How to Get from Shanghai to Hangzhou
Discover the best ways to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou. Compare high speed trains and flights for your journey to the West Lake.
Contents
Leaving the neon-lit skyscrapers of Shanghai for the mist-covered pagodas of Hangzhou is a classic transition from China's futuristic present to its poetic past. While Shanghai represents the relentless pace of global commerce, Hangzhou offers a breath of fresh air with its legendary West Lake and lush tea plantations. This route is a primary link within the Yangtze River Delta.
The journey is a testament to China's rail infrastructure, covering the distance in less time than a standard lunch break. Whether you are a business traveler heading to the tech hubs of Binjiang or a tourist seeking the tranquility of Lingyin Temple, the train is the obvious choice. You can book your tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Shanghai to Hangzhou by Train
The train is the clear choice on this route. It is faster, more convenient, and cheaper than flying. On 20 October 2026, China Railway's 12306 listed more than 300 train listings between Shanghai and Hangzhou, with departures from Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Songjiang and Shanghai South and arrivals at Hangzhou East, Hangzhou, Hangzhou South and Hangzhou West.[1] The Shanghai-Hangzhou high-speed railway was designed for 350 km/h, and at its opening the fastest trains took 45 minutes between Shanghai Hongqiao and Hangzhou, the slowest 61 minutes.[2]
Fares and Seat Classes
Since 15 June 2024, fares on the fastest trains on this section float between the published fare and a floor of 55 percent of it. The published fares from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East are 87 yuan in Second Class, 140 yuan in First Class, 157 yuan in Premier Class and 306 yuan in Business Class, and the lowest Second Class fare is 48 yuan.[3] Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport.[4]
Slower Services
Most trains are fast, but a few slower services take much longer, up to about 7 hours on the listings of booking platforms.[5] Always check the duration when booking so you do not board a slow train by mistake.
Shanghai to Hangzhou by Flight
Flying from Shanghai to Hangzhou is a niche option. Booking platforms list a single late flight at 23:30 that takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.[5] Once you add check-in, security and the trip to the airport, it is almost always slower than the train, but it can serve a specific logistical need for passengers with an airline connection.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (Second Class) | 87 yuan published fare, lowest 48 yuan[3] | From about 45min[2] | Hongqiao to Hangzhou East |
| High-speed train (First Class) | 140 yuan published fare[3] | From about 45min | Hongqiao to Hangzhou East |
| High-speed train (Business Class) | 306 yuan published fare[3] | From about 45min | Hongqiao to Hangzhou East |
| Flight (Economy) | Varies by date | About 1h 10min[5] | One late departure listed |
Tips for Traveling from Shanghai to Hangzhou
- Book in Advance: Even though there are many trains daily, tickets can sell out during weekends, public holidays, and the Friday evening rush. Use GoAsia.cc to secure your seat a few days early.
- Station Selection: Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East is the pair with published standard fares, but trains also use other stations in both cities, so check your departure and arrival stations on the ticket.[1]
- Bring Your Passport: You need the passport you used to buy the ticket to enter the station and board the train.[4]
- Arrive Early: Chinese railway stations are massive and function like airports, so allow time for security and ID checks before departure.
Timetable
| Flight Shanghai - Hangzhou $ 51.20–194.83 1h 10m | |
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| Train Shanghai - Hangzhou $ 12.12–136.67 46m – 6h 55m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Shanghai to Hangzhou, including current prices and schedules.
The train is the cheapest way. The published Second Class fare from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East is 87 yuan, and the lowest Second Class fare is 48 yuan since the floating fares began on 15 June 2024.
The fastest way is the high-speed train, which took from about 45 minutes between Shanghai Hongqiao and Hangzhou when the line opened. This is significantly quicker than flying when you count airport processing times.
High-speed trains take from about 45 minutes to around 1 hour, while a few slower services take up to about 7 hours. A flight takes about 1 hour 10 minutes in the air.
Shanghai Hongqiao is the main station for fast trains to Hangzhou East, and its fares are the standard published ones. Trains also leave from Shanghai Songjiang and Shanghai South, so check the station on your ticket.
For most travelers, flying is not recommended, because the train is faster once you include airport transfers, and booking platforms list only one late flight. It is mainly useful for passengers with an airline connection.
Yes. Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show the same document to enter the station and board the train.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Shanghai to Hangzhou, 20 October 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [2] China Railway Materials Group: Shanghai-Hangzhou HSR opens (China News Service). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] China Railway (12306): Shanghai-Hangzhou fare adjustment notice. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] China Railway (12306): 12306 FAQ. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] 12Go: Shanghai - Hangzhou timetable (train and flight). Retrieved October 18, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.