1. Shanghai to Jiuzhaigou flights
Hello everyone, I’m Mike, a travel blogger who has been to Jiuzhaigou 4 times. Let’s start with the quickest way: by airplane!
- Direct flights to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH)!
Currently there are direct flights from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Jiuzhaigou (about 3 hours), but the frequency is low and the price is high, $300-$500 (¥2100-¥3500) one way. - Transit to Chengdu is more cost-effective
Most people will choose to fly from Shanghai to Chengdu (2 hours, $100-$200/¥700-¥1400) and from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou (1 hour, $150-$250/¥1050-¥1750). - Cheapest flight:
Booking 3 months in advance, Shanghai → Chengdu can be as low as $70 (¥500), Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou flights off-season (Nov-Mar) may be $100 (¥700).
2. Shanghai to Jiuzhaigou Train
There is no train station in Jiuzhaigou! You can only go to Chengdu first, then transfer to a bus:
- High-speed rail/motorized train: Shanghai→Chengdu (7-8 hours, $100-$150/¥700-¥1050), with spacious seats for those who are afraid of flying.
- Ordinary train: hard sleeper $80 (¥560), but takes 30 hours, not recommended.
3. Shanghai to Jiuzhaigou Bus
This is the most money-saving but tiring way!
- Full journey by bus: Shanghai→Chengdu (20 hours, $50/¥350), Chengdu→Jiuzhaigou (8-10 hours, $20/¥140). Total cost $70 (¥490), but the whole journey is 30 hours with back pain.
4.Shanghai to Jiuzhaigou Taxi
Here means charter bus! Suitable for families or small groups:
- Chengdu→Jiuzhaigou: 7-seater commercial car $140-$210/day (¥1000-¥1500), 8 hours drive, can stop at any time to take photos of Wenchuan Ruins and Songpan Ancient City.
- Full chartered bus: Shanghai→Jiuzhaigou ($2000+/¥14000+ one way), exclusive for tycoons, ordinary people detour.
5. Shanghai to Jiuzhaigou carpooling
A money-saving and socializing option!
- Chengdu→Jiuzhaigou carpooling: $28-$42 (¥200-¥300) per person, 6-8 people per car, 8 hours drive. Find teammates through WeChat carpooling groups or youth hostels.
- Risk Tip: Drivers may increase the price temporarily, choose the regular platform (such as Ctrip) is more reliable.
6. Self-drive from Shanghai to Jiuzhaigou
Suitable for adventure lovers!
- Route: Shanghai→Chengdu (2 days, 1700km), Chengdu→Jiuzhaigou (8 hours, 430km). Total time consumed is 3-4 days.
- Cost: Gas + road toll about $500 (¥3500), car rental $70/day (¥500) + off-site return fee $140 (¥1000).
- WARNING: During the rainy season (June-August), the mountain road easily collapses, so newbies should not try it.
7. Which is the most economical way?
| Way | Cost | Time | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train + bus | $121 | 18h | ⭐⭐ |
| Carpooling | $160 | 14h | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direct flight | $214 | 3h | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Self-drive | $257 | 30h | ⭐⭐ |
Combining time and cost, two options are recommended:
1️⃣ Airplane + bus combination:
- Shanghai → Chengdu $70 + Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou bus $20 = $90 (¥630).
- Time Consumption: 2 hours flight + 8 hours bus = **10 hours
2️⃣ *High Speed Rail + Carpooling Combo*: - Shanghai→Chengdu High-speed Railway $100 + Carpooling $30 = $130(¥910)
- Time Consumption: 8 hours high speed rail + 8 hours carpooling = **16 hours
Avoid Pit Reminder:
- 15% of direct flights to Jiuzhaigou will be canceled due to weather, buy delay insurance!
- Peak season (July-October) book 1 month in advance, otherwise the price doubles.
Last: Choose the way according to the demand
- Time-critical: Fly direct to Jiuzhaigou ($300+)
- Limited budget: Fly Chengdu + bus ($90)
- Adventurous: Self-drive ($500+)
- Want to socialize: Carpool ($30)
The beauty of Jiuzhaigou is worth the hard work of any mode of transportation! But remember: Wednesday departures are the least crowded, weekends are full of tour groups. Have other questions? Leave a comment and ask me!
Related reading:
Xian to Jiuzhaigou:flight,train,bus,taxi
Best time to go to jiuzhaigou
