How to Get from Lanzhou to Jiuzhaigou by Bus, Train or Flight

Introduction

Jiuzhaigou is quite a distance from Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province. However, with careful planning, reaching this enchanting valley is quite feasible. Here are three different ways to travel from Lanzhou to Jiuzhaigou:

chengdu-jiuzhaigou-huanglong-via-huanglongjiuzhai-by-train

chengdu-train-stations

1. By Air: Lanzhou Airport – Jiuzhaihuanglong Airport via Chengdu

The most time-efficient and convenient way to get to Jiuzhaigou from Lanzhou is to fly, albeit with a transfer in Chengdu. Since there are no direct flights from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport  to Jiuzhaihuanglong Airport, you’ll need to connect through Chengdu. It’s important to note that Chengdu has two airports: Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport, so make sure you book your flights accordingly.

• Pros: The fastest and most comfortable option, perfect for travelers who value time and prefer to avoid long road journeys.
• Cons: The most expensive method, with flights ranging from approximately 1,000 yuan during off-peak seasons to over 2,000 yuan during peak times.

2. By Train: Lanzhou – Chengdu East – Huanglongjiuzhai

For those seeking to arrive in Jiuzhaigou on the same day, catching an early morning high-speed train from Lanzhou to Chengdu East and then transferring to a train bound for Zhenjiangguan Station can be an option:

• 1. Take the earliest high-speed train from Lanzhou Railway Station at 7:02 AM to Chengdu East Station.
  2. Upon arrival in Chengdu, quickly transfer to a train bound for HuanglongJiuzhai Train Station, ensuring you book your tickets in advance as there are only limited daily departures.
  3. Arrive at HuanglongJiuzhai Train Station around 5 PM, where you’ll need to take a bus to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours. Book your bus ticket on platforms like Ctrip based on your arrival time.
• Tips: Book your Chengdu East to HuanglongJiuzhai Train Station train tickets early to avoid disappointment, as seats are limited.

	Chengdu to Huanglongjiuzhai train (nearest station to Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong). Bus from Huanglongjiuzhai Station to Jiuzhaigou Valley (Through bus, carpool, Book online).
	253 Hotels in Jiuzhaigou for foreign tourists,
	Huanglong National Park (entrance ticket, cableway)
	Flights to or from Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH)

By Train + Bus: Lanzhou – Longnan by Train, Wudu – Jiuzhaigu by Bus

For budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a longer journey, taking a combination of high-speed train and bus via Longnan is a viable option.

• Steps:
  1. Take a high-speed train from Lanzhou to Longnan Railway Station (陇南站), which takes approximately 3 hours. Check train schedule at: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/ or www.trip.com/china-trains/.
  2. Exit Longnan Railway Station and head to the left of the exit where you’ll find the bus. From here, catch a bus to Jiuzhaigou Goukou Bus Station or Jiuzhaigou County Bus Station. There are two daily departures at 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
• Considerations: The journey from Longnan to Jiuzhaigou, covering over 200 kilometers, takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, mostly on winding mountain roads. This option may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness.

Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station

HuanglongJiuzhai Train Station is located in Chuanzhusi Town, Songpan County, with an elevation of 2,977 meters. The station is designed to cover an area of 4,000 square meters, capable of accommodating up to 800 people at its peak. It features two platforms and four tracks. The station is approximately 26 kilometers away from the Huanglong Scenic Area and 90 kilometers from the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. After the train departs from Chengdu East Station, it takes about two hours to reach Huanglong Jiuzhai Station. From there, the scenic area shuttle bus takes approximately half an hour to get to Huanglong and two hours to get to Jiuzhaigou.

Trusted Online Ticket Agents:

Option 1: China Highlights is a reliable online agency  for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee.

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Option 2: Trip.com  is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc

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