How to get from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to West Lake

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to West Lake (Xi Hu) is easy by metro, airport shuttle bus, taxi/rideshare (DiDi), or a prebooked private transfer. The metro is the best value, taxis are the simplest with luggage, and shuttles are handy if your hotel is on their routes. Step-by-steps and map links below.

At A Glance (Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to West Lake)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚇 Metro (Line 1/Line 19 combo → West Lake area)	~50–70m (train + short walk)	Cheapest, traffic-proof
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 6–10 one-way (distance-based) » transport cards/passes
🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus (to downtown hubs)	~60–90m (route-dependent)	Point-to-point to central stops
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 20–30 pp » official shuttle routes
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (DiDi)	~45–70m (traffic)	Door-to-door with luggage or late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 120–200 per car (meter/time of day) » fixed-price quotes
🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet)	~45–70m	Families, groups, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 250–500 per vehicle (size/time) » compare vehicles | more options

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest + traffic-proof: Metro to Longxiangqiao/Wulin Square area, then walk or short ride to West Lake.
• Easiest with bags/late night: Taxi/DiDi directly to your lakeside hotel or gate (Broken Bridge/Hubin).
• Good value to central hubs: Airport shuttle bus to Wulinmen/Chengzhan, then a quick metro/taxi hop.
• Zero hassle for groups: Private transfer with meet-and-greet at arrivals.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Payments: Metro/taxis accept cash; mobile wallets (Alipay/WeChat Pay) are widely used. Keep small bills for buses.
• Language: Have your destination in Chinese (e.g., “西湖/断桥残雪/湖滨”). Hotel cards help.
• Luggage storage: If waiting for hotel check-in, use your hotel or city lockers; browse third-party options on Radical Storage if available on your dates.
• Stay near the lake: Compare lakeside hotels (Hubin/Beishan) on Booking.com (Hangzhou) or Trip.com West Lake stays.
• Tours & boats: Consider a West Lake boat experience or guided walk/tea village tour.

🚇 Option #1 — Metro (Fast, Cheap, Frequent)

Budget Every ~5–8 min Short walk at end

• Overview: From HGH Airport take Hangzhou Metro (Line 19 or airport connector) then transfer to Line 1 for stops near West Lake (e.g., Longxiangqiao, Fengqi Road). Walk 10–15 minutes to the lakeshore (Hubin/Broken Bridge).
• How to book (with price): No booking; tap to pay or buy a single-ride token. Expect ~CNY 6–10 depending on distance. Useful passes are listed on Klook.
• Pros: Fast in traffic, cheap, AC. Cons: Stairs/transfer with heavy luggage; short final walk.

Step-by-step: Metro to West Lake

1. Follow airport signs to the Metro at Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH). Buy a token or use a transport card/mobile wallet.
2. Board toward the city and transfer to Line 1 (look for English signage). Aim for Longxiangqiao or Fengqi Road stations for West Lake.
3. Exit the station following “West Lake/Hubin” signs; walk ~10–15 minutes to the lakeside.
4. For hotels further around the lake, connect by short taxi/DiDi from the metro exit.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Metro & West Lake stops)

• Airport Metro: Downstairs from arrivals; bilingual ticket machines and gate staff.
• West Lake stops: Longxiangqiao/Fengqi Road for Hubin/Broken Bridge; Ding’an Road for Leifeng Pagoda side.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Airport Shuttle Bus (Simple, Direct to Downtown Hubs)

Good value Luggage space Fixed routes

• Overview: Dedicated airport coaches run from HGH to central Hangzhou stops such as Wulinmen, Chengzhan Railway Station, and other hotels. From there it’s a short metro/taxi to West Lake.
• How to book (with price): Buy at the airport shuttle counter or on board; ~CNY 20–30 per person. Check official routes/timetable on the Hangzhou Airport Shuttle page.
• Pros: Seats and underfloor luggage; drops close to central hotels. Cons: Less frequent late night; final transfer still needed to the lake.

Step-by-step: Shuttle Bus to Downtown, then to West Lake

1. From arrivals, follow signs to the Airport Shuttle Bus counters/stands and choose the line to Wulinmen or Chengzhan.
2. Buy a ticket and board; keep your claim stub if luggage is stored below.
3. Alight at the downtown stop; take a short metro or taxi to West Lake (Hubin/Broken Bridge).
4. Walk the last blocks along pedestrian-friendly Hubin Road to the lakeside.

Getting to the main embarking points (HGH Shuttle Bays & Downtown Stops)

• HGH shuttle bays: Signed bays outside arrivals; staff will direct you to the correct line.
• Downtown stops: Wulinmen for the north side; Chengzhan for connections by metro/taxi to the lake.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Rideshare (DiDi) (Door-to-Door, Easiest with Luggage)

Convenient 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Taxis queue outside arrivals; DiDi (rideshare) works well if you have data. Go straight to your lakeside hotel or a landmark gate (e.g., Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda side).
• How to book (with price): Metered fare around CNY 120–200 depending on traffic and exact drop-off. For fixed-price English quoting, compare GetTransfer.
• Pros: No transfers, minimal walking. Cons: Costs more at peak times; traffic near the lake on weekends.

Step-by-step: Taxi/DiDi to West Lake

1. Exit to the signed Taxi rank at HGH or open DiDi (set pickup to your terminal exit).
2. Show the driver your destination in Chinese (e.g., “西湖湖滨 Hubin lakeside” or hotel name).
3. Ride 45–70 minutes depending on traffic; request drop-off at the closest vehicle access point to the lake/hotel.
4. Pay by cash, card-in-app, or mobile wallet; keep the receipt if you need an invoice (fapiao).

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Forecourt & West Lake Access)

• Airport: Taxi ranks are signed; DiDi has app-designated pickup points—follow curb signage.
• West Lake access: Vehicle access is limited near some promenades; drivers know the closest legal drop points.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Best for Groups)

Meet at arrivals Fixed price Most expensive

• Overview: A driver meets you at the gate with a name sign, helps with bags, and drives directly to your West Lake hotel.
• How to book (with price): ~CNY 250–500 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare providers and vehicles on GetTransfer or browse Klook.
• Pros: Zero navigation stress; great with kids/elderly or bulky luggage. Cons: Cost vs. metro/shuttle.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer to West Lake

1. Enter flight number, group size, and hotel address when booking on GetTransfer or Klook.
2. On arrival, meet your driver at the designated point (they’ll message via app/WhatsApp/WeChat).
3. Load luggage and ride 45–70 minutes; request drop-off as close to the promenade/hotel entrance as possible.
4. Confirm pickup time for any return transfer before the driver leaves.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Hall & Lakeside Hotels)

• Meet & greet: Drivers typically wait just outside customs; look for your name sign.
• Lakeside hotels: Many are around Hubin and Beishan roads; exact drop point depends on access rules.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to West Lake)

How long does it take from HGH to West Lake?
Typically 45–70 minutes by car, ~50–70 minutes by metro depending on transfers and walking.

Which metro station is best for West Lake?
Longxiangqiao/Fengqi Road for Hubin/Broken Bridge (north/east side); Ding’an Road for the Leifeng Pagoda side.

Is the shuttle bus reliable?
Yes—routes and frequency vary by time of day. If arriving late at night, taxi/DiDi or a private transfer is safer.

Can I pay taxis by card?
Usually cash or mobile wallet; some accept in-app DiDi payments. Keep small bills just in case.

Where should I stay for easy lake access?
Hubin (shopping/dining near the promenade) or Beishan (classic villas/quiet walks). Compare options on Booking.com or Trip.com.

Any popular tours to book ahead?
West Lake boat rides and tea village (Longjing) visits—see GetYourGuide or Klook.