How to Get from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie 2024

Zhangjiajie, known for its "Avatar Mountains," is a breathtaking place that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime to truly appreciate its mystical world shrouded in mist and fog. Meanwhile, nearby Chengdu in Sichuan Province is famous for its adorable giant pandas and offers an ideal leisurely lifestyle steeped in rich ancient culture and history. Many visitors to China choose to combine trips to both Zhangjiajie and Chengdu, two of the country’s most captivating tourist destinations. In this guide, China Discovery will explain how to travel from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie by flights or trains, with direct flights to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport being our top recommendation. Please see the following options for more details.

Transportation Map of Chengdu to Zhangjiajie (Click to Enlarge)

1. Chengdu to Zhangjiajie Flights (Most Recommended & Convenient)

Generally, there is at least one direct flight daily from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie, operated by Air China and Sichuan Airlines. These flights typically depart in the morning or around noon, with a total travel time of approximately 1 hour.

Please note that Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is quite large, and the check-in process may take longer than at other airports in China. It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before departure to ensure a smooth and timely boarding process. Additionally, flight routes and schedules are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the current status of flights from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie.

7 Days Chengdu Zhangjiajie Wonders Tour

Itinerary: Chengdu / Leshan Giant Buddha / Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Leshan Giant Buddha, Chengdu Panda Base, People's Park, Wenshu Temple, Jinli Old Street, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain, etc.

Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport Services & Transportation

Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (IATA: DYG) is situated in the Yongding District of Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. Serving as the sole international airport in the Wulingshan area, it plays a crucial role in advancing the tourism industry of Hunan Province.

On April 23, 2024, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport inaugurated its Foreign Guest Payment Service Center, located within the international arrival hall. This center offers a diverse range of payment services tailored to international travelers, concerning cash payment, card payment and QR code payments. It also facilitates exchanges for six major foreign currencies, including USD, KRW, JPY, GBP, EUR, and HKD. The center boasts a professional team to provide travelers with immediate guidance and assistance. In the future, the airport aims to deepen its partnership with financial institutions, striving to develop an international tourism airport that complements top-tier global destinations.

Payment Service Center at Zhangjiajie Airport

In terms of transportation, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport provides convenient and efficient services such as airport buses, regular buses, and taxis. The airport bus departs within 40 minutes after each flight lands and is free for passengers with a valid boarding pass or ticket for that flight. Stops include the Post Office Building and Zhangjiajie International Hotel. At the airport exit, Traffic Information Boards display bus routes to downtown and price references for taxis to various major attractions, making it easy for travelers to find transportation options.

⋙ More Details: Zhangjiajie Airport to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

2. Chengdu to Zhangjiajie Train - Currently Suspended

Train routes and schedules are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest Chengdu to Zhangjiajie train schedules and ticket prices.

8 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour with Panda Visit

Itinerary: Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu / Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain, etc.

From Zhangjiajiexi Railway Station to Downtown and Major Attractions

▶ To Wulingyuan District (National Forest Park & Grand Canyon): Zhangjiajiexi Railway Station is approximately 50km from Wulingyuan scenic area. Coming out of the station, you'll find the intercity bus terminal on your right. From there, you can take a coach to Zhangjiajie National Forest Parkk and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (大峡谷). Note that coaches to Wulingyuan stop operating early evening. For late-night arrivals needing accommodation near the National Forest Park, taxis are available from the B1 parking lot at Zhangjiajiexi Railway Station.

▶ To Zhangjiajie Downtown (Tianmen Mountain): Zhangjiajiexi Railway Station is approximately 10km from downtown. After exiting the station, simply turn left and walk to the bus stop. You can take bus 4 or 17 to Wuling Delicious Restaurant Stop (武陵山珍馆), which is conveniently located near the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Station.

▶ To Furong & Fenghuang Ancient Towns: Zhangjiajiexi Railway Station operates multiple high-speed trains daily to Furong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town, offering fast and comfortable travel options for travelers to choose from. The journey to Furongzhen Station takes about 25 minutes, while to Fenghuanggucheng Station it takes approximately 1 hour.

⋙ More Details: Zhangjiajie Railway Station to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
⋙ More Details: How to Get Around Zhangjiajie

3. Chengdu to Zhangjiajie via Changsha (Flights + Trains)

As two provincial capital cities, Chengdu and Changsha are seamlessly connected by both flights and high speed trains. Whether you prefer a nonstop flight or a bullet train, traveling from Chengdu to Changsha is convenient. From Changsha, reaching Zhangjiajie is also hassle-free with high-speed train options.

Chengdu to Changsha Flights:

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport operate multiple daily direct flights to Changsha from early morning until late at night, with a travel time of around 2 hours. If you don't plan to stay in Changsha, consider taking an early flight from Chengdu to allow more time for your onward journey from Changsha to Zhangjiajie.

Changsha Huanghua Airport to Train Station:

Upon arrival, you have several transportation options. Changsha Huanghua International Airport provides shuttle buses to both Changsha Railway Station (长沙站) and Changshanan/Changsha South Railway Station (长沙南站). Alternatively, you can take the metro to easily reach Changsha Railway Station or catch a maglev train to the South Railway Station. Both stations offer high-speed trains to Zhangjiajie.

Changsha to Zhangjiajie Trains:

Dozens of high-speed trains run daily between Changsha and Zhangjiajiexi/Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (张家界西站). The journey takes about 2 to 3.5 hours, with second-class seat prices ranging from approximately ¥150 to ¥300.

⋙ More Details: Changsha to Zhangjiajie Train Schedules & Ticket Prices

5 Days Amazing Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour

Itinerary: Zhangjiajie / Fenghuang / Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianmen Mountain, Fenghuang Ancient Town

4. Chengdu to Zhangjiajie via Huaihua (Bullet Train + Bullet Train)

You can also travel from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie by transferring at Huaihua, which is well-connected to both Chengdu and Zhangjiajie by high-speed trains.

Chengdu to Huaihua Bullet Trains:

Multiple high-speed trains run daily from Chengdudong/Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站) to Huaihuanan/Huaihua South Railway Station (怀化南站). The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, with second-class seats costing approximately ¥450.

⋙ More Details: Chengdu to Huaihua Train Schedules & Ticket Prices

Huaihua to Zhangjiajie Bullet Trains:

More than 10 high-speed trains run daily from Huaihuanan/Huaihua South Railway Station (怀化南站) to Zhangjiajie. You won’t need to worry about changing stations since you'll arrive at the same station from Chengdu. The journey from Huaihua to Zhangjiajie takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with second-class seats costing around ¥120.

⋙ More Details: Huaihua to Zhangjiajie Train Schedules & Ticket Prices

11 Days Natural Marvels Tour including Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie & Guilin

Itinerary: Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu / Zhangjiajie / Guilin
Highlights: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Chengdu Panda Base, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain, Reed Flute Cave, Longji Ping'an Rice Terraces, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Town, etc.

How to Plan a Chengdu–Zhangjiajie Tour

Chengdu and Zhangjiajie are both popular travel destinations in China, offering the chance to encounter adorable pandas, experience breathtaking scenery, and immerse yourself in ancient culture and history. Both cities are also known for their relaxed, leisurely lifestyles, perfect for unwinding and calming the mind.

How to Plan a Chengdu Tour

Chengdu is a city rich in culture and history, offering a variety of attractions that will captivate any visitor. One of the must-visit spots is the Chengdu Panda Base, where you can see adorable giant pandas up close and learn about their conservation efforts. For a taste of local culture, head to Jinli Pedestrian Street, a bustling area filled with traditional architecture, local crafts, and delicious Sichuan snacks. Another highlight is the Wuhou Memorial Temple, which provides a fascinating glimpse into China's Three Kingdoms period. Nearby, you can visit the tranquil Renmin Park (People's Park), where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, sip tea at a traditional teahouse, and even join locals in a game of mahjong. Don't miss the vibrant Chunxi Road shopping district, where you can shop, dine, and experience the city's dynamic urban culture. Check out the Top 10 tourist attractions in Chengdu rated on TripAdvisor for more travel ideas!

☛ 1 Day Chengdu Panda Tour
☛ 2 Days Chengdu City Break

Adorable Giant Panda in Chengdu

How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour

Zhangjiajie, a destination renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, is best explored over a span of 3~4 days. In Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, visitors can immerse themselves in the ethereal beauty of the “Avatar Mountains,” and marvel at the stunning vistas of Tianzi Mountain, Huangshi Village, and Golden Whip Stream, where a picturesque stream winds through lush greenery. The adventure continues with a visit to Tianmen Mountain, offering panoramic views, and the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, home to the world’s largest and highest glass bridge. These natural wonders, with their seas of clouds, mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, and atmospheric mists and fogs, create a paradise-like experience.

To further enrich the journey, many travelers extend their trip to include the nearby Furong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town. These old towns offer a glimpse into the unique culture of the western Hunan ethnic minority, with their characteristic antique wooden stilt houses and serene river views, adding a cultural dimension to the natural splendor of Zhangjiajie.

☛ 5 Days Zhangjiajie Ultimate Tour with Glass Bridge & Tianmen Mountain
☛ 4 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour with Fantastic Hiking Experience
☛ 5 Days Fantastic Zhangjiajie Tour with Side trip to Furong Ancient Town

Hallelujah Mountain at Yuanjiajie Fenghuang Ancient Town

Travel Zhangjiajie with China Discovery

To help you enjoy a worry-free trip to Zhangjiajie and the whole China, we suggest you travel with China Discovery. Our experienced travel expert will help you arrange the transportation and everything well to let you spend all your effort and time on the sightseeing. If you have any other ideas or questions about your Zhangjiajie tour, please feel free to contact us. We are specialized in tailor-made tours that fit you best according to your own interests, requirement, traveling time, etc.