City in Zhejiang, China
Getting around Hangzhou
How to get around Hangzhou
The metro covers most of the city and the lake is walkable and bikeable; use DiDi for tea villages and high-speed trains for Shanghai in about an hour.
Ways to get around Hangzhou
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hangzhou Metro | 2–8 CNY by distance | Use Alipay QR; English signage |
| DiDi | About 15–28 CNY for 5 km | Pay via Alipay |
| Public bikes and shared bikes | About 1.5–3 CNY | Best way around West Lake |
| West Lake boats | About 55 CNY | Licensed boats from main piers |
Ride-hailing apps in Hangzhou
A 5 km ride costs about ¥15–28 ($2.2–4.2).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Dominant; pay via Alipay |
- Use DiDi or metered taxis; avoid touts at stations and West Lake piers.
Arriving in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH)
Metro Line 7 to the center about 7–9 CNY, 40–50 min; taxi or DiDi 80–120 CNY, 35–50 min.
Shanghai Hongqiao + train (SHA)
High-speed train from Hongqiao to Hangzhou East about 70–120 CNY, 55–70 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Hangzhou?
No. Use DiDi instead.
What's the best way to get around Hangzhou?
The metro covers most of the city and the lake is walkable and bikeable; use DiDi for tea villages and high-speed trains for Shanghai in about an hour.
How do I get from the airport to Hangzhou?
Metro Line 7 to the center about 7–9 CNY, 40–50 min; taxi or DiDi 80–120 CNY, 35–50 min.
Is Hangzhou walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Hangzhou
Going to Hangzhou solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.