Another transport question again - thanks in advance

Question

Hi,

Last year we easily navigated from HKIA to Futian with thanks for your guidance.

This time I will be travelling by fast train to Zhangjiajie. My flight arrives at 5.22pm into HK. I have a choice of trying to book the train early the next morning from HK west station at 8.30am otherwise a few options from Shenzhenbei.

My initial thought was hopefully to get the train from HK, travel to HKKW from airport, stay over night as close as the station and depart the next morning. The hotel choices at any sort of reasonable price is extremely limited in that area.

Other option is to take a van to Futian border crossing. When we got there last year it was late, dark and rainy. Is there a local train station at the crossing which I could transfer to shenzhen north for an early departure the next morning?

Which ch would be your preference?

Thanks very much in advance

Answer

Traveling from Hong Kong to Zhangjiajie by train with an evening flight arrival does require some careful planning due to time constraints and limited hotel options near Hong Kong West Kowloon (HKKW) station.

Here are some considerations for your options:

Option 1: Overnight near HKKW and take early train from Hong Kong: Arriving at HKIA at 5:22 PM, you will need to clear immigration, collect luggage, and get to HKKW. Depending on traffic, this can take 1–1.5 hours. With hotels near the station limited and expensive, it might be challenging to secure accommodation at a reasonable price. If you can book a hotel within walking distance or a short taxi ride, this allows you to catch the 8:30 AM train comfortably.
Option 2: Cross to Futian/Shenzhen and stay overnight: Taking a van to Futian border is feasible, but as you noted, if arriving late, dark, and rainy, this can be stressful. Futian station itself has limited hotel options. However, you could stay in Shenzhen city near Futian and use the metro or taxi to get to Shenzhen North Station (Shenzhenbei) the next morning for a larger selection of trains to Zhangjiajie.

Additional points:

Shenzhen North has more train options and flexibility for early departures than HKKW, which could reduce stress if you miss the early Hong Kong train.
Border crossing timing is important. Evening arrivals can mean longer queues at immigration, so factor that in if you choose the Futian route.
If using HKKW, book your train ticket in advance since trains to Zhangjiajie are popular and may sell out quickly.
Consider travel apps or services that can assist with cross-border transfers and hotel bookings near stations.

Preference:

If minimizing border crossing stress and maximizing train options is your priority, staying overnight near Shenzhen North (after crossing to Futian) is safer and gives you more flexibility.
If you prefer staying in Hong Kong and can secure accommodation near HKKW, this reduces travel between cities but comes with higher costs and limited options.

Overall, given your late arrival and limited hotel choices in Hong Kong, staying in Shenzhen and departing from Shenzhen North is likely the less stressful and more reliable option for catching an early train to Zhangjiajie.

Another transport question again - thanks in advance

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