Chongqing to Jiuzhaigou transportation and options

Question

Hi, we (2+1 kid) currently plan to do 3 nights in Xi'an, 4 nights in Chongqing, and 6 nights left to plan for Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou. Our departure flight will be in Chengdu TFU airport. We will travel there in mid June.

My questions:

1. Is it better to go to Jiuzhaigou directly from Chongqing using train via Chengdu? Then go back to Chengdu and explore Chengdu for 2-3 nights before our flight at TFU? OR

2. Is it better to go to Chengdu first and spend 1-2 nights, then go to Jiuzhaigou then back to Chengdu to catch our flight?

3. How long is the train from Chongqing to Chengdu and then Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou? Is there a big waiting gap between those two trains?

With 6 nights left, is it better to do 3 nights in Jiuzhaigou and 3 nights in Chengdu? Our departure flight from Chengdu will be in the evening. Thanks in advance.

Answer

For a mid-June trip with 6 nights remaining after Chongqing, here’s a detailed breakdown of your options regarding Jiuzhaigou and Chengdu:

1. Travel Routes and Sequence

There are two main ways to arrange your travel:

Option 1: Chongqing → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu: You would take the high-speed train or regular train from Chongqing to Chengdu (approx. 2-3 hours for high-speed), then take a flight from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport (about 1 hour), or a long-distance bus/train from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou (8-10 hours by bus/train). After visiting Jiuzhaigou, return to Chengdu for your remaining days before your flight at TFU.
Option 2: Chongqing → Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu: Travel first to Chengdu from Chongqing (2-3 hours by high-speed train), spend 1-2 nights exploring Chengdu, then go to Jiuzhaigou via flight or bus/train, and finally return to Chengdu to catch your departure flight.

Recommendation: Option 2 is generally better for families with a child. Spending 1-2 nights in Chengdu before heading to Jiuzhaigou helps you acclimate, explore the city in a relaxed manner, and avoids backtracking immediately after Jiuzhaigou. It also gives more flexibility if flights to Jiuzhaigou are limited or get delayed.

2. Train and Travel Times

Chongqing → Chengdu: High-speed train takes around 2-3 hours. Trains are frequent throughout the day, so you can choose convenient timings. Waiting times at stations are generally 30-60 minutes for boarding and security checks.
Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou: By flight: 1 hour from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport. By bus: 8-10 hours, or private car/taxi (7-8 hours). Trains to Jiuzhaigou are limited and slower, typically via Chengdu → Mianyang → Jiuzhaigou, so most travelers prefer flights or buses.

Considering travel time, taking a flight is most convenient, especially with a child.

3. Suggested Itinerary for 6 Nights

3 nights in Jiuzhaigou: Allows 2 full days for sightseeing within the park and 1 day for arrival/departure. This is ideal as the park is large and travel times are significant.
3 nights in Chengdu: Provides time to visit major attractions like the Giant Panda Base, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Street, and a relaxed last day before your evening flight from Chengdu TFU.

With this plan, your schedule would be: