Shanghai to Hangzhou by high-speed train
A practical guide to the short Shanghai–Hangzhou high-speed train trip, including station choices and day-trip planning.
Route overview
- Ideal for a West Lake day trip from Shanghai
- Departures every 15–30 minutes throughout the day
- Short and comfortable journey
Example train options
Services change by date. These examples illustrate the typical pattern—always search your exact travel date for current availability.
Choosing a seat class
Frequently asked questions
Can Hangzhou be a day trip from Shanghai?
Absolutely. Trains run from early morning until late evening in both directions. Arriving by 9 am gives you a full day at West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and the tea villages, with comfortable evening trains back to Shanghai.
Do I need to book in advance for this short route?
It helps, especially on weekends and public holidays when Chinese domestic tourists also use this route heavily. Weekday travel is usually more relaxed—same-day tickets are often available.
Which Hangzhou station should I use?
Hangzhou East (Hangzhoudong) is the main high-speed hub and is well connected by metro line 1 to the city centre and West Lake area. Some trains also serve Hangzhou station or Hangzhou South—check your ticket carefully.
Is second class comfortable enough for this journey?
Yes. At under 75 minutes, even a basic second-class seat is perfectly comfortable. There is no need to upgrade for this short trip unless you have a strong preference for wider seats.
What is the best time to visit Hangzhou?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather. Early April is famous for tea harvest season in the Longjing (Dragon Well) area, just outside the city.