Shanghai to Hangzhou by Train
By China Rail Guide Updated 2026-05-29 Fares verified May 2026 against China Railway (12306)
- Fastest
- 45m
- Distance
- 159 km
- Trains/day
- 100+
- From
- $10
Shanghai to Hangzhou is a busy ~160 km high-speed corridor with over 100 trains a day. The fastest non-stop G-trains reach Hangzhou East from Shanghai Hongqiao in about 45 minutes.
At a glance
- Fastest non-stop service: about 45 minutes; most trains take 45 minutes to 1h 10m.
- Over 100 daily departures from Shanghai Hongqiao.
- Main service: Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥) → Hangzhou East (杭州东); some run to Hangzhou South/West.
- Second Class is comfortable for the short trip.
Fares by class
High-speed (G/C) seat classes on the main service:
| Class | Price (CNY) | Approx. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class | ¥73 | $10 |
| First Class | ¥117 | $16 |
| Business Class | ¥219 | $31 |
Official China Railway (12306) fares for Shanghai Hongqiao–Hangzhou East. The fastest 45-minute non-stop trains cost a little more (Second Class ~¥87); Hangzhou South/West services vary.
Stations & train types
Trains depart from Shanghai Hongqiao and arrive at Hangzhou East. Direct trains run this route.
- G — High-speed (up to 350 km/h)
- D — Express EMU (200–260 km/h)
- C — Intercity (short hops)
Train or flight from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
A flight looks quicker on paper, but China's domestic flights ask you to arrive about 2 hours early, and airports sit well outside the city. High-speed trains leave from a central station with quick security. Most trains take 45 min – 1h 10m (fastest non-stop 45m). Counting the whole door-to-door trip:
| 🚄 High-speed train | ✈️ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| On board / in the air | 45m | ~55m |
| Getting there & through | + ~30m (central station, fast security) | + 2h arrive early, + ~1h30m to/from airports |
| Realistic door-to-door | ~1h 15m | ~4h 25m |
Flight time is estimated from route distance; airport arrival and transfer times are typical for China domestic travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
The fastest non-stop G-trains take about 45 minutes; most run 45 minutes to about 1 hour 10 minutes.
How much is a Shanghai to Hangzhou train ticket?
Second Class is about ¥73 (~$10), First Class ¥117, and Business Class ¥219 on Shanghai Hongqiao–Hangzhou East G-trains. The fastest non-stop trains cost a little more (Second Class ~¥87). These are official China Railway (12306) fares.
Which stations do Shanghai–Hangzhou trains use?
Most high-speed trains run from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East; some use Hangzhou South or West. All are on the metro.
Schedule and fares reflect China Railway (12306) official services, last verified 2026-05 against live booking data. Times and prices can change — confirm when you book.