Shanghai - Hangzhou Trains

Shanghai - Hangzhou Trains page introduces some train information between Shanghai and Hangzhou, as well as some tips for travelling to the two cities.

Shanghai-Hangzhou Trains

There are many high-speed trains travelling between Shanghai and Hangzhou every day from 6:00 to 22:00, taking about an hour. Most of the high-speed trains are D series and G series trains, which are high-speed, steady, clean and comfortable. The ordinary trains take about 2 hours from Shanghai to Hangzhou. Generally speaking, it is hgihly recommended to take high-speed trains(G-series or D-series) to travel between Shanghai and Hangzhou.

►Train from Shanghai to Hangzhou

Trains from Shanghai to Hangzhou departs every 10 miintues from three station in Shanghai.

High-speed trains usually departs from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, only a few of them departs from Shanghai Railway Station. High-speed trains operates from 6:20 am to 21:31. It takes one to one and a half hous.

Ordinaray trains leaving for Hangzhou all depart from Shangai South Railway Station. It runs from 05:18 am to 23:35.

►Train from Hangzhou to Shanghai

Trains from Hangzhou to Shanghai departs from Hangzhou East Railway Station or Hangzhou Railway Station.

High-speed trains operate from 6:10 to 21:49 every day, with almost every 10 minutes departure.

Ordinary trains operates from 02:04 to 20:08 evey day. Most of them leave from Hangzhou East Railway Station, only a few leaves from Hangzhou Railway Station.

Notes for Taking Trains in China

1. Booking an original train is easier than booking a passing-by train. Train ticket can be booked 20 days in advance at most.

2. Generally, the seats on the ordinary train in China have tow types including soft seat and hard seat. Train sleepers are classified into two types: soft sleeper and hard sleeper. Hard sleeper has three sub-categories: upper hard sleeper, middle hard sleeper and lower hard sleeper; Soft sleeper has two sub-categories: upper soft sleeper and lower soft sleeper (better). If you take an over-night train or long distance train, you would better buy a ticket for soft sleeper to make your trip more comfortable.

While in high-speed trains, only seats are available. No sleepers. There are business seats(the best), super seat, first class seat and second seat. You can visit Types of China Train Seat to find more.

3. In China, taking a train is a comparative cheaper way to cut down the travel cost. While correspondingly, the comfortable level is lower than by air.

Luggage: you need to take the luggages by yourself and keep an eye of them on transporting time, no luggage-checking service on the train

Carriage: it may be crowded when in the domestic travel seasons as well as summer holidays.

4. The first character of train number has special meanings.
G–High-Speed Train
C–Intercity EMU Train
D–Electric Multiple Units (EMU) Train
Z–Direct Express Train
T–Express Train
K–Fast Train
Four-digit Number Train - Regular Speed Train
L–Temporary Train

Tips for Traveling to Shanghai and Hangzhou

Best Time to Visit Shanghai:
The best time to travel in Shanghai is in spring and autumn, The city has a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. Generally, the warm Spring and cool Autumn are the more comfortable seasons. While Summer and Winter are far less pleasant. Overall, Shanghai enjoys a mild and moist climate.

Best Time to Visit Hangzhou:
Best time to visit is March to October, especially Spring from March to May. West Lake in spring is in its most beautiful moment.

Try to Avoid domestic travel seasons

The most crowded seasons in China are Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.), International Labour Day (May 01 to 03) and National Day (Oct 01-07). Spring Festival and the National Day golden week are the most crowded time for travelling.

Related Information

► More transportation information: Shanghai Transportation
► More travel information: Shanghai Travel Guide

►Recommended China Tours from Shanghai to: 5 Days Shanghai and Tour
(Attractions: Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, West Lake, Linyin Temple, Six Harmonious Pagoda, Qinghefang Street, Meijiawu Tea Village)