Guilin and Zhangjiajie are two of the most beautiful places in China, both featuring natural beauty. For those who love nature, it is a good idea to combine the two If you have 5 to 7 days to spend in China. They are both in South China, around 600 km (400 miles) apart.
The best way to travel from Guilin to Zhangjiajie is to take a flight for both comfort and time-saving. There is no direct train and transfers are complicated.
Traveling from Guilin to Zhangjiajie by Air
GuilinTraveling directly by air from Guilin to Zhangjiajie is definitely the most convenient way, but in 2019, there is only one flight available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
The direct China Southern flights from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) depart at 13:45 from the T2 building and arrive at Zhangjiajie's Airport at around 15:00. Guilin's airport is about 1 hour's drive from the city center.
Flying with a transfer in another China city is another option, but in general, it is more expensive and time-consuming than traveling by bullet train and car.
It is not easy to figure out the best transportation, so it is a good thing that our travel advisors can help you. They deal with 1,000+ bookings connecting Zhangjiajie and Guilin a year. They will know the best options according to your travel schedule and your budget.
Traveling from Guilin to Zhangjiajie by Train
ZhangjiajieCompared to a direct flight, travel by train is time-consuming with cross-city transfer hassles. There is very limited English spoken at train stations or in the trains.
However, if there are no flights available on your travel date (Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays), you may consider taking a train. There are no direct trains at present, so it's best to first take a bullet train, then complete the journey by car, flight, or overnight train.
Option 1: Bullet Train and Car
First, take a 3-hour bullet train from Guilin to Changsha. More than 10 departures are available each day. Then go by road from Changsha to Zhangjiajie using private transport (which we can arrange) or a taxi (ensure you have your Zhangjiajie hotel address in Chinese for the driver). This is usually quicker, more flexible, and more convenient than using a connecting flight from Changsha. For example:
- Take train G2340 from Guilin Railway Station at 08:43 and arrive at Changsha South Railway Station at 11:53
- Travel by car to your hotel in Zhangjiajie. The journey takes about 4½ hours. If you travel with us, we will pick you up at Changsha South Railway Station, and then transfer you to Zhangjiajie with a private car.
Option 2: Bullet Train and Flight
First take a bullet train to Changsha as above. It is a 30-minute taxi ride between Changsha South Station (长沙南站) and Changsha Huanghua International Airport (长沙黄花国际机场).
Six flights from Changsha to Zhangjiajie are available every day but flight schedules change frequently. Check online or ask our travel advisor before making your booking. Currently [2019] the best two are: JR1625 (Joy Air 14:25 CSX – 15:35 DYG) and JR1553 (17:25 CSX – 18:35 DYG).
Option 3: Bullet Train and Overnight Train
If you don't mind the hassle of transferring your baggage from station to station by taxi, and more than 10 hours including sleeping on a train, you can consider this option. Using this option, it is possible to finish your Guilin journey in the evening and start your Zhangjiajie visit the next morning.
First take a bullet train from Guilin to Liuzhou, then transfer to an overnight train from Liuzhou to Zhangjiajie.
We suggest this:
1. Train D1785 from Guilin Railway Station departs at 18:36 and arrives at Liuzhou Railway Station at 20:09.
2. Transfer from Liuzhou Train Station to Liujiang Train Station (about 30 minutes by car; show this to the driver: 请送我到柳江火车站，谢谢。).
3. Take train K748 at Liujiang Railway Station, which departs at 21:03 and arrives in Zhangjiajie at 08:11. (Make sure you have your Liujiang ticket in hand as the transfer will be tight.)
Let's Hep you Planning Your Zhangjiajie and Guilin Tour
See the best of Zhangjiajie with us.We can take all the hassle of researching, comparing, and booking away, and turn your ideas into a unique tour itinerary. Just tell us your ideas and we can create a trip for you.
We recommend our customizable China Natural Wonders Discovery: 14 days touring Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin, and Zhangjiajie. We can change the days and destinations, or any arrangements for you according to your requirements.
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