Getting Around Hangzhou
Hangzhou offers multiple transportation options for visitors, with the metro system being the most convenient way to navigate the city. The city is well-served by public transport, taxis, and bike-sharing services, making it accessible for tourists who plan ahead.
Metro System
The metro is the easiest way to get around Hangzhou. The system is extensive and modern, making it ideal for visitors unfamiliar with the city. Fares are reasonable and the network covers most major destinations.
Buses
Hangzhou has an extensive bus network, though buses operate entirely in Chinese—schedules, routes, and on-board announcements are in Chinese only. Different bus types serve different purposes and price points:
- Routes without letter prefixes are the cheapest (¥1–2) but are unair-conditioned and best avoided during summer months.
- "K" prefixed routes are air-conditioned during warm months and heated in winter, costing ¥2–3.
- "Y" prefixed routes are tourist buses connecting popular destinations, priced at ¥3–5.
- "B" prefixed routes are part of the Bus Rapid Transit system, featuring dedicated stations and free transfers between B routes for a flat ¥4 fare.
- Night routes (numbered K2xx with blue signs) run from around 21:00 to 06:00 at ¥2.50.
Payment can be made in cash (no change given), by bus card, or using the same card as the bike-sharing system. Board through front doors and exit through the rear. Buses can be crowded and driving is sometimes aggressive, so be prepared for sudden movements.
For visitors arriving by train, bus K7 connects Hangzhou Rail Station directly to West Lake for ¥1.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis in Hangzhou are turquoise-green and easily identifiable. They are plentiful and allow quick travel within the city, though they are notably expensive compared to other Chinese cities. All trips use meters as required by law, starting at ¥11 with additional charges per kilometre, plus surcharges for idling and trips exceeding 10 km.
Important considerations when using taxis:
- Few taxi drivers speak English; have your destination written in Chinese or be able to point it out on a map.
- Taxis cannot legally carry more than four passengers.
- Always take a receipt for fare disputes or lost items.
- Avoid taxi touts at the train station and tourist attractions; instead use designated taxi queues or flag a taxi directly off the street.
Walkability
Large parts of Hangzhou are walkable for tourists, particularly areas around West Lake. However, the city is expansive, and most visitors will need to use public transport to reach distant destinations.
Getting from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to the City
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is located approximately 30 km east of the city center. Several options exist for reaching the city:
- Taxi: A taxi ride typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and costs around ¥90. Ask the driver in advance if they will accept the trip to/from the airport, as some drivers prefer not to travel there. Standard metered fares apply with no additional airport surcharge.
- Shuttle bus: A shuttle service costs ¥20 and departs from the airport to the Xiaoshan Bus Ticket Office on Tiyuchang Road (near Wulin Square, next to KFC) and stops at the main railway station en route. The journey takes about an hour. Buses run on a regular schedule: every 30 minutes (07:30–09:30), every 15 minutes (09:30–17:00), every 20 minutes (17:00–21:00), and every 30 minutes after 21:00. Purchase tickets at the booth outside the exit before boarding.
- Shangri-La Hotel shuttle: This hotel offers a shuttle service for ¥50 if you are staying there.
Arriving from Shanghai Airports
If arriving at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport, direct buses to Hangzhou are available and take a couple of hours. Buses depart every 90 minutes from 10:30 to 19:00 from the second-floor parking lot across from Gate 15, costing ¥100. These buses arrive at Yellow Dragon Sports Center, located about 3 km west of Hangzhou's city center. The return journey to Pudong Airport is also available from Yellow Dragon Sports Center or the Xiaoshan Bus Ticket Office on Tiyuchang Road.
Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport, which primarily serves domestic flights, is adjacent to Hongqiao Railway Station, which offers high-speed train services to Hangzhou East Station in just 50 minutes for ¥73.