How Do You Get from Zhangjiajie to Guilin?
Take the direct high-speed train. One or two D-class trains a day run straight from Zhangjiajie West to Guilin in about 7 hours, with no change, for CNY 342 in second class. There is no direct flight between the two cities. The one thing to plan around: there are only one or two departures a day, and one of them does not run every day. Fix this train first, then build the days on either side of it.
Train numbers, times and fares below are from the official China Railway 12306 system, checked on 19 September 2026 for every day from 20 September to 3 October 2026. Timetables change a few times a year; we re-check before we issue any ticket.
Zhangjiajie to Guilin: the direct trains
| Train | Leaves Zhangjiajie West | Arrives | Journey | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D3967 | 07:12 | Guilin North 14:13 / Guilin 14:27 | about 7 h (7 h 15 min to Guilin station) | Every day |
| D3969 | 12:02 | Guilin North 18:24 | about 6 h 20 min | Saturday, Sunday and Monday only |
Fares to Guilin North: CNY 342 second class, CNY 546 first class.
The 07:12 runs daily and gets you to Guilin in the early afternoon, with time for a walk in the city or the Two Rivers and Four Lakes after dark. The price is an early start; if you are staying in Wulingyuan, allow for the drive to Zhangjiajie West station (see how to get to Zhangjiajie).
The 12:02 is the gentler option, but it runs only on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and it stops at Guilin North only, not at Guilin station.
Guilin to Zhangjiajie: the direct trains
| Train | Leaves | Arrives Zhangjiajie West | Journey | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D3970 | Guilin 09:29 / Guilin North 09:43 | 16:29 | about 7 h (6 h 45 min from Guilin North) | Friday, Saturday and Sunday only |
| D3968 | Guilin 14:38 / Guilin North 14:55 | 22:07 | about 7 h 30 min (7 h 10 min from Guilin North) | Every day |
Fares from Guilin station: CNY 344.5 second class, CNY 550 first class. Boarding at Guilin North is a few yuan less.
This is the direction that catches people out. The morning train runs only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On the other four days the only direct train leaves at 14:38 and reaches Zhangjiajie West at 22:07. By the time you are at your hotel the evening is gone, and the next morning should start gently. If your route is Guilin first and Zhangjiajie second, try to put this leg on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Guilin North or Guilin station?
- Guilin station is in the city centre, close to Elephant Trunk Hill and the lakes. Choose it if you are staying downtown.
- Guilin North is in the north of the city. The 12:02 from Zhangjiajie (D3969) stops only here.
- Staying in Yangshuo? Neither direct train passes through Yangshuo. The drive from Yangshuo to Guilin North takes about 1.5 hours, so to catch the 09:43 you leave Yangshuo at around 07:00.
When to change at Changsha instead
When the direct departures do not fit your day. The route is Zhangjiajie West to Changsha South, then Changsha South to Guilin North or Guilin. High-speed trains to Guilin leave from Changsha South, so you change inside one station. (For a trip that ends in Changsha itself, a different station is usually better; see Changsha to Zhangjiajie.)
- Zhangjiajie West to Changsha South: 10 to 12 direct trains a day, the first at 07:05; the fastest takes 2 h 52 min; second class about CNY 273–301.
- Changsha South to Guilin North: about 15 trains a day between 06:47 and 19:43; the fastest takes 2 h 35 min; second class about CNY 185–200. One slow service takes more than 5 hours; avoid it.
- To reach Guilin the same day, leave Zhangjiajie West by 15:45. The last train on to Guilin North leaves Changsha South at 19:43, and later trains from Zhangjiajie do not connect.
- In practice the whole trip takes about 7 to 9 hours station to station, including the wait at Changsha South. Second class for both legs comes to about CNY 460–500.
So changing at Changsha is not faster than the direct train, and costs about CNY 120–160 more. What it gives you is a choice of departure times through the day. With large luggage or older travellers we still suggest the direct train: one boarding, one arrival.
Is there a flight from Zhangjiajie to Guilin?
Not a direct one. As of September 2026, every routing we found between Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) and Guilin Liangjiang Airport (KWL) involves a connection. Once you add the airport transfers and waiting time, it usually takes longer than the train and costs more.
Direct train vs Changsha change: at a glance
| Direct train | Change at Changsha South | |
|---|---|---|
| Time, station to station | about 6 h 20 min to 7 h 30 min | about 7 to 9 h including the change |
| Second-class fare | CNY 342 (CNY 344.5 from Guilin station) | about CNY 460–500 |
| Departures | 1–2 a day; some run only on certain days | many, but leave Zhangjiajie West by 15:45 |
| Changes | none | one, inside Changsha South station |
How a foreigner books and boards
- Tickets go on sale 14 days before departure (China Railway calls this a 15-day window because it counts the day of sale). Sales open at 16:30 Beijing time for trains leaving Zhangjiajie West, and at 17:15 for trains leaving Guilin or Guilin North. With only one or two direct trains a day, weekends and holidays sell out; book when sales open.
- You can book with your passport on the official 12306 site or app (English version available) or on Trip.com. As of 2026 most travellers no longer collect a paper ticket: you scan the passport you booked with at the gate.
- Keep your passport on you, not in your suitcase.
- On a 7-hour ride, first class is noticeably roomier than second. The difference is about CNY 200 a person, and for older travellers it is usually money well spent. Bring food for the journey.
Fitting this leg into your route
- Zhangjiajie first, then Guilin: the 07:12 runs every day, so any day works. This is the easier direction to plan.
- Guilin first, then Zhangjiajie: aim for the 09:29 on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. On other days, accept the 22:07 arrival and keep the next morning light.
- Either way, treat this as a travel day. Do not squeeze sightseeing in at both ends.
If you are still deciding between the two, see Zhangjiajie vs Guilin.
Let us handle the logistics
Tell us your dates and we will check which trains run on those days and which day suits this leg best. If you travel with us, we book the tickets and arrange private transfers to and from the stations at both ends.
Use the plan my trip page, message us on WhatsApp at +86 189 7441 2915, or write to info@chinafantasytravel.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin?
Yes. One or two direct D-class high-speed trains run each day from Zhangjiajie West to Guilin. The journey takes about 6 h 20 min to 7 h 15 min and second class costs CNY 342.
How long does it take to get from Zhangjiajie to Guilin?
About 6 h 20 min to 7 h 15 min by direct train from Zhangjiajie West, and up to about 7 h 30 min in the Guilin to Zhangjiajie direction. Changing at Changsha South takes about 7 to 9 hours including the connection.
Is there a flight from Zhangjiajie to Guilin?
As of September 2026 there is no direct flight between Zhangjiajie (DYG) and Guilin (KWL). Every routing involves a connection, so the direct train is usually quicker.
Does the morning train from Guilin to Zhangjiajie run every day?
No. The 09:29 from Guilin (D3970) runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. The 14:38 (D3968) runs every day and reaches Zhangjiajie West at 22:07.
Which Guilin station does the train from Zhangjiajie arrive at?
The daily 07:12 from Zhangjiajie West (D3967) stops at both Guilin North and Guilin station. The 12:02 (D3969) stops at Guilin North only.
Can I take a train directly from Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo?
No. The direct trains from Zhangjiajie West do not pass through Yangshuo. Take the train to Guilin North or Guilin station, then drive about 1.5 hours to Yangshuo.
Sources
China Railway 12306 (timetable and fares queried 19 September 2026 for travel 20 September to 3 October 2026). Flight routings checked September 2026. Train schedules are revised several times a year; this page states the date of the last check.
Related guides
How to get to Zhangjiajie · Changsha to Zhangjiajie · China high-speed train guide · Zhangjiajie vs Guilin · Guilin tours