How to get to West Lake from the station and the airport
Most visitors reach West Lake by metro. High-speed trains stop at Hangzhou East (Hangzhoudong), and the airport at Xiaoshan is linked to Metro Lines 1, 7 and 19. Do not confuse Hangzhou East with Hangzhou Station (Chengzhan), which is served by Lines 1 and 5. Check that the station on your train ticket matches the one you plan to leave from.
If you start in Shanghai, the train from Hongqiao to Hangzhou East takes 45 to 87 minutes in 2026. Our page on a Hangzhou day trip from Shanghai covers the timing for a single day, including the metro ride to the lake at the other end.
West Lake by metro: from East station and from the airport
Routes that work in autumn 2026.
| You arrive at | Metro route | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Hangzhou East station | Line 1 to Longxiangqiao | Hubin and the lakeside, with a shuttle for the southern lake |
| Hangzhou East station | Line 1 to Fengqi Road, then a connection | The Broken Bridge and the north shore |
| Xiaoshan Airport | Line 19 to West Lake Cultural Square, then Line 1 to Fengqi Road | The north shore and the Broken Bridge |
| Xiaoshan Airport | Line 7 to Wushan Square, then a connection | Southern lake destinations |
For most visitors arriving by train, Line 1 from Hangzhou East to Longxiangqiao is the simplest start. At East station, Lines 1 and 4 share one station and Lines 6 and 19 stop at the East Square station. Changing between them can mean a walk, so allow time.
Our pick: train and guide from Shanghai
Our take: this day tour handles the bullet train both ways.
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.
Hangzhou tours and day trips
Lake cruises, tea village visits and day trips from Shanghai, with live prices and availability.
By train from Shanghai
Hongqiao to Hangzhou East is the pair of stations to look for.
Times and fares
Trains between Hongqiao and Hangzhou East take 45 to 87 minutes in 2026. Second class costs CNY 65 to 87 at the regular fare and CNY 57 to 83 where a discount applies. Fares change by season, date, time and class, so the price on your day can differ.
Check the stations
Pick Hangzhou East (Hangzhoudong) on the ticket. Hangzhou West, Hangzhou Station and the airport are different places. A wrong station can add a long transfer to the day.
Plan the door-to-door time
The train time is only one part of the day. Add the trip to Hongqiao, security checks, the metro in Hangzhou and the way back in the evening.
From Shanghai →From Xiaoshan Airport
The airport station is open from 5:50 a.m. to 12:27 a.m. The last departures differ by line and direction: Line 1 towards Xianghu at 10:30 p.m., Line 7 towards Wushan Square at 10:49 p.m. and Line 19 towards Tiaoxi at 11:14 p.m. After a late flight, check which line you can still catch before you plan to take the metro.
To the north shore and the Broken Bridge, take Line 19 to West Lake Cultural Square and change to Line 1 for Fengqi Road. For southern lake destinations, take Line 7 to Wushan Square and continue from there. Fares and ride times change, so check the current figure at the ticket machine or in your payment app.
Around the lake: bikes, taxis and cars
What to know before you try to drive or cycle near the shore.
Public bikes
The standard red public bikes are free for the first hour, then CNY 1 per hour, with a daily cap of CNY 5. Foreign visitors sign up through Alipay, and not every card or account works. Do not plan to cycle along Su Di or Bai Di.
Cars in autumn
From September to November, on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the last digit of the licence plate must match odd or even calendar days. In Lingyin and on Nanshan Road between Yanggongdi and Yuhuangshan Road, a Xihu Tong application is also needed at least 1 day ahead, with 1 use per vehicle per calendar month. This applies to electric cars and plates from other cities too.
Taxis and ride-hailing
In autumn, taxis and ride-hailing apps may ask you to change at set points. Xixi Road 608 or Xiaoyawu serve Lingyin, and Li Taizu Wan 157 serves the southern areas. Do not count on a car reaching your hotel door.
Where to stay →Entry to China and paying on arrival
Short version, with the status for 2026.
Visa-free entry for Germans
German citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visits, exchange and transit, under a rule that runs until 31 December 2026. It does not cover service passports, provisional passports or travel documents in place of a passport. Check the rule again before you book. Your accommodation must register you, which a hotel usually does. For a private stay, register yourself.
Transit stays
A separate transit rule allows 240 hours (10 days) for eligible nationals, including Germany, with an onward ticket to a third country or territory. It requires a real onward trip and approved entry points, so check the details first.
Paying with a foreign card
Suitable foreign cards can be linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay. Over CNY 200, a fee of 3 percent can apply to the whole amount. Check the fee and whether the shop takes your card in the payment screen.
Plan the rest of your trip
From arrival to the water.
Getting to West Lake: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Hangzhou East station to West Lake?
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao for Hubin and the lakeside. For the Broken Bridge, ride Line 1 to Fengqi Road and connect from there.
Which metro lines go to Xiaoshan Airport?
Lines 1, 7 and 19 all serve the airport. The airport station opens at 5:50 a.m. and closes at 12:27 a.m.
How much is the train from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
In 2026, second class costs CNY 65 to 87, or CNY 57 to 83 with a discount. There is no single fixed fare, because prices change by season, date, time and class.
Can I drive to West Lake?
Yes, but there are autumn rules from September to November: an odd/even plate rule on weekends and holidays, and an extra application in some areas. They also apply to electric cars and plates from other cities.
Do Germans need a visa for Hangzhou?
Not for stays of up to 30 days for tourism and similar purposes, under a rule that runs until 31 December 2026. Passport type and conditions matter, so confirm them before you travel.
Is this the official West Lake website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the West Lake Scenic Area, the city of Hangzhou or any authority, and it is not connected to tour operators or hotels.