By Plane
Hangzhou Airport (HGH)
Name: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Distance to city: 30 km from city center
To city center: Metro Line 1/7/19 (40 min, ¥7), airport shuttle bus (¥20, 60 min), taxi (¥80-120, 40 min)
Direct Flights From
By High-Speed Train
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Location: Major high-speed rail hub, 10 km from West Lake
One of China's busiest stations. Metro Lines 1, 4, 19 connect to West Lake and city center.
Popular Routes
| From | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 4h17m-6h | ¥500-850 | ✅ Verified: 25 G-trains daily, fastest 4h17m. Very convenient! |
| Shanghai | 45min-1h | ¥70-120 | Very frequent trains! Almost like Shanghai-Hangzhou commuter route. |
| Huangshan | 1h13m-1.5h | ¥100-180 | 46 daily G-trains, fastest 1h13m! Perfect for West Lake + Yellow Mountain combo. |
| Nanjing | 1-1.5h | ¥120-200 | Frequent G-trains |
By Long-Distance Bus
Hangzhou Long-distance Bus Station
Location: City center
Routes: Routes to Shanghai, Suzhou, nearby cities
By Car
From Shanghai
Distance: 180 km
Duration: 2h
Route: G60 Huhang Expressway
From Suzhou
Distance: 160 km
Duration: 2h
Route: G60 Huhang Expressway
From Huangshan
Distance: 250 km
Duration: 3h
Route: G56 Hangrui Expressway
Getting Around Hangzhou
Public Transport
Metro covers major areas (¥2-7). Bus to West Lake attractions. Bike sharing everywhere - essential for West Lake!
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Taxis metered (starting ¥11, ¥2.5/km). Didi app works. West Lake area can be congested - walking or cycling is often faster.
Bike Rental
ESSENTIAL in Hangzhou! West Lake is perfect for cycling (15 km loop). Public bike sharing everywhere (¥1-2/hour). Rent e-bike for easier riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get to Hangzhou from Beijing?
✅ Verified: High-speed train is fastest - 25 daily G-trains, fastest 4h17m! Tickets ¥500-850. Faster than flying when including airport time. Very convenient.
How do I get from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
High-speed train is incredibly fast and frequent: 45 min, ¥70-120. Trains run every 10-15 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao. Perfect for day trips from Shanghai to West Lake.
Can I visit both West Lake and Yellow Mountain (Huangshan)?
YES! Hangzhou to Huangshan: 46 daily G-trains, fastest 1h13m (¥100-180). Perfect combo: West Lake in Hangzhou (1-2 days) + Yellow Mountain (1-2 days). Many travelers do Shanghai-Hangzhou-Huangshan route (4-5 days total).
What is the best way to explore West Lake?
RENT A BIKE! West Lake has a 15 km scenic cycling path. Public bike sharing stations everywhere (¥1-2/hour). Or take tourist boat (¥55) across the lake. Walking the full loop takes 4-5 hours. Sunrise at Leifeng Pagoda is spectacular.
What makes Hangzhou special?
Hangzhou is famous for: (1) West Lake - UNESCO World Heritage, poetic landscapes, "heaven on earth"; (2) Longjing Tea - world-famous Dragon Well tea, visit tea villages; (3) Lingyin Temple - one of China's most famous Buddhist temples; (4) Alibaba HQ - China's tech hub; (5) Marco Polo called it "the finest city in the world."
How many days should I spend in Hangzhou?
Minimum 2 days: West Lake (1 day) + Lingyin Temple + tea village. 3 days allows relaxed West Lake exploration + Longjing tea area. Hangzhou is an excellent base for Yangtze Delta: Shanghai (45 min), Suzhou (1.5h), Huangshan (1h13m). Many travelers do Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou triangle (4-5 days).