Chongqing and Zhangjiajie are just 580 kilometers (360 miles) apart and are easy to get in between.
Transport from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing comes in many forms and shapes, whether you want to fly or go overland. You could also take a Yangtze cruise to Yichang to get even closer to Zhangjiajie before taking a train. See How to Travel from Wuhan/Yichang to Zhangjiajie.
We would recommend flying as there is no direct train in between. However, 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!
How to get to Zhangjiajie from Chongqing by train
The train from Chongqing to Zhangjiajie takes approximately 8-10 hours door to door, as you have to switch in either Huaihua or Changsha.
The Yangtze River between Chongqing and Yichang.
Via Huaihua: You can depart from Chongqing West Station to Huaihua South Railway Station (approximately 5 hours), and then from Huaihua South Railway Station to Zhangjiajie West (around 2 hours).
Via Changsha: You can depart from Chongqing West Station to Changsha South Railway Station (approximately 6 hours), and then from Changsha South Railway Station to Zhangjiajie West (around 3 hours).
Check our 7-Day Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour
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.
How to get to Zhangjiajie from Chongqing by air
There are daily flights between Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport and Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, most departing in the morning time around 7:30am. One way flights cost approximately 100 USD, but can triple at peak times.
Zhangjiajie Travel Tips
Tianmen Mountain cable carThe best time to go to Zhangjiajie is when there are no public holidays in China, as it gets really busy, and when the weather is best.
Between September and early November, the weather is comfortable. You can also go between April and June if you don't mind humidity and the occasional rain.
Chinese public holidays will lead to more expensive accommodation and flights (and sold out flights), these times are:
- China's summer holiday season (July and August)
- Labor Day (May 1–3)
- National Day (October 1–7)
- Spring Festival (late January or early to mid February)
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 before departure, 1½ hours during peak times or to be safe, 2 hours if you still need to collect your ticket.
Touring Zhangjiajie and Chongqing
Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkZhangjiajie 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. We can take you around for four full days to explore everything these gorgeous mountains have to offer, or take you on a one-day tour of the glass bridge and Baofeng lake.
While in Chongqing, we can show you around one of China's largest cities, or take you on a Yangtze Cruise. Check out our Chongqing Tours to see what China Highlights has to offer.
And of course, 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 Chongqing to Zhangjiajie.
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