Xi'an to Huashan: three ways to go
Mount Hua lies south of the town of Huayin, about a morning's travel from Xi'an. Most visitors take the high-speed train from Xi'an North to Huashan North and finish with a free bus to the visitor centre. The alternatives are a direct coach from Xi'an or a private transfer, which is how many day tours run. Whichever way you choose, carry your original passport: it is needed for the train booking, and for tickets on the mountain.
If you would rather not organise it yourself, the Mount Hua tours from Xi'an cover the transport. For a plan on foot once you arrive, see the hiking page. A driver and guide for the whole day are covered by the private Mount Hua tours.
Our pick: a private transfer
If you would rather not manage the trip from Xi'an yourself, this driver-only transfer takes you there and back.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mount Hua day trips from Xi'an and transfers
Private transfers and guided day trips, with the pick-up and what is included described on each listing.
High-speed train from Xi'an North to Huashan North
The quickest way, and the one most independent visitors use.
The line runs from Xi'an North to Huashan North, and the trip takes about 28 to 52 minutes for 54.5 to 67 CNY in second class. Its longer timetable also lists slower trains of up to 1 hour 22 minutes, so look at the actual departure you book. Check that you pick Xi'an North and Huashan North: Xi'an and Huashan are different stations, and ordinary trains use other station pairs.
China Railway accepts foreign passports. Book on the English 12306 website or app with identity verification, and show the original passport used for the booking at the station. Fares here are a published range, not a live price.
How to get to Huashan from the station
Huashan North is the station you want. Everything after it is a short bus ride, described on this page.
Where travellers stay in Huayin
Free buses to the visitor centre and Yuquan Yuan
For orientation only; check the signs at the station.
Station to visitor centre
Free Huayin buses 1 and 2 run from Huashan North to the visitor centre, about 30 minutes, running roughly 07:10 to 19:10 about every 30 minutes. Do not count on a tight connection with your train.
Visitor centre to Yuquan Yuan
A free transfer runs from the visitor centre to Yuquan Yuan in about 10 minutes. Yuquan Yuan is around 3 km from the centre.
Which stop for what
Go to the visitor centre for the cable cars and to Yuquan Yuan for the classic climb on foot. The paid mountain bus to the cable car base is a different service from these free buses.
Direct bus from Xi'an
A direct coach runs from Xi'an Coach Station (Fangzhicheng) to the visitor centre, about 2 hours for 39 CNY. We give no timetable, so check departure times and the current fare locally on the day before. It suits travellers who want to avoid the station change, and it keeps the cost down.
Taxi and transfer from Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY)
Xi'an Xianyang Airport is the main gateway for Xi'an. Metro Line 14 runs from the airport and connects to Xi'an North, where the Huashan trains start. It names the Airport West station and the T5 station. Check the metro hours, the last train and the fare at the airport before you plan a late arrival. If you land with luggage, a transfer to a hotel in Xi'an and the train the next morning is an easy alternative.
A private car to Huashan is possible and some tours include a pick-up, but taxi travel time and price vary, so agree the price with the driver or book a fixed-price transfer in advance. Read each tour listing on this page to see whether pick-up and transport are included.
Book a fixed-price transfer from Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xi'an city on Kiwitaxi.
Paying and planning
Alipay and Weixin Pay can work with some foreign bank cards, and you can set them up with a foreign phone number. Whether a card works depends on the card network and the issuer, and it is worth carrying some cash as well. For where to sleep in Huayin or in Xi'an, see the where to stay page, and for entry fees and opening hours the ticket page.
Xi'an to Huashan: frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Xi'an to Huashan take?
It takes about 28 to 52 minutes from Xi'an North to Huashan North, with slower trains taking longer. Then add the bus to the visitor centre.
Can I buy train tickets as a foreigner?
Yes. China Railway accepts foreign passports on the English 12306 site and app, and you show the original passport at the station.
Is there a direct bus from Xi'an to Mount Hua?
Yes, a direct coach takes about 2 hours and costs 39 CNY. Check the current times locally.
How do I get from Xi'an airport to Huashan?
Metro Line 14 connects the airport with Xi'an North, where you board the Huashan train. A transfer to your Xi'an hotel is another option.