Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport is about 27 km from Hangzhou city centre. Transport costs vary depending on your method, destination, and time of day.
By transport type
Metro Line 1 and Line 7: CNY 7-9 per person. Metro Line 1 connects the airport to the city centre via Line 7 transfer. Line 7 runs directly from the airport. The journey to West Lake area takes about 50-65 minutes. Runs approximately 6:30 AM to 10:30-11 PM.
Airport bus: CNY 15-30 depending on the route. Slow but inexpensive.
Taxi: CNY 100-160 to central areas. Meters are standard. After 11 PM, fares increase by roughly 20 percent. Rush hour traffic pushes fares toward the higher end.
Pre-booked transfer: $35-55 USD for a sedan. Minivans and premium vehicles cost more. The price is fixed regardless of traffic.
By destination
| Destination | Taxi (CNY) | Transfer (CNY) | |-------------|------------|----------------| | West Lake area | 80-130 | 280-400 | | Wulin Square (CBD) | 80-120 | 260-380 | | Xihu district | 80-130 | 280-400 | | Gongshu (Grand Canal) | 90-140 | 300-430 | | Xiaoshan (near airport) | 20-40 | 80-150 | | Hangzhou East Station | 50-80 | 180-280 |
Hidden costs to consider
- Late-night surcharge: Taxi meters increase after 11 PM. Budget an extra 20 percent.
- Traffic factor: Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) fares can be significantly higher as the meter runs on both time and distance.
- Language confusion: If a taxi driver misunderstands your destination, the detour costs you money on the meter. Having your address in Chinese reduces this risk.
- Payment friction: Without WeChat Pay or Alipay, you are limited to cash. ATMs are available in arrivals.
Tips for managing costs
- The metro at CNY 7-9 is by far the cheapest option, but factor in walking and possible transfers to your final destination.
- For groups of 3-4 people, a taxi or transfer becomes more cost-effective per person than individual transit fares.
- Cash in CNY is the most reliable payment for taxis. ATMs in the arrivals hall accept international cards.
- Pre-booked transfers include the price for the vehicle, not per person, making them economical for families and small groups.