Jennifer
Senior Travel Consultant
Vivian
Travel Consultant
Chanson
Travel Consualtant
Arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and heading directly to Hangzhou is a popular choice for international travelers who want to explore West Lake, Longjing Tea Village, and the city's rich Song Dynasty heritage. Located about 180 kilometers away, Hangzhou is easily accessible from Shanghai with several convenient transportation options.
Although Shanghai Pudong Airport does not have a direct high-speed train station to Hangzhou, travelers can still reach the city smoothly by combining airport transfers with China's efficient railway system. Depending on your travel schedule, budget, luggage, and comfort preferences, you can choose from high-speed trains, airport buses, taxis, Didi rides, or private airport transfers.
For most first-time visitors, taking the high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability. However, if you arrive after a long international flight, travel with family, or carry heavy luggage, a private transfer from Pudong Airport to your Hangzhou hotel can provide a much easier and more comfortable experience.
This guide explains the best ways to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hangzhou, including transportation options, travel time, estimated costs, ticket information, and practical tips to help foreign visitors choose the most suitable way to start their Hangzhou journey. If you'd like to save time and effort researching how to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou, you can learn more about our travel itinerary details.
Travelers arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) have several options to continue their journey to Hangzhou. The best choice depends on your budget, arrival time, luggage situation, and whether you prefer speed, convenience, or flexibility.
Unlike Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport does not have a direct high-speed railway station connecting to Hangzhou. Most independent travelers need to transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station first before taking a high-speed train. Alternatively, you can choose a direct airport bus, taxi, Didi ride, or private transfer for a more straightforward journey.
Here is a quick comparison of the main transportation options from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hangzhou:
| Option | Total Time | Estimated Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Train | 2.5–3.5 hours | ￥100–150/person | ★★★★☆ | First-time visitors |
| Private Transfer | 2–2.5 hours | ￥600–1000/car | ★★★★★ | Families & groups |
| Taxi/Didi | 2–3 hours | ￥700–1000/car | ★★★★☆ | Direct travel |
| Airport Bus | 3–4 hours | ￥100–150/person | ★★★☆☆ | Budget travelers |
For most international travelers, the high-speed train is the best combination of price, speed, and reliability. China's high-speed railway network is modern and comfortable, making it the preferred transportation choice for many visitors traveling between Shanghai and Hangzhou.
However, since there is no direct high-speed train from Pudong Airport, travelers need to first reach Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, then take a high-speed train to Hangzhou.
Typical journey:
Shanghai Pudong Airport → Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station → Hangzhou
- Total travel time: About 2.5–3.5 hours
- Estimated cost: Around ￥100–150 per person
- Best for: Solo travelers, couples, and visitors comfortable using public transportation
Advantages:
1. Affordable compared with private transportation
2. Fast and predictable travel time
3. Frequent train departures
4. Comfortable seats and clean facilities
Things to consider:
1. Requires a transfer at Hongqiao Station
2. Less convenient with large suitcases
3. Railway stations can be crowded during holidays
A private airport transfer is the easiest choice for travelers who want a door-to-door journey without changing transportation. After a long international flight, avoiding transfers, crowded stations, and language barriers can make the trip much more comfortable.
A professional driver can pick you up directly from the airport arrival hall and take you to your hotel in Hangzhou.
Estimated cost:
- Sedan: ￥600–900 per vehicle
- Van: ￥900–1200 per vehicle
Best for:
- Families with children
- Senior travelers
- Groups with multiple suitcases
- Travelers arriving late at night
Advantages:
1. Direct airport-to-hotel service
2. No need to navigate train stations
3. More comfortable after a long flight
4. Suitable for travelers with heavy luggage
Things to consider:
1. Higher cost than public transportation
2. Traffic conditions may affect travel time
Taking a taxi or Didi ride allows you to travel directly from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hangzhou without transfers. This option is convenient if you prefer flexibility or have a late arrival.
- Travel distance: About 180 km
- Travel time: Around 2–3 hours
- Estimated cost: ￥700–1000 per vehicle
Taxi
You can find official taxi stands outside the airport arrival area. This is a simple option immediately after landing.
Didi
Didi is China's most popular ride-hailing app and works similarly to Uber. Foreign travelers can use it through mobile payment platforms after setting up their accounts.
Advantages:
1. Direct door-to-door transportation
2. No need to change vehicles
3. Available according to your schedule
Things to consider:
1. More expensive than trains or buses
2. Highway traffic can affect travel time
Shanghai Pudong Airport also provides long-distance airport buses connecting to Hangzhou. This is a convenient choice for travelers who want to avoid train transfers while keeping costs low.
- Travel time: About 3–4 hours
- Cost: Around ￥100–150 per person
- Departure point: Pudong Airport Long-Distance Bus Terminal
Advantages:
1. Direct connection from the airport
2. Affordable price
3. No need to transfer between stations
Things to consider:
1. Longer travel time
2. Departure schedules are less frequent than trains
3. Less comfortable with large luggage
Choosing the best way to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hangzhou depends on your arrival time, travel budget, luggage, and personal comfort preferences. There is no single option that works for every traveler — the fastest choice may not always be the easiest, especially after a long international flight.
For most visitors, the high-speed train offers the best overall value, while private transfers provide the most comfortable and stress-free experience. Below is a simple guide to help you choose the right transportation option.
Recommended for: Solo travelers, couples, and independent travelers
If you are visiting China for the first time and want a reliable and affordable way to reach Hangzhou, the high-speed train is usually the best choice.
Although you need to transfer from Pudong Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station first, the train journey itself is fast, comfortable, and easy to manage with basic preparation.
Why choose the high-speed train?
1. Affordable ticket prices
2. Fast and reliable travel time
3. Frequent departures throughout the day
4. Comfortable seats and modern facilities
Keep in mind:
- You need to transfer at Hongqiao Railway Station
- Managing large luggage may be inconvenient
- Railway stations can be crowded during weekends and holidays
Best for: Travelers who want a balance between cost and efficiency.
Recommended for: Long-haul arrivals, families, and travelers with luggage
After spending many hours on an international flight, the last thing many travelers want is navigating a crowded airport, changing transportation, and finding the correct train platform.
A private transfer allows you to travel directly from Shanghai Pudong Airport to your Hangzhou hotel with a driver waiting upon arrival.
Why choose a private transfer?
1. Door-to-door airport service
2. No transfers or complicated routes
3. More comfortable with suitcases
4. Saves time and energy after a long flight
5. Suitable for travelers arriving late in the evening
Best for: Travelers who value comfort, convenience, and a smooth arrival experience.
Recommended for: Backpackers and budget-conscious travelers
If keeping transportation costs low is your priority, both the high-speed train and airport bus are good choices.
The airport bus offers a direct route from Pudong Airport to Hangzhou, while the high-speed train provides a faster journey at a similar price range.
Choose the High-Speed Train If:
- You prefer a shorter travel time
- You are comfortable using public transportation
- You have manageable luggage
Choose the Airport Bus If:
- You want a direct airport connection
- You prefer not to change transportation
- Your schedule is flexible
Best for: Travelers who want to save money while still reaching Hangzhou conveniently.
Recommended for: Families, groups of friends, and travelers carrying multiple bags
For families or groups traveling together, a private vehicle can be more practical than public transportation. Instead of buying multiple train tickets and arranging transfers, everyone can travel together from the airport directly to the hotel.
Advantages for groups:
1. More space for luggage
2. No need to navigate stations
3. Everyone travels together
4. Flexible departure time
When the cost is shared among several travelers, a private transfer can also become a cost-effective option compared with individual train tickets plus airport transfers.
A little preparation before leaving Shanghai Pudong Airport can make your journey to Hangzhou much easier, especially for first-time visitors. Keep these practical tips in mind to avoid common travel issues.
1. Prepare Mobile Payment Before Arrival: Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before your trip, as mobile payment is widely used in China. They can be used for taxis, Didi rides, train tickets, and daily purchases.
2. Download Essential Travel Apps: Install useful apps such as Railway 12306, Alipay, Didi, and translation apps before arriving. These apps will help with train booking, transportation, payments, and communication.
3. Keep Your Passport Ready: Your passport is required for train tickets, hotel check-in, and some transportation services. Keep it easily accessible during your journey.
4. Check Your Arrival Time: If you arrive during the daytime, high-speed trains and buses are convenient options. For late-night arrivals, a private transfer or taxi is usually more practical.
5. Allow Extra Time During Rush Hours: Shanghai traffic can be heavy, especially from 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM. Leave extra time if you need to transfer from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Railway Station.
6. Book Train Tickets in Advance: High-speed trains between Shanghai and Hangzhou can sell out during weekends and holidays. Booking ahead gives you more choices of departure times and seats.
7. Consider Your Luggage: Traveling with small luggage is easy by high-speed train, but large suitcases can be challenging in crowded stations. Families and travelers with multiple bags may prefer a private transfer.
8. Choose the Right Hangzhou Station: Most travelers arrive at Hangzhou East Railway Station, which has convenient metro connections. If your hotel is near West Lake, Hangzhou Railway Station may be a better choice.
9. Prepare Your Hotel Address in Chinese: Many local drivers do not speak English, so keep your hotel name and address in Chinese on your phone. This makes taxi or Didi rides much easier.
10. Avoid Tight Connections After Landing: Immigration, baggage collection, and airport transfers can take longer than expected. Leave at least 3–4 hours between your flight arrival and train departure.
No, there is currently no direct high-speed train from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hangzhou. Most travelers need to take a transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station first, then continue by high-speed train to Hangzhou.
The total travel time depends on your transportation choice. A high-speed train journey usually takes around 2.5–3.5 hours including the airport transfer, while a private transfer or taxi usually takes about 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.
The most budget-friendly options are the high-speed train or airport bus. The train offers a faster journey, while the airport bus provides a direct route without transfers.
A private transfer or taxi is usually the fastest door-to-door option, taking approximately 2–2.5 hours. However, traffic conditions in Shanghai can affect the actual travel time.
Yes. Foreign travelers can take China's high-speed trains using their passports. Passport information is required when purchasing tickets and may be checked before boarding.
Yes, many international travelers travel directly to Hangzhou after arriving at Pudong Airport. If you arrive during the day, the high-speed train is a convenient choice, while private transfers are recommended for late-night arrivals or travelers with heavy luggage.
It depends on your travel needs. The high-speed train is more affordable and efficient for independent travelers, while a private transfer offers greater comfort and convenience, especially for families, groups, and first-time visitors.
Yes. Foreign visitors can set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with international bank cards and use them for taxis, Didi rides, and many transportation services in China.
Traveling from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hangzhou is convenient with several transportation options available. For most independent travelers, the high-speed train offers the best balance of cost, speed, and reliability. It is a great choice if you are comfortable navigating public transportation and traveling with light luggage.
However, for travelers arriving after a long international flight, traveling with family, or carrying multiple suitcases, a private transfer provides the easiest and most comfortable experience. With door-to-door service, you can avoid transfers, crowded stations, and the hassle of managing luggage after arrival.
If you prefer a smoother start to your China trip, we also offer private Shanghai–Hangzhou travel services designed for different needs:
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
Contact Buer China Travel
Scan to add Wechat
Jennifer
Senior Travel Consultant
Vivian
Travel Consultant
Chanson
Travel Consualtant
>12 years old
2~11 years old
