Changsha is the closest big city to Zhangjiajie and the capital of Hunan Province. Visiting the two cities is a great way to explore Hunan.
How do you get to Zhangjiajie from Changsha? It is really easy with just 320 kilometers (or 200 miles) between them and plenty of transportation options.
We recommend traveling by train as it is the most efficient option. Taking the train in China is an experience in itself and offers a great way to enjoy the scenic Chinese countryside views and make new friends. There are no direct flights from Changsha to Zhangjiajie.
If you prefer taking the bus, we also have listed the options for those below. Flying is an expensive hassle for the short distance.
How to get to Zhangjiajie from Changsha by train
Changsha–Zhangjiajie transport optionsThe bullet train is available from Changsha to Zhangjiajie, taking approximately 2-3 hours. It departs from either Changsha Railway Station or Changsha South Railway Station and arrives at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station.
Multiple trains operate throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening.
You can use the China Highlights train ticket service to instantly check ticket prices per seat category and available times for the day you plan to travel. Tickets for these train journeys cost approximately from 30 USD.
Recommended Tours:
How to get to Zhangjiajie from Changsha by bus
Hunan Provincial Museum in ChangshaThe cheapest buses to Zhangjiajie from Changsha leave from both Changsha East Bus Station and Changsha West Bus Station.
You can get a bus from Changsha East Bus Station at 7am, 7.50am, 9.20am, 10.50am, 11.50am, 12.50pm, 3.30pm, and 4.30pm daily, and take 5 hours. Buses from Changsha West Bus Station leave at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5.30pm, and 7pm daily and take 4 hours to get you to Zhangjiajie.
Tickets for these will set you back 119 RMB.
Buses also depart from Changsha Lituo at 10.50am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.10pm, 3.20pm, 4.40pm, and 6.10pm daily. Tickets for these cost 135 RMB and the journey takes 5 hours.
From Changsha Changzhutan you can also get the bus at 120 RMB for the 4.5 hour ride, at 7.30am, 8.30am, 10am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.40pm, 2.50pm, 4pm, 5.30pm, and 7pm daily.
Here are the Chinese names you'll need to get to the bus stations mentioned:
- Changsha East Bus Station - 长沙汽车东
- Changsha West Bus Station - 长沙汽车西
- Changsha Lituo - 黎托高速汽车站
- Changsha Changzhutan - 长沙长株潭
Recommended Tours:
Zhangjiajie Travel Tips
Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkThe best time to go to Zhangjiajie is when there are no public holidays in China, as it gets really busy, and when Zhangjiajie's weather is best.
Chinese public holidays and school summer holidays (July and August) will lead to more expensive accommodation and flights (and sold out flights)
We recommend you get to the airport at least 2½ hours before departure, and 3 during peak times. There can be really long check-in and security lines during holidays and weekends.
We recommend getting to the train station at least 1 hour being departure, 1½ hours during peak times or to be safe, 2 hours if you still need to collect your ticket.
Recommended Day-Trips:
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake Tour
Touring Zhangjiajie and Changsha with Us
Zhangjiajie is really a once-in-a-lifetime destination. We've got plenty of Zhangjiajie tours depending on how much time you have and how active you want to be.
Our tours can be tailored to your needs. Please contact us here if you've got any special requests or requirements, or need help navigating your journey from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie.
- Hunan Discovery Tour: It includes the highlights of Changsha, amazing Zhangjiajie, and the Fenghuang Ancient Town.
- Minority Discovery in Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang and Guizhou
- 4-Day Essence of Zhangjiajie Tour