Hangzhou Transportation Guide: By Train, Plane & Public Transportation
Hangzhou is a city full of charm, and getting around is easier than you might think. In this guide, we'll cover how to reach Hangzhou, the public transportation options within the city, and the best ways to visit nearby destinations. Whether you prefer trains, buses, metro, or bikes, you'll find practical tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Hangzhou East Railway Station
How to Get to Hangzhou
By Train
Bullet train at Hangzhou Railway Station
If you are traveling to Hangzhou from cities in central or eastern China, such as Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, or Huangshan, we recommend taking bullet trains. The train usually takes less than 2 hours.
Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station, Hangzhou West Railway Station, and Hangzhou South Railway Station are the city's four principal railway stations. The metro can reach all of these stations, and taxis are also a practical choice.
- Hangzhou East Railway Station: The busiest railway station in Hangzhou and a major bullet train hub. It offers frequent connections to nearby cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, and Suzhou. Accessible via Metro Lines 1, 4, and 6.
- Hangzhou Railway Station: The closest station to West Lake. Most services are regular trains, with a few bullet trains. Accessible via Metro Lines 1 and 5.
- Hangzhou West Railway Station: This station features a futuristic design and is located near Hangzhou Future Sci-Tech City. Accessible via Metro Lines 3 and 19.
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Hangzhou South Railway Station: The farthest station from West Lake and mainly serves regular trains. Accessible via Metro Line 5.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
By Plane
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport
Hangzhou has one airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, located in the southeastern part of the city. Terminals T3 and T4 handle most of the passenger traffic. T3 operates domestic flights only, while T4 serves international flights and a small number of domestic routes. A free airport shuttle bus runs inside the airport between T3 and T4.
Flying to Hangzhou is fast from most places in China, usually taking 2-3 hours (such as from Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, or Guilin).
There are several international routes from other countries to Hangzhou. If you're from countries like the United States, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia, you can fly directly to Hangzhou.
Hangzhou Public Transportation
Hangzhou's public transportation is very comprehensive, including the metro, buses, shared bicycles, and even water buses.
Taxi
Hangzhou has both regular street taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi (similar to Uber). However, traffic congestion is common around major attractions, so it's a good idea to book a ride in advance or walk a short distance away from the attraction entrance before getting a car.
Hangzhou Metro
A station of Hangzhou Metro Line 1
Hangzhou has many metro lines, and metro stations are located near most major attractions, making it very convenient for visitors.
- To West Lake/Lingyin Temple/Leifeng Pagoda: Line 7, Heishan Square Station (the closest stop) or Line 1, Longxiangqiao Station.
- To Xixi National Wetland Park: Line 3, Xixi Wetland South Station.
- To Hangzhou Future Sci-Tech City: Line 19, Jingchang Road Station.
Bus
There are circular bus routes around West Lake that loop around the entire lake and stop at surrounding parks and attractions. If you don't want to cycle or walk, taking the bus is a convenient way to get around. It will cost 2 RMB (about 30 cents) per ride.
Public Bikes
We highly recommend exploring West Lake by bike, as the scenic area around the lake is very large and the bike lanes are well developed, making it ideal for cycling.
Hangzhou has plenty of shared bicycles. It's a good idea to set up WeChat or Alipay in advance, as shared bikes are unlocked and paid for by scanning a QR code with these apps. The bikes can be temporarily locked, so you can stop anywhere to take photos or enjoy the scenery.
Red bikes are free to use for the first 3 hours, while bikes in other colors usually cost around 1.5 RMB (about 20 cents) per hour. It's worth mentioning that some red bikes are equipped with a rear seat and can carry children of around 4 years old.
Please note that bikes should be parked in areas marked with white lines along the road, which are designated parking zones for bicycles and e-bikes.
"Water Bus" on the Grand Canal
The cabin of Hangzhou Water Bus
Hangzhou has four water bus routes that operate along the Grand Canal. Tickets cost 3 RMB (about 42 cents), and you can get on and off at any stop along the route. Along the way, you can see well-designed gardens on both sides of the canal and pass under several stone bridges. It's a relaxing way to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
If you'd like to explore Hangzhou's old streets, taking Water Bus Line 7 and getting off at Meihuabei Station is a great option. From there, you can take a leisurely walk from Deshou Palace to Hefang Street.
The water buses run from around 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with departures about once an hour. The buses are electric boats with enclosed cabins and large glass windows on both sides. And the cabins are clean and comfortable, with air conditioning in summer.
A gentle reminder: Water buses do not go to West Lake.
How to Visit Hangzhou From Nearby Places
Traveling from other cities to Hangzhou is very convenient. In general, it takes about one hour to reach Hangzhou from nearby cities like Shanghai and Huangshan. If you fly from cities in northern China like Beijing, it only takes about 2.5 hours.
Shanghai to Hangzhou
- Travel time: about 1 hour by bullet train
High-speed trains run from Hangzhou to Shanghai almost every hour a day. Most trains arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, where you can transfer directly to Metro Line 2 to reach the Bund.
Beijing to Hangzhou
- Travel time: about 2.5 hour by air
A flight from Hangzhou to Beijing takes about 2.5 hours, with no transfers or stopovers.
You may also consider taking a bullet train. There are many trains running from Hangzhou to Beijing. The bullet train journey from Beijing to Hangzhou takes about 4 hours in the early morning and evening, while at other times it generally takes around 5-6 hours.
Hangzhou to Huangshan
- Travel time: about 1.5-2 hours by bullet train
Bullet trains from Hangzhou to Huangshan operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. After arriving by train, you'll need to take another one-hour drive to reach the Huangshan Scenic Area.
Hangzhou to Wuzhen
- Travel time: about 1-1.5-hour drive
There is no direct high-speed train from Hangzhou to Wuzhen, but getting there by car is very convenient. From Hangzhou East Railway Station, there are direct buses to Wuzhen, with tickets priced at 45 RMB (about 7 USD). And the journey takes about 1.5 hours. However, if you hire a private car, you can enjoy a more private and quiet travel experience.
Explore Hangzhou With Us
Getting around Hangzhou is easy with the right planning, and we're here to help. If you'd like a smoother and more comfortable travel experience, we can arrange private transfers and English-speaking guides, as well as design a fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule. Feel free to contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com to start planning your Hangzhou trip with ease and confidence.
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