Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport is about 27 km from Hangzhou city centre. Transport costs vary depending on your method, destination, and time of day. We could not confirm the current Hangzhou metro fares or taxi tariff from the operators, so no specific figures are quoted below — check the fare chart at the metro station and the tariff card posted in the taxi before you travel.
By transport type
Metro (Line 19 airport express, and Line 7): a distance-based fare per person, the cheapest way in. 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.
Fixed-price private transfer
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Airport bus: a published fare that depends on the route. Slow but inexpensive.
Taxi: metered, on the city tariff posted in the cab. Meters are standard. After 11 PM, fares increase by roughly 20 percent. Rush hour traffic pushes fares toward the higher end.
Pre-booked transfer: a fixed sedan price, quoted before you book. Minivans and premium vehicles cost more. The price is fixed regardless of traffic.
By destination
Exact taxi and transfer prices by destination (West Lake, Wulin Square, Xihu district, Gongshu, Xiaoshan, Hangzhou East Station) could not be verified from an authoritative source, so no table of figures is given here. Taxis run on the metered city tariff; pre-booked transfers quote a fixed sedan price before you book, which rises with distance and vehicle size. Destinations closer to the airport (such as Xiaoshan) cost less than West Lake or the Grand Canal area further into the city.
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport from the city center?
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport is approximately 27 km from the city center (West Lake area). The metro takes 50-65 minutes, a taxi takes 35-50 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way from Hangzhou Airport to the city?
The metro is the cheapest option by a wide margin. Transfer to Line 1 to reach West Lake and the city center. Runs from approximately 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
How much is a taxi from Hangzhou Airport to West Lake?
A taxi from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to the West Lake area runs on the meter, on the city tariff posted in the cab. Rush hour fares are higher. After 11 PM, expect a 20% night surcharge.