How to Get from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie

A tour to Zhangjiajie is a great opportunity to “update” your understanding of parks, mountains, caves and bridge. Maybe you have already explored many beautiful parks, mountains, caves and bridge before, but theses wonders in Zhangjiajie are much more shocking than anything you've ever seen. Then, how to get to this wonderful world? Some people choose to go to Zhangjiajie after disembarking the Yangtze River ship in Yichang, some choose to go from Beijing, Hong Kong... Also there are many tourists choosing to travel from Shanghai. Shanghai is one of the most important landing cities for overseas tourists touring China. Its frequent flights and trains can make one's China travel an extremely relaxing and pleasant start. And the tour from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie is really easily accessible. This Shanghai to Zhangjiajie Transportation Guide shows you distance, flight, train... Keep reading and find the best travel way you like!

How Far is Zhangjiajie from Shanghai

Shanghai is settled in the middle of China’s east coast, near the mouth of the Yangtze River. Zhangjiajie is in the south central area of China, about 1,120 km (696 miles) from Shanghai. Usually, travelers get from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie by taking direct flights (2.5 hours). Some people also choose to make s transfer via Changsha or Huaihua. Direct trains are seldom chosen, because the train trip takes more than 20 hours.

Shanghai to Zhangjiajie Transfer Information

1. Shanghai to Zhangjiajie Flight - Most Popular

• Duration: 2.5 hours around
• From - To: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG)

The over 5 daily flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) whisk you from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie in only 2.5 hours around. Most of the flights depart from Shanghai in the early evening. And that means you could even have a half-day tour in Shanghai and then catch a flight to Zhangjiajie.

Tourist tip: the flights traveling back from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai also make departures after 18:00 every day. In your last day of Zhangjiajie tour, you could also have a half-day tour in Zhangjiajie first and then catch a flight to Shanghai.

>> 6 Days Shanghai Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour
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>> 6 Days Exciting Adventure Tour from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai

2. Shanghai to Zhangjiajie Train - Long Journey

• Duration: 9.5-19.5 hours
• From - To: Shanghai South Railway Station (上海南站) / Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站) to Zhangjiajie Railway Station (张家界站) / Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (张家界西站)

There is one daily high speed train running from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, taking about 9.5 hours. There are also several normal trains departing from Shanghai South Railway Station to Zhangjiajie Railway Station. The who length is 20 hours to 22.5 hours. Considering both high speed train and normal train cost a long time get to Zhangjiajie, you are not really suggested to take flight to Zhangjiajie instead of train. Get more real-time info of Shanghai to Zhangjiajie Train >>

3. Shanghai to Zhangjiajie via Changsha or Fenghuang - Great Alternative Options

If you want to cut down the long train journey between Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, or fail to book a Shanghai Zhangjiajie train, you can also make a transfer via the capital city Changsha.

Shanghai to Changsha: Both flights and high-speed trains are available for travel from Shanghai to Changsha. There are over 15 daily nonstop flights from either Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), with a flying time of approximately 2.5 hours. Additionally, Changsha South Railway Station receives over 30 high-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. The travel time for these trains typically ranges from 4 to 7.5 hours, depending on the specific train service.

Changsha to Zhangjiajie:If you take a high-speed train to Changsha, you can directly take a high-speed train from Changsha South Railway Station to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, or take metro line 2 to Changsha Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. For air travelers, it is available to take metro lines or shuttle bus lines to reach Changsha Railway Station or Changsha South Railway Station, from where they can catch a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. It is advisable to check the train schedules for the most convenient options.

Useful Link:

>> Real-time Shanghai to Changsha Trains

>> How to Travel from Changsha to Zhangjiajie

>> 5 Days Changsha & Zhangjiajie Avatar Scenery Tour by Train

You can also go to visit the romantic Fenghuang Ancient Town before Zhangjiajie. The trains travel from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站) and arrive at Fenghuang Ancient Town after abtout 8 hours' running. Know more about Real-time Shanghai to Fenghuang Ancient Town Trains >>

How to plan a Shanghai Zhangjiajie Tour

6 days or so is needed for a Shanghai Zhangjiajie tour. You can spend about 1-2 days to discover Shanghai, the most modern city of China. Then catch a flight to Zhangjiajie to explore its magnificent natural views.

Leave yourself about 2-3 days to indulge in the Hallelujah Mountains, villages, streams and forests inside the huge Wulingyuan Scenic Area (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one part of Wulingyuan). Then have a one-day tour to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon to have a thrilling glass bridge walking experience or Tianmen Mountain to get more surprise from nature. Some travelers choose to visit Yellow Dragon Cave or Baofeng Lake for one day.

>> 6 Days Shanghai Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour

If you have 1-2 days more, you are suggested to have a side trip to Fenghuang Ancient Town to appreciate the old place and feel the rich culture of the 28 minority ethnic groups.

>> 5 Days Classic Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Tour

Stunning View of The Bund (Shanghai)

Travel Zhangjiajie with China Discovery

Zhangjiajie is a beautiful mountainous area, and its main highlights are the canyon, National Forest Park, caves, and lakes… If you are new to this city, you may get troubles to find the best places to visit, best areas to stay at night and also the best traveling routes that perfectly match to your needs, budgets and prefers. Don’t worry, travel with China Discovery and then all your problems will be solved. And during your whole journey, our professional local guide and driver will escort you from your hotel, train station, airport to all attractions with comfortable private car with speed and convenience and let you catch the highlights of every site, so you can get really relaxed on the way and focus on what you are interested.

The tour can be tailor made according to your plan, time, interests and demands. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us and tell us your needs, and we will customize a memorable tour for you!

Floating Halelujah Mountain in Avatar
(Inspiration from Yuanjiajie)