Hangzhou day trip from Shanghai at a glance
The usual route is by high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East (Hangzhoudong, ζε·δΈ). Train times on this route range from about 45 to 87 minutes, depending on the service. Hangzhou East is on the metro, and Line 1 takes you toward the lake.
Be careful with the station name. Hangzhou East is not Hangzhou West, not Hangzhou Station (Chengzhan) and not the airport. The station on your ticket must match where you want to arrive. Fares are flexible and depend on season, date, time and class. In 2026, second-class fares on this route are CNY 65 to 87, and CNY 57 to 83 with a discount. There is no single fixed price for all fast trains.
Our picks: Hangzhou from Shanghai
Our take: all three are private and run by bullet train. The first has the most reviews, the second includes lunch and the boat, and the third is the lower-cost option.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private trip to Hangzhou by bullet train
- Private guide
- Return bullet train
- Lingyin ticket
A private guide and car for the day, return trains and the Lingyin ticket included.
Check availability β
Hangzhou private day trip by bullet train
- Second-class bullet train
- Entry tickets and lunch
- West Lake boat
Return train, transfers, entry tickets, lunch and a boat on West Lake, with tea fields on the route.
Check availability β
Hangzhou private one-day trip from Shanghai
- Private guide
- Return second-class train
- Private driver
A private guide and driver with return trains; Lingyin is free with advance reservation, and the boat is an optional activity.
Check availability βHangzhou tours from Shanghai
Day tours and transfers from Shanghai to West Lake, with live prices and availability.
From the station to the lake
The metro connections from the station to the lake.
| Destination | Route from Hangzhou East | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hubin and the east shore | Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao | Shuttle toward the southern lake sights from there |
| Broken Bridge and Bai Di | Metro Line 1 to Fengqi Road, then a connection | North shore, walk or local transit onward |
| Leifeng Pagoda and the south shore | Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao, then the shuttle | Check the shuttle stop on arrival |
| Xixi Wetland | Metro Line 3 to Xixi Wetland South or Line 19 to Xixi Wetland North | Outside the lakeshore route |
The East station has several metro exits. Lines 1 and 4 stop at the main station, and Lines 6 and 19 at the East Square station. The change can mean a walk, so give yourself extra time. There is no fixed door-to-door time from Shanghai to the lake: add the transfer in Shanghai, the security check, the Hangzhou metro and the return trip to the 45 to 87 minutes on the train.
How to plan a Shanghai day trip to West Lake
Choose one theme per day.
The lake and one sight
Take the island boat to Xiaoyingzhou and walk the shore. Island boat tickets are sold until 16:00 to 17:00, depending on the season, and the Leifeng Pagoda closes between 17:30 and 20:00, also by season. Add the fountain only if you can stay until the 19:30 show in the autumn and winter plan.
Boat rides βThe Lingyin Temple
Entry is free, but you must reserve online, 1 to 7 days ahead, with your passport. The ground is open 07:30β17:30, and the last entry is at 17:00. This fits a morning arrival, followed by the lake.
Lingyin Temple βA tea village
In Meijiawu, visitors can try picking, roasting and tasting. There is no standard price and no promise of access to every field, so treat it as an extra, not the main plan.
Longjing tea βAn organized day tour
A tour takes care of the transfer and the stops. Ask about the departure point, the language, what the price includes and when you are back in Shanghai.
Hangzhou tours βPractical notes for the trip
Entry, payment and timing, status 2026.
Entry to China
German passport holders can enter for up to 30 days without a visa until 31 December 2026, for tourism and a number of other purposes. This does not cover official or temporary passports.
Paying
Alipay and WeChat Pay can be linked to suitable foreign cards. A fee of 3 percent on the whole amount can apply above CNY 200. Check the payment dialog before you pay.
The way back
Check the current timetable for the last train to Shanghai before you leave. Do not plan a late evening show and an evening train without a buffer.
Weather
Bad weather can end boat trips early and close parts of the lake area. See the weather page for the monthly values.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go once you arrive.
Hangzhou from Shanghai: frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
Services between Hongqiao and Hangzhou East take about 45 to 87 minutes in 2026. The time depends on the train, and you have to add the city transfers on both ends.
How much is the train ticket?
Fares are flexible and depend on season, date, time and class. Second class costs CNY 65 to 87 at the regular fare in 2026, and less with a discount. Check the price for your date when you book.
Which Hangzhou station should I choose?
Choose Hangzhou East (Hangzhoudong). It connects to the metro lines toward the lake. Hangzhou Station (Chengzhan) is a different station on Lines 1 and 5, and Hangzhou West is another one again.
Is one day enough for West Lake?
One day is enough for the shore, the island boat and one sight. It is not enough for the lake, the Lingyin Temple, a tea village and the Xixi Wetland together. Choose a theme or stay a night.
Is a tour better than going on my own?
Going on your own is simple on this route because of the train and the metro. A tour makes sense if you want a guide, a fixed plan or a transfer between stops that are far apart.