Hangzhou Metro is a fast and convenient way to explore the city. It connects major attractions, transport hubs, and business areas, making travel easy for both visitors and locals. Use this guide to learn about metro lines, operating hours, ticket prices, and tips for first-time riders.
Hangzhou Metro Overview
The Hangzhou Metro is the main urban rail system serving Hangzhou and its surrounding metropolitan area in Zhejiang Province, China. It is operated by Hangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd.
Current Network (as of 2025)
- 12 lines in operation: Lines 1–10, 16 and 19
- 262 stations (not counting interchanges)
- Total length: about 516 km, ranking fifth in China
- The network connects major transport hubs, business areas, residential zones and tourist attractions, making travel across the city fast and convenient.
Travel Highlights for Passengers
- Efficient and affordable: Fares start at 2 RMB for 4 km with distance-based pricing.
- Easy payment: Supports Alipay, WeChat Pay and digital RMB.
- Convenient transfers: Interchanges at key stations like Jianguo Road, Fengqi Road and Hangzhou East Railway Station.
- Wide coverage: Serves all ten districts of Hangzhou, including Xiaoshan, West Lake, Linping, Fuyang and Lin'an.
Hangzhou Metro Map 2025
Hangzhou Metro makes it easy for visitors to reach the city’s main attractions and transport hubs. Lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 19 connect key sights and stations.
Top attractions near the metro include Longxiangqiao (Line 1) for West Lake, Huanglong Sports Centre (Lines 3 and 10) for Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Wulin Square (Lines 1 and 3) for shopping and museums, and Xixi Wetland South (Line 3) for Xixi Wetland Park.
Major transport hubs include Hangzhou East Station (Lines 1, 7, 19), Hangzhou West Station (Line 3), Xiaoshan International Airport (Lines 1 and 7), Hangzhou South Railway Station (Line 5), and Hangzhou Station (Line 1) for travel to nearby cities like Shanghai and Nanjing.
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Hangzhou Metro Operating Hours for All Lines
Most Hangzhou Metro lines usually operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Some lines have extended hours during holidays, special events, or for airport and major station connections.
Line 1 and Line 19 serve Xiaoshan International Airport, and transfer hubs like Hangzhou East Railway Station may have later last trains. For late-night travel, check the Hangzhou Metro App or station information for real-time updates.
Line | Direction | First Train | Last Train |
Line 1 | To Xianghu | 6:00 AM | 10:30 PM |
To Xiaoshan International Airport | 5:54 AM | 10:50 PM | |
To Linping | 6:00 AM | 10:42 PM | |
Line 2 | To Liangzhu | 6:00 AM | 11:02 PM |
To Chaoyang | 6:04 AM | 11:02 PM | |
Line 3 | To Shima | 6:15 AM | 11:08 PM |
To Wushanqian Village | 6:12 AM | 11:03 PM | |
To Xingqiao | 6:03 AM | 11:36 PM | |
Line 4 | To Chihuajie | 6:19 AM | 11:45 PM |
To Puyan | 6:00 AM | 11:09 PM | |
Line 5 | To Nanhu East | 6:00 AM | 10:30 PM |
To Guniangqiao | 6:02 AM | 10:30 PM | |
Line 6 | To Goujunong | 6:02 AM | 10:30 PM |
To Shuangpu | 6:02 AM | 10:30 PM | |
To Guihua West Road | 6:02 AM | 10:50 PM | |
Line 7 | To Jiangdong’er Road | 6:00 AM | 10:30 PM |
To Wushan Square | 6:09 AM | 10:30 PM | |
Line 8 | To Wenhai South Road | 6:05 AM | 10:30 PM |
To Xinwan Road | 6:05 AM | 11:02 PM | |
Line 9 | To Guanyin Temple | 6:02 AM | 11:04 PM |
To Long’an | 6:10 AM | 11:16 PM | |
Line 10 | To Huanglong Sports Center | 6:04 AM | 10:54 PM |
To Yisheng Road | 6:01 AM | 11:15 PM | |
Line 16 | To Lvting Road | 6:10 AM | 10:33 PM |
To Jiuzhou Street | 6:20 AM | 11:15 PM | |
Line 19 | To Hangzhou West Railway Station | 6:00 AM | 11:11 PM |
To Yongsheng Road | 6:04 AM | 11:15 PM |
Note: Metro hours are updated as of November 2025. For real-time updates, check station announcements or the Hangzhou Metro App.
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Hangzhou Metro Ticket Prices
Hangzhou Metro uses a distance-based fare system. Each ride is valid for up to 240 minutes (4 hours). Fares are calculated based on distance travelled:
Distance | Fare |
Up to 4 km | ¥2 |
4–12 km | ¥1 per 4 km |
12–24 km | ¥1 per 6 km |
Over 24 km | ¥1 per 8 km |
Hangzhou Metro Ticket Types
1. Single Journey Tickets
- Physical Ticket: Valid on the day of purchase at the station. Insert the ticket into the gate when exiting.
- E-Ticket: Valid on the day of purchase. Unused tickets are automatically refunded at the end of the day.
2. Tourist Passes
Ideal for short-term visitors or frequent travellers. Unlimited travel on the Hangzhou Metro network (excluding Shaoxing and Haining sections).
Pass | Price | Validity |
1-day | ¥15 | 24 hours from activation |
3-day | ¥40 | 72 hours from activation |
5-day | ¥60 | 120 hours from activation |
7-day | ¥80 | 168 hours from activation |
3. Concession Tickets
Special discounts are available for certain groups with valid ID or travel card:
- Free Travel: Retired officials, military personnel, disabled veterans, firefighters, police disabled on duty, relatives of martyrs, blood donation heroes, people with severe disabilities.
- Half Price: Seniors 70+ during peak hours (07:00–08:30, 17:00–18:30). Other times are free.
- 50% Discount: Seniors 60–69, students in Hangzhou primary/secondary/vocational schools with valid ID or travel card.
4. Stored Value Card & QR Code
- Hangzhou Tong Card: Preload money, multiple rides, 9% discount compared to single ticket.
- Metro QR Code: Purchase and scan via Hangzhou Metro App, Alipay, or WeChat for easy entry.
How to Use Alipay QR Code Ticket?
I used the Guangzhou Metro route as an example. Hangzhou works the same way.
Open Alipay App → ➊ Click "Transport"→ ➋Select "Hangzhou Metro" → ➌ Activate "Metro QR Code" → Click "Get now" → Agree to terms →➍ Scan at the Gate
Main Tourist and Transport Metro Stations in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Metro is a modern and efficient rail system that makes travelling around the city easy for both locals and visitors. The network connects major scenic areas, business districts and transport hubs, offering quick access to top attractions and key stations across the city.
Below are some popular metro stops for foreign travellers:
| Type | Station | Nearby Highlights / Function |
Tourist Station | Longxiangqiao Station (Line 1) | Closest stop to West Lake. Easy access to Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Surrounded by shopping areas and cafés. |
Wulin Square Station (Line 1 & 3) | Main business and shopping area with museums and local cultural centres. | |
Huanglong Sports Centre Station (Line 3 & 10) | Near Hangzhou Botanical Garden and National Archives of Publications and Culture. Great for nature and culture lovers. | |
Shuichengqiao Station (Line 4) | Convenient for visiting Hupao Park and Jiuxi scenic area, known for peaceful nature views. | |
Xixi Wetland South Station (Line 3) | Best stop for Xixi National Wetland Park, where you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride. | |
Transport Hub | Hangzhou East Station (Line 1, 7, 19) | Major high-speed rail hub connecting to other Chinese cities. |
Hangzhou West Station (Line 3) | Important station in the west of the city, linking to Lin’an and Yuhang. | |
Xiaoshan International Airport Station (Line 1 & 7) | Easy metro access to Hangzhou Airport for domestic and international travellers. | |
Hangzhou South Station (Line 5) | Key rail station for travel to Fuyang and Tonglu. | |
Hangzhou Railway Station (Line 1) | Traditional train hub for routes to Shanghai, Nanjing and other nearby cities. |
How to Ride Hangzhou Metro? Map App & Station Guide
1. Plan Your Route (Use a Map App)
First, open China Map App like Amap (高德地图) or Apple Maps and type in your destination.
- Tap "Public Transport" (Bus/M) to see metro options.
- The app will tell you:
- Which metro line(s) to take
- Where to enter/exit
- If you need to transfer (换乘)
- Estimated travel time
📌 Pro Tip: Screenshot your route in case you lose signal underground!
2. Enter the Metro Station
- Look for the big metro sign (杭州地铁, usually blue/green/red) outside the station.
- Take the escalator or elevator down to the station hall.
Source from viajeroslowcosteros
3. Buy a Ticket (If You Don’t Have Alipay)
- If using Alipay: Open the app → Search "Hangzhou Metro" → Tap "Transport QR Code" (乘车码). Scan at the gate. (Super easy!)
- If buying a ticket:
- Find the self-service ticket machine (usually near the entrance).
- Touchscreen → Select your destination station → Pay (cash/WeChat/Alipay).
- Get your token (single-use card) and keep it safe—you’ll need it to exit!
- Need help? Ask staff near security (they usually speak basic English).
Credit: Bilibili, 一两二三四L
⚠️ Security Check:
- All bags go through X-ray (like at airports).
- What NOT to bring:
- Lighters, knives, alcohol (over 50%)
- Pets (unless in carriers)
- Big luggage? No problem, but avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM / 5-7 PM).
Credit: Bilibili, 一两二三四L
4. Find Your Train & Board
- After entering, follow signs for your line (e.g., Line 1 → Xianghu方向).
- Check the direction (the app tells you the final stop name).
- Wait on the platform:
- Screens show next train arrival time (usually 2-5 mins).
- Stand behind the yellow line!
Credit: Bilibili, 一两二三四L
- Board the train: Let people exit first, then step in.
🚇 Accessibility?
- Elevators are available (look for ♿ signs).
- Priority seats are marked (please offer them to elderly/pregnant passengers).
Credit: Bilibili, 一两二三四L
5. Ride & Get Off at Your Stop
- Watch your map app—it’ll tell you when to get off.
- Trains announce stops in Chinese & English.
- Transfer? Follow colorful signs (e.g., "Line 3 → this way").
Credit: Bilibili, 一两二三四L
6. Exit the Station
- Scan your QR code (Alipay) or insert your token at the gate to exit.
- Which exit? Your map app will suggest the best one (e.g., "Exit A for West Lake").
- Lost? Check the station wall map or ask staff.
Best Hotels near Hangzhou Metro Station
Check these top hotels near the best Hangzhou Metro Station for first-time visitors👇👇
Hangzhou Metro FAQ
What are the operating hours of the Hangzhou Metro?
Most lines run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Some lines and stations may have extended hours during holidays or special events.
Are there any apps for navigating the Hangzhou Metro?
Yes. You can use the official Hangzhou Metro App, Amap, or Baidu Maps for route planning and real-time updates.
How do you pay for a Hangzhou metro?
You can pay with single-journey tickets, rechargeable Hangzhou Metro cards, or mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
How to use a Metro in Hangzhou?
Scan your ticket or QR code at the gate, check the route and direction on maps or apps, board the train, and scan again to exit at your destination.
What is the famous street in Hangzhou?
Qinghefang Street is a historic shopping street with local snacks, souvenirs, and traditional culture.
What is the best thing to buy in Hangzhou?
Popular items include Longjing tea, silk products, and local handicrafts.