Travel route Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang-Guilin

Question

Hello guys, I'm planning a trip in April from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang with a night stay, afterwards Guilin(2 nights stay) and heading to Beijing.

I searched for travel options, however I couldn't find anything besides hiring driver which is not the best option for me. Are you aware of any other travel options or updated schedule where I could check the time table?

Answer

Traveling from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and then onward to Guilin is a popular route in Hunan province, but public transport options are somewhat limited compared to larger cities. Here’s a detailed overview of the options:

Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang:

Direct Bus: There are daily direct long-distance buses from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to Fenghuang Ancient Town. Travel time is approximately 4–5 hours. Buses are generally comfortable, but schedules can vary, so it’s advisable to check locally at the bus station a day or two before departure.
Combination of Train + Bus: Zhangjiajie has trains to nearby towns like Jishou, which is about 40 minutes from Fenghuang by local bus or taxi. This option may be useful if you prefer train travel, but it involves a transfer.
Private Transfer / Driver: Hiring a driver remains the most flexible option, allowing you to stop along the way and travel on your own schedule. Cost can vary from 500–800 CNY depending on the vehicle and negotiation.

Fenghuang to Guilin:

Bus to Huaihua + Train: From Fenghuang, take a bus to Huaihua (around 2–2.5 hours). Huaihua has high-speed and regular trains to Guilin (approximately 3–4 hours). This is the most common public transport route.
Direct Bus: Direct buses from Fenghuang to Guilin are limited and may not operate every day. Duration is long (6–7 hours), and schedules are not always published online, so checking at the Fenghuang bus station is recommended.
Private Transfer: Hiring a car directly to Guilin is possible but can be expensive due to the long distance (roughly 400 km, around 6–7 hours).

Travel Tips:

Bus and train schedules in this region are often not updated online, so the most reliable source is the local bus station or hotel concierge. Ask a day in advance to avoid surprises.
If mobility or comfort is a concern, consider splitting the journey (Zhangjiajie → Huaihua → Fenghuang → Guilin) to make shorter travel segments.
Booking train tickets in advance (especially for Guilin connections) is recommended, as trains can fill quickly in April due to the spring travel season.

In summary, while hiring a driver is the most convenient, you can use a combination of buses and trains: Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang by bus, Fenghuang → Huaihua by bus, Huaihua → Guilin by train. Always confirm schedules locally, as online information can be outdated.

Travel route Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang-Guilin

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