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How to Get to Jiaxing

How to Get to Jiaxing

Jiaxing Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Nearby International Airports

Jiaxing lacks its own international airport. Fly into nearby major international airports.

Airport List

  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): 70-80 km (43-50 miles) southwest. Main hub for Zhejiang.
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): 80-90 km (50-56 miles) northeast. Mainly handles domestic flights and some regional international flights.
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): 130-140 (80-87 miles) northeast. Major international hub, connecting to destinations worldwide.

Flights & Availability

Airlines and routes vary by airport.

Flight Specifics

  • HGH: Major Chinese airlines (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines) and international carriers. Flights connect to major Asian cities, some European cities, and restricted direct flights to North America.
  • SHA/PVG: A vast network of international and domestic airlines serves these airports, connecting to almost all major global hubs.
  • Direct flights from North America and Europe mainly land at PVG or sometimes HGH. Dollar Flight Club for deals.
  • Flight availability remains consistent year-round. Prices are higher during peak travel seasons (Spring Festival, Foundation Day, summer months). Use Skyscanner to compare.

HGH Airport Services

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport offers contemporary amenities: restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges, Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, rental car agencies, baggage services.

SHA/PVG Airport Services

Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong International Airports offer modern facilities: restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges, Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental services, baggage services.

Airport Transfers to Jiaxing

From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to Jiaxing: Direct airport shuttle bus services have frequent service to Jiaxing Bus Station (1.5-2 hours). Taxi/ride-share available (about 1 hour), but at a higher cost.

Transfers from Shanghai Airports

From Shanghai Hongqiao SHA

  • High-speed train: Take Shanghai Metro Line 10 to Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站).
  • Then, board a high-speed train to Jiaxing South Railway Station (嘉兴南站). The train journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Available but higher cost.
  • Airport shuttle bus to Jiaxing exists but is less frequent than options from HGH or train services.

From Shanghai Pudong PVG

  • High-speed train: Take Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Hongqiao Railway Station.
  • Then, board a high-speed train to Jiaxing South Railway Station. The total journey time can be 2-3 hours.
  • Airport shuttle bus: Direct bus services from PVG to Jiaxing exist. The journey takes approximately 2-2.5 hours.
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Longer journey.

Train & Bus Travel

Rail Connections

Jiaxing connects well through China's high-speed rail network. Jiaxing South Railway Station serves high-speed trains. Jiaxing Railway Station mainly serves conventional trains. Connections include Shanghai (Hongqiao), Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, and Beijing.

Long-Distance Buses

Jiaxing has several long-distance bus stations, including Jiaxing Bus Station (嘉兴汽车客运中心) and Jiaxing West Bus Station (嘉兴汽车西站). An extensive network of routes connects Jiaxing to cities across Zhejiang Province and neighboring provinces. Buses are generally comfortable and economical.

Booking Information

Buy tickets for the train via official platforms (12306.cn or the 12306 app), at railway stations, or through authorized agents. Your passport is required for booking and boarding.

Land Transportation

Driving in China

Foreigners cannot drive in China with only an international driving permit (IDP) or foreign license. A temporary Chinese driving permit or a full Chinese driving license is required. This process can be multifaceted and time-consuming.

Car Rental & Road Conditions

  • Rented vehicles are available, but usually only to those with valid Chinese driving permits. Use DiscoverCars.com.
  • Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Road infrastructure in Zhejiang Province, including Jiaxing, is generally modern and well-maintained.

Road Safety in Jiaxing

Urban roads can experience congestion, specifically during peak hours. Road laws may be interpreted differently than in Western countries; cautious driving is advised.

Safety Awareness

  • Electric scooters and bicycles are very common and require vigilance from drivers.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory. Drunk driving is strictly prohibited. Speed limits are enforced.
  • Paid parking lots are available near attractions. Street parking often restricted or needs local payment apps.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Jiaxing's inland location means sea or river arrivals as main transportation methods are not applicable for international travel.

Inland Waterways

  • Jiaxing is not a coastal city and does not have sea cruise ports.
  • It is situated on the Grand Canal, but this waterway is mainly for historical or tourism boats within the city or for cargo, not international or long-distance passenger ferry arrivals.
  • Boat excursions are available on South Lake and along the Yuehe Historic Block canal for sightseeing purposes. These are for local leisure and not for arriving or leaving from Jiaxing as a transport hub.

Departure Information

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on international air travelers departing mainland China.

Departure Procedures & Facilities

  • For international flights from HGH, SHA, or PVG: Be THERE two.5-3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows time for check-in, security, and immigration.
  • For high-speed trains from Jiaxing South: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure. Ticket gates usually close 5-10 minutes before departure.
  • For conventional trains or long-distance buses: Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

  • Airports: All major international airports offer duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, and tax refund services where applicable for eligible purchases.
  • Railway Stations: You find waiting areas, restaurants or convenience stores, and restrooms. Jiaxing South is a modern station.
  • Jiaxing Railway Station also has essential amenities for travelers.
  • Ensure any tax refunds are processed before security if needed.
  • Give yourself ample time for potential queues, particularly during busy travel periods.
  • Have all travel documents readily accessible for final checks.

Departure Summary

Airport Travel Summary

Jiaxing does not have its own international airport, so arrival and departure happen via Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) / Pudong (PVG) airports. Transfers from these airports to Jiaxing are efficient via shuttle buses or high-speed trains.

Takeaways for Air Travel

  • Choose your arrival airport based on international flight availability and onward travel convenience.
  • Utilize direct shuttle buses from HGH or high-speed rail connections from Shanghai airports.
  • Factor in higher prices and potential crowds during Chinese holidays and peak seasons.

Land Travel Summary

China's extensive high-speed rail the system connects Jiaxing to major cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou, offering fast and comfortable journeys. Long-distance buses provide an economical an alternative to shorter routes within the region.

Takeaways for Land Travel

  • High-speed trains provide efficient for inter-city travel. Purchase tickets ahead of time using official platforms.
  • Buses are suitable for regional travel and offer a good value.

No Sea Arrivals

Jiaxing is an inland city, so international sea or river arrivals are not applicable. Water transportation within Jiaxing is mainly for sightseeing.

Departure Checklist

Leave plenty of time for the airport/station procedures. No specific exit taxes are levied. Remember to collect any eligible tax refunds.

Travel Navigator

A smooth trip depends on understanding the transportation options and planning transfers well in advance.

Travel Logistics

Flight Tips

For best flight deals, research and book in advance, especially for international directions to Shanghai or Hangzhou. Consider using airfare comparison websites to find optimal prices and routes.

Finding Flights

  • Be flexible with travel dates to find better fares.
  • Set price notifications for your desired routes.
  • Consider flying into an alternative airport if prices are significantly lower.

Train & Bus Tips

China's railway system is extensive and efficient. For popular routes, especially during holidays, booking train tickets in advance is highly recommended. Buses are an adaptable option for local and regional travel.

Ground Travel Wisdom

  • Book high-speed train tickets using the 12306 app or website.
  • For bus travel, check schedules at the public bus station or via mobile apps.
  • Always carry your passport for ticket verification and boarding for trains.

Departure Details

Timing

Arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before an international flight. For high-speed trains, 30-45 minutes. For buses, 30 minutes.

Check-in

Confirm baggage allowance and check-in procedures for your airline or railway. Have e-tickets or reservation confirmations ready.

Customs

Prepare for security checks. No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on international air travelers departing mainland China.

Final Checks

Confirm all travel documents (passport, visa) are easily accessible. Double-check your flight or train schedule. Make sure you have sufficient time for all procedures.

How to Get to Jiaxing. Flights, Transportation, Airlines