Introduction
Traveling between Kunming and Zhangjiajie can be an exhilarating experience aboard China’s expansive high-speed rail network. While there aren’t any direct high speed trains connecting the two cities, an efficient way to cover the journey is via a transfer at Huaihua South. High-speed rail offers a blend of comfort, speed, and convenience, making it a superb choice for covering the long distances across China.
Railway Maps
Train Schedule Overview
Changsha to Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang to Zhangjiajie, Furongzhen to Zhangjiajie,Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie , Guilin to Zhangjiajie, Shanghai to Zhangjiajie | |
Hotels close to Wulingyuan Forest Park, Hotels close to Tianmenshan Park | |
Zhangjiajie Park (Wulingyuan etrance ticket, Cableway, Bailong elevator), Tianmenshan Park (entrace ticket, Cableway, Line A, Line B package) |
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Flights to or from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport |
The best way to travel between Kunming & Zhangjiaji is to make a transfer at Huaihua South Station (Kunming South – Huaihua South – Zhangjiajie West). Here is step-by-step guide:
1. Kunming South to Huaihua South
Train Type | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Duration | Frequency | Fares |
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G-train | Kunming South | Huaihua South | 4.5-5 hrs | 21 per day | ¥369 |
For a live schedule, refer to www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/
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2. Huaihua South to Zhangjiajie West
Train Type | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Duration | Frequency | Fares |
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G-train | Huaihua South | Zhangjiajie West | 1-1.5 hrs | 17 per day | ¥109 |
For a live schedule, refer to www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/
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Which Train Stations in Kunming
Kunming South Station & Kunming Railway Station are the two primary train stations serving Kunming, but for trains to Fenghuang, Huaihua or Zhangjiajie, Kunming South is your choice.
- Kunming South Station (昆明南站, Kunmingnan)
- Address: Kunming
- Connectivity: Kunming Metro Line 1, Line 4
Which Train Stations in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie city has two train stations, but the most useful one to tourists is the new Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (Zhangjiajiexi). The old Zhangjiajie Railway Station only serves normal speed trains.
- Zhangjiajie West Station (张家界西站, Zhangjiajiexi)
- Address: Yongding, Zhangjiajie
- Connectivity: Bus services to Zhangjiajie central and Wulingyuan
From Zhangjiajie West Station to Wulingyuan
On arrival at Zhangjiajiexi Railway Station, you have the option of taking the public bus to Wulingyuan Forest Park. This bus will depart when full with a fare of ¥13 per person. The first bus departs at 08:30 AM, and the last one at 5:00 PM. Alternatively, you could take a taxi to Wulingyuan Park, which would take around 30 minutes.
By Bus:
- Route: Zhangjiajie West to Wulingyuan
- Duration: ~40 mins
- Fares: CNY 13
- Operation Time: 08:30 – 17:00
By Taxi:
- Route: Zhangjiajie West to Wulingyuan
- Estimated Duration: ~30 mins
Zhangjiajie West Station to Tianmenshan
On arrival at Zhangjiajiexi Railway Station, you can either take a taxi to Tianmenshan Mountain (approximately 18 minutes drive) or take Bus 17 to Wuling Mountain Treasure Museum Station.
Zhangjiajie High-Speed Rail Bus Terminal
Zhangjiajie High-Speed Rail Bus Terminal (Chinese name: 张家界高铁汽车客运站), which is next to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station started service on May Day, 2020. It mainly serves as a comprehensive transport hub. It has bus services to or from Wulingyuan, Cili, Sangzhi, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzishan (Zhonghu), Jiangya, etc, which makes it convenient for travelers who arrive by bullet train at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to catch a bus to different scenic areas. Meanwhile, travelers from different scenic areas can also take a bus to Zhangjiajie High-Speed Rail Terminal and walk to Zhangjiajie West to catch your high-speed trains.
Attractions in Zhangjiajie
In Zhangjiajie, do not miss the Tianmen Mountain (Tianmenshan) which is famous for its stunning views and the world’s longest cable car ride, easily accessible from Zhangjiajie city center.
In Wulingyuan, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a must-visit, featuring the iconic pillar-like formations that inspired the landscapes of the movie “Avatar”.