When planning your trip to Zhangjiajie, you may wonder about which is the best way to get there.
Here's the quick answer:
- For speed from distant major hubs: Direct flights from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Xi'an are the fastest option.
- For value and scenic journeys: High-speed trains are the smart, reliable choice, especially from regional hubs like Changsha (about 2 hours away).
Read on for detailed routes from major cities and practical tips to make your journey smooth.
How to Get to Zhangjiajie from Major Cities
| Departure City | By Air (Direct Flight) | By High-Speed Train | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 2.5 hours; CNY 550–1600 | 11–12 hours; CNY 1452 (first-class) | Direct flight |
| Shanghai | 2.5 hours; CNY 430–1400 | 7–9 hours; CNY 1260–1311 (first-class) | Direct flight |
| Xi'an | 1.5 hours; CNY 490–1300 | 9–10 hours; CNY 1094 (first-class) | Direct flight |
| Guangzhou | 2 hours; CNY 510–1300 | 6–7 hours; CNY 885–1084 (first-class) | Direct flight |
| Chengdu | 1.5 hours; CNY 590–1200 | 4–5.5 hours; CNY 639–668 (first-class) | Flight for speed, train for budget |
| Changsha | No direct flight | 2–3 hours; CNY 135–301 (second-class) | High-Speed Train |
| Hong Kong | 2 hours; CNY 1300–2200 | 6.5 hours; CNY 1229 (first-class) | Flight for speed, train for budget |
| Guilin | No direct flight | 7 hours; CNY 550 (first-class) | High-Speed Train |
| Guiyang | 1 h; CNY 310–1000 | No direct train | Direct flight |
If you are traveling from distant cities (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.) or during the peak season that lacks direct flights to Zhangjiajie, consider transferring in Changsha first.
With 50+ trains connecting to Zhangjiajie in around 2-3 hours, Changsha could be your best choice, saving both time and budget as a convenient connection point.
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.
Insider Tips
- High-speed rail tickets: During peak seasons (Spring Festival, summer vacation), be sure to check in advance when tickets will be released and make a reservation (15 days before the departure date) to secure your seat.
- Flight prices: Vary significantly by season (usually highest during holidays and the summer months of July and August, lowest from December to March). Booking 1-2 months ahead may save 30%-50% compared to last-minute purchases.
How to Get Around Zhangjiajie
From Airport/Railway Station to Attractions
| Starting Point | Destination | Transportation | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) | Wulingyuan Scenic Area | By taxi: 50–70 min; CNY 100–200 | By taxi or transfer in the downtown city by coach |
| Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (High-speed) | Wulingyuan Scenic Area |
|
Taxi for speed, coach for budget |
| Any Railway Station/Airport | Tianmen Mountain Ticket Office (south gate in the downtown city) |
|
By taxi |
Zhangjiajie has no subway, which limits your public transportation options to buses and coaches.
Normally, buses operate from 05:40 to 20:40, and coaches from 6:00 to 17:20. Beyond this time, a taxi will be your only option.
For a smooth and hassle-free journey, we sincerely suggest you consider private transfers, saving both time and money with a well-planned itinerary and a professional local guide.
Extending to Nearby Regions
Fenghuang Ancient TownFurong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town (Phoenix Ancient Town) are popular choices to extend your Zhangjiajie trip.
Compared to buses and taxis, which often take several hours and cost hundreds of yuan, the high-speed train is the best choice, both in terms of time (less than an hour one way) and ticket price (less than 100 yuan per person).
- Zhangjiajie West to Furong Ancient Town: 23 min; CNY 36 (second-class)
- Zhangjiajie West to Fenghuang Ancient Town: Around 1 h; CNY 75–93 (second-class)
We also offer private tours that include transportation, tickets, guides, hotels, and meals.
- 7-Day Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour
- 8-Day Zhangjiajie, Furong, Fenghuang, and Shanghai Tour
Travel to Zhangjiajie with China Highlights
Want to enjoy a hassle-free Zhangjiajie tour? Using our comprehensive experience, we will find the best Zhangjiajie transportation solutions and other arrangements for you. Contact us to start tailoring your tour.
Here are our most popular Zhangjiajie tour ideas for your reference:
(10,000+ reviews)