Planning your trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou? This is the guide you need to read before you go! Comparing 3 ways from Shanghai to Hangzhou, recommending Hangzhou attractions and travel tips, all in one.
Compare 3 Ways from Shanghai to Hangzhou: Train, Flight or Drive?
Here is an overview comparing cost, duration, and comfort:
Option | Cost | Duration | Comfort | Notes |
🚄 High-Speed Train | ¥60–¥160 (from $9) | 45–90 minutes | Comfy seats, frequent departures, convenient subway links, and ticket reservations | Cabins can be noisy at times, choose first class seats if you mind |
✈️ Flight | ¥400–¥1,000 (from $56) | ~1 hr (flight) + 2 hrs transit | Airport delays are possible, luggage claim may take time | Remember to depart earlier to avoid the traffic jam on the way to the city |
🚗 Drive | ~¥350–400 (fuel + tolls, from $60) | ~2–3 hours | Flexible but traffic-prone, toll fees apply | Please avoid driving while you’re tired |
High-speed Train: the #1 Choice for Travelers
Why choose a high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
- Downtown to Downtown: No airport transfers, no extra taxi fees.
- Speed & Frequency: Over 100 trains daily, arriving in 45 minutes!
- Reliability: Always punctual—even during holidays.
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✨Popular China Bullet Train Routes✨
- DepartureShanghai Hongqiao
- ArrivalHangzhou East
- Duration~45m
- Price (2nd Class)From $8.00
- DepartureShanghai Hongqiao
- ArrivalBeijing South
- Duration~6h
- Price (2nd Class)From $79.40
- DepartureShanghai Hongqiao
- ArrivalShenzhen North
- Duration~7h
- Price (2nd Class)From $81.46
Shanghai to Hangzhou High-Speed Train Guide
Shanghai-Hangzhou Train Schedule
- Ticket Price: From $9.00
- Travel Time: 45 mins to 1.5 hrs
- Frequency: 100+ trains daily from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM (departure time)
Train Code | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price (Second Class) |
G1321 | 06:10 AM | 06:56 AM | 46 mins | $10.93 |
G7331 | 06:15 AM | 07:07 AM | 52 mins | $9.73 |
G7333 | 06:20 AM | 07:22 PM | 62 mins | $9.73 |
Shanghai-Hangzhou Train Fares & Seat Classes
- Second Class ($9.73–$11.50): Budget-friendly with closely spaced seats. Perfect for families.
- First Class ($15.93–$19.47): Extra legroom with footrests. Ideal for work trips.
- Business Class ($30.93): Lie-flat seats, VIP service, and free snacks. For a luxury travel experience.
Flying from Shanghai to Hangzhou: Is It Worth It?
Shanghai-Hangzhou Flight Duration, Airlines & Price
- Airlines: China Eastern Airlines
- Best Time to Fly: Tuesday/Wednesday
Metric | Value |
Cheapest flight | $35 |
Flight distance | ~160 km |
Average flight time | 2 hrs 50 mins |
Shanghai-Hangzhou Flights: Terminal Tips & Transfers
For speedy transfer, choose SHA to HGH to minimize ground travel. If landing at Pudong (PVG), take the high-speed train to Hangzhou East Station, then transfer to local transport.
Shanghai Airports:
Pudong (PVG): Global hub far from downtown (45 mins).
Hongqiao (SHA): 20-minute metro ride to the city—Primarily serves domestic flights.
Hangzhou Airports:
Xiaoshan (HGH): Closest to downtown (30-minute drive). Best for international connections.
- One way
- Round-trip
SHA1:00 PM3h 5mNonstopHGH2:00 PMShanghai - Hangzhou|Wed, Jul 2|Normal AirlineSearchSearch
SHA1:00 PM3h 5mNonstopHGH2:00 PMShanghai - Hangzhou|Wed, Jul 2|Normal AirlineSearchSearch
SHA1:00 PM3h 5mNonstopHGH2:00 PMShanghai - Hangzhou|Wed, Jul 2|Normal AirlineSearchSearch
Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.
Driving from Shanghai to Hangzhou
Category | Details |
Cost | ~¥350–400 (fuel + tolls, from $60) |
Time | 2–3 hrs via Shanghai–Hangzhou high-speed railway |
Pros | |
Cons | May get stuck near city exits |
Tips: Book tickets before you hit the road to skip the queues! 🚘
Renting a Car from Shanghai to Hangzhou on Trip.com
- Cost: ~¥400–¥600/day (USD 56–85).
- Requirements:
- Valid Chinese driver’s license or International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Credit card for deposit (¥3,000–¥5,000).
- Agencies: Hertz, Avis, and local providers like Trip.com car rental offer reliable options.
Top 3 Must-Visit Attractions in Hangzhou
🛕 Hangzhou Attraction #1: Lingyin Temple
One of the must-sees in Hangzhou, this ancient temple is nestled between lush hills and flowing waters. Step inside the grand hall and feel like you’ve traveled back in time—every relic tells a story. If you’re looking for a sense of Zen or inner peace, please add Lingyin Temple to your travel plan.
- Location: No. 1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
🏯 Hangzhou Attraction #2: Hangzhou Songcheng Park
Chinese history lovers? This is the place. Songcheng brings the Song Dynasty back to life with immersive streets, traditional architecture, and live performances that will leave you amazed. You’ll feel like starring in a vivid historical drama—fun for both families and solo travellers!
- Location: No. 148 Zhijiang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
🏝 Hangzhou Attraction #3: Thousand Island Lake
The lake is made up of 178 islands, each with its own charm. Clear blue waters and scenic hills, it’s the ultimate getaway from urban noise—perfect for a peaceful nature escape and a relaxing end to your Hangzhou journey.
- Location: No. 348 Menggu Road, Qiandao Lake Town, Chun’an County, Hangzhou
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Where to Stay in Hangzhou?
From now until stock last, you can enjoy up to 8% off hotel deals on Trip.com when you register as a member on desktop or app!
Why Book Your China High-Speed Train Tickets with Trip.com?
Feature | 12306 | Trip.com |
Booking Source | Official China Railway site | Global OTA with full English support |
Service Hours | 5 AM – 1 AM | 24/7 multilingual support |
Payment Options | Local methods only | International cards, Alipay, WeChat |
User Interface | Complex (Chinese only) | Easy, mobile-friendly |
Extras | None | Hotels, flights, tours, car rentals... |
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FAQ
What is the fastest way to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
The fastest option is the high-speed train, taking as little as 45 minutes. Trains depart frequently from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Hangzhou East.Which station in Hangzhou should I arrive at?
Hangzhou East Station is the most common arrival point for high-speed trains. It has convenient metro connections and access to major tourist areas.Is it worth flying from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
Not really. Though flights are short, airport transfers and security checks make trains a faster and more convenient option.When is the best time to visit Hangzhou?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best weather—perfect for outdoor activities like visiting West Lake.