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Warning: Illegal Taxi Touts
As you exit baggage claim, you will be approached by people offering "cheap taxi" rides. Ignore them completely. These are illegal operators who charge 2-3x the normal rate, often take indirect routes, and may demand additional payment upon arrival. Always use the official taxi queue, Didi app, or pre-booked transfer.
Metro Line 1 (Cheapest)
Hangzhou Metro Line 1 connects the airport directly to the city center. It is the cheapest option at just ¥8, but it is also the slowest — expect 60 minutes or more to reach the West Lake area, depending on your final station.
Follow "Metro" signs from the arrivals hall. The metro entrance is clearly marked in English and located between T3 and T4.
Buy a ticket or use Alipay — ticket machines have an English interface. Select your destination station and pay ¥2-10 depending on distance. Alternatively, use the Alipay app's Transport QR code for Hangzhou Metro.
Tap in and board — trains run every 3-8 minutes. Transfer at Fengqi Road or Longxiangqiao for the West Lake area. Both are on Line 1.
Last train warning — the last train departs the airport around 22:40. If your flight lands after 22:00, plan on using a taxi or Didi instead.
Important: Luggage Consideration
Metro cars are clean and modern, but there are no dedicated luggage racks. During the day, trains can be very crowded, and navigating with large suitcases through station turnstiles is awkward. If you have more than one suitcase, consider a taxi or Didi.
Airport Express Bus
The Airport Express Bus is a good middle ground — ¥20 per person for a direct ride to major downtown locations. There are four main routes covering Wulin Square, West Lake, Hangzhou East Railway Station, and Binjiang district. Journey time is 60-90 minutes depending on traffic and your destination.
Bus tickets are sold at clearly marked counters in the arrivals hall, and you can pay with cash or Alipay. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes during the day, with the last bus departing around midnight (check exact times for your route at the ticket counter). Seats are comfortable, there is under-bus luggage storage, and the routes are direct with limited stops. This is an especially good option if your hotel is near Wulin Square, which is the terminus for the most popular route.
Taxi
The official taxi queue is located directly outside the arrivals hall, clearly marked in English. Taxis in Hangzhou are green-blue sedans. The fare to the West Lake area is typically ¥120-180, and the journey takes 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Critical Tips for Taxis:
- Always insist on the meter (da biao) — if the driver refuses, get out and find another taxi at the official queue.
- Have your hotel address in Chinese characters ready on your phone. Most drivers do not speak English, and showing them a Chinese address avoids confusion.
- Get the hotel business card for the return trip — it will have the address in Chinese for your driver.
- Take a photo of the license plate displayed on the dashboard — it is a safety habit and helpful if you leave something in the car.
- Carry small bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50) — drivers often claim they do not have change for ¥100 notes.
Didi (Best Value)
Using Didi (China's Uber) is our top recommendation for most travelers. You get a fixed price upfront (typically ¥100-150 to West Lake), the app is in English, and payment is automatic through Alipay or a linked international card. Journey time is 35-50 minutes.
Open Didi via the Alipay mini-program (easiest) or the standalone Didi app. Both have English interfaces.
Select pickup location — at HGH, the designated Didi pickup zone is in Parking Garage P3. Follow signs from arrivals; it is a 5-minute walk.
Enter your hotel name — Didi's English search is decent. Confirm the fare estimate before booking.
Check the license plate when the car arrives, get in, and you will be auto-charged upon arrival — no cash needed.
Pre-booked Private Transfer
For the ultimate peace of mind, book a private airport transfer in advance. Services like Klook and Viator offer transfers from ¥200-400 depending on your hotel location and vehicle type. The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name, help with your luggage, and take you directly to your hotel.
This is the best option if you are arriving late at night, traveling with young children or elderly family members, or simply want to avoid any stress after a long flight. Book at least 24 hours in advance through Klook or Viator, and provide your flight number so the driver can track any delays.
Comparison Table
| Method | Cost | Time | Where to Find | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 1 | ¥8 | 60+ min | Between T3 & T4 | Solo travelers, light luggage |
| Airport Bus | ¥20 | 60-90 min | Arrivals, ticket counter | Near Wulin/West Lake |
| Taxi | ¥120-180 | 40-60 min | Official queue outside arrivals | Late night, convenience |
| Didi | ¥100-150 | 35-50 min | P3 parking garage | Best value, English app |
| Pre-booked Transfer | ¥200-400 | 40-60 min | Driver meets at arrivals | Peace of mind, families |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for the Airport Bus with a credit card?
Generally no. Airport Bus ticket counters accept cash (RMB) and Alipay/WeChat Pay. If you have just arrived and do not yet have Alipay set up, withdraw cash from an ATM in the arrivals hall before heading to the bus counter.
Is there an airport train station?
No, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport does not have a railway station. If you need to catch a train immediately upon arrival, take a taxi or Didi to Hangzhou East Railway Station (about 30 minutes by car).
What should I do if the taxi driver refuses to use the meter?
Politely but firmly insist on the meter. If the driver refuses, exit the vehicle and report the incident to the taxi dispatcher at the official queue. You can also simply book a Didi instead, which eliminates the meter issue entirely by showing a fixed price upfront.
Do I need to tip taxi or Didi drivers in China?
No. Tipping is not expected or practiced in China for taxis or ride-hailing services. Simply pay the metered fare (taxi) or the app-fixed price (Didi) and you are done.