Travelers heading to Jiuzhaigou have six main transportation options: intercity train, flight, bus, car rental, self-driving, or joining a group tour. Most routes begin in Chengdu, which serves as the main hub for trips to Jiuzhaigou.
Intercity Train Direct to Jiuzhaigou
A direct intercity train runs from Chengdu East Station to Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station. The journey takes approximately two hours, and tickets can be booked via the 12306 app. Upon arrival, travelers can transfer to a shuttle bus to reach the scenic area.
Shuttle Bus Booking: Tickets for shuttle buses, scenic area entry, and car rentals can be purchased via the "Jiō Lǜ Yè Xíng" wechat mini program or directly at the visitor center after disembarking. Shuttle bus fares start at 28 RMB.
Flights
The closest airport to Jiuzhaigou is Jiuzhai-Huanglong Airport (Jiuhuang Airport). Direct flights are limited, with Chengdu serving as the primary transfer hub. Due to its location at high altitude, flights are often affected by unpredictable weather conditions, leading to delays or cancellations. It is recommended to check flight details on the day of travel.
Jiuhuang Airport Transportation Information: Jiuhuang Airport is located between Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (88 km, about 1.5 hours by car) and Huanglong Scenic Area (50 km away).
Upon arrival, travelers can take airport shuttle buses to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area or other destinations such as Huanglong, Munigou, Hongyuan-Waqie Township, Ruoergai Flower Lake, the First Bend of the Yellow River, and Chuanzhusi Town.
Airport Shuttle Buses:
- There are two main shuttle bus routes, with no fixed departure times. Buses depart once they are full.
- The bus from the airport to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area via Huanglong costs 100 RMB per person and includes a 4-4.5 hour stop at Huanglong Scenic Area.
For detailed pricing and schedule inquiries:
- Contact: +86-0837-7243612
Taxi/Private Car:
- Direct travel to Jiuzhaigou (88 km) costs around 200 RMB.
- To visit Huanglong before heading to Jiuzhaigou, the total fare for a private car is approximately 500 RMB.
Long-Distance Buses to Jiuzhaigou
Travelers can also take long-distance buses from Chengdu, Gansu, or Mianyang to Jiuzhaigou. However, these routes take significantly more time. Choose the departure point and schedule that best fits your itinerary.
From Chengdu:
Buses depart daily from Chengdu East Bus Station, Xinnanmen Bus Station, and Chadianzi Bus Station. The total distance is about 440 km.
Route: Chengdu – Wenchuan – Maoxian – Songpan – Jiuzhaigou
From Mianyang:
Direct buses to Jiuzhaigou depart from Mianyang Pingzheng Bus Station. There are three daily departures, with two heading to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and one to Jiuzhaigou County. Be sure to confirm the destination when purchasing tickets. The total distance is about 380 km.
Route: Mianyang – Jiangyou – Pingwu – Jiuzhaigou
From Gansu (Lanzhou):
Daily buses depart from Lanzhou Passenger Center and Lanzhou East Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou. The total distance is approximately 720 km.
Route: Lanzhou – Linxia – Hezuo – Luqu – Ruoergai – Chuanzhusi – Jiuzhaigou
Car Rental (With Cost Estimates)
If traveling with a group, renting a car may be a convenient option.
- For groups of up to 4: Rent a 5-seater sedan for approximately 600-800 RMB/day (including tolls and fuel).
- For groups of 4-8: Rent a 7-11 seater van (e.g., Buick GL8) for about 1200-1600 RMB/day (including tolls and fuel).
- For groups of 8 or more: Rent a 17-seater vehicle for 1800-2200 RMB/day (including tolls and fuel).
Note: Travelers are responsible for covering the driver’s meals and accommodations during the journey. It is advisable to negotiate these details with the driver in advance.
Group Tours
Jiuzhaigou group tours are typically offered as 3-day or 4-day itineraries:
- 3-Day Tour: Focuses on Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Scenic Areas due to time constraints.
- 4-Day Tour: Includes additional stops such as Panda Park or grassland attractions along the way, in addition to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.
Select the option that best suits your schedule and preferences.