How to Get to Zhangjiajie from Guilin

The distance between Guilin and Zhangjiajie is about 700 kilometers (435 miles), and currently, there are no regular long-distance buses or normal trains running between the two cities. However, there are several options for traveling between Guilin and Zhangjiajie, including a direct high-speed train, a transfer option through Changsha, and a combination of train and intercity bus.

1. Direct High-Speed Train from Guilin to Zhangjiajie (D3968)

Duration: 7.5 hours

Ticket Price:

  • 2nd Class Seat: CNY 344.5
  • 1st Class Seat: CNY 550.5

The direct high-speed train D3968 departs from Guilin Railway Station at 14:38 daily. It passes through Guilin North Railway Station and arrives at Zhangjiajie West Train Station.

  • Departure Station: Guilin Railway Station
  • Arrival Station: Zhangjiajie West Train Station
  • Route: Direct, no transfers required
  • Duration: 7.5 hours

This train is the most straightforward option for travel between Guilin and Zhangjiajie, offering a convenient and comfortable ride.

2. High-Speed Train with a Transfer at Changsha South

Duration: At least 7 hours

Ticket Price: From CNY 473

Since there are no direct trains from Guilin to Zhangjiajie, a transfer at Changsha South Railway Station is a popular option.

Step 1: Guilin to Changsha South

  • Departure: Morning trains (from 08:16 to 14:32)
  • Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
  • Departure Station: Guilin or Guilin North Railway Station
  • Arrival Station: Changsha South
  • Ticket Fare:
    • 2nd Class Seat: CNY 184.5-187
    • 1st Class Seat: CNY 295-299
    • Business Class Seat: CNY 340-573

Step 2: Changsha South to Zhangjiajie West

  • Suggested Departures: 5 trains (from 15:29 to 18:33)
  • Duration: About 3.5 hours
  • Ticket Fare:
    • 2nd Class Seat: CNY 261.5-288.5
    • 1st Class Seat: CNY 430.5-473.5
    • Business Class Seat: CNY 486-956.5

This option involves transferring at Changsha South and taking another high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West.

3. Train + Intercity Bus

Duration: At least 8.5 hours

Ticket Price: CNY 289.5 – 358.5

For a more affordable option, you can take a train from Guilin to Changsha, followed by an intercity bus to Zhangjiajie.

Step 1: Guilin to Changsha

  • Take a high-speed train from Guilin to Changsha (Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours).

Step 2: Changsha to Zhangjiajie by Intercity Bus

  • Upon arriving at Changsha Railway Station or Changsha South Railway Station, take Changsha Metro Line 2 to Wangchengpo (also Changsha West Bus Station), which takes 30-45 minutes and costs CNY 3-5.
  • From Wangchengpo, take an intercity bus to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station.
    • Departure: Daily at 14:00
    • Duration: 4 hours
    • Ticket Fare: CNY 100

This combination is a more budget-friendly option, though it requires a longer travel time.

How to Travel from Guilin to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan)

If you’re heading to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (also known as Wulingyuan), here are a couple of travel options once you arrive at Zhangjiajie.

1. High-Speed Train + Direct Bus to Wulingyuan

Duration: 8 hours

Ticket Price: CNY 360

  1. Take a high-speed train from Guilin to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station.
  2. Once you arrive at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, you can take a direct bus to Wulingyuan, which departs frequently from the southeast side of the front square of the railway station.
    • Ticket Fare: CNY 12
    • Duration: 30 minutes

This is a quick and simple option for reaching Zhangjiajie National Forest Park after your arrival at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station.

2. Guilin to Changsha Train + Coach + Direct Bus

Duration: Nearly 9 hours

Ticket Price: CNY 300 – 370

For those who are looking for more flexibility, this option involves taking a combination of train and bus.

Step 1: Guilin to Changsha

  • Take a high-speed train before 10:00 from Guilin to Changsha or Changsha South Railway Station.

Step 2: Changsha to Zhangjiajie by Coach

  • Upon arrival at Changsha, take Changsha Metro Line 2 to Changsha West Bus Station.
  • Take a coach from Changsha West Bus Station to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station.
    • Duration: 4 hours

Step 3: Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to Wulingyuan

  • After arriving at Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, take a direct bus to Wulingyuan.
    • Duration: 45 minutes
    • Ticket Fare: CNY 13

This option involves a bit more transfer time but provides flexibility and allows you to experience both trains and coaches during your journey.

Traveling from Guilin to Zhangjiajie offers a few different options depending on your preferences for speed, cost, and convenience. The direct high-speed train (D3968) is the easiest way, while the Changsha transfer options offer flexibility for those seeking more departure times or different routes. If you’re heading to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you can easily catch a direct bus after arriving at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station.

Let me know if you need help with booking tickets or more details on any of the options!