How to Travel from Changsha to Zhangjiajie

Changsha–Zhangjiajie transport options

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 cheapest option and taking the train in China is an experience in itself and is a great way to enjoy the Chinese countryside views as well as make friends!

If you prefer taking the bus, we also have listed the options for those below. Flying is an expensive hassle for the short distance.

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How to get to Zhangjiajie from Changsha by train

Changsha Railway Station

The train from Changsha to Zhangjiajie takes approximately 4-6 hours, and takes you from Changsha Railway Station to Zhangjiajie Railway Station or the newly-built Zhangjiajie West Railway Station. There are multiple trains a day, throughout the morning, afternoon and evening.

You can use the China Highlights train ticket service to instantly check ticket prices per seat category and times depending on the day you want to go, or to find out the latest availability. Tickets for these journeys by train range from approximately 8 USD to 37 USD.

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How to get to Zhangjiajie from Changsha by bus

Hunan Provincial Museum in Changsha

The 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

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How to get to Zhangjiajie from Changsha by air

Tianmen Mountain cable car

There are also flights between Zhangjiajie and Changsha. Flights will take just over an hour, and there are numerous flights a day (more than one an hour between 7am and 7pm). Flights are serviced by China Express, China Southern Airlines, Shandong Airlines, and Joy Air.

Because you'll have to get to the airport with lots of time to spare and wait, we don't recommend taking this short flight: it will take just as long as the train or bus! A one-way ticket starts around 50 USD but this price can double or triple in the lead up to peak holiday times.

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Zhangjiajie Travel Tips

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The 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.

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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.
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