Hello, I’m Lila Jiang, a China travel professional with over 5 years of experience. During these five years, I’ve traveled extensively around the world.Today, I’m thrilled to share this comprehensive guide to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG), designed to cover all your transportation needs. Whether you’re seeking the fastest route to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, budget-friendly intra-city commutes, or transfers to nearby scenic spots, this guide packs detailed operation steps and insider tips to help you find the perfect match for your travel plans.
Airport Basic Information Overview
- Airport Code: DYG
- Location: Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province
- Core Distance: Approximately 10 km from Zhangjiajie City Center; 35 km from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (核心景区)
- Terminal Distribution:
Terminal 2 (T2): Mainly handles international and regional flights (e.g., to Seoul, Bangkok, and Hong Kong), with a small number of domestic charter flights in peak travel seasons.
Terminal 1 (T1): Serves domestic flights, including major carriers like China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines.
Comparative Analysis of 5 Intra-City & Scenic Spot Travel Options
| Travel Option | One-Way Travel Time | Price Range | Target Audience | Core Advantages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Express Bus to Forest Park | 45-60 mins | $4.24-$5.65 | Travelers heading to the core scenic area | Direct to the park gate, no transfer needed | Fixed departure times, limited seats in peak seasons |
| City Shuttle Bus | 20-30 mins (to city center) | $1.42-$2.12 | Budget travelers staying in downtown Zhangjiajie | Low cost, wide coverage of city hotels | Crowded during rush hours, no luggage priority |
| Taxi | 35-50 mins (to forest park); 15-20 mins (to city center) | $14.13-$24.73 (to park); $4.24-$7.07 (to city) | Travelers with large luggage, family groups, or time-sensitive visitors | Door-to-door service, flexible routes | Prone to price bargaining; surcharge for night trips (22:00-06:00) |
| Ride-Hailing Services | 35-50 mins (to forest park); 15-20 mins (to city center) | $11.31-$21.20 (to park); $3.54-$5.65 (to city) | Travelers who prefer transparent pricing and advance booking | Predictable fares, selectable car types | Need to pick up at the designated area outside T2 |
| Private Car Charter | Customized (flexible schedule) | $35.33-$70.66/day | Small groups, family trips, or travelers with customized itineraries | Exclusive service, flexible stops at intermediate scenic spots | Higher cost; book in advance for peak seasons |
Option 1: Airport Express Bus to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Most Popular for Scenic Spot Travel)
This dedicated bus line is the top choice for most tourists, directly connecting the airport to the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park— the iconic destination for quartz sandstone peak forest landscapes.
Core Information
- Route: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (pick-up point: outside T1 Arrival Hall) → Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Ticket Office
- Operating Hours: Departs airport 09:00-18:00 (aligned with major flight arrival times); departs park 07:00-16:00
- Departure Interval: 60 mins/shift during peak seasons (April-October); 90 mins/shift during off-peak seasons (November-March)
Ticketing & Discounts
- Ticketing Channels: On-site ticket counter at the airport arrival hall; online booking via “Zhangjiajie Tourism” official WeChat mini-program
- Price Standard: One-way $5.65 per person; round-trip $9.89 (valid for 3 days)
- Discount Policy: 50% off for children 1.2-1.5m; free for children under 1.2m; 10% off for tourists holding a valid scenic spot pass
Practical Tips
- The bus terminal is right next to the forest park ticket office—you can directly buy entrance tickets and take the park shuttle bus to the core scenic area (e.g., Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie)
- Avoid the last bus (18:00 from airport) if your flight is delayed; opt for a taxi or ride-hailing service instead
Option 2: City Shuttle Bus (Best Value for Downtown Travel)
This economical line links the airport to Zhangjiajie City Center, covering major hotels, bus stations, and railway stations. It’s ideal for travelers who plan to stay in downtown before heading to the scenic spots.
Riding Instructions
- Station Location: Pick-up point outside T2 Arrival Hall; follow the “City Shuttle Bus” signs
- Operating Hours: Departs airport 08:00-20:00; departs city center 07:00-19:00
- Key Stops: Zhangjiajie Railway Station, Zhangjiajie West Bus Station, Wuling Avenue (downtown hotel cluster)
Fare & Travel Time Reference
| Destination | One-Way Fare | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Zhangjiajie Railway Station | $1.42 | 20 mins |
| Wuling Avenue (Downtown) | $2.12 | 25 mins |
| Zhangjiajie West Bus Station | $1.42 | 30 mins |
Option 3: Taxi (Door-to-Door Convenience)
Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport, offering the most flexible travel option for tourists who value convenience, especially those arriving late at night or with bulky luggage.
Waiting & Pricing
- Waiting Points: Taxi queue area outside T1 Arrival Hall (for domestic flights) and T2 Arrival Hall (for international flights)
- Pricing Standard:
- Daytime (06:00-22:00): Starting fare $1.42 (within 2 km); $0.35/km for 2-10 km; $0.53/km for over 10 km
- Nighttime (22:00-06:00): Starting fare $1.98 (within 2 km); subsequent mileage charges increased by 20%
- Fare Reference for Popular Destinations:
- Airport → Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: $14.13-$24.73 (daytime); $18.20-$29.68 (nighttime)
- Airport → Zhangjiajie Railway Station: $4.24-$7.07 (daytime); $5.65-$8.48 (nighttime)
Practical Tips
- Insist on the driver using the meter; avoid accepting fixed-price offers to prevent overcharging
- Carry small change in cash, as some rural taxi drivers may not accept mobile payments
Option 4: Ride-Hailing Services (Transparent Pricing)
Online ride-hailing platforms like DiDi Chuxing are widely used in Zhangjiajie, providing a reliable alternative to taxis with clear, upfront pricing.
Recommended Platforms: DiDi Chuxing, Amap Dache
Pickup Points:
- Dedicated ride-hailing area in P1 Parking Lot (5-minute walk from T1 Arrival Hall)
Practical Tips:
- Book your ride 15-30 minutes before your flight lands to avoid waiting
- Select “Airport Pickup Service” and enter your flight number— the driver will track your flight delay status automatically
- Price Reference: Airport → Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: $11.31-$21.20; Airport → Downtown: $3.54-$5.65
Option 5: Private Car Charter (Customized Service for Groups)
Private car charter is a premium option for small groups or families, allowing you to customize your itinerary and stop at intermediate attractions (e.g., Tianmen Mountain, Yellow Dragon Cave) along the way.
Recommended Providers: Local travel agencies, online platforms like Ctrip
Pricing & Service:
- Daily Rate: $35.33-$70.66 (depending on car type: sedan, SUV, or van)
- Included Services: Professional driver service, fuel costs, toll fees; some providers offer free pick-up and drop-off at the airport
Practical Tips:
- Confirm the itinerary and service scope in writing before booking
- Choose a provider with a valid tourism license to ensure safety and avoid scams
Inter-Scenic Spot Transportation Guide
DYG Airport ↔ Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area
- Best Option: Taxi/Ride-hailing ($7.07-$11.31, 25 mins direct)
- Budget Option: City shuttle bus to downtown + transfer to Tianmen Mountain bus ($3.54, 45 mins)
DYG Airport ↔ Fenghuang Ancient Town
- Recommended Route: Airport → Zhangjiajie West Railway Station (by taxi, 20 mins, $7.07) → take high-speed train to Fenghuang Ancient Town (1.5 hours, $21.20)
- Alternative Route: Chartered car (3 hours, $141.32-$212.00 for a round trip)
Terminal Transfer & Airport Practical Services
T1 ↔ T2 Terminal Transfer
- Free Shuttle Bus: Operates 24/7, departs from the entrance of T1 and T2 every 10 mins; travel time 5 mins
- Walking: Approximately 500 meters between the two terminals, 10 mins on foot (suitable for travelers with light luggage)
Airport Practical Services
- Wi-Fi Connection: Search for “DYG-Free-WiFi”, log in via mobile phone verification code; free for 4 hours per device
- Luggage Storage: Available in T1 Arrival Hall; charged per item per day ($2.12-$4.24, depending on luggage size)
- Charging Facilities: Free charging stations in the departure and arrival halls; wireless charging available in the VIP lounge
- Tourism Information Desk: Located in T1 Arrival Hall; provides free maps, itinerary planning, and ticket booking services for scenic spots
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Arrived at the airport after 20:00, are there any transportation options to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
A: No airport express buses are available after 18:00. You can take a taxi or ride-hailing service (about $18.20-$24.73) to the forest park, or stay overnight in downtown Zhangjiajie and take the first bus to the park the next morning.
Q: Traveling with elderly family members and large luggage, which transportation method is the most convenient?
A: Private car charter or taxi is recommended. The airport express bus has limited luggage space, and the city shuttle bus may not be wheelchair-friendly.
Q: Can I book the airport express bus ticket to the forest park in advance?
A: Yes. You can book tickets online via the “Zhangjiajie Tourism” official WeChat mini-program 1-3 days in advance, or buy tickets on-site at the airport ticket counter.
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.