The distance from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie measures 1,300 kilometers (or 808 miles).
There are both flights and trains going from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie. Clearly the best option for speed and comfort is to take a flight.
Traveling from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie by Air
There are 3 to 4 direct flights daily, departing either in the early morning around 7 a.m., late evening around 7 p.m., or at night around 8:30 p.m.
The flight from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie takes about 2 and a half hours.
Departure Airport
Flights all depart from Pudong International Airport (T1 or T2).
Shanghai Pudong Airport is one hour's drive from the city center. Arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure time. There can be really long check-in and security lines during holidays and weekends.
Arrival Airport
Flights arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, which is only 4 km (2 miles) from the city center. However, we don't suggest you stay in Zhangjiajie city unless you want to visit Tianmen Mountain first, as the city is 40 minutes' drive from the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. We recommend you transfer straight to Wullingyuan Town next to the National Park.
There is no direct transportation from the airport to Wulingyuan Town. If you travel with us, your private guide and driver will pick you up at the airport/station and effortlessly transfer you to your hotel.
Recommended Tours:
Traveling from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie by Train
There is one bullet train daily from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie. It departs from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station at 12:41 and arrives at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station at 21:55, with the journey lasting approximately 9 hours.
Upon disembarking, you will likely reach your hotel after 10 pm. We recommend staying in Wullingyuan Town near the Forest Park, a 40-minute drive from Zhangjiajie train station.
Alternatively, you may opt to stay in Zhangjiajie City, which is only 10-15 minutes from the train station but quite distant from the National Forest Park, making park visits less convenient, especially if you wish to arrive early to avoid crowds.
An overnight train option is also available, departing from Shanghai South Railway Station at 14:18 and arriving at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station at 08:47, with the journey lasting about 18 hours.
Recommended Tours:
Touring Zhangjiajie with Us
Traveling with China Highlights, you get more than just a private guide and driver. All our suggestions and arrangements will maximize your time and experience. Would you rather spend two hours waiting around or two extra hours touring the best of the national park?
Depending on how much time you have and how active you want to be, we can take you around for four full days to explore everything these gorgeous mountains have to offer. Check out our most popular Zhangjiajie tour: