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Hangzhou has one of the most visitor-friendly public transport systems in China. The metro is modern, bilingual and connects the airport, railway stations and major attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing are affordable, and the city is flat enough to explore by bike or e-scooter. This guide explains every transport option in Hangzhou and how to use them as a foreign visitor.
Overview of Hangzhou Transport
The best way to get around Hangzhou depends on distance:
- Metro: Best for longer distances, airport transfers and avoiding traffic.
- Bus: Useful for reaching places near West Lake with no metro station.
- Taxi / Didi: Convenient for groups, luggage, or late-night travel.
- Bike / E-scooter: Ideal for short trips and exploring West Lake.
- Walking: Many scenic areas around West Lake are best explored on foot.
Hangzhou Metro
Hangzhou Metro currently has over 10 lines, with Line 1 and Line 3 being the most useful for tourists.
Key metro lines for visitors:
| Line | Useful For |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | Hangzhou East Railway Station, West Lake Cultural Square, Wulin Square |
| Line 2 | City center, Qianjiang New Town connections |
| Line 3 | West Bus Station, Xixi Wetland area |
| Line 5 | Hangzhou South Railway Station, Grand Canal area |
| Line 7 | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport |
| Line 19 | Airport express to West Railway Station |
How to Pay
- Alipay: The easiest method. Open the transport mini-program, generate a QR code and scan at the gate.
- WeChat Pay: Also works via the transport QR code.
- Metro card: Available at stations, but less convenient for short visits.
- Cash single tickets: Buy from bilingual machines at every station.
Metro Tips
- Avoid rush hours: 07:30–09:00 and 17:30–19:00 on weekdays.
- Major stations have English signs and announcements.
- Keep your bag scanned at security checkpoints.
Buses & BRT
Hangzhou buses cover areas the metro does not reach, including many West Lake scenic spots. Bus stops usually display route maps in Chinese, but Google Maps or Baidu Maps can help you navigate.
Useful tourist bus lines:
- Y2, Y3: Tourist loop buses around West Lake.
- 7路: Connects Lingyin Temple, West Lake and the city center.
- 27路: Goes to Longjing Tea Village.
- BRT lines: Fast bus routes with dedicated lanes.
How to Pay
Use Alipay or WeChat transport QR codes. Cash is accepted but exact change is preferred.
Taxis in Hangzhou
Taxis in Hangzhou are generally clean, metered and affordable. The starting fare is around ¥11 for the first 3 kilometers.
Tips:
- Have your destination written in Chinese or show it on a map.
- Taxis are plentiful except during rain or shift change times (around 17:00).
- Most drivers do not speak English.
- Pay with cash, Alipay or WeChat.
Didi Ride-Hailing
Didi is China’s Uber and the most convenient way to book a car. The app supports English in international mode.
How to use:
- Download Didi and register with your phone number.
- Enter your destination (English often works for major attractions).
- Choose car type: express, premier or taxi.
- Pay automatically through the app.
Advantages:
- No language negotiation with the driver.
- Fixed price shown upfront.
- Easy airport and late-night trips.
Bike & E-Scooter Sharing
Hangzhou has extensive bike-sharing networks, including HelloBike, Meituan Bike and Qingju. Bikes are ideal for short trips around West Lake.
How to use:
- Scan the QR code on the bike with Alipay or WeChat.
- Unlock and ride.
- Park in designated areas and lock the bike.
Costs: Usually ¥1.5 for 30 minutes.
E-scooters: Shared e-scooters are common in commercial districts. You need a local license to ride privately owned e-scooters, but shared ones are accessible to visitors.
West Lake Tourist Transport
- Sightseeing boats: Connect piers around West Lake. Tickets from ¥55.
- Electric tourist cars: Loop around West Lake with stops at major scenic points. Tickets around ¥10–20 per section.
- Walking paths: The Su Causeway and Bai Causeway are pedestrian-friendly and free.
Airport & Train Station Transfers
From Xiaoshan Airport to City Center
- Metro Line 7: To downtown, about 45–60 minutes.
- Airport bus: To Wulin Square and Hangzhou East Railway Station.
- Didi / taxi: About ¥80–120 and 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
From Hangzhou East Railway Station
- Metro Line 1: Direct to Wulin Square, West Lake Cultural Plaza and city center.
- Taxi / Didi: About 20–30 minutes to West Lake area.
From Hangzhou West Railway Station
- Metro Line 19: Connects to airport and city center.
- Metro Line 3: Good for Xixi Wetland area.
Useful Apps
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baidu Maps / Amap | Navigation, public transport routes |
| Didi | Ride-hailing |
| Alipay | Metro, bus, bike payments |
| Google Translate | Camera translation for signs |
Money-Saving Transport Tips
- Use the metro instead of taxis for long distances.
- Walk or bike around West Lake instead of taking tourist buses.
- Group attractions by location to reduce transport costs.
- Avoid taxis during rush hour when traffic is heavy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to use cash everywhere: Most transport now prefers mobile payment.
- Taking unlicensed taxis: Always use official taxis or Didi.
- Ignoring rush hour: Metro trains can be very crowded.
- Not downloading maps offline: Mobile data can be patchy in some scenic areas.
FAQ
Can I use Google Maps in Hangzhou?
Google Maps works but may be inaccurate in China. Baidu Maps or Amap are more reliable.
Do I need a Chinese phone number for Didi?
Yes, you need a local number or a number that can receive SMS.
Is Hangzhou walkable?
Yes, especially around West Lake. Many scenic paths are pedestrian-only.