Xi’an Public Transportation Card

Xi’an Public Transportation Card-- Chang An TongXian Public Transportation Card, also known as Chang An Tong or Yi Ka Tong, like the MetroCard in New York City and the Oyster Card in London, is a kind of smart card which can be widely used on buses and the metro. It offers a 50% discount on each bus trip and a 10% discount on the metro. One can also pay taxi fares with it on the cabs which are equipped with card readers. In addition, this card can be used to rent a public bicycle in the city at very low price. It offers great convenience for locals and travelers who plan to stay over in Xian.

Public Transportation Card Service Center Hot Line: 86-029-86365033 & 86-029-86365038

Purchasing a Public Transportation Card

Who can apply for the card?

Both of the citizens and visitors in Xi’an can apply for the Card. As documentation is not needed for this purchase, your card will not be registered to your name and refunds will not be available if lost.

How much does the card cost?

-Purchasing one: You have to pay for CNY18 to buy a new card and then add any value as you wish. Please note that the purchased card could not be refund.

-Renting one: When you rent a card, you will be required to put down a deposit of CNY22/card as well as funds for its use. The rent is CNY0.5/month (malcontent of a month calculate by a month). This kind of card could be refund so that you could withdraw the rest deposit and balance in it.

Where can I purchase a card?

You could purchase or rent a card at one of the bus companies, the branches of the Xi’an City Commercial Bank and the China Construction Bank. Here are the addresses of these bus companies:

The 2nd Company of Xi’an Bus Company

Address: Wanshou Bei Lu, Weiyang District

Bus routes: 213, 230, 408, 409, 716 (get off at Gongjiao Er Gongsi Stop)

The 3rd Company of Xi’an Bus Company

Address: Wanshou Nan Lu, Xincheng District

Bus routes: 7, 8, 13, 19, 44, 240, 242, 308, 409, 508, 602, 700, 708, 714, 717, 800, 910, 919 (get off at Weishijie Stop)

The 5th Company of Xi’an Bus Company

Address: No.307, Taibai Nan Lu, Yanta District

Bus routes: 6, 35, 106, 205, 313, 411, 506, 721, 900, 916, Education Special Line (get off at Gongjiao Wu Gongsi Stop)

The 6th Company of Xi’an Bus Company

Address: Xuanwu Lu, Weiyang District

Bus routes: 18, 36, 37, 39, 117, 202, 214, 228, 236, 238, 310, 336, 506, 509, 519, 600, 609, K618, 705, 711, 717, 719, 723, You 4, You 10, You 10A (get off at Gongjiao Liu Gongsi Stop)

The 8th Company of Xi’an Bus Company

Address: Shuian Lu, Baqiao District

Bus routes: 240, 241, 800 (get off at Gongjiao Ba Gongsi Stop)

Using Xi’an Public Transportation Card

On bus: The cards are accepted on busses that bear the distinct card mark on their front door. When entering the bus, place your card within 6 cm (2.4 inches) of the card reader, which will be located near the front door of the bus. Once the transaction is processed, the reader will show a green light and beep to indicate success, and then display the remaining balance. Please note that a card can be used by multiple passengers each trip, as allowed by the balance.

On metro: The card can be used on all metro lines. Upon entering the subway station, scan the card and the automatic barrier will open to allow one person to pass. The card can only be used by one person for each trip. When exiting the subway station, one also need to scan the card, and the balance will be shown.

On renting public bicycles: There are many bicycle rental sites in the city. Just find a dedicated site, and scan the transportation card at the card reader area. The rental machine will announce the success of the rental. When returning the bike, just scan the card and lock the bike.

Returning Xi’an Public Transportation Card

Where should I return my card?

Your card can be returned at the Card Service Center in the west zone of the 6th company at the Xi’an Bus Company.

Address: No.23, Zhuhong Lu

Bus Routes: 26, 50, 207, 221, 235, 510, 900, 708, 714, 718

Will I receive a total refund for my deposit and transportation funds?

If you return your card in good condition, without any visible damage, you will receive both your rest deposit and the full balance remaining. However, if your card has been damaged by human error, you will lose your deposit and receive only the remaining balance.