How to Travel between Xi’an and Jiuzhaigou

The distance between Xi’an and Jiuzhaigou is about 700km (435 mi). Due to the block of high mountains and deep valleys, there is no train traveling between the two places at present. A few direct flights from Xi’an to Jiuzhaigou are possibly available in peak tourism season, taking about two hours. Besides, making a transfer at Chengdu is the most frequently used and practical way of transfer: 
1.Xi'an to Chengdu by high-speed train and then onward to Jiuzhaigou by bus, taking 12.5 to 15 hours in total with the fare of CNY 438-975 per person;
2.Xi'an to Chengdu by high-speed train then change to a flight to Jiuzhaigou: taking 5-6.5 hours in total and at least CNY1,000.
     For travelers who have tight travel time, they can choose to take a flight from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to Jiuzhaigou Jiuhuang Airport. You can purchase the much cheaper tickets online in advance. The disadvantage of this transportation is that there are only a few flight schedules to Jiuhuang Airport every day in peak tourism seasons. Upon landing, available shuttle buses and taxis can take you to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area directly. 
 Frequent high speed trains scheduled at 07:10 to 19:50 depart from Xi’an North Railway Station to Chengdu East Railway Station every day. The travel time is about 3.5-4.5 hours. The ticket fares are CNY 263 for Second Class Seat, CNY 421 for First Class Seat and CNY 789 for Business Class Seat.

After arriving at Chengdu East Railway Station, passengers can take metro line 2 to Chengyu Flyover Station, and then walk for 550 meters (601 yards) to Chengdu East Coach Station with a fare of CNY2. Or take metro line 2 to Chunxi Road Station and transfer to metro line 3 to Xinnanmen Coach Station. The travel time is about half an hour, costing CNY 3 per person.

Currently, there are several direct long-distance buses from these two bus stations that can take you to the bus station nearby the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area after 9-10 hours’ travel. 

Starting Point	Schedule	Ticket Fare
Xinnanmen Coach Station	08:10	CNY186/168
Chengdu East Coach Station	08:30; 09:30	CNY 175

Kind Reminder: Chengdu is also a top travel destination in China worth visiting. If you are not in a hurry, you can travel around in Chengdu for a few days and then go onward to Jiuzhaigou. 
 After taking a high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway Station to Chengdu East Railway Station, travelers can also take a direct flight to Jiuzhaigou Jiuhuang Airport. The high speed trains take 3.5 to 4.5 hours on the way, costing CNY 263 for a 2nd Class Seat. 

From Chengdu East Railway Station to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, you can travel by airport shuttle bus line 3 directly, which takes around an hour on the way with the fare of CNY 12/person. The flying time is around 1 hour with the ticket fares of CNY800 -1,600. 

After arriving at Jiuhuang Airport, there are convenient shuttle buses that can take you to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area directly, costing about CNY50 person and spending about 1 hour. Taking a taxi from that airport to Jiuzhaigou National Park is also available. The cab fare is CNY 250-400 for the single trip. 
  Passengers can choose to take direct plane from Jiuzhaigou Jiuhuang Airport to Xi’an Xianyang Airport. In general, the time onboard is 2 hours. The ticket price is CNY370-1,000. If you can purchase the tickets online in advance, then you would enjoy some discounts. One thing to note is that the flight may stop service in low travel seasons. 
 Several buses from Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area can take travelers to Chengdu Xinnanmen Coach Station. It will spend 8 - 10 hours and cost CNY186 or CNY168 per person depending on the coach type.

After arriving at Xinnanmen Coach Station, walk to nearby Xinnanmen metro station to take line 3 to Chunxi Rd., and then transfer  to line 2 to Chengdu East Railway Station which operates nearly 30 high-speed trains to Xi’an North Railway Station, taking 3.5-5 hours in general. The ticket prices range from CNY 263 to 789 based on different seat types.
 After sightseeing Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, travelers can take a flight from Jiuhuang Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport first. The time onboard is around 1 hour, costing CNY 1,200 to 1,600. Then take subway line 10 at T2 of Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Taipingyuan Station, and then transfer to line 7 (Outer Ring) to Chengdu East Coach Station close to Chengdu East Railway Station, which takes only CNY6 and 50 min. Chengdu East Railway Station operates frequent high speed trains to Xi’an North Railway Station. With the duration of 3.5 to 4.5 hours, the train ticket fare is CNY 263 for 2nd Class Seat.