Best Way to Travel from Changsha to Zhangjiajie
The distance from Changsha to Zhangjiajie is 321 kilometers (or 200 miles), with very convenient inter-city transportation. A high-speed train is the most recommended way to get to Zhangjiajie from Changsha. The other two ways, flight and bus, can be your second choice.
The Best Way to Travel from Changsha to Zhangjiajie
A high-speed train is the best way to travel from Changsha to Zhangjiajie. It is extremely punctual- no worry about cancellations or delays; it is fast- travels at a speed of over 200kph (120 mph); it is reasonably priced- absolutely cheaper than a flight.
Here is a summary of major differences among high-speed train, flight, and bus traveling from Changsha to Zhangjiajie:
| Traveling from Changsha to Zhangjiajie | |||
| By High-Speed Train | By Air | By Bus | |
| Price | 138 CNY | Average 750 CNY | 119 CNY |
| Travel Time | About 3 hours | 70 minutes | 4-5 hours |
| Frequency Daily | 22 departures from 6:30 to 20:55 | 2-4 flights | Every 30 to 60 minutes from 7am to 7pm |
| Punctuality | Usually on time | Can be influenced by traffic | Can be influenced by weather |
| Space | Larger | Very limited leg space | Very limited leg space |
| Ticket Booking | Can be booked a ticket 30 days early | Can be booked a ticket in months early | Hard to book a ticket in advance |
| Waiting Time | Get to the station 30 minutes early. | Get to the airport at least 2 hours early. | Get to the station 30 minutes early. |
| English Signs | Yes | Yes | No |
Changsha to Zhangjiajie Train
The cheapest way to get from Changsha to Zhangjiajie is to take a train. It costs only 50.5 CNY, however takes more than 5 hours, so we recommended the high-speed train instead. The high-speed train departs from Changsha Railway Station and stops at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station. The journey takes around 3 hours at a cost of 138 CNY.
China Train Ticket Booking
Changsha to Zhangjiajie Flight
The fastest way is to fly from Changsha Huanghua International Airport to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport directly, which takes 70 minutes. There are 4 flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and 2 on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
We don’t recommend traveling from Changsha to Zhangjiajie by air because it is a waste of both time and money:
- The airfare fluctuates from 308 CNY to 1128 CNY for a one-way trip;
- You have to get to the airport two hours in advance before starting this one-hour short trip – it takes just as long as the high-speed train!
Changsha to Zhangjiajie Bus
The bus from Changsha to Zhangjiajie departs every 30 to 60 minutes from 7am to 7pm with a price of 119 CNY. The bus trip takes 4 to 5 hours and the price can double in the lead-up to peak holiday times.
You can find long-distance buses to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (张家界中心汽车站) at Changsha East Bus Station, Changsha West Bus Station, Changzhutan Bus Station, and Changsha High-Speed Railway Bus Station.
Bus from Changsha Airport to Zhangjiajie
There is no direct bus from Changsha Airport to Zhangjiajie. You can take a shuttle bus from the airport to Changsha Railway Station and hop on a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, or fly to Zhangjiajie Airport directly.
Changsha to Wulingyuan
If your hotel is in Wulingyuan (a district covering Zhangjiajie National Forest Park), consider taking a long-distance bus directly from Changsha to Wulingyuan. It is a separate bus and leaves only from Changsha West Bus Station at 7:50, 9:20, 10:00, 14:30. The trip takes around 4 hours at a cost of 103 CNY.
Traveling from Changsha to Zhangjiajie with Us
If you travel with us, you get more than just a private guide and driver. We will arrange bespoke travel itineraries depending on how much time you have and how active you want to be, in order to maximize your time and experience.
Don’t hesitate to tell us your travel ideas, our travel advisor will tailor a tour based on your preference!