Bus from Zhangjiajie to East Gate

Question

Hi there,

We are in Zhangjiajie and will be heading into the national park tomorrow. (Heading to east gate) So far I have figured out we need to get the bus that heads to Wulingyuan.

Our hotel is across the road from the bus station but we are confused by how we get a bus ticket in the morning to the east gate.

By the looks there may be a couple of different options. Is there one we should choose. Should we be purchasing tickets (for the bus) in advance.

We have seen conflicting advice saying buses depart every 10-15 minutes but we can only find the bus information that shows it departing every 30 minutes.

We plan on leaving om the bus at 7am so any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you so much in advance.

Answer

Traveling from Zhangjiajie city to the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is quite straightforward, and most visitors use the local bus system connecting Wulingyuan and the park entrances.

Here’s what you need to know about getting the bus:

Buses to the East Gate generally depart from the Wulingyuan central bus station or nearby stops in Zhangjiajie city. Since your hotel is across from the bus station, this is very convenient.
Tickets can usually be purchased on the spot at the station. There is typically no strict need to book in advance, especially if you are traveling early in the morning, but arriving a bit earlier than your intended departure time (e.g., 6:30am for a 7am bus) is recommended to secure seats.
Buses are frequent, but schedules may vary. While some sources mention buses every 10–15 minutes, the official timetable often lists departures every 30 minutes. Early morning buses may fill quickly, so it’s best to arrive early.
The ride from Zhangjiajie city to the East Gate takes roughly 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Tips for a smooth trip:

Confirm the bus stop with hotel staff the night before, as they often have the most up-to-date local info.
Have some cash ready in RMB, as some ticket counters may not accept cards.
Bring water and light snacks if you plan to start hiking immediately upon arrival at the East Gate.
If your party prefers, taxis or private drivers are also an option, though slightly more expensive, but can drop you directly at the East Gate entrance.

In summary, for a 7am departure, plan to arrive at the bus station around 6:30am, purchase your tickets at the counter, and board the bus. This is the most common and practical approach used by travelers and locals alike.

Bus from Zhangjiajie to East Gate

More Zhangjiajie Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions