Hangzhou Airport Guide: How to Get from Airport to City

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is the main gateway to the scenic city of Hangzhou, a place famous among us Malaysians for West Lake, tea plantations, and its mix of modern and traditional charm. Whether you’re coming for a relaxing holiday, a business trip, or just a short stopover before heading to other parts of Zhejiang, this guide will walk you through the airport facilities, transport options, and a few practical tips to make your journey smoother and more convenient.

Hangzhou Airport | Overview

Source: Landrum & Brown

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (杭州萧山国际机场), located about 27 km east of Hangzhou city centre, is the main air gateway to Zhejiang Province and a popular entry point for travellers like us Malaysians heading to explore West Lake, ancient water towns, and the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Airport Code: IATA: HGH, ICAO: ZSHC
Opened: 2000, with continuous expansions to handle growing passenger traffic
Facilities: 3 passenger terminals (T1, T2 & T3), with a new T4 under construction, plus 2 runways
Passenger Volume: Over 40 million annually (pre-pandemic levels)
Airline Hub: Focus city for Air China, China Eastern, and XiamenAir, with strong domestic and regional connections

From Hangzhou Airport, Malaysians can easily connect to major cities across China as well as international destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, making it a convenient base for both leisure and business travel.

✈️Hangzhou Airport Terminals

Terminal 1 (T1)

Mainly handles domestic flights. It is equipped with basic facilities, shopping outlets, dining options, and convenient transport access for travellers heading into the city.

Terminal 2 (T2)

This is the primary terminal for most domestic and regional flights, offering modern check-in counters, lounges, and a good selection of shops and restaurants.

Terminal 3 (T3)

Dedicated to international flights, T3 provides spacious waiting areas, duty-free shopping, halal-friendly dining options, and upgraded services for a smoother travel experience—something we Malaysians will surely appreciate when flying in or out of China.

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Hangzhou Airport | Transportation Guide

Source: China Airline Travel

Getting from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to the city centre is straightforward, with several convenient options for us Malaysian travellers:

🚇 Metro

Take Metro Line 1 from Xiaoshan Airport Station (T1/T2/T3) directly to downtown Hangzhou. It usually takes around 35–45 minutes to reach key areas like Wulin Square or West Lake. Fare: RMB 6–8.

🚍 Airport Shuttle Bus

Multiple shuttle routes connect the airport to major districts and popular hotels, including Xiaoshan, Binjiang, and the city centre. Travel time varies from 45–70 minutes depending on traffic. Fare: RMB 15–25.

🚖 Taxi

The airport is about 27 km from Hangzhou city centre. A taxi ride takes roughly 40–60 minutes depending on traffic conditions, costing around RMB 100–130, including tolls.

🚗 Private Transfer / Ride-hailing

For maximum comfort, especially with luggage or late-night arrivals, book a private car or use ride-hailing apps like DiDi. Prices usually range from RMB 180–250, making it a good choice for groups or families.

Hangzhou Airport | Late-night Travel Tips

Source: China eSIM

✈️ For red-eye flights when metro services stop:

• Take the late-night airport shuttle bus, which runs special routes to downtown Hangzhou.
• Grab a taxi or ride-hailing service like DiDi—these are available 24/7.
• Pre-book a private transfer for peace of mind, especially if you’re arriving with family or lots of luggage.

😀 Quick Comparison

✅ Final Travel Tips

• Arrive Early: For international flights, be at Hangzhou Airport at least 3 hours before departure.
• Luggage Services: Baggage storage is available at all terminals.
• Food & Shopping: From local Hangzhou delicacies to duty-free shopping, the airport has plenty of options to keep you satisfied.
• SIM & Currency Exchange: Services are available at arrival halls. Malaysians may find eSIMs or city bank exchanges offer better rates.

Recommended Hotels Near Hangzhou Airport

Hotels Near Hangzhou Airport

Hangzhou Airport | Essential App

Trip.com

Trip.com is a leading global one-stop travel platform, offering a wide range of travel products, including bookings for attractions and high-speed rail tickets.

Highlight! Trip.com also includes practical travel guides for various destinations, including Shanghai, providing practical and convenient content.

Amap (Gaode Map)

Amap is a widely used navigation app in mainland China, known for its accurate traffic information and route planning. It provides detailed maps, real-time traffic conditions, public transportation routes, and bike-sharing options, making it a great tool for navigating the city.

Didi Chuxing

Didi is China’s leading ride-hailing app, offering various services like taxis, express cars, luxury vehicles, and carpooling. It allows users to easily book rides, track vehicles, estimate fares, and view trip histories, making it a must-have app for getting around the city efficiently.

Hangzhou Metro App

The Hangzhou Metro app is essential for anyone using the metro system in the city. It provides information on routes, transfers, travel times, and fares. It’s a handy tool for travelers and locals alike, helping to navigate the metro and other rail systems smoothly.

Baidu Maps

China’s version of Google Maps. It offers detailed directions, metro info, and walking routes. The interface is mostly in Chinese, but it’s reliable and accurate. Use Google Translate’s camera feature or Pleco to help.

Wrapping Up Your Hangzhou Airport Experience

In short, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is a modern and convenient gateway for Malaysian travellers, offering smooth connections, practical facilities, and easy access to the city. With the right transport and a few handy tips, your journey to Hangzhou can start comfortably and stress-free.