi'an
Xi'an, one of China's four great ancient capitals, is home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. With over 3,100 years of history, Xi'an served as China's capital for 13 dynasties. The city is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and offers a rich tapestry of historical sites, Muslim culture, and incredible street food.
Why Choose Our Xi'an Car Service
Licensed & Insured — All vehicles are legally registered and fully insured for passenger transport.
Private & Non-Sharing — You never share the vehicle with other groups. Complete privacy and flexibility.
Fixed Upfront Pricing — Know your total cost before booking. No hidden fees, no surge pricing.
English Support via WhatsApp & WeChat — 24/7 assistance throughout your journey.
Professional Drivers — Experienced, safe drivers familiar with Xi'an's attractions and traffic.
Top Xi'an Attractions
Terracotta Warriors
One of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries — thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers guarding Emperor Qin's tomb. Located 1 hour from Xi'an city center. Allow 3-4 hours. Book tickets in advance.
Xi'an City Wall
The best-preserved ancient city wall in China, stretching 14km. Rent a bicycle and ride the full circuit (about 2 hours) for spectacular views of the old and new city. Most impressive at sunset.
Muslim Quarter
A vibrant food paradise with over 300 varieties of street food, shops, and the historic Great Mosque. The night market is legendary — try yangrou paomo, biangbiang noodles, and persimmon cakes.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
A 64-meter-tall Buddhist pagoda dating back to 652 AD. The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple and Tang Paradise are beautiful at night with light shows. Climb to the top for panoramic city views.
Xi'an Travel Tips
Best time: March-May and September-October for comfortable temperatures
Terracotta Warriors: Visit early (8am opening) to beat crowds. Our driver service includes waiting time.
City Wall bike: Rentals available at any gate. 45 yuan for a single bike, 90 yuan for tandem.
Food: Muslim Quarter is a must. Try yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread) and biangbiang noodles.
Getting around: Our private car is ideal for Terracotta Warriors trip (1hr each way). Metro covers city center.
Why choose our Xi'an car service
Private car with driver, no ride sharing
Airport, hotel, railway station pickup
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Flexible itinerary — Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter
Driver details sent one day before
24/7 English customer support
Xianyang International Airport Transfers
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), one of China's busiest aviation hubs, sits about 40 km northwest of the city centre — roughly 40–60 minutes by car (allow longer in peak hours). Our private airport transfer includes Up to 120 minutes of free waiting time, a name-sign meet at the arrival hall, flight tracking, and all fuel, tolls and parking. Prices are per car, not per person, so a family of four pays the same as a solo traveller. Reference price from $45 per car (5-seat sedan); final price confirmed within 2 hours.
Meet & greet with name sign at international or domestic arrivals
Up to 120 minutes free waiting — no stress if your flight is delayed
Hotel pickup available for airport departures (Up to 120 min free waiting)
Sedans, vans and minibuses for groups up to 55 seats
Xi'an Railway Station Transfers
Xi'an is served by several very differently named stations — getting the wrong one on your ticket costs half a day. Here is how they line up, and how China Wonder Cars gets you to the right exit.
Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站)
Xi'an North is the region's main high-speed rail hub, opened in 2011 with 34 platforms — the largest station in Northwest China. It handles the bullet-train lines to Beijing (about 4.5 h), Shanghai (about 6 h), Chengdu (about 3 h) and Luoyang (about 1.5 h). It sits roughly 25 km (25–40 minutes by car) from Xianyang Airport (XIY). For a budget alternative, Metro Line 14 runs directly between the North Square and the airport (about CNY 7–9, a 31-minute ride, trains roughly every 5–6 minutes, first about 6:00, last about 22:20); it stops at Airport West Station for Terminals 1–3 and at Airport Station for the newer Terminal 5 (opened Feb 2025). A private car still wins when you have heavy luggage, kids, a tight rail-to-flight connection, or arrive outside metro hours. We meet you after the exit gates (B1, North Square), hold a name sign, and track your train the same way we track flights.
Xi'an Railway Station (西安站, the old city-centre station)
The historic downtown station near the City Wall serves conventional and some intercity trains, and is the usual boarding point for the tourist bus to the Terracotta Warriors. It is about 35–45 km (45–60 minutes) from Xianyang Airport depending on traffic. We can pick up or drop off here at any hour — useful if your onward train leaves early or arrives late when the metro has stopped.
Yinzhen Station (引镇站, formerly “Xi'an South”)
A common source of confusion: the station once called “Xi'an South” was officially renamed Yinzhen Station (引镇站) on 28 February 2023 — check the Chinese characters on your rail ticket, not the English name on a booking site. It lies about 77 km (1 h 20–1 h 40 by car, longer at peak) from Xianyang Airport, and there is no direct metro to the airport. Taxis are scarce around Yinzhen, especially at night, so a pre-booked private car with a generous waiting allowance is by far the most reliable option for this connection.
Name-sign meet after the exit gates at Xi'an North, Xi'an Station or Yinzhen
60 minutes free waiting from the train's actual arrival
Rail-to-airport buffer: allow 1.5–2 h from station exit to security, plus the usual 2 h domestic / 3 h international
Fixed per-car price — final quote confirmed within 2 hours; 50% deposit, free cancellation up to 48 h before
How far is Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY) from the city center? +
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is approximately 40km (45-60 minutes) from the city center by car. Our airport transfer service costs from $45 for a sedan and includes meet-and-greet with a name sign in the arrival hall.
How long should I spend at the Terracotta Warriors? +
Plan 3-4 hours for a thorough visit. The museum has three main pits (Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive), plus the Bronze Chariots exhibition hall. Arrive at opening (8:30 AM) to avoid the largest tour groups.
Can you help book Terracotta Warriors tickets? +
Yes. The museum requires timed-entry tickets booked online in advance (limited to 60,000 visitors/day). Our team can assist with booking using your passport details. We recommend booking 3-5 days ahead, especially during peak seasons and Chinese holidays.
Is Huashan Mountain safe to visit? +
Huashan is one of China's Five Great Mountains and is generally safe for hikers. The famous 'Plank Walk in the Sky' (Chang Kong Zhan Dao) requires a safety harness and is not for those with fear of heights. Most visitors take the cable car up and hike the well-maintained peak trails. Wear proper walking shoes.
What is the best time of year to visit Xi'an? +
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures (15-25°C). Summer can reach 35°C but is dry heat. Winter is cold (-5 to 5°C) but offers the smallest crowds and lowest prices at the Terracotta Warriors.
Do your drivers speak English? +
Our drivers are professional Chinese drivers with extensive experience serving international travelers. They know all major attractions, routes, and hotel pickups. For full English-language communication, we provide 24/7 support via WhatsApp and WeChat, and can arrange an English-speaking guide as an add-on service.
How do I pay for the service? +
We accept payment via bank transfer, PayPal, or credit card. A 50% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance payable in cash (RMB or USD) to the driver at the end of service, or via bank transfer before the service date.
Can I visit both the Terracotta Warriors and Huashan in one day? +
We do not recommend it. The Terracotta Warriors requires 3-4 hours, and Huashan is a 2-hour drive each way plus 4-6 hours of hiking. Combining both would be extremely rushed. We recommend separate days: Day 1 for Terracotta Warriors + city sights, Day 2 for Huashan Mountain.
Is there a high-speed train from Xi'an to other cities? +
Yes. Xi'an North Railway Station has high-speed trains to Beijing (4.5 hours), Shanghai (6 hours), Chengdu (3 hours), and Luoyang (1.5 hours). We can arrange pickup/drop-off at the station and even multi-city private car itineraries.
What happens if my flight is delayed? +
We monitor flight status for all airport pickups. If your flight is delayed, your driver will wait at no extra charge. We provide up to 120 minutes of free waiting time from flight landing, and our 24/7 support team can be reached via WhatsApp at any time.
Explore Xi'an Driver Service
Detailed service info, pricing, vehicle options and booking for Xi'an 西安
"Our driver Mr. Wang was punctual, safe, and knew exactly where to go. The Terracotta Warriors trip was seamless — he even helped us get tickets when they were sold out online. Highly recommend!"
Sarah M. — Australia, visited October 2025
★★★★★
"Booked a 2-day Xi'an tour with car and driver. Communication via WhatsApp was instant, the car was clean and comfortable, and the price was exactly as quoted. The Huashan trip was the highlight!"
James & family — USA, visited July 2025
★★★★★
"As a solo female traveler, safety was my top concern. The driver was professional and respectful, and the WhatsApp support made me feel secure throughout. Airport pickup was waiting with my name sign even after a 2-hour delay."
Spring (March-May): Mild weather (15-25°C), blooming flowers, and comfortable Great Wall cycling. The best season for outdoor exploration.
Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, colorful foliage, and harvest season. Ideal for Terracotta Warriors and Huashan Mountain trips.
Summer (June-August): Hot (30-35°C) but dry heat (less humid than southern China). Early morning and late afternoon sightseeing recommended.
Winter (December-February): Cold (-5 to 5°C) but very few crowds. Lowest prices and shortest lines at the Terracotta Warriors.
Private car tip: Spring and autumn are ideal for Huashan Mountain hiking. Winter offers the best value and least crowded museum experience.
What to Eat in Xi'an
Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Xi'an's most famous street food. Slow-braised pork stuffed in a crispy flatbread. Try at a local Muslim Quarter stall.
Biangbiang Noodles: Wide, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil, vinegar, and garlic. The name comes from the sound of dough being slapped on the table.
Yangrou Paomo (Bread in Lamb Soup): A Xi'an specialty. Break flatbread into small pieces, then soak in rich lamb soup with glass noodles and lamb.
Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles): Chewy wheat noodles with chili oil, cucumber, and bean sprouts. Perfect for hot summer days.
Persimmon Cakes (Shibing): Sweet cakes made from persimmon flour, stuffed with red bean paste. A Muslim Quarter specialty.
Private car tip: The Muslim Quarter is the best place for street food. Your driver can drop you at the entrance and pick you up after your food tour.
Xi'an Travel Tips
Book Terracotta Warriors tickets online: The museum limits daily visitors. Book 3-5 days in advance, especially during holidays. Your driver can assist with Chinese booking.
Rent a bike on the City Wall: The 14km loop takes about 2 hours by bike. Go at sunset for the best views and cooler temperatures.
Visit the museum early: The Terracotta Warriors open at 8:30 AM. Arrive by 9 AM to beat the tour buses. Allow 3-4 hours for a thorough visit.
Shaanxi History Museum is free but crowded: Reserve online in advance. The museum is closed Mondays. Allow 2-3 hours.
Download these apps: WeChat (payment), Ctrip (train tickets), and Google Translate (for menus and signs).
Huashan Mountain safety: If hiking the "Plank Walk in the Sky," wear proper shoes and go early to avoid queues. Consider the cable car up and hike down.
Nearby Destinations from Xi'an
Huashan Mountain (120km, 2 hours): One of China's Five Great Mountains, famous for its precipitous cliffs and the "Plank Walk in the Sky." A full-day trip or overnight.
Famen Temple (120km, 2 hours): A Buddhist temple housing a finger bone relic of Buddha. The underground palace has stunning Tang Dynasty treasures.
Qianling Mausoleum (80km, 1.5 hours): The joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian. The Spirit Way with stone statues is impressive.
Hukou Waterfall (300km, 4 hours): The second largest waterfall in China, on the Yellow River. Best visited during the rainy season (July-October) for maximum flow.
Pingyao Ancient City (500km, 5.5 hours): Best as a 2-day trip. Combine with a stop at the Hukou Waterfall for an epic 3-day loop.
Luoyang (380km, 4.5 hours): Home to the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple. A fascinating 2-day cultural trip.
All reachable by private car with driver. Request a custom itinerary and we'll design the perfect route from Xi'an.
Beyond the Terracotta Warriors — Day Trips from Xi'an
The Terracotta Warriors are Xi'an's headline, but the region around it packs Tang imperial tombs, Han dynasty mausoleums, Yellow River waterfalls, Tang-dynasty night streets and Qinling wildlife. This selection guide helps you pick by drive time and interest — every trip below can be arranged as a private car with driver, fixed price, fuel and tolls included.
Destination
From Xi'an (by car)
Why go
Best for
Huaqing Pool (Hot Springs) + Lishan
~32 km / ~1 h east
Tang imperial hot springs at the foot of Lishan; 8 km west of the Terracotta Warriors; famous evening outdoor show Chang Hen Ge (“Song of Everlasting Sorrow”)
Combine with the Terracotta Warriors on one east-side day
Banpo Museum
~10 km / ~30 min east
6,000-year-old Neolithic Yangshao matriarchal village — site hall over the actual dwellings, moat and pottery kilns
Families, archaeology lovers; pairs with the east corridor
Big Wild Goose Pagoda + North Square Musical Fountain
~4 km / in the city
64 m Tang pagoda (652 AD); the north-square fountain is one of Asia's largest — ~1,024 nozzles, water jets up to 60 m; evening shows (about 21:00 in summer, 20:30 in winter, plus weekend matinees)
Evening city add-on; free fountain, pagoda ticket small
Datang Everbright City (Tang-style pedestrian street)
Adjacent to the pagoda, in the city
Open Tang-dynasty-themed night street with neon, costumed performers and street shows; free to enter
Night photography; follow the fountain show
Qianling Mausoleum + Famen Temple
Qianling ~85 km / 1.5–2 h; then ~1 h to Famen
Tang joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian with a monumental Spirit Way; Famen houses the Buddha's finger-bone sarira in an underground palace of Tang treasures
Tang-dynasty history fans; a full west-day loop
Maoling · Xianyang Museum · Hanyangling (Western Han tombs line)
~40–50 km loop, half to full day
Maoling = tomb of Emperor Wu of Han with Huo Qubing's stone carvings; Xianyang Museum (free) in a former Confucian temple; Hanyangling = underground museum over Emperor Jingdi's tomb
Repeat visitors who have done the Terracotta Warriors
Hukou Waterfall
~300 km / ~4 h each way
China's second-largest waterfall and the world's only yellow waterfall, on the Yellow River at the Shaanxi–Shanxi border; widest and most dramatic in the July–October flood season
Nature photographers; a long 10 h day or overnight (see our dedicated Hukou day trip)
Louguantai
~70 km / ~1.5 h west (Zhouzhi)
Taoist heritage site where Laozi is said to have dictated the Dao De Jing, plus a wild-animal breeding centre (red pandas, golden monkeys)
Quiet culture & nature half-to-full day
Foping National Nature Reserve
~4 h each way in the Qinling mountains
Wild Qinling giant pandas, red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys and crested ibises in their native forest
Wildlife lovers; best as a long day or overnight
Shaolin Temple (Dengfeng, Henan)
HSR Xi'an North → Luoyang Longmen ~1.5–2 h + ~1 h car; private car direct ~3.5–4 h
The legendary Zen Buddhist and martial-arts temple with its pagoda forest and daily kung fu shows
Not sure which route fits your group and time? Tell us your interests and how many days you have — we will pair the right sights and send a fixed per-car quote within 2 hours. Bookings need only a 50% deposit, with free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service date.
Fill in the form below and we will confirm your price within 2 hours. No payment required now.
About Xi'an & How to Explore It
Xi'an, ancient capital of 13 dynasties and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, is best known for the Terracotta Warriors — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of more than 8,000 life-size clay soldiers guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Allow 3–4 hours at the site, ideally with a guide to tell the full story.
City highlights fit into 2–3 days; add a full day for Mount Huashan if you enjoy hiking. The best seasons are March–June and September–November. A private car makes the 1-hour ride to the warriors and the long day trip to Huashan straightforward.
Highlights worth planning around
Terracotta Warriors: depart early to beat the crowds; combine with the Huaqing Hot Springs nearby.
City Wall & Muslim Quarter: walk or bike the ancient city wall, then eat your way through the Muslim Quarter's biangbiang noodles and roujiamo.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Shaanxi History Museum: the city's cultural anchors.
Mount Huashan day trip: China's most famous 'dangerous' mountain — cable car up, hike the plank paths, back to the city in the evening.
How much does a private car with driver cost in China?
Private car with driver service in China typically costs from $95 per day for a standard sedan (Toyota Camry or equivalent). SUVs and vans cost from $120-180 per day. Luxury vehicles like Mercedes S-Class start from $250 per day. All prices include driver, fuel, tolls, and parking. Hourly rates start from $35/hour with a 4-hour minimum.
Is it safe to hire a private driver in China?
Yes, hiring a private driver through a reputable company like China Wonder Cars is very safe. All our drivers have 10+ years of driving experience, clean records, and professional training. Vehicles are regularly inspected and fully insured. We provide 24/7 customer support and real-time GPS tracking for all trips.
Do I need to tip the driver in China?
Tipping is not customary in China and is never expected. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip of $10-20 USD per day is appreciated but entirely optional. Our drivers are professionally compensated and will provide excellent service regardless.
Can the driver speak English?
We provide English-speaking driver upgrades available from +$50–100/day depending on route and vehicle. For smaller cities, we can arrange an English-speaking guide or provide translation support via WhatsApp. All drivers receive basic English communication training.
How do I book a private car in China?
Booking is simple: contact us via WhatsApp at +86 15347723823 or email [email protected] with your dates, cities, and itinerary. Book online for instant confirmation, or send your itinerary and we confirm within 2 hours. A 50% deposit secures the booking, with the balance payable in cash, card, or WeChat/Alipay on arrival.
What is the best way to get around China as a tourist?
For international tourists, a private car with driver is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel in China. It eliminates language barriers, navigation challenges, and taxi scams. High-speed rail is efficient between major cities, and private transfers connect stations to hotels. For multi-day trips, a dedicated driver provides maximum flexibility.
Can I use Uber or DiDi in China?
DiDi (Chinese equivalent of Uber) works in major cities but requires a Chinese phone number and payment method (WeChat Pay or Alipay). The app is primarily in Chinese, and drivers rarely speak English. For tourists, a pre-booked private transfer is more reliable, with English support and fixed prices.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in China?
Foreign driver licenses are NOT valid in China, even with an International Driving Permit. You must obtain a temporary Chinese driver license, which requires passing a written test. For this reason, almost all international visitors hire a driver rather than self-driving. China Wonder Cars provides professional drivers in all major cities.
