Thanks, mosburger. You know, if I have to leave 4 hours in advance to make my flight (which will then take another 2 hours+, and then my transport into Xian) I wonder if I might be better doing it overnight on the train. Sure, it would take more time, but I'd rather waste it at night than during the day.

I understand there's an overnight train from Shanghai to Xian. Does anyone know whether that train stops in Suzhou on the way?

Thanks.