Zhangjiajie is located about 1,200 kilometers southwest of Beijing, drawing world-wide travelers seeking dramatic karst landscapes and thrilling adventures.
Here comes the key question: how do you get from China's capital to this natural wonder efficiently?
The quick answer is: fly direct in 2.5 hours for the fastest route (2 shifts per day). For a more flexible journey, you can fly to Changsha first (10+ shifts per day), then take a 2-hour high-speed train to Zhangjiajie.
Read on to find the best transportation option for your travel style, budget, and schedule.
| Route | Total Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | 2 hours 30 minutes | CNY 550–1600 | Time-sensitive travelers, families with elders |
| Flight to Changsha + Train | 7–8 hours | CNY 500–2300 | Flexible schedule seekers |
| Direct Train | High-Speed Train (G689): 11–12 hours | High-Speed Train: CNY 1452 (first-class) | Travelers with aerophobia, cultural experience seekers |
| Overnight Train (K267): 24–25 hours | Overnight Train: CNY 515 (softer sleeper) | Backpackers, budget travelers |
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- 1. Transportation Options Breakdown
- - Option 1: Direct Flight
- - Option 2: Flight to Changsha + Train
- - Option 3: Direct Train
- 2. How Long to Spend
- 3. Best Time to Visit
- 4. How Much Does It Cost
1. How Should I Travel from Beijing to Zhangjiajie?
Option 1: Direct Flight – The Fastest Route (2 Hours 30 Minutes, Recommended)
- Cost: CNY 550–1600 (1 piece x 20kg checked baggage is included)
- Best for: Ideal for families with children or elderly travelers with 2–3 days in Zhangjiajie, first-time visitors to China who prefer simplicity.
Currently, there are only two direct flights from Beijing to Zhangjiajie per day.
- From Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX): CA8609 (Nov to Mar: 14:15–16:50 / Apr to Oct: 13:40–16:10)
- From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK): CA1953 (Nov to Mar: 16:55–19:40 / Apr to Oct: 18:30–21:00)
* Flight schedules may vary; please confirm again before booking.
Both airports are close to downtown Beijing, so you can choose based on the location of your hotel and the price of your flight. Since flights are scheduled in the afternoon, you could still have a half-day trip in Beijing before heading out to Zhangjiajie.
To secure better prices and more seats, it is recommended that you book your tickets at least two months in advance to lock in a 20% to 30% discount. Many hotels in Zhangjiajie offer free pickup; you can send your flight information to the hotel in advance to make a reservation.
Option 2: Flight to Changsha + Train – Most Flexible (5–6 Hours)
| Segment | Duration | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing → Changsha (flight) | 2 hours 35 minutes | 20+ / day | CNY 300–2000 |
| Airport → Changsha Railway Station (长沙站) | 40–55 minutes | – | CNY 10–60 |
| Changsha Railway Station (长沙站) → Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (张家界西站) | Around 2 hours | 30+ / day | CNY 144–166 (second class seats) |
While not the fastest, this combination offers significantly more flight options (20+ flights per day, Beijing–Changsha vs. only 1-2 direct flights to Zhangjiajie), making it ideal for travelers who want flexible departure times or last-minute bookings.
But remember to avoid late evening flights (after 21:00), leading to limited train options and higher transfer prices.
Changsha has two railway stations, but Changsha Railway Station offers significantly better value for Zhangjiajie than Changsha South Railway Station, being faster (1h 50m vs. 2h 30m), cheaper (second-class seat charge CNY166 vs. CNY319), and more flexible (30+ daily vs. only 10 daily).
However, since there is a transfer between the airport and the train station, you need to allow at least 3 hours for contingencies in case you miss your flight.
Option 3: Direct Train – Comfort for Aerophobia (11-24 Hours)
- Route: Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站) → Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (张家界西站) / Zhangjiajie Railway Station (张家界站)
For travelers with aerophobia or who prefer train travel, G689 is the only high-speed train from Beijing to Zhangjiajie. For an 11-hour journey, we highly recommend costing an extra CNY542 (CNY910 vs. CNY1452) for first-class seats, with wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter environment.
As for an overnight train ride, though K267 takes longer than Z295 (24 hours vs. 18 hours), it arrives in Zhangjiajie at a more convenient time (12:51 vs. 05:20) and is also cheaper in a soft sleeper (CNY 515 vs. CNY 572).
What to Bring for a Train Journey
- Food & Drinks: Instant food, snacks, fruits, and bottled water (meals are served in dining carriage and food cart, but quality varies).
- Comfort Items: Neck pillow, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones for napping, and a light jacket for cool air-conditioning.
- Electronics: Power outlets are available at most seats, so you only need to bring the charger.
2. How Many Days to Spend in Beijing and Zhangjiajie
For first-time visitors, we recommend spending at least 3 days in Beijing to visit the key attractions, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square.
Regarding Zhangjiajie, you should stay for 3–5 days to fully appreciate its highlights, including 1 day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (home to Avatar Hallelujah Mountains), 1 day for Tianmen Mountain, and 1 day for Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with its glass bridge.
Check out our classic Beijing with Zhangjiajie itinerary for inspiration:
6-Day Beijing and Zhangjiajie Essence Tour
- Day 1: Beijing arrival
- Day 2: The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square
- Day 3: The Great Wall at Mutianyu in Beijing, and fly to Zhangjiajie
- Day 4: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Day 5: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with its glass bridge
- Day 6: Tianmen Mountain and departure
This time-smart itinerary is suitable for visitors with limited time who only wish to efficiently admire the essence of Beijing and Zhangjiajie, and can be customized based on your arrival day and energy levels.
In Beijing, we recommend visiting the Forbidden City on your second day after arrival, as it requires a half-day and considerable walking.
Since the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are closed on Mondays, if you arrive on a Sunday, we can flip the plan: visit the Great Wall and hutongs or the Summer Palace on Day 2, and see the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven on Day 3.
As in Zhangjiajie, if you feel tired after your flight, a great alternative is to visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Day 4) and explore the National Forest Park (Day 5). The glass bridge and zipline offer spectacular views and thrilling experiences with less intensive hiking.
Tianmen Mountain is ideally saved for your departure day. Its location is extremely convenient, allowing you to reach both the airport and the high-speed train station within one hour after your visit.
If You Have More Days to Spare...
Consider enriching your journey with these popular extensions from Beijing or Zhangjiajie.
Gubei Water Town in Winter- From Beijing
- Gubei Water Town (古北水镇, 1-2 days): Escape to this ancient town surrounded by mountains and waterways, perfect for a slower pace.
- Longqing Gorge (龙庆峡, 1 day): Appreciate its steep cliffs and clear waters, often called the "Little Guilin" of Beijing.
- Universal Studios Beijing (北京环球影城, 1 day): A world-class entertainment destination, ideal for families and movie enthusiasts.
Furong Ancient Town- From Zhangjiajie
- Furong Ancient Town (芙蓉镇, 1 day): Admire the view of Furong Waterfall cascading down between the antique buildings.
- Fenghuang Ancient Town / Phoenix Ancient Town (凤凰古镇, 1 day): Take a boat tour on the Tuojiang River to enjoy this ancient city that inspired Chinese literature.
- Changsha (长沙市, 1 day): Have a taste of local spicy food and famed milk tea.
3. Best Times to Visit Beijing and Zhangjiajie
The best time to visit Beijing and Zhangjiajie is from September to October for clear skies and comfortable weather.
In Beijing, the Great Wall is particularly beautiful in autumn, with its red-leaf backdrop, offering a great hiking experience. Zhangjiajie has clearer skies during this period, with cool weather to embark on cozy hiking in the parks.
- November–March (Low Season): With the fewest tourists and lowest prices, perfect for budget travelers and snow lovers.
- June–August & Chinese Holidays (Peak Season): Extremely crowded with high-rising prices, consider avoiding as much as possible.
For more detailed information, see Best Times to Visit Zhangjiajie or Best Times to Visit Beijing.
4. How Much Does It Cost for a Visit to Beijing and Zhangjiajie?
Travel costs in Beijing are a little more expensive than in Zhangjiajie.
The most obvious difference is reflected in the price of hotels, while prices of food, attraction tickets, cultural experiences, etc., are not much different.
- A decent 4-star hotel in Beijing costs about 120 USD per night in July but only about 95 USD per night in Zhangjiajie (it may cost a lot more during the Chinese public holidays).
- Costs of entrance tickets for attractions range from 5 to 50 USD – for example, tickets for the Forbidden City are about 8 USD per person – and about 32 USD per person for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
- Experiences like cooking or drawing classes cost about 30 to 70 USD per person.
- Direct flights between Beijing and Zhangjiajie typically cost between 120 and 200 USD for an economy-class ticket.
Typically, a private tour of Beijing and Zhangjiajie would cost 250 USD per person per day. These prices include English-speaking guided touring, stays in 4-star hotels, entrance tickets to attractions, domestic airfares, and private transfers, guaranteeing you a hassle-free travel experience.
Children under 10 years old could enjoy discounts ranging from 30% to 50%. Contact us as soon as possible to book your tour in advance and benefit from an early bird discount.
Travel With China Highlights to Explore Beijing and Zhangjiajie
Planning a seamless trip from Beijing to Zhangjiajie involves coordinating flights, trains, hotels, and scenic area tickets, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with China's booking systems and language barriers.
The best way to visit Beijing and Zhangjiajie is to take a private tour to make sure you have a smooth experience. Our experienced guides know how to make the most of your time and will create a flexible tour based on your interests and requirements.
Contact us now to craft your personalized, hassle-free journey from Beijing to Zhangjiajie. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on experiencing China's most spectacular landscapes.
You may want to inquire about one of our customizable tour designs as a starting point:
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