🚇 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
¥2 - ¥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
🕐 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.
⚠️ Note: Operating hours may vary by line and station. Check station notices for specific timetables.
💰 Ticket Prices
Metro fares are distance-based, typically ranging from ¥2 to ¥6 per trip:
- 0-6 km: ¥2
- 6-12 km: ¥3
- Over 12 km: ¥4+ (additional ¥1 per 10 km)
Children under 1.3 meters travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
🎫 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 ¥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.
🚇 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 |
| West Lake (Xihu) | Line 1/2/4 | Longxiang Bridge (Exit B) | 15 min walk | UNESCO site, bike around the lake (3-4 hours) |
| Lingyin Temple (Fexi Spring Temple) | Line 1/3 | Lingyin (Exit A) | 10 min | Most famous Buddhist temple in Hangzhou |
| Xixi Wetland Park | Line 5 | Xixi Wetland (Exit A) | 5 min | Water town scenery, 'If you are the one' filming location |
| Hefang Street (Qinghefang) | Line 1/7 | Chengzhan (Exit C) | 10 min | Song Dynasty style pedestrian street, Longjing tea shops |
| Zhejiang University (Yuquan Campus) | Line 4 | Jianye Road (Exit B) | 12 min | One of China's top universities, beautiful campus |
Line Guide & Transfer Tips
Hangzhou Metro Line 1 (Blue Line)
Route: Xianghu → 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
💡 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
📱 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
🗣️ 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
💳 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 (¥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).
⏰ 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.