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How to Get to Hangzhou

How to Get to Hangzhou

Hangzhou Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport HGH

HGH operates as the main international gateway for Hangzhou and Zhejiang Province. It lies approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) east of the city center.

Airlines & Routes

  • International carriers include Cathay Pacific, KLM, Qatar Airways, AirAsia.
  • Domestic airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines.
  • Direct flights from major Asian hubs. Some European cities have direct connections.

Airport Transfers & Facilities

HGH features modern facilities for traveler comfort, including duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options

  • Metro: Lines 1 & 7 connect the airport to city center (7-10 CNY, 40-60 min).
  • Shuttle Buses: Routes to various city points (20-30 CNY, 60-90 min).
  • Taxi/Didi: To city center (80-120 CNY, 45-70 min).

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices are higher during peak tourist seasons and major Chinese holidays. Book well in advance.

Affiliate Flight Resources

Find great flight deals with resources like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Car Rental

For car rentals, consider DiscoverCars.com. Remember a Chinese driver's license is required.

Direct Flight Availability

From Asia

  • Direct flights from major Asian hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo.
  • Also from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and other regional cities.
  • Travel times are generally short and convenient from these locations.
  • Check airline websites for the most current route information.

From Beyond Asia

  • Direct flights from North America (e.g., New York, Los Angeles) are less common.
  • Travelers from these regions typically face a layover in a major Asian hub or a large Chinese city.
  • Some European cities (e.g., Amsterdam, Helsinki, Madrid) do have direct connections.
  • Seasonal changes may impact the availability of certain direct routes.

Airport Services

Terminals

HGH comprises Terminals 1, 2 (mainly international), and 3 (main domestic). Clearly marked signage guides passengers.

Amenities

Duty-free shops, a range of restaurants and cafes, currency exchange services, ATMs, and lounges are available for passenger comfort.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available, though it may call for a local phone number or WeChat scan for full access.

Land Transportation

High-Speed Rail

High-speed rail (G-trains and D-trains) offers an efficient way to travel to and from Hangzhou. The city serves as a major hub within China's extensive network.

Stations & Routes

  • Hangzhou East Railway Station: Main high-speed hub to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou.
  • Hangzhou Railway Station: Conventional trains and some high-speed routes, closer to West Lake.
  • Hangzhou West Railway Station: Newer high-speed station connecting to various cities.

Bus & Self-Driving

Long-distance buses offer an economical choice for shorter distances. Self-driving is generally not recommended for tourists.

Bus & Driving Info

  • Long-distance buses connect to towns within Zhejiang and neighboring provinces.
  • International Driving Permits are not recognized; a Chinese license is necessary to drive.
  • Hiring a car with a local driver is a highly recommended alternative for road trips.

Train Booking & Travel Times

Booking tickets in advance, especially during holidays, is important as they sell out quickly.

Booking & Times

  • Book via China Railway 12306 app/website or third-party agents like Trip.com.
  • Shanghai is just 1 hour away by high-speed rail.
  • Nanjing takes 1.5-2 hours, Beijing 4.5-6 hours, and Guangzhou 6-8 hours.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major highways are generally well-maintained. City roads can be congested.

Road Safety

  • Traffic rules may be interpreted differently than in Western countries.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists should exercise extreme caution.
  • Self-driving is not practical for most foreign tourists due to licensing and traffic.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Hangzhou is an inland city; direct international sea or river arrivals are not applicable.
  • International cruise ships typically dock in coastal cities like Shanghai or Ningbo.
  • From port cities, travelers can take high-speed rail or a bus to reach Hangzhou.
  • Grand Canal offers scenic boat tours for local sightseeing.
  • West Lake provides various boat types for exploring its islands and viewpoints.
  • These serve as internal lake transport, not arrival or departure routes for the city.

Departure Information

Departure Timing

China does not impose a separate departure tax for international flights; this cost is usually included in your airfare.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • International Flights (HGH): Arrive at least 2.5-3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights (HGH): Arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • High-Speed Rail: Arrive at the railway station at least 30-45 minutes before departure.

Security & Facilities

Allow ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.

Departure Experience

  • Expect thorough security checks at airports and train stations.
  • Liquids and power banks face specific regulations; adhere to these.
  • Airport/Station facilities include restaurants, cafes, duty-free shopping, VIP lounges.

Efficient Check-in

Online check-in often streamlines the process for many airlines.

Digital Boarding Pass

Have your boarding pass ready on your mobile device for quicker scanning.

QR Code Use

Many services at airports and stations use QR code scanning; prepare your mobile payment apps.

Getting Around Within Hangzhou

Public Transportation

Hangzhou boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation network, mainly consisting of its Metro (subway) and public buses.

Metro System Hangzhou Metro

  • The metro network covers major tourist sites and commercial areas.
  • Line 1 serves West Lake, Hangzhou Railway Station, East Railway Station, and Xiaoshan Airport.
  • Ticketing: Single-ride tickets from vending machines or mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay).

Public Buses

The extensive bus network covers areas not reached by the metro and serves shorter distances or specific routes around West Lake.

Bus System

  • Hundreds of routes exist, often designated with numbers (e.g., K7 for West Lake loop).
  • Ticketing: Cash (exact change often needed), Hangzhou Tong card, or mobile payment via QR code.
  • Buses generally operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, frequency varies by route.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Official taxis are typically green, blue, or yellow. Hailing on the street can be difficult during rush hour. Fares start around 11-13 CNY.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is China's dominant ride-sharing app. It offers various services and an English interface. Payment is via linked Alipay/WeChat Pay or international credit card.

Safety Tips

For taxis, ensure the driver uses the meter. For ride-sharing, verify car model and license plate match the app details before entering.

Navigation Tip

Download Baidu Maps or Amap and use their public transport navigation feature for efficient metro and bus travel.