π Hangzhou Metro Guide
Navigate Hangzhou like a local - complete subway guide for international visitors
Operating Hours
6:00 AM - 23:00 PM
Some lines extended to 23:30
Ticket Prices
Β₯2 - Β₯6 per trip
Distance-based fare system
Payment Methods
Hangzhou Metro Card, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Single-ride tickets available
Recommended App
Hangzhou Metro App
Official app with English support
Hangzhou Metro Map
High-resolution official English metro map. Click to zoom or download for offline use.
Essential Metro Information
π Operating Hours
Most Hangzhou metro lines operate from 6:00 AM to 23:00 PM daily. First trains typically depart around 6:00 AM, and last trains depart around 23:00 PM.
β οΈ Note: Operating hours may vary by line and station. Check station notices for specific timetables.
π° Ticket Prices
Metro fares are distance-based, typically ranging from Β₯2 to Β₯6 per trip:
- 0-6 km: Β₯2
- 6-12 km: Β₯3
- Over 12 km: Β₯4+ (additional Β₯1 per 10 km)
Children under 1.3 meters travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
π« How to Buy Tickets
Option 1: Single Journey Ticket
Purchase at ticket vending machines (available in English) or staffed counters at any station. Cash and mobile payments accepted.
Option 2: Rechargeable Card (Recommended)
Buy a transit card at any station for a refundable deposit (usually Β₯20). Top up at machines or counters. Offers convenience and avoids ticket queues.
Option 3: Mobile Payment
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes to enter and exit stations. Look for the QR code scanner at gates.
π Riding Rules
- Queue up and let passengers exit before boarding
- Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left
- No eating or drinking on trains or in stations
- Keep your ticket/card until you exit (you'll need it to leave the station)
- Priority seating is reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with young children
- No smoking anywhere in the station or on trains
Top Attractions & Nearest Stations
Quick reference for foreign tourists: attraction name, nearest metro station, line, exit, and walking time.
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line | Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Lake (Hubin Area) | Longxiangqiao | Line 1 | Exit C | 5 min |
| Lingyin Temple | Lingyin Road | Line 3 | Exit B | 15 min (or take bus) |
| Xixi Wetland Park | Xixi Wetland | Line 3 | Exit A | 5 min |
| Hefang Street | Ding'an Road | Line 1 | Exit C | 8 min |
| Qiantang River Bridge | Pengbu | Line 4 | Exit D | 15 min |
Line Guide & Transfer Tips
Hangzhou Metro Line 1 (Blue Line)
Route: Xianghu β Xiaoshan International Airport
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 23:00 PM
Major Attractions: West Lake (Hubin), Hefang Street, Railway Station
Key Transfer Stations:
- Longxiangqiao (Near West Lake)
- Chengzhan (Transfer to Line 5)
- East Railway Station (Transfer to Line 4)
How to Transfer Between Lines
- Follow the signs: Look for transfer signs with line colors and arrows
- Allow extra time: Transfers can take 5-10 minutes depending on station size
- Keep your ticket: You don't need to exit and re-enter; just follow transfer paths
- Use navigation apps: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps show transfer routes
π‘ Pro Tips:
- During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), transfers can be very crowded
- Some stations have multiple transfer passages - follow signs carefully
- If lost, ask station staff for help (many speak basic English)
Travel Tips for Foreigners
π± Essential Apps
- Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps: For route planning and real-time navigation
- Alipay / WeChat: For mobile payments (set up before your trip)
- Google Translate: Download offline Chinese package before traveling
- Hangzhou Metro App: For metro maps and planning
π£οΈ Language Barriers
Most metro signs are in both Chinese and English. However:
- Announcements are primarily in Chinese (some lines have English announcements)
- Station staff may not speak English - use translation apps
- Keep your destination written in Chinese characters as a backup
- Metro maps in English are available at information counters
π³ Payment Methods
Recommended: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip (requires Chinese bank account or international card binding).
Alternative: Buy a rechargeable transit card (Β₯20 refundable deposit + fare balance). Available at any station.
Emergency Option: Single journey tickets can be purchased with cash at vending machines (English interface available).
β° Rush Hour Avoidance
Avoid traveling during peak hours if possible:
- Morning Rush: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Trains can be extremely crowded, and you may need to wait for several trains to board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to West Lake by metro?
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station (Exit C) for the Hubin area of West Lake. Alternatively, take Line 2 to Shenhang Road or Fengqi Road stations, which are also within walking distance. The walk from Longxiangqiao to Broken Bridge (a popular scenic spot) takes about 10-15 minutes.
Does Hangzhou Metro connect to the airport?
Yes! Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is connected by Metro Line 1. The ride from downtown (Longxiangqiao) to the airport takes about 50 minutes and costs Β₯7-8. Trains run from 6:00 AM until the last flight of the day.
Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay in Hangzhou Metro?
Absolutely! Hangzhou is a digital payment pioneer in China. You can use both Alipay and WeChat Pay QR codes at all metro stations. Simply open your app, navigate to the transportation section, and scan the QR code at the gate scanners. Hangzhou was one of the first cities to support this feature nationwide.
How do I get to Xixi Wetland from the city center?
Take Metro Line 3 to Xixi Wetland Station (Exit A). From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to the main entrance of Xixi National Wetland Park. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during spring and autumn seasons when the park is most beautiful.
Is Hangzhou Metro crowded during rush hour?
Yes, particularly on Line 1 during morning (7:30-9:00) and evening (5:30-7:30) rush hours. This is especially true near major business districts like Qianjiang New Town and around train stations. If you have luggage or travel with children, try to avoid peak times.