Getting Around Hangzhou by Bus and Metro
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you're planning a trip to Hangzhou — whether for the West Lake views, tech tourism at Alibaba's HQ, or just to soak in the tea-soaked culture of Longjing Village — one thing’s for sure: knowing how to navigate the city using Hangzhou public transportation can save you time, money, and stress.
I’ve lived in Hangzhou for over five years, taken every metro line (yes, even Line 16 — it’s scenic, I promise), and survived rush hour on bus 28 during typhoon season. So let me break it down for you: what works, what doesn’t, and how to move like a local.
Metro vs. Bus: Which Should You Use?
The Hangzhou Metro currently has 12 lines (as of 2024), covering over 516 kilometers with more expansion underway. It’s fast, air-conditioned, and English-friendly. Meanwhile, the bus network is massive — over 300 routes — but can be tricky if you don’t read Chinese or miss the real-time apps.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Metro | Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Average Speed | 35–40 km/h | 15–25 km/h |
| Fare Range | 2–10 RMB | 1–4 RMB (transfers free within 90 min) |
| English Signage | Yes, full bilingual | Limited; only major stops |
| Coverage | Great in urban core, growing in suburbs | Excellent, including villages and remote areas |
Bottom line? Use the metro for speed and simplicity, especially between districts like Xihu, Gongshu, and Binjiang. Use the bus when going off-grid — say, up to Lingyin Temple or through the tea fields of Meijiawu.
Pro Tips for Smarter Travel
- Download Amap or Baidu Maps: Google Maps isn’t reliable here. Amap shows real-time bus arrivals and metro transfers in English.
- Get a Hangzhou Tong Card or use Alipay: Link your passport and enable transport code in Alipay under "Travel". Tap directly on buses and metro gates — no ticket lines!
- Rush hour alert: Metro Lines 1 and 4 get packed from 7:30–9:00 AM. If you’re carrying luggage, avoid these times.
And here’s a local secret: some buses, like the West Lake Circuit Bus (游2/Y2), are tourist gold. For just 3 RMB, it loops around major lakeside spots — plus it connects to the Lingyin Temple route. Total game-changer.
Final Verdict
Navigating Hangzhou without a car isn’t just possible — it’s enjoyable. With a solid public transit system in Hangzhou, you’ll access more than taxis ever could, especially with temple shuttles and metro stations literally popping up near ancient trails.
So skip the Didi surge pricing and walk into that sleek metro station. Your inner explorer (and wallet) will thank you.