Shanghai to Hangzhou

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 4 min read

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Hangzhou is one of China's great classical cities, famous above all for West Lake — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of pagodas, causeways and willow-lined shores that has inspired Chinese poets and painters for a thousand years. From Shanghai, getting there is almost embarrassingly easy: high-speed trains run so frequently and so quickly that Hangzhou works as a day trip, though the city rewards staying longer.

The fastest and most practical way: high-speed train

High-speed CRH trains (China Railway High-speed, operated by China Railway) link Shanghai Hongqiao station to Hangzhou East station in about 45 to 60 minutes. This is one of China's busiest inter-city rail corridors, with departures running roughly every 10–20 minutes throughout the day — there is no need to time your trip around a specific departure.

Some services start from Shanghai Hongqiao, while others depart from Shanghai South or Shanghai station and take slightly longer due to the route. Hongqiao is the most convenient option for most visitors, as it connects directly with Hongqiao Airport and the Shanghai metro network.

Tickets are inexpensive by European standards and second-class seats are comfortable. Reservations are required, but with this frequency you can often buy a ticket an hour or even minutes before departure. Book through China Railway's official 12306.cn platform, Trip.com, or at station ticket machines and windows.

From Hangzhou East into the city and West Lake

Hangzhou East station is not in the centre of the city. From the station, Metro Line 1 runs directly into the city, with Longxiangqiao station a short walk from the West Lake scenic area. The journey takes around 30–40 minutes. Taxis and the DiDi ride-hailing app are also widely available.

If your priority is West Lake, the metro is the simplest option. Alternatively, direct buses and some tourist shuttle services run between the station and the lakefront.

By bus

Long-distance coaches run between central Shanghai (Hongqiao Bus Terminal, near Hongqiao station, or Shanghai South Bus Terminal) and Hangzhou. Journey times are around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic, with the route prone to congestion at peak times. Fares are lower than the train, but the unpredictability of road travel makes the bus a less reliable choice when the train is so quick and affordable. That said, buses sometimes serve Hangzhou's central bus terminals more conveniently than the out-of-town rail station.

By car or taxi

The drive from central Shanghai to Hangzhou is about 175 km, largely on the G60 Shanghai–Kunming Expressway. In clear conditions that is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, but the road can be heavily congested during weekend mornings and evenings, especially if many Shanghai residents are heading to Hangzhou for the day (which they frequently do). Toll charges apply. Hiring a car and driver for the day is a popular option for visitors who want maximum flexibility around the lake.

What to do in Hangzhou

West Lake is the centrepiece — a large freshwater lake enclosed by hills, connected by famous causeways (Su Causeway and Bai Causeway) and dotted with pagodas, temples and tea plantations. Hiring a bicycle or taking a boat across the lake are both easy and enjoyable ways to explore.

Beyond the lake, the Longjing (Dragon Well) tea villages are just a short ride into the hills and offer some of China's most celebrated green tea straight from the source. The Lingyin Temple, one of China's largest and most historic Buddhist monasteries, is another major sight. The city also has a lively dining scene — dongpo pork and beggar's chicken are the local dishes to seek out.

Day trippers can see the lake and one or two temples comfortably. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the lake in the early morning before the day-trip crowds arrive — a very different and much calmer experience.

Which option should you choose?

The high-speed train from Hongqiao is almost always the right answer: fast, frequent, reliable and inexpensive. The bus can work if trains are sold out or if you start somewhere closer to a bus terminal. Driving is best reserved for those who want a full-day trip with maximum flexibility, or who are travelling in a group.

For those exploring more of eastern China, Hangzhou also connects by high-speed rail toward Ningbo, Wenzhou and beyond — or back westward to Nanjing and beyond. See the China by train guide for the broader network, or China overland for longer journeys.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Shanghai to Hangzhou take?

The fastest high-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East take around 45 to 60 minutes. Some services via other Shanghai stations run slightly longer.

Do I need to book a train ticket in advance?

The route is very frequent, so last-minute tickets are often available. During Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in May and October), however, trains sell out quickly and booking several days ahead is strongly recommended.

Is Hangzhou worth an overnight stay or just a day trip?

Both work. A day trip gives you enough time to see West Lake and one or two temples. Staying overnight lets you experience the lake in early morning quiet and explore the tea villages and Lingyin Temple without rushing.

Which Shanghai station should I use for Hangzhou trains?

Shanghai Hongqiao is the most convenient starting point for most visitors, as it is well connected to the metro, the airport and the city's western districts. Check which station your specific train departs from when booking.