Hangzhou Airport: Transport, Services and Travel tips

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is located about 30 km southeast of the city centre, in the Xiaoshan District. It is the main airport for Zhejiang province, offering direct flights from Europe, Asia, and major Chinese cities.

The good news for tourists? Getting from the airport to the city centre is relatively simple! Whether you take the metro line 19 (just 23 minutes), a shuttle bus, a taxi, or DiDi, there's an option for every budget and every type of traveller.

To help you make the most of your trip, Trip.com has put together a comprehensive guide to Hangzhou Airport: terminals, transport, services, and practical tips for a stress-free arrival!

About Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (IATA code: HGH) is located approximately 27 to 30 km east/south-east of the city centre, in the Xiaoshan District. It is the main airport for Zhejiang Province and one of the major aviation hubs on China's east coast. Here is a quick summary of the key information you need to know:

The various terminals at Hangzhou Airport

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport currently operates primarily with two passenger terminals: Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. The former Terminal 2 is closed for renovations and is not currently open to the public.

• 🛫 Terminal 3 (T3): a terminal used for some domestic flights. It notably brings together areas that correspond to the former T1 and T3 terminals.
• ✨ Terminal 4 (T4): the airport's newest and largest terminal. It handles domestic, international, and regional flights, depending on the airline and flight.

Transport to and from Hangzhou Airport

Getting to Hangzhou city centre is easy, with several options available depending on how much time you have, your budget, and the size of your group.

Here are the best ways to get around from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport:

The Metro: the fastest and most budget-friendly way to travel

This is the option we recommend the most! Three lines serve the airport directly from the underground transport hub (level B2 of terminals T3 and T4):

Taxi and DiDi: door-to-door comfort

Official taxis are available in the designated areas at the airport. The main pick-up points are located outside Gate 14 at the T3 arrivals level and at the walkway between T4 and the F1 transport centre.

The fare to reach Hangzhou city centre is generally around 120 to 170 CNY, depending on your exact destination, traffic, the time of day, any potential toll fees, and applicable surcharges. Allow about 40 to 60 minutes to reach central areas like Wulin Square, Hubin, or the West Lake district.

When using DiDi or another ride-hailing app, the fare is usually displayed before you confirm your ride. You can find the ride-hailing pick-up zones in the B2 transport centre, near lift lobbies 2, 3, and 4. Just follow the instructions in the app and the signs at the airport.

⚠️ Always decline offers from unofficial taxis when you arrive. Instead, make your way to the clearly marked official taxi ranks.

The tourist favourite: car hire

Finally, hiring a car is also a fantastic option if you want to explore the region at your own pace! The tea villages around Meijiawu, the Lingyin Buddhist site, Qiandao Lake, and even the Fuchun Gorges are all much easier to reach by car than by public transport.

In China, you drive on the right. Traffic in Hangzhou can be heavy, especially during rush hour, so it’s best to use a car for trips outside the city rather than for getting around the centre.

⚠️ Please note: To drive in mainland China, a foreign driving licence or an International Driving Permit is generally not sufficient. Foreign travellers must hold a Chinese driving licence or a temporary driving permit issued in China. Be sure to check the requirements with the rental company before booking.

How much does it cost?

Airport rental rates vary depending on the type of vehicle. Here are some indicative prices:

• Small cars: from ~250 CNY/day (~£27)
• Mid-size cars: from ~350 CNY/day (~£38)
• SUVs: from ~450 CNY/day (~£48)
• Vans: from ~600 CNY/day (~£65)

Trip.com is offering new members up to 8% off car rentals. It’s a fantastic way to discover Zhejiang beyond Hangzhou!

How do I hire a car?

1. Search for your vehicle: head over to the "Car Rental" section on Trip.com, select Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport as your pick-up location, and enter your dates.
2. Choose your car: compare options, prices, and features, then click "Book".
3. Enter your details: provide the driver's information and select your preferred insurance or optional extras.
4. Confirm your booking: complete the payment, and you'll receive a confirmation voucher by email.
5. Pick up your car: upon arrival, follow the signs for your rental company. The airport's car hire services are located at the Terminal 4 arrivals level.

The airport bus: a handy solution when you've got luggage

Option two: the bus. Airport shuttles and bus lines serve key transport hubs in Hangzhou, such as Wulinmen, Hangzhou East Railway Station, or Binjiang, as well as several cities in the province. Buses depart from the airport's transport centre, level 1F, on the north-west side.

The price varies depending on the route: expect to pay around 20 CNY for Wulinmen and about 28 CNY for Hangzhou East Railway Station, for example. The journey usually takes around 60 minutes in good conditions, but this can be longer depending on traffic, the time of day, and your destination.

This is a great option if you’re travelling with luggage and your destination is near a stop, but always check the daily timetable before you set off.

Comparison: what is the best transport option?

Arrival requirements in Hangzhou: visa and regulations

Until 31 December 2026, holders of ordinary passports from certain European countries (including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, etc.) can enter China visa‑free for stays of up to 30 days, whether for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit.

For stays exceeding 30 days, or if your reason for travel doesn't fall under the visa-exemption categories, you'll need to obtain the appropriate Chinese visa before you depart. For longer tourist trips, this is typically an L-type visa. If you're travelling for work, study, internships, or journalism, you may need a different type of visa. Processing times are generally at least 4 working days once your application is complete, though this may be extended if further documents or additional checks are required.

📋 What to pack:

• An ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of departure from China;
• Foreign arrival card, to be completed online before departure via official channels or upon arrival if necessary;
• Contact details for your accommodation in China;
• Return or onward travel ticket;
• Useful documents to have handy: hotel booking, itinerary, and an invitation letter if applicable.

⚠️ Visa policies change regularly. Always check the latest requirements with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate, as well as the official website of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), before you travel.

Services and facilities at Hangzhou Airport

Hangzhou Airport is perfectly equipped to make your time there as comfortable as possible, whether you're in transit or waiting for your flight.

Dining and shopping

In the departure lounges and arrival halls, you'll find a wide selection of restaurants and shops:

• 🍜 Dining: Zhejiang specialities (Dongpo pork, West Lake vinegar fish), national chains, Starbucks, KFC, and noodle bars in all terminals.
• 🛍️ Shopping: souvenir shops, local specialities (Longjing tea, Hangzhou silk), pharmacies, and international newsagents.
• 🛃 Duty-free: available in the international zone (T4), offering perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, and electronics.

Convenient on-site services

Just like most airports, Hangzhou Airport offers a wide range of services, most of which are free to access:

• 💱 Currency exchange and banking: You'll find several banks and bureaux de change conveniently located in both the arrivals and departures halls (ICBC, Bank of Hangzhou, Citibank, Bank of Shanghai).
• 🏧 ATMs: Cash machines are available in all terminals, and international cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted.
• 🧳 Luggage storage: available in the T3 and T4 arrival halls from 8:00 to 23:00.
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the airport.
• 🏥 Medical services: an emergency room is available on the domestic departures side.
• 👶 Baby care room: available in the terminals for families travelling with young children.
• 🔌 Charging points: charging stations for phones and laptops are available in all waiting areas.

VIP lounges

Hangzhou Airport features several lounges accessible to first-class and business-class passengers, as well as frequent flyer programme members.

DragonPass lounges offer hot and cold drinks, snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and charging points.

Other travellers can access them for around 200 to 300 CNY (~£21 to £32), depending on the lounge.

Hangzhou Travel tips

• 🕐 Arrive early. Security checks in Hangzhou can be lengthy during peak season (April–October) and Golden Weeks. Allow 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one.
• 📱 Download your apps before you board. WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, and Baidu Maps or Amap are essential in China. Set them up before you leave home, as some require phone verification that can be tricky to complete once you've arrived.
• 💴 Always keep some cash (CNY) on you. Even though WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted everywhere, some small shops or local shuttles still operate on cash only. Withdrawing money from an airport ATM upon arrival is always a good safety net.
• 🌐 VPN and eSIM. Wi-Fi is free at the airport, but you'll need a VPN to access Google, WhatsApp, or Instagram. Getting a China eSIM activated before you fly will save you a lot of hassle as soon as you land.

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