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How to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou [Best options]
Hangzhou is one of the most interesting destinations you can visit near Shanghai, famous for its West Lake, its pagodas, and its peaceful city. Best of all, they're very close together, making traveling from Shanghai to Hangzhou a breeze.
In this article we explain How to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou step by stepWe will share with you the prices, travel times and which is the most recommended option for you. visit Hangzhou, a city with a lot to see.
How to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou by train – The best choice
If you are looking for the fastest, most comfortable and efficient way to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou, the high-speed train is undoubtedly the best option. the most recommended optionThere are dozens of trains daily, and the prices are very affordable.
Remember: In China train tickets can only be purchased 15 days in advance, but in Trip.com You can book tickets for any date, and the platform will automatically purchase them when they are unlocked. You can read our guide on How to buy train tickets in China.
Hay two types of train To go from Shanghai to Hangzhou, the fast train and the normal train. We personally recommend the fast train as a better option since it departs from a more central station and the journey is much more comfortable and efficient. Ideal if you are doing a route through China and you want to make the most of your time.
Fast train (type G or D): They come out of the Shanghai Hongqiao Station, which is easily reached by metro line 2, and arrives at the station Hangzhou East Railway Station (Hangzhoudong), well connected to the city center via metro line 1. The train journey takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, and the ticket costs between €7,5 and €10.
Slow trainThis type of train departs from various stations, such as Shanghainan or Shanghai Songjiang. They are quite far from the city center and not as convenient. The journey takes between 1 hour and a half and 2 hours and the ticket costs 2,5-5€.
How to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou Bus
Although the bullet train is the fastest and most popular option to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou, there is also the possibility of doing so by intercity busIt's a good alternative if all the trains are full or if you're looking for a more local experience.
There are several bus stations spread throughout Shanghai, the main ones being Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station, Shanghai General Long-Distance Bus Station, and Pudong Long-Distance Bus Passenger Transport Terminal. You should choose the one closest to your hotel in Shanghai. Most buses arrive at Hangzhou West Bus Station, very close to the city center.
The bus ride takes between 2 and 3 hoursDepending on traffic, the ticket price is €8-11, very similar to the bullet train. For this reason, it's the least popular way for tourists to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou.
Taxi or private transportation service
Another way to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou is by taxi or private transfer, although It is not the cheapest or fastest option, it can be interesting in some specific cases: if you are traveling in a group, if you have a lot of luggage, or if you are looking for door-to-door convenience without worrying about stations or schedules.
A ride in a taxi or DiDi (which you can order in Alipay) from Shanghai to downtown Hangzhou costs around €100, a higher price than public transport but not excessive if you're traveling with family or a group. Depending on traffic and the exact pickup point, it takes around two hours to reach downtown Hangzhou.
Private tour from Shanghai to Hangzhou
If you only have one day free and don't want to worry about organizing anything, take a day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou with guide included can be a good option. This type of tour is designed for those who want to see Hangzhou's main attractions quickly and comfortably, without having to manage transportation, tickets, or transfers.
Te Pick up in the morning at your accommodation in Shanghai and take you to Hangzhou by bullet train. Once there, you will visit the most emblematic places The tour includes city landmarks such as West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, and the Longjing Tea Plantations, accompanied by a guide. The complete tour lasts about 9 hours. It's a slightly more expensive option. carWhy travel independently? But if you're short on time and you prefer to be accompanied by a guide It is a recommended alternative.
Tips to go from Shanghai to Hangzhou
We're sharing some tips to help make your journey from Shanghai to Hanzhou easier and smoother:
- Avoid rush hours (between 7-9 a.m. and 17-19 p.m.) on trains, buses, and the metro in both cities. Traveling outside of these hours will make everything smoother.
- Always carry your passport with you. It's required to purchase train tickets, access stations, and board trains in China. Without it, you won't be able to travel.
- Buy tickets in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season, weekends, or Chinese holidays. Trains fill up quickly.
- Arrive at the station with enough time. Train stations in China are huge and have security checkpoints. Allow at least 30-40 minutes to allow.
These are the four forms for go from Shanghai to Hangzhou, although as you've seen, the train is the best option. We hope this guide on how to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou has been helpful and that you'll be able to put it into practice soon. To see more about our experiences in the Asian Giant, you can check out the featured stories of Instagram and read our Guides for travel to China updated.
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