Since its West Lake’s proclamation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, Hangzhou has often been described as one of the most beautiful destinations in China. Hangzhou’s West Lake District is rich in cultural and historical sites and has become a peaceful escape for residents and visitors from Shanghai. Thousands of holidaymakers and business travelers arrange day trips to Hangzhou to relax from the chaotic pace of Shanghai. With Shanghai being only 200 km away, what is the best route between the two cities?
*Note:
- English is not common, even in large cities like Shanghai. If you don’t speak or understand Mandarin Chinese, using the bus or train can be more challenging and time-consuming. Taxi drivers also don’t speak English, so communicating a destination outside of Shanghai and negotiating rates can be a challenge.
- We take into account the time required for you to get to the train/bus station and the time needed to reach your final destination in Hangzhou.
1. Shanghai To Hangzhou By Train
- Time: 2 – 2.5 hours (for first-time travelers), 1.5 – 2 hours (for experienced travelers)
- Convenience: Lowest
- Comfort: Low To Moderate
- Cost: Low
Second only to traveling with a private car service, trains remain the safest and most comfortable public transportation option between Shanghai and Hangzhou. On a typical day, 40+ trains run between the two cities, including China’s modern G-series high-speed trains, which travel up to 350 km/h and complete the journey in as little as 45 minutes.
High-speed trains run every 10–15 minutes during peak hours and are straightforward for first-time travelers. English-language ticket machines are still available at Shanghai Hongqiao and Hangzhou stations, making same-day ticket purchases easy without needing to book ahead.
Departure Train Stations in Shanghai:
- Shanghai Railway Station is connected to Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4, and is located relatively close to Shanghai’s downtown.
- Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is one metro stop from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA). It’s convenient to take a train to Hangzhou for passengers arriving at this airport. From here, it takes half an hour to get to the Shanghai city center.
- Shanghai South Railway Station mainly operates non-high-speed trains (K and T).
Arrival Train Stations in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Railway Station is one of the major stations in the city, ranked first-class. It’s just a 15-minute drive from the famous West Lake.
- Hangzhou East Railway Station is located further from the Hangzhou city center. It’s served by a station of the same name on lines 1 and 4 of the Hangzhou Metro.
Train Schedule:
- From Shanghai Railway Station, there are multiple trains available. The duration of the trip is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- From Shanghai Hongqiao, more than 130 G and D-type high-speed trains run daily, from 06:00 to 21:30, every 10-15 min. The duration of the trip is 45 min – 1h 45m.
- Shanghai South Railway Station, K and T type trains depart daily, from 04:22 to 23:30, every ~30 min. Travel time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
See the updated train schedule here.
There are several types of trains you can use. The fastest and most comfortable option is the G-train, with journeys lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes each way. D-trains are also high-speed but run slightly slower than G-trains.
If you’re not concerned about travel time, the more cost-effective K- and T-trains take 2 to 2.5 hours, departing mainly from Shanghai South Railway Station. Regardless of the time of year, these older trains often lack consistent air conditioning and are usually crowded.
If you’re traveling on business, any of the high-speed trains (G or D) will be better suited, helping you avoid unnecessary delays, discomfort, or stress during your trip.
2. Shanghai To Hangzhou By Bus
- Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
- Convenience: Low
- Comfort: Low
- Cost: Low
If you’re making the journey during the day, then using the bus might be the most convenient option. The highway between Shanghai and Hangzhou is considered one of the best roads in China. The average bus ride lasts between two to three hours and costs about CNY 70 – CNY 130. The trains may be quicker, but the buses depart more frequently. You’re able to find a bus every 10-20 minutes anytime between 8 AM and 8 PM from Shanghai’s several bus stations.
See the updated bus schedule here.
Bus Ticket Price: CNY 70 – CNY 130
Duration: 2 h 30 min – 3 h
If you’ve landed at Shanghai’s Pudong airport and plan to hop on a bus on your way to Hangzhou, the long-distance buses are easy to find on the first level of Pudong’s departure hall. Directly from the airport, your journey will take the best part of 3 hours.
It’s worth noting that, as with any public transport in China’s major cities, the buses will likely be crowded during peak hours.
3. Shanghai to Hangzhou By Taxi
- Time: 2 – 2.5 h
- Convenience: Low
- Comfort: High
- Cost: Not fixed
Taxis in China are not always as simple to use as travelers expect. China’s roads can be chaotic, especially during peak hours in major cities like Shanghai. Heavy traffic, fast-paced driving, and signposts exclusively in Mandarin can all make the journey overwhelming for first-time visitors.
A taxi can take you from Shanghai to Hangzhou in 2 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and your exact destination. If you are considering this method, it’s important to research the dos and don’ts of long-distance taxi travel beforehand. Scams, overcharging, and rude drivers can occur, particularly if you do not speak Chinese.
It is strongly recommended to research the taxi company you intend to use in advance. There have been reported cases of unsafe long-distance taxi rides in China, so it is better to err on the side of caution. Outside airports and train stations, you may encounter unlicensed drivers—commonly known as “black taxis”—who operate without regulation. These should be avoided completely.
Licensed taxis from major, reputable companies are regulated, display the driver’s ID card, and show the vehicle/company number clearly. These identifiers help ensure your safety and make it much easier to report issues or retrieve lost items if needed.
4. Shanghai To Hangzhou Using A Car Service
- Time: 1hr 15 min
- Convenience: High
- Comfort: High
- Cost: Get a quote
It’s recommended that you don’t attempt to rent a car and drive yourself through China. The roads and foreign driving habits could be dangerous for those not experienced in driving on Chinese roads. If you are not fluent in Mandarin or Cantonese, you’ll also have a very difficult time trying to read the road signs.
The most comfortable and reliable method of travel is using a professional car service. The drivers provided will speak English fluently, your pick-up times will be guaranteed, and the car ride itself will be most comfortable. You won’t need to concern yourself with any of the stress or hassle associated with traveling through China.
Hangzhou is one of China’s most precious gems. The West Lake district is something every visitor should experience. The tranquility, heritage, and beauty of the West Lake give visitors a view of the sharp contrast with the thriving and bustling city of Shanghai. It’s incredible to see just how much China has grown in the last few decades.
Getting to Hangzhou is fairly easy, depending on which transport route you choose to take. A reliable car service or one of China’s high-speed trains is definitely the easiest and most convenient choice. Whichever route you choose, you will surely enjoy visiting one of Asia’s most beautiful cities.
Shanghai To Hangzhou Summary
With the numerous options available, there’s really no “best way” to get to Shanghai from Hangzhou. However, depending on your requirements and your initial location, there are clear winners:
- If you’re concerned about price but don’t have plenty of time to spare, you should consider taking a ‘Shanghai-Hangzhou’ high-speed train.
- If you’re traveling on a very tight budget and are very concerned about the price (and have more time to spare), you should take the long-distance Bus.
- If your number #1 priority is receiving an amazing service, traveling with comfort, and choosing a time-efficient option, then you should consider booking a Private Car from Shanghai.
If you’re planning a trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou, take advantage of our online discount (click the image below) and book your private car and driver now! Make your journey stress-free and contact our 24/7 team at bookings@asiacarservice.com
