The moment your flight descends into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, you're greeted by glimpses of the famed karst peaks. While the allure of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain is immediate, your first practical task upon arrival is how to get from Zhangjiajie airport to city centre. Many transport options connect you directly to downtown hotels and the central transport hub. Chek out in this guide!
How to Get from Zhangjiajie Airports to City Centre?
The journey from the airport to city is relatively short, and choosing the right mode of transport can set the tone for your entire visit.
Transport | Duration | Cost (approx.) | Convenience Level | Suitable For | Notes |
Airport Shuttle Bus | 20-30 mins | Free | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Budget travellers, Light packers | Limited timetable, drops at central bus station. |
Taxi / Ride-hailing (e.g., Didi) | 20-40 mins | ¥30-60 (≈ s$5-11) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Families, Late arrivals | Most convenient direct option. Insist on the meter or use the Didi app. |
Private Transfer | 20-40 mins | From ¥150 (≈ s$27) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Groups, Comfort seekers | Pre-book online for a hassle-free, meet-and-greet service. |
Public Bus (e.g., Bus No. 4) | 30-50 mins | ¥2 (≈ s$0.4) | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | The most budget-conscious, Adventurous travellers | Multiple stops. Requires small change/card. Not suitable with lots of luggage. |
Rental Car | Varies | From ¥300/day (≈ S$54) | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Self-drive tours, Experienced drivers |
🚌 By Airport Shuttle Bus – Getting from Zhangjiajie Airport to City
If you're looking for a cheap and reasonably convenient way to get from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to the city centre, the airport shuttle bus is a straightforward option. It's not as quick as a taxi, but it provides a direct link to the central transport hub.
📍 Route & Key Stops
Zhangjiajie is not a big city. There is only one route of the shuttle bus.
- Route: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) → Dachengshanshui → Post office building → Zhangjiajie International Hotel
- Hours: Approx. 08:00 - Last flight
- Frequency: Varies, often aligns with flight arrivals
💸 Ticket Price
The Zhangjiajie Airport bus is free to use if you have a boarding card or an air ticket of your current flight.
🧳 Pros & Ideal Travellers
Great for: Budget travellers, solo backpackers, and those whose accommodation is near the city's central bus station.
Benefits:
- Free.
- Direct route to the downtown core.
- No need to navigate public bus transfers.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Less frequent than a city bus and may require waiting for the next scheduled departure.
- Can be slower during peak traffic times.
- Not ideal if you have a lot of luggage or if your hotel is not near the city centre drop-off point.
🚌 By Public Bus – Getting from Zhangjiajie Airport to City
Source: Zhangjiajie Guide
If you are on a very tight budget and your accommodation is centrally located, the public bus is also a good way to get from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to the city.
📍 Route & Key Stops
You can take bus no.4 to get to the city.
- Route: Airport → Downtown (via various local stops, terminating at the Central Bus Station / Railway Station area)
- Hours: Approx. 06:00 - 19:00
- Frequency: Varies, typically 10-15 minutes
💸 Ticket Price & Where to Buy
- Price: ¥2 (about S$0.35)
- How to Buy: Exact change is required, or you can tap a transportation QR code via WeChat/Alipay or a local transit card upon boarding
🧳 Pros & Ideal Travellers
Great for: The budget-conscious travellers, backpackers, and those comfortable with local transport.
Benefits:
- Extremely cheap.
- Frequent service during daytime hours.
- An authentic local travel experience.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Not practical with large or heavy luggage due to limited space and crowds.
- Multiple stops make the journey slower.
- Can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the city layout; you must know where to get off.
- Services end relatively early in the evening and may not be available for late-night flights.
🚕 By Taxi or Ride-Hailing – Getting from Zhangjiajie Airport to City
Opting for a taxi or booking a ride through an app like Didi offers the most straightforward and comfortable transfer from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to the city centre. This door-to-door service is particularly useful if you’re carrying luggage, travelling as a group, or simply prefer a hassle-free journey.
🚖 Where to Get a Taxi or Book a Ride?
- Taxi: Official taxi ranks are situated directly outside the terminal arrival hall. Simply follow the clear signage.
- Didi: Designated ride-hailing pickup points are available near the taxi area. Book via the app and confirm the pickup location with your driver.
💸 Fare Estimates & Cost Range
- Taxi: Approximately ¥30–60 (about S$5.5–11) to downtown.
- Didi: Slightly cheaper, ranging from ¥25–50 (about S$4.5–9).
🕒 Duration & Traffic
- Typical Duration: 20-40 minutes to most central hotels or the bus/railway station.
- Peak Hours: Allow extra time during morning (7:30-9:00) and evening (17:00-18:30) rush periods, though delays are generally less severe than in larger cities.
🧳 Who It’s Best For
- Families or small groups.
- Travellers with heavy or multiple bags.
- Visitors arriving after dark or with limited time.
- Those prioritising comfort and convenience.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Always join the queue at the official taxi rank and avoid unsolicited offers from drivers inside the terminal.
- For ride-hailing, check the app for an estimated fare before confirming your booking, as prices may increase during peak times or inclement weather.
- Ensure the driver uses the meter (for taxis) or that the route matches your app’s navigation.
🚗 By Private Airport Transfer – Getting from Zhangjiajie Airport to City
For a truly effortless start to your trip, a pre-booked private transfer is the ideal choice. Your driver will greet you at the arrival hall, assist with your luggage, and take you directly to your hotel, eliminating any language barriers, queues, or booking hassles.
🕒 Service Details
- Journey Time: Approximately 20-40 minutes to downtown Zhangjiajie or the Wulingyuan scenic area entrance.
- Availability: Operates 24/7, perfect for late-night arrivals or early departures.
💸 Cost Range
- To Downtown: From ¥150 (about S$27) for a standard sedan.
- To Wulingyuan/National Forest Park: From ¥300 (about S$54), depending on vehicle type and distance.
💡 Booking Tips
- Confirm whether tolls and parking fees are included in the quoted price.
- Select an MPV or larger vehicle if travelling with multiple suitcases or in a group.
✅ Ideal For
- Families with young children.
- Visitors with bulky luggage or photography equipment.
- First-time travellers seeking peace of mind.
- Small groups splitting the cost.
- Business travellers requiring punctual service.
📱 Key Benefits
- Fixed Price: No surprise charges regardless of traffic conditions.
- Comfort: Air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers.
- Door-to-Door: Direct to your accommodation with no intermediate stops.
⚠️ Good to Know
- Advance reservation is essential, particularly during Chinese holidays.
- Verify your flight number and pickup location with the operator prior to arrival.
- Keep the service provider’s contact details handy for smooth coordination.
🚙 By Car Rental – Self-Drive from Zhangjiajie Airport to City
Renting a car at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport provides the freedom to explore the stunning Zhangjiajie region at your own pace. This option is ideal for independent travellers seeking to visit remote scenic spots or embark on a self-drive tour of Hunan.
📍 Rental Process & Location
- Counters: Major rental companies have desks in the airport arrival hall.
- Documentation: Prepare your passport, driver's license, and an international driving permit (if required).
- Booking: Pre-booking online often provides better rates and vehicle selection.
💸 Cost Breakdown
- Economy Car: From ¥250/day (about S$45)
- SUV/MPV: From ¥400/day (about S$72)
- Additional Costs: Fuel, insurance, and potential toll fees
✅ Perfect For
- Families or small groups wanting complete itinerary control.
- Experienced drivers comfortable with mountain roads.
- Travellers planning to visit multiple scenic areas.
📱 Advantages
- Complete Freedom: Visit off-the-beaten-path locations like Tianmen Mountain or Furong Ancient Town.
- Cost-Effective for Groups: Split between several travellers.
- Luggage Space: No baggage restrictions.
- Flexible Schedule: No dependence on public transport timetables.
⚠️ Important Considerations
- Mountain Driving: Requires confidence navigating winding mountain roads.
- Parking: Limited parking availability at popular scenic spots.
- Navigation: Ensure reliable GPS/mobile data for navigation.
- Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended.
- Peak Seasons: Book well in advance during Chinese holidays.
🧳 Which Option is Best for You? A Zhangjiajie Travel Style Guide
Choosing the right transfer from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to your final destination depends largely on your travel preferences and needs. Here's our straightforward recommendation to help you decide:
👨👩👧👦 Families with Children
Recommended: Taxi or Private Transfer
With luggage and little ones in tow, convenience is paramount. A taxi or pre-booked private car provides direct door-to-door service without the hassle of multiple stops.
Tip: Some private transfer companies can provide child seats if requested in advance.
💸 Budget-Conscious Travellers & Backpackers
Recommended: Public Bus
For the ultimate budget option, Public Bus Route 4 offers an incredibly affordable journey to the city centre.
Tip: Have small change ready or set up your mobile payment app beforehand.
🚄 Solo & Business Travellers
Recommended: Airport Shuttle Bus
The shuttle bus strikes an excellent balance between cost and convenience for individual travellers with light luggage.
Tip: The shuttle bus timetable may vary - check the schedule based on your arrival time.
🌙 Late-Night Arrivals
Recommended: Taxi or Ride-hailing
For flights arriving after evening hours, taxis and Didi remain your most reliable options.
Tip: Pre-book your transfer or ensure you have the Didi app installed to avoid delays.
🏞️ Scenic Explorers & Nature Photographers
Recommended: Private Transfer or Car Rental
If you're planning to visit multiple scenic areas like the National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, these options offer maximum flexibility.
Tip: Car rental is ideal for photographers carrying heavy equipment and wanting to chase the perfect light.
🛅 Travellers with Heavy Luggage
Recommended: Taxi or Private Transfer
Avoid the crowded buses and enjoy the convenience of direct transport when carrying multiple or heavy bags.
Tip: Private transfers can be pre-arranged to accommodate extra luggage.
No matter which option you choose, planning your airport transfer in advance will ensure your Zhangjiajie adventure begins smoothly and efficiently. Safe travels!
FAQs About Zhangjiajie Airport to City
What is the cheapest way to get from Zhangjiajie Airport to downtown?
The shuttle bus is free to use if you have air tickets.Are taxis available 24/7 at Zhangjiajie Airport?
Yes, official taxis operate 24/7. For late-night arrivals, we recommend using the Didi app or pre-booking a private transfer to ensure availability.Is ride-hailing (Didi) available at Zhangjiajie Airport?
Yes, Didi operates at the airport with a designated pickup area. Download the app before arrival and ensure you have mobile data.How early should I book a private transfer?
We recommend booking at least 24-48 hours in advance, especially during peak season (April-October) and Chinese holidays.Can I rent a car at Zhangjiajie Airport?
Yes, major rental companies have counters at the airport. However, note that an International Driving Permit is required, and navigating mountain roads requires experience.