Zhangjiajie National Park

Thanks to the Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, which is just six-and-a-half kilometers from the city center, getting to Zhangjiajie is simple. You can take a taxi to the heart of the city in 12 minutes, or take Bus Route 4 to Chu Jia Tai station. You can also take Airport Shuttle Line 1, which takes you right downtown.

Zhangjiajie also has two railway stations: Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, 8.7 kilometers from the downtown center and reached by Bus Route 6 or 17, and the Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, 4 kilometers from the city center and eight minutes by taxi. Most people will arrive at the Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, and when researching how to get to Zhangjiajie from other destinations in China, this will likely be one of your top options.

A bullet train cabin

You'll find trains to both stations from cities like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, and you can take the regular or high-speed train into the city. The Zhangjiajie West Railway Station accommodates fast and regular trains, making it a popular option, and a smart way to span the distance between further-away destinations, like Shanghai or Beijing.

The Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport is one of the easiest ways to get into the city. It's very close to downtown and other attractions, like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. You'll find a mixture of international and domestic flights, and it's an excellent option for people who want to see several cities or regions of China, but are short on time.

Map of transferring from major cities to Zhangjiajie

Shanghai is 1,120 kilometers from Zhangjiajie, and the best way to get between the two cities is either by flying from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, or taking the high-speed train. Flights take two and a half hours, and the high-speed train, operated from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, takes nine hours. If you have the time, and want to see the Chinese countryside, you can also take the regular train, which takes 19 hours.

The distance between Beijing and Zhangjiajie is 1,567 kilometers, making high-speed train or air travel the most efficient way to get between the two destinations. Direct flights depart from Beijing Capital International Airport, and take just over two-and-a-half hours to arrive, and the high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Zhangjiajie takes eleven hours. Only one train operates daily, so book early during the high season. Regular trains take between eighteen and twenty-four hours.

Flying is the best, and quickest way to get between Chengdu and Zhangjiajie, although you can take the train from Chengdu to Huaihua, and transfer to another train that will take you the rest of the way to Zhangjiajie. This journey will take you between 7 to 8 hours. These two cities are 877 apart, and you'll find regular flights from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport that will get you to Zhangjiajie in 1 to 1.5 hours.

Changsha and Zhangjiajie are 321 kilometers apart, and you can get between the two on a high-speed train. The journey takes between two and three and a half hours. If you don't mind a slower pace, you can take a regular train, or a coach bus, which will take you between 4.5 to 5 hours to arrive.

Hong Kong and Zhangjiajie are 845 kilometers away, and the quickest way to get between these cities is on a 2-hour flight from Hong Kong to Zhangjiajie. Taking the train from Hong Kong to Zhangjiajie is the most economical way to travel, and you will pass Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Fenghuang Ancient City on the way.

Hallelujah mountains in good weather

While there is no subway system in Zhangjiajie, plenty of other public transportation options make getting around this city a breeze. You'll find plenty of buses, taxis, and shared bikes, which are perfect for exploring.

Zhangjiajie has four primary bus stations:

• Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, which is about a five-minute walk from the Zhangjiajie Railway Station
• Senlin Gongyuan Bus Station in Wulingyuan District, near the South Entrance of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area
• Zhangjiajie High-Speed Railway Bus Station next to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
• Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Bus Station near the East Gate of Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

These buses go virtually everywhere in the city, run every half an hour between 6 am and 8:30 pm, and cost just 1 RMB per ride. If you stay in the city for a while, you can purchase a local bus card and save fifteen percent on your fare. There are five primary routes in Zhangjiajie, and you can pay through WeChat Pay or cash. During rush hour, the busy season, or public holidays, buses can get pretty crowded, so make sure to have a backup plan or leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

Taxis are ride-hailing services, like DiDi, are another convenient way to get around Zhangjiajie, and we advise that you download DiDi on your phone before your trip, as it's a great way to get around many of the major cities. Traditional taxi fares start at 6 RMB; you can negotiate your fare with the driver when you get in.

Shared bikes are an excellent way to get around the city, see the sights, and get a little fitness in at the same time. Plus, you won't have to wait in traffic during rush hour. Bikes start at 4 RMB and you can pay on the app, or through WeChat.

With so many different ways of getting around Zhangjiajie, the journey is half the fun. We can help you plan your routes and create a customized itinerary ahead of time so you can focus fully on enjoying this beautiful city.