Travel from Singapore to Zhangjiajie: Flights, Trains & Tips

For Singaporean travelers, with visa-free entry for up to 30 days and a newly launched direct flight route, planning your journey to Zhangjiajie has never been easier.

Here's the quick answer: You have three main options to reach Zhangjiajie from Singapore.

The fastest is the new direct flight (4 hours 45 minutes, but only 3 flights per week). For the best flexibility, fly to Changsha and take a high-speed train (7-9 hours total, with daily train options). 

Alternatively, route through major hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Beijing to combine Zhangjiajie with other iconic Chinese cities to view more of China (8-13 hours depending on the city).

Content Preview

• 1. Transportation Options Breakdown
• - Option 1: Via Changsha
• - Option 2: Via Major Hubs
• - Option 3: Direct Flight


• 2. How Long to Spend
• 3. Best Time to Visit
• 4. How to Get Around

How Should I Travel to Zhangjiajie from Singapore?

Option 1: Via Changsha - Best flexibility with Good Value (Recommended)

• Route: Flight: Singapore Changi (SIN) → Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) + Train: Changsha Railway Station → Zhangjiajie West
• Duration: 7-9 hours total (4-5 hour flight + transfer + 2-3 hour train)
• Price Range: CNY 1300-1600 (includes flight with 20kg baggage, taxi, and train)
• Best For: Families with children, first-time visitors to China, and anyone who values flexibility in departure times.

For most travelers, routing through Changsha offers the most flexibility, since you can easily hop on a high-speed train after landing in Changsha with more choices.

It should be noted that direct flights from Singapore to Changsha are on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

If your flight lands after 7:00 PM, we suggest spending the night in Changsha. Taking a fresh morning train to Zhangjiajie ensures you arrive energized for your first day of exploration.

Normally, we suggest allocating at least 2 hours for transfers. During rush hours, we recommend taking the metro from the airport to the railway station to avoid potential traffic jams. A taxi could be more reliable at other times.

High-speed train tickets in China are released 15 days in advance and can sell out quickly, so it is essential to book promptly through China Railway's official platforms.

7-Day Hunan Discovery Tour Changsha-Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang Ancient Town

Option 2: Via Major Cities - To View More of China

• Best For: Travelers with 7+ days who want to maximize their China experience by visiting multiple iconic Chinese destinations.

For most travelers on this route, a connecting flight from Singapore to Zhangjiajie is preferable. It is faster, provides a more seamless experience as your luggage is checked through to the final destination, and minimizes the hassle of ground transfers.

However, if you wish to explore a major city like Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Beijing en route, you can purposefully book separate flight and train segments. This allows for a stay of one or more nights in the hub city, turning your transit into part of the adventure.

• Guangzhou: Ideal for exploring Southern China. The climate and food are familiar to Singaporean travelers. For a same-day connection to Zhangjiajie, you must arrive by 2:00 PM for the train or by 8:00 AM for a connecting flight.
• Shanghai vs. Beijing: Both are top choices for first-timers, but only Shanghai offers a same-day connecting flight. If you choose to take the train for the second leg, the travel times and costs to Zhangjiajie are similar for both cities. The choice comes down to your interest in Shanghai's modern urban charm or Beijing's profound historical atmosphere.

14-Day Beijing – Xi'an – Zhangjiajie - Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai Private Tour China Natural Wonders Discovery

Option 3: Direct Flight (Loong Air) - Fastest but Limited Schedule

• Route: Singapore Changi (SIN) → Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG)
• Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes (Tue, Thu, Sat)
• Price Range: CNY 1200-1800 (includes 23kg checked baggage in economy class)
• Best For: Time-sensitive travelers whose schedules can align with the Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday departures.

As of publication, Loong Air only operates this route 3 times per week. While additional flights may be added during the April-October peak season, the schedule is not daily. We strongly recommend booking at least two months in advance to secure your seat and the best fare.

Due to the route's newness and limited frequency, it's wise to prioritize flexible or refundable tickets and have a backup plan. 

Consider Option 1 (via Changsha), which adds only 2-4 hours to your total travel time but provides daily flight and train options, making it a much more dependable choice.

How Long to Spend in Zhangjiajie for a First Visit?

Furong Water Town at Night

For a first visit, we typically recommend a stay of 3 to 5 full days (not including your arrival and departure days). This allows you to experience the iconic highlights at a comfortable pace.

A Core 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Immerse yourself in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, exploring its core areas like Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountains) and Tianzi Mountain.
• Day 2: Experience the thrill of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and its Glass Bridge, and take a serene cruise on the Baofeng Lake.
• Day 3: Ascend Tianmen Mountain via its famous cable car, and climb the 999 steps to Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate).

You can extend your trip to 5 days or more, which provides more flexibility and depth to explore the surrounding areas, such as Furong Water Town (1 day) and Fenghuang Ancient Town (Phoenix Town, 1 day). See more details in 8-Day Zhangjiajie, Furong, Fenghuang, and Shanghai Tour

→ More Zhangjiajie Tours

Best Times to Visit Zhangjiajie

The best times to visit Zhangjiajie are from March to April, September, or mid-October to mid-November, when the weather is mild, with stunning scenery, and fewer crowds.

If possible, we generally advise reconsidering visiting during major Chinese holidays(Spring Festival, Labor Day, and National Day), as well as the peak Summer Vacation (July-August). 

These periods see a large number of domestic travelers, resulting in overwhelming crowds, higher prices, long queues, and congested transportation, which could greatly impact your experience.

Read on for more information: Best Times to Visit Zhangjiajie

How to Get Around Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie's iconic attractions are stunning but remote, spread across a vast and mountainous region. Navigating between them efficiently is key to maximizing your time.

For independent travelers, Zhangjiajie lacks a metro system. 

Taking a taxi is the best option for direct point-to-point travel. A one-way trip from the Zhangjiajie airport or railway station to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area takes about one hour and costs approximately CNY 80-150 (≈12-22 USD).

Public buses or coaches are the most budget-friendly option, but they require patience, as they often involve multiple transfers and can consume several hours of your day.

For a seamless and time-saving experience, we arrange private transfers with experienced local drivers. This service eliminates the stress of navigation and logistics. Our drivers know the best routes and shortcuts, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery during transit and not waste time waiting for connections.

12-Day Best Yunnan and Zhangjiajie Tour Wanderlust in the Nature Wonderlands

Explore Zhangjiajie With China Highlights

For first-timers to Zhangjiajie, it could be stressful to plan a trip in Zhangjiajie, especially when it is more than 5 days. 

And this is why trip advisors are needed. 

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 to explore some hidden gems that are ignored by most, or take you on a typical one-day tour of the glass bridge and Baofeng Lake.

Contact us now to make your Zhangjiajie tour happen.