Originally Posted by
dieuwer2
Didn't know the airport in Xi'an is that far from town.
How about price? Is the bullet train competitively priced compared to air travel?
Yes, Xi'an airport is quite far from the central city, even by Chinese standards. Even with a lead foot driver and little traffic at midnight, it takes a full hour.
Economy plane ticket:
--Full price with tax, RMB 1230. (USD195)
--Typical discounted price with tax, RMB 600-900. (USD 95-140). Sometimes you can do a bit better, depends on exact travel date. Assumes purchase about 4-6 weeks ahead of travel on ctrip, elong, travelzen.
And I want to amend my post #25 above. Arrival on Bullet trains from Xi'an will be at Beijing West Station, not Beijing South.
G Bullet Train ticket:
--First class, RMB 825 (USD 135).
--Second class, RMB 515 (USD 85).