Bus from Huanglong Scenic to Jiuzhaigou

Question

Arriving by HSR from Chengdu to Huanglongjuizhai station early in the morning, I intend to visit Huanglong scenic area first before going to Jiuzhaigou. Beside taking taxi or private cars, is there any country bus running from Huanglong to Jiuzhaigou?

Answer

Yes — there are scheduled shuttle buses connecting the Huanglong Scenic Area / Huanglongjiuzhai Station area to Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, so you don’t necessarily need to take a taxi or private car for the transfer. However, you’ll want to plan carefully, since it’s in a remote mountain region and schedules can vary. Here are the details:

Shuttle / Bus options:

A source shows shuttle-bus departures from Huanglongjiuzhai Station to Jiuzhaigou scenic spot regularly (e.g., 07:50, 08:20, 08:30 etc) taking about 2 hours for the ~93 km journey (fare ~¥51).
The same website lists buses from Huanglong Scenic Area (not just the station) to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Spot (80 km) leaving in the afternoon (e.g., 15:00, 16:20) about 1 hour duration, also fare ~¥50.
A blog post indicates you can book via WeChat mini-app or other services from Huanglongjiuzhai Station to Jiuzhaigou; one-way shared bus or van options (for example via Trip.com) are common.

Important caveats & planning tips:

The bus departure points differ: the station and the scenic area are not exactly the same; if you are visiting the Huanglong Scenic Area first and then planning to catch the bus to Jiuzhaigou, you might need to return to the station or a designated bus pick-up point. One listing distinguishes “Huanglong Scenic Area → Jiuzhaigou” departures (1h duration) versus “Huanglongjiuzhai Station → Jiuzhaigou” departures (2h duration).
Schedules are subject to change, especially in mountain areas (weather, road conditions, seasonal adjustments). It’s wise to check the latest timetable and book ahead where possible. The blog notes that foreign phone numbers can work for bookings, but you may need to confirm pick-up point carefully.
If you plan to visit Huanglong first (scenic area) and then move to Jiuzhaigou, make sure you allocate enough time: visiting Huanglong may take several hours, and then you’ll need to catch one of the later bus departures so you’re not rushed. Late departures could mean arriving at Jiuzhaigou in the evening or reaching accommodation late. Also roads may be slower in the afternoon or during bad weather.
If you cannot match a good bus schedule, a taxi or private car remains the more flexible option (albeit more expensive), allowing you to depart from Huanglong scenic area direct to Jiuzhaigou without timing constraints.

In summary: Yes — there is a public or semi-public bus/shuttle option from either the Huanglongjiuzhai station area or the Huanglong Scenic Area to Jiuzhaigou. If your itinerary is: arrive via HSR to Huanglongjiuzhai Station, then visit Huanglong Scenic Area, then transfer to Jiuzhaigou — it’s feasible, but you’ll need to check exact bus departure time from wherever your last stop is (station or scenic area), arrive at that pick-up point on time, and be aware of the mountain terrain/time required.

If I were in your shoes, I’d do this:

Arrive by HSR at Huanglongjiuzhai Station early in the morning.
Take the station → Huanglong Scenic Area bus or another transport to get into the scenic area; enjoy your visit until probably midday/early afternoon.
Then move to the bus pick-up for the Huanglong (or station) → Jiuzhaigou shuttle and depart in the early afternoon, reaching Jiuzhaigou by late afternoon/evening.

Given this, you certainly *can* avoid a full private car transfer, provided you align your timing and bus schedule. If precision and comfort are your priority (especially with luggage or late arrival), then private car remains a safe fallback.

Hope this helps — enjoy your trip to Western Sichuan!