Best Way to Get from Hangzhou to Shanghai | Hangzhou to Shanghai By Train

Hangzhou is the capital city of Zhejiang Province, which is also the top tourist destination, the home of Alibaba, once the host city of the 11th G20 Summit, a notable scenic city titled with “the City of Heaven” in China. After visiting West Lake - a UNESCO World Heritage site and exploring notable Longjing Tea in Hangzhou, travelers often make a trip to Shanghai nearby to witness modern skyline and meet western and oriental culture fusion in this international metropolis. It’s also hugely convenient to extend China trip from Shanghai to Beijing, Xian and other parts of China, or flying back to your home country. What’s the best way to travel from Hangzhou to Shanghai? How long does a bullet train take? Any direct transfer from Hangzhou to Shanghai Pudong International Airport? Read on to find most useful Hangzhou to Shanghai transportation guide, with distance, duration, costs for your Hangzhou Shanghai tour.

How Far is Shanghai from Hangzhou?

Where is Shanghai: Shanghai is located at the south estuary of Yangtze River, center of Yangtze River Delta, Eastern China. It borders Jiangsu Province to the west and north, Zhejiang Province to the south and East China Sea to the east; about 1,175km southeast of Beijing (2.5 hours by flight; 4.5~6 hours by high speed bullet train), 1,355 km from Xian (around 2.5 hours by flight; 6.5~10 hours by high speed bullet train) and 100 km from Suzhou, almost 0.5 hour by bullet train; 2 hours’ drive.

Where is Hangzhou: Hangzhou lies in the northwest part of Zhejiang Province, downstream of Qiantang River, south terminus of the World Heritage - Grand Canal, and faces Hangzhou Bay to the east. It is adjacent to Jiaxiang and Huzhou in the north, Shaoxing in the east, Jinhua and Quzhou in the south. Taking a high speed bullet train from Hangzhou to 160 km-away Suzhou takes just about 1.5 hours.

Hangzhou to Shanghai Distance: Shanghai is situated about 175 km northeast of Hangzhou, for about 3 hours by private driving and only 1 hours’ high speed bullet train journey.

How Do I Get from Hangzhou to Shanghai?

Currently, tourists can take two main transports to get from Hangzhou to Shanghai: by train and by bus. And, there is no flight available for such short-distance traffic. Check following fast high speed train and normal speed train travel facts, bus transfer details to find the best way to go.

Shanghai Hangzhou High Speed Train Map

Get from Hangzhou to Shanghai by High Speed Train (Most Efficient & Recommended Way)

● Train Time: about 0.5 hour ~ 1.5 hours

● Frequency: nearly 200 High Speed Trains per day

● From & To: Hangzhou East & Hangzhou Railway Station 杭州东站&杭州站 → Shanghai Hongqiao & Shanghai Railway Station 上海虹桥&上海站

● Running Speed: 300 km/h -350 km/h (G Train); 200 km/h (D Train)

● Advantages: fast, convenient, comfortable, punctual, many choices of trains...

Shanghai-Hangzhou High Speed Railway, the east segment of Shanghai-Kunming High Speed Railway has been put into operation in 2010. Now, the shortest travel from Hangzhou to Shanghai is only around 0.5 hour. If you want to take faster high speed trains, there are over 100 G trains offered every day, departing from about 06:00 in the early morning to 22:30 at night. Some are Fuxing Trains with most advanced facilities running at a flying speed of 350 km/h. Also, there are dozens of bullet trains (D trains) starting from Hangzhou to Shanghai with a longer duration of approximately 1.5 hours.

✔ Most Popular Shanghai Tours: 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour / 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour

Which Hangzhou Railway Station to Take High Speed Train to Shanghai?

Both Hangzhou Railway Station and Hangzhou East Railway Station run high speed trains to Shanghai daily, and the latter operates much more trains. Also, you should know Hangzhou Railway Station is located closer to the West Lake.

If you want to catch flight at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, you can choose any station for both have available trains to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station next to the airport. If you want to get to Shanghai downtown directly or catch international flight at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, your arrival station is better be Shanghai Railway Station, for it’s a short distance to the Bund, Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road in city center area.

◆ Hangzhou East Railway Station 杭州东站

Address: No.2 Quanfuqiao Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 浙江省杭州市江干区全福桥路2号

Transportation: about 30 km, 50 minutes~1 hour’s drive from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH); about 11 km, 40 minutes’ drive from West Lake; nearly 17.5 km, 1 hour’s drive from Liuhe Pagoda; about 16 km, 50 minutes’ drive from Lingyin Temple; 80 km, 1.5 hours’ drive to Wuzhen Water Town; 120 km, 1.5~2 hours to Xitang Water Town.

◆ Hangzhou Railway Station 杭州火车站

Address: No.1 Huancheng Road East, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 浙江省杭州市上城区环城东路1号

Transportation: about 27 km, 30 minutes’ drive from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH); about 5.5 km, 20 minutes’ drive from West Lake; around 9.5 km, 20 minutes’ drive from Liuhe Pagoda; nearly 10 km, 30 minutes’ drive from Lingyin Temple.

◆ Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station 上海虹桥站

Address: No.1500, Shengui Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 上海市闵行区申贵路1500号

Transportation: about 20 km, 50 minutes~1 hour’s drive to the Bund; 20 km, 1 hour’s drive to Shanghai Museum; 23 km, 1 hour’s drive to Shanghai World Financial Center; 35 km, 40 minutes’ drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town; 43 km, 1 hour’s drive to Shanghai Disney Resort.

◆ Shanghai Railway Station 上海火车站

Address: No.303, Moling Road, Jing'an District, Shangai 上海市静安区秣陵路303号

Transportation: about 5 km， 20 minutes’ drive to the Bund; about 5 km，15 minutes’ drive to Shanghai Museum; about 7 km，20 minutes’ drive to Yuyuan Garden; about 10 km，25 minutes’ drive to Lujiazui.

Useful Links:

>> Hangzhou Transportation Guide / Shanghai Train Stations Transportation Guide

Check the real-time Hangzhou to Shanghai high speed bullet train timetable below with updated train numbers, times, train tickets and fares.

Referential Currency: RMB=1USD

Train No.
Departure / Train Staiton
Duration
Seat Type / USD Price / Availability

Note: Train information is subject to final confirmation due to the delay of data occasionally.

• Useful Links: Shanghai to Hangzhou Real-time Train Schedules | How to Get to & around Shanghai

Get from Hangzhou to Shanghai by Normal Train

● Train Time: about 2 hours ~ 3.5 hours

● Frequency: over 50 trains per day

● From & To: Hangzhou South & East & Hangzhou Railway Station 杭州南&杭州东&杭州站 → Shanghai South Railway Station 上海南站

● Running Speed: 120 km/h

Meanwhile, Hangzhou sends more than 50 normal speed trains (K/T/Z Trains) to Shanghai each day. These trains run from Hangzhou in the early morning and evening. With a slower speed, most normal trains take 2 to 2.5 hours, at least twice time of a high speed bullet train. Facilities onboard are also simple. So, even the tickets are cheaper, very few tourists take the normal train to Shanghai from Hangzhou.

China Train Travel Tips

Class of Ticket

You can usually choose from the First Class Seat, the Second Class Seat or Business Class Seat on the high speed trains. While, there are three types offered on the normal train, including Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper and Hard Seat. learn more >>

Book, Collect, Alter and Cancel

Foreign tourists can book train ticket online or via a ticket agency, or buy the tickets physically at the train station with your valid passport. Train ticket alteration and cancellation are only available at ticket counters. learn more >>

Board & Get off

1) Prepare your passport and China Visa; 2) Get to the right train station at least 30 mins in advance; 3) Collect your train ticket; 4) Read your train ticket; 5) Pass the security control; 6) Pass through Security & Luggage Checks; 7) Find the right waiting room; 8) Cross the ticket checking gate; 9) Get to the right platform; 10) Get on your train. learn more >>

Baggage Allowance

Passengers don’t need to check luggage separately. Each passenger is allowed to carry luggage in certain weight and volume, but without limitation of amount and types. learn more >>

Facilities and Service

All high speed trains in China are equipped with advanced facilities and good service, including luggage racks, air-conditioner, power socket, dining car, hot water, etc. learn more >>

Get from Hangzhou to Shanghai by Bus

Besides the very popular option of train travel, there are also bus running directly from the train station, major scenic spots (like West Lake), bus station of Hangzhou to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Disney Resort, People’s Square, Shanghai South Railway Station and bus stations. If you want to avoid the additional transfer, and prefer direct bus travel to specific places in Shanghai, you may choose the bus journey. But please be aware of the longer bus time, nearly 3.5~4.5 hours, much longer than a high speed train journey plus the transfer time.

Some Hangzhou to Shanghai Bus Schedules:

Departure (in Hangzhou)	Destination (in Shanghai)	Duration	Bus Type	Frequency (daily)	Departure Time
Hangzhou East Railway Station	Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)	about 3.5 hours	tourist bus	4 buses	07:20,09:30,10:30,14:30
Wulin Square	Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)	about 3.5 hours	tourist bus	2 buses	06:40,08:50
Hangzhou East Railway Station	Shanghai People's Square	about 4.5 hours	long-distance coach	4 buses	07:50,09:00,14:05,15:05
West Lake	Shanghai People's Square	about 4.5 hours	long-distance coach	4 buses	07:00,08:00,13:00,14:00
Hangzhou East Railway Station	Shanghai Disney Resort	about 3.5 hours	tourist bus	2 buses	07:20,09:30

Note: We only listed part of the Hangzhou to Shanghai bus schedules which are subject to change.

How to Plan a Hangzhou Shanghai Tour

The length, theme and places to visit of your Hangzhou Shanghai tour are totally up to you. If you are on a tight schedule, you can make day trips in Hangzhou and Shanghai with the best essence. If you have more time, it’s highly advised to spend 4 full days, 2 days each discovering more highlights in the two cities.

During your Hangzhou trip, you can firstly have a leisurely walking around the West Lake, explore peaceful Buddhist culture in Lingyin Temple and visit Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea (Longjing Tea) Village to learn Chinese tea culture. With one more day, you can travel to famed Wuzhen Water Town nearby, discover ancient architectures and charming water town scenery.

When you’re in Shanghai, you can start from the Shanghai Museum to know the historical development and cultural treasures of this international metropolis. You can go up to one of the top skyscrapers to get a magnificent panoramic view of Shanghai, view different historical buildings, like western style architectures, Chinese traditional featured Yu Garden, City God Temple along the Bund. If you travel with kids, you can enjoy family happy hours in Shanghai Disney Resort.

Top Hangzhou & Shanghai Tours:

✔2 Days Essence of Hangzhou Tour

✔2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour

✔5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

After your Hangzhou Shanghai trip, you can travel from Shanghai to Suzhou, Huangshan Mountain, even Beijing, Xian and more destinations in China to discover diverse culture and landscape of China.

Best China Tours from Shanghai:

✔8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing/Xian/Shanghai)

✔6 Days Beijing Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train

✔5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Tour by High Speed Train

Jane's Family Travel to Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea Village, Hangzhou

Paul & His Wife Visited the Bund with China Discovery

Beijing Shanghai Tour with China Discovery

Our Tailor-made Group Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing

Travel Hangzhou & Shanghai with China Discovery

As a leading travel agency in China who dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. To fully focus on the trip itself without worry any details, you can choose from our most popular Shanghai Hangzhou tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.

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Recommended Hangzhou Shanghai Tours

Top 3 Hangzhou Shanghai tours chosen by most customers to explore Hangzhou Shanghai in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou / Shanghai

6 Days Shanghai Hangzhou & Suzhou Bullet Train Tour with Wuzhen Water Town

Shanghai / Hangzhou / Wuzhen / Suzhou / Shanghai

5 Days Essence of Shanghai & Hangzhou Tour

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