Hangzhou Transportation

Hangzhou’s transportation network is well-developed and user-friendly, integrating public transportation, private transportation, and scenic area-specific transportation. The city has a comprehensive subway system covering major scenic spots, commercial districts, and transportation hubs; a convenient bus network connecting every corner of the city; and flexible taxi and ride-hailing services to meet your personalized travel needs. In addition, the scenic areas such as West Lake also have special transportation options to help you explore the scenery comfortably. Before starting your trip, understanding Hangzhou’s transportation rules, payment methods, and key tips will make your journey more smooth and enjoyable. This guide will detail all aspects of Hangzhou’s transportation, helping you solve all travel-related troubles.

Public Transportation—The Most Economical and Convenient Choice
Metro
Overview of Metro Lines and Key Stations
As of 2026, Hangzhou has opened 12 metro lines (Lines 1-12), covering all key transportation hubs, major scenic spots, and commercial districts. Each line is color-coded for easy identification, with clear English signs, announcements, and electronic screens at every station. Key lines and corresponding key stations are detailed below, including stations connecting all transportation hubs (including Hangzhou South Railway Station):

- Line 1 (Red Line): Connects key stations such as Hangzhou East Railway Station, Longxiangqiao Station (near West Lake), Xianghu Station, and Chengzhan Station (near Hangzhou Railway Station). It is the most frequently used line for tourists, covering core scenic spots and transportation hubs.
- Line 2 (Orange Line): Connects Hangzhou South Railway Station, Qianjiang New City Station, and other key stations, passing through Qianjiang New City CBD, Citizen Center, and other attractions. It is the main line connecting Hangzhou South Railway Station to the urban area.
- Line 3 (Yellow Line): Leads to Xixi Wetland South Station (direct to Xixi Wetland main entrance), Huanglong Sports Center Station (near Lingyin Temple), and other scenic spots-related stations, covering major cultural and natural scenic spots.
- Line 4 (Green Line): Connects Hangzhou East Railway Station, Qianjiang Road Station (transfer hub), and other stations, serving as an important auxiliary line for urban travel.
- Line 6 (Pink Line): Connects Zhipu Road Station (near Songcheng), and other stations, mainly serving scenic spots and suburban areas.
- Line 9 (Blue Line): Runs through Linping District and the urban area, connecting Linping South High-speed Railway Station, Guanyintang Station, and other stations, suitable for tourists visiting Linping District.
- Line 19 (Purple Line, Airport Line): Directly connects Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (Airport Station) to the urban area, with stations at Wulin Square, Qianjiang New City, and Yuhang Railway Station (transfer to Line 1), covering the airport and core urban areas.
All metro stations are equipped with accessible facilities (elevators, ramps, accessible toilets) and customer service centers with English-speaking staff to provide assistance.

Metro Ticketing Methods
Foreign tourists can purchase metro tickets in three convenient ways, suitable for different needs:

1. Self-service Ticket Vending Machines: Located at every metro station (near the entrance/exit), supporting cash (RMB 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 yuan notes and coins), Alipay, WeChat Pay, Alipay Hong Kong, Kakao Pay, and Touch'n Go eWallet. The machines have a clear English operation interface—select "English" in the upper right corner, choose the destination station, select the number of tickets, and pay. The one-way ticket is a plastic card, which needs to be inserted into the ticket checker at the exit (recycled automatically).

2. Hangzhou Tong Card: Apply at the customer service center of any metro station (with "Customer Service" English signs). Foreign tourists only need to present their passport (original or copy), pay a 15-yuan deposit (refundable when returning the card), and fill in a simple English application form. The card can be used for metro, buses, and ferries, with a 91% discount on fares and transfer discounts. It can be recharged at customer service centers, self-service recharge machines, convenience stores, or via Alipay/WeChat.

3. Mobile Payment (Alipay/WeChat): The most convenient way. For Alipay: Download the app, register with an international mobile phone number, link an international bank card, tap "Transport" on the homepage, select "Hangzhou Metro QR Code", and complete real-name authentication with a passport. For WeChat: Download the app, register, bind an international credit card, search for "Hangzhou Public Transport QR Code" in Mini Programs, and apply with a passport. Scan the QR code to enter and exit the station.

Metro Transfer Skills
Most metro lines have direct transfer stations, marked with red "Transfer" English signs and electronic guides. Transfer time is usually 3-5 minutes, no need to exit or re-purchase tickets. Key transfer stations and tips:

- Wulin Square Station: Transfer between Line 1 (Red Line) and Line 3 (Yellow Line), near Wulin Commercial District.
- Qianjiang Road Station: Transfer between Line 2 (Orange Line), Line 4 (Green Line), and Line 9 (Blue Line), a key hub connecting the urban area and Linping District.
- Yuhang Railway Station: Transfer between Line 1 (Red Line) and Line 19 (Purple Line, Airport Line), convenient for transferring from high-speed rail to the airport.
- Qianjiang New City Station: Transfer between Line 2 (Orange Line) and Line 4 (Green Line), near Qianjiang New City scenic area.
* Tips: Pay attention to the train direction (electronic screens and signs display destinations); avoid peak hours (7:30-9:00, 17:00-19:00) for less crowding; consult staff or use the "Hangzhou Metro" app (English interface) for unclear routes.

Metro Operating Hours and Fare Standards
· Operating hours: Most lines start at 6:00 and end at 23:00. Line 19 (Airport Line) extends to 23:30 to match late flights. The first and last train times of each station are marked on the platform (Chinese and English) and the "Hangzhou Metro" app.
· Fare standards: Distance-based fare, starting at 2 yuan (within 4 kilometers), 1 yuan additional for every 4 kilometers beyond, maximum 10 yuan. Preferences: Free for children under 1.2 meters (accompanied by adults); 50% discount for children 1.2-1.5 meters; free for seniors over 70 years old (temporary pass with passport at customer service).
· Note: Staying in the station after operating hours requires consulting customer service to exit, no additional fees.

Metro Access to Popular Scenic Spots
Detailed guide to reach popular scenic spots via metro, including exit information and walking time:

- West Lake: Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station, Exit C ? 5-minute walk to Hubin Pier.
- Xixi Wetland: Line 3 to Xixi Wetland South Station, Exit A ? 2-minute walk to the main entrance.
- Lingyin Temple: Line 3 to Huanglong Sports Center Station, Exit D ? transfer to Bus No.7 or 7B to Lingyin Temple.
- Songcheng: Line 6 to Zhipu Road Station, Exit A ? take a taxi (10 minutes) or Bus No.318 (5 minutes).
- Qianjiang New City: Line 2 to Qianjiang New City Station, Exit B ? directly reach CBD and light show venue.

Bus
Bus Line Classification and Key Stations
Hangzhou buses are divided into three categories, covering all key transportation hubs (including Hangzhou South Railway Station) and scenic spots, with clear English signs and announcements:

1. Regular Buses: Over 500 lines, covering urban and suburban areas, connecting every corner of the city. Fare: 2 yuan per trip (air-conditioned buses also 2 yuan). Operating hours: 6:00-22:00 (night buses marked "Night" or "Y" operate until 23:30). Key lines covering transportation hubs:
- Bus No.7: Connects Hangzhou Railway Station, West Lake, and Lingyin Temple.
- Bus No.27: Connects Yuewang Road and Longjing Tea House (tea culture line).
- Bus No.300: Connects Hangzhou South Railway Station and Hangzhou Railway Station, serving as a key line for transferring between railway stations.
- Bus No.315: Connects Hangzhou South Railway Station and West Lake, convenient for tourists arriving at Hangzhou South Railway Station to reach scenic spots.

2. Rapid Transit (BRT): 8 lines with dedicated lanes, faster than regular buses. Fare: 2 yuan per trip. Stations are separate with automatic ticket checkers, connecting major transportation hubs and commercial districts (e.g., BRT 1 connects Hangzhou East Railway Station and Wulin Square).

3. Tourist Special Lines: Designed for tourists, fewer stops, faster speed. Recommended lines:
- Bus WE1314: Connects No.1 Park (West Lake) and Songcheng (love-themed line).
- Scenic Shuttle Buses: Peak seasons (March-May, September-November) and holidays, connecting metro stations and scenic spots (e.g., Huanglong Sports Center Station to Lingyin Temple). Fare: 5 yuan per trip.
Note: Remote scenic spots (Mogan Mountain, Qiandao Lake) require long-distance buses from Hangzhou Long-distance Bus Station.

Bus Payment Methods
Payment methods are the same as metro, with three options:
1. Cash: Prepare 2-yuan RMB change, put into the coin box (marked "Cash Only" in English). No change provided for large-denomination notes.
2. Hangzhou Tong Card: Swipe on the card reader when getting on, 91% discount on fares, free transfer between buses within 1 hour, maximum 2-yuan discount for bus-metro transfer. Not shareable.
3. Mobile Payment: Scan Alipay/WeChat bus QR code (same as metro) on the card reader when getting on. Successful scan shows "Payment Successful" in English.
Note: Section-graded lines require swiping/scanning both when getting on and off; forgetting to scan when getting off deducts the maximum fare.

Bus Riding Notes
1. Queue up: Queue at the bus stop (white lines marked "Queue Up" in English), "get off first, then get on". Front door for boarding, back door for alighting (separate doors); wait for passengers to alight first (single door).
2. Priority seating: Special seats (marked "Priority Seating" in English) for the elderly, weak, sick, disabled, pregnant women, and infants; take the initiative to give up seats.
3. Luggage restrictions: Free luggage within 15kg, 0.064 cubic meters; extra fare for over-limit luggage; over-sized luggage prohibited. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed.
4. Forbidden items: No dangerous goods, live poultry (except service dogs), flammables, strong-smelling items, sharp items, or inflatable balloons.
5. Other tips: Do not extend body parts out of the window; no eating, smoking, or loud noises; keep belongings safe; take the reverse bus back if getting off at the wrong stop.

Hangzhou Ferry
Main Ferry Routes and Key Piers
Hangzhou has two main ferry routes, serving as both transportation and scenic viewing tools, with clear English signs and staff who can speak simple English:

1. West Lake Ferry: Operates on West Lake, connecting major scenic spots around the lake. Key piers: Broken Bridge Pier, Leifeng Pagoda Pier, Solitary Hill Pier, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Pier. Three types of boats:
- Large Cruise Ships: 50-100 people, air-conditioned, 30 yuan per person (one-way), English announcements, alight at any of the three piers.
- Small Speedboats: 6-8 people, 120-150 yuan per boat (one-way), customizable routes, drivers speak simple English.
- Hand-Rowed Boats: 4-6 people, 80-100 yuan per hour per boat, boatmen introduce West Lake in simple English, book in advance during peak hours.

2. Qiantang River Ferry: Connects Yuhang District (north bank) and Xiaoshan District (south bank), key piers: North Bank Pier, South Bank Pier. Large passenger ships with viewing decks, 5 yuan per person (one-way), operates every 20-30 minutes.
Note: West Lake Ferry stops in severe weather; check the weather forecast in advance.

Ferry Ticketing and Operating Hours
1. Ticketing: West Lake Ferry tickets can be purchased at pier ticket offices or online (Alipay, WeChat Mini Programs). Qiantang River Ferry tickets can be purchased at pier ticket offices or by swiping Hangzhou Tong Card.
2. Operating hours: West Lake Ferry: 8:00-17:30 (extended to 19:00 in summer); Qiantang River Ferry: 6:30-18:30.

Private Transportation— Flexible and Comfortable Choice
Hangzhou Taxi
Identification of Regular Taxis
Regular taxis in Hangzhou are mainly blue, green, and orange, with "Hangzhou Taxi" logo on the body, special license plates starting with "Zhe A", and a meter and driver’s license in the car. Do not take unlicensed taxis (black cars) to avoid overcharging or safety issues.

Taxi Fare Standards
Hangzhou taxi fare standard:
- Starting fare: 13 yuan for the first 3 kilometers.
- Mileage fare: 2.50 yuan per kilometer for 3-10 kilometers; 3.75 yuan per kilometer for over 10 kilometers (50% return empty subsidy).
- Low-speed waiting fee: 2.5 yuan every 4 minutes (non-peak hours); 3.75 yuan every 4 minutes (morning peak 7:00-9:00) when speed =12 km/h.
- Additional fees: 2 yuan per trip for night trips (23:00-5:00 next day); highway/bridge tolls borne by passengers.

Taxi Hailing Methods and Key Stations
1. Hailing on the street: Wave to stop at designated taxi stops (near scenic spots, shopping malls, transportation hubs including Hangzhou South Railway Station, Hangzhou East Railway Station, etc.).
2. Taxi-hailing apps: Didi Chuxing (English interface, international credit card payment), Uber. Enter the destination in English, and the driver will pick you up at the designated location.
3. Hotel booking: Ask the hotel front desk to book a taxi, especially convenient for early morning departures.
Tips: It is difficult to hail a taxi near West Lake on weekends/holidays; walk 200-300 meters to main roads. All key transportation hubs (airport, four railway stations) have dedicated taxi waiting areas with English signs.

Communication Skills and Complaint Methods
1. Communication skills: Most drivers do not speak fluent English; prepare the Chinese and English names of the destination (e.g., "Hangzhou South Railway Station - ????", "West Lake - ??") and show them to the driver, or use translation apps.
2. Complaint methods: Record the license plate number, driver’s name, and ride time if encountering overcharging, detours, or bad service. Call the complaint hotline: 0571-96520 (English service available), or complain via Didi app.

Ride-hailing Apps
Recommended Apps and Registration Methods
1. Recommended apps: Didi Chuxing (most commonly used in Hangzhou, English interface), Uber, Meituan Dache.
2. Registration methods: Download the app, register with an international mobile phone number, bind an international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) or use Alipay for payment. The registration process is simple with English prompts throughout.

Ride-hailing Notes and Key Station Pickup
1. Confirm vehicle information: After receiving the order, check if the license plate number, model, and driver’s information match the app to avoid getting on the wrong car.
2. Share your trip: Share trip information with friends/family via the app for safety.
3. Payment: Fare is automatically deducted from the bound card/Alipay, with a transparent fare list on the app.
4. Key station pickup: All key transportation hubs (Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station, Hangzhou South Railway Station) have designated ride-hailing pickup points with clear English signs.
5. Emergency help: Use the "emergency help" button on the app in case of emergency.

Bicycle/Electric Bike
Shared Bicycle/Electric Bike
Hangzhou is known as the "Bicycle City", with a large number of shared bicycles and electric bikes scattered throughout the city, especially near key stations (all railway stations, airport) and scenic spots.

- Usage method: Scan the QR code on the vehicle with Alipay or WeChat, pay a deposit (99-199 yuan, refundable), and unlock. Fare: 1-2 yuan per 30 minutes (bicycles); 2-3 yuan per 15 minutes (electric bikes).
- Notes: Park in designated areas (white lines); no random parking to avoid fines. Electric bikes are prohibited in the core area of West Lake; pay attention to signs.

Private Rental (Bicycle/Electric Bike)
For long-term use (e.g., West Lake day tour), rent from private shops near scenic spots or key stations.

Rental fee: 20-50 yuan per day (bicycles); 50-100 yuan per day (electric bikes). Present your passport as a deposit; the shop owner provides locks and simple maintenance tools.
Tips: Riding a bicycle around West Lake is a great experience; follow traffic rules (ride on non-motor vehicle lanes) and pay attention to safety.