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Hong Kong to Hangzhou Train vs. Flight: Which is Better?
Let's be direct: if your only goal is the shortest possible travel time, a direct flight is the fastest option. But for many travelers, the "best" choice is about the overall experience and value.
| Feature | Flight | High Speed Train |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time (Air/Rail) | ~2h 50m | 7.5 - 11.5 hours |
| Total "Door-to-Door" Time | ~6-7 hours | ~8.5 hours (Day) / 0 wasted (Night) |
| Cost | 500 - 2000 RMB (Varies) | 825 - 2701 RMB (Stable) |
| Convenience | Airport (Suburbs) | Train Station (City Center) |
| Luggage | Strict limits & fees | Generous allowance |
| Sleeper Option | No | Yes (Saves a hotel bill) |
| Comfort | Cramped, turbulence | Spacious, walk around, smooth |
You should keep reading if you are:
- A budget-conscious traveler looking to save a night's accommodation.
- A family that needs more space and luggage allowance.
- A traveler who wants to wake up refreshed in the city center, ready to explore.
Hong Kong to Hangzhou Distance & Hong Kong to Hangzhou High Speed Train Map
The direct air distance from Hong Kong to Hangzhou is about 1,092 km (679 miles). By road, the driving distance is longer, at 1,306 km (811 miles). The train travels the farthest—about 1,473 km—because it connects more cities along the way.
Asia Odyssey Travel provides a clear map of this train route. You can easily see the railway line runs from south to north.
It passes through major hubs like Shenzhen, winds deep into the green hills of Jiangxi via the capital city of Nanchang, and finally crosses into the river-filled province of Zhejiang before arriving in Hangzhou.
Hong Kong to Hangzhou Facts: 2 Direct High Speed Trains Daily
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Hong Kong to Hangzhou High Speed Train Timetable: Major Changes You Need to Know (Latest Update)
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Contact Us to Book the Train Schedules
Breaking News: As of January 5, 2025, the G100 daytime train service now terminates at the new Hangzhou West Station (杭州西站). This is fantastic news for tourists visiting the Xixi National Wetland Park or business travelers heading to the city's western tech hubs.
G100 (Hong Kong → Hangzhou West): Fastest Train (6h 50m)
The G100 is the fastest high-speed train from Hong Kong to Hangzhou. The journey takes just about 6 hours and 50 minutes, connecting Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Hangzhou West Station.
G900 (Hong Kong → Hangzhou): Budget-friendly Choice
The G900 is the overnight train from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Hangzhou East Station.
It's a popular sleeper train. You board in the evening and can enjoy a private soft sleeper cabin. The train runs from 20:05 to 06:04, making it a 10-hour journey. It also comes at a lower price: 580 to 690 RMB.
This train is perfect for budget-conscious travelers, families, or anyone who wants to make the most of their vacation time. You save on a night's hotel bill and gain a full day for sightseeing.
The train arrives at Hangzhou East Station, which is closer to traditional attractions like West Lake and Hefang Street.
Hong to Hangzhou High Speed Train Tickets & Prices: What's Worth Your Money
| Seat Type | Price (RMB) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class | 580~825 | Budget-conscious travelers |
| First Class | ~1323 | (Recommended) Extra comfort & space |
| Business Class | 658~2701 | Ultimate luxury, lie-flat seats |
| Soft Sleeper | ~690 | (Highly Recommended for G900) Best value |
When you book, you'll see several options, but the choice really comes down to comfort and purpose.
- Second Class (around 580-825 RMB) is the standard, perfectly comfortable choice with a 3+2 seating layout.
- For the 7.5-hour day trip on the G100, upgrading to First Class (around 1319 RMB) is a worthy investment; the 2+2 seating, extra legroom, and quieter cabin make a noticeable difference.
- Business Class (around 2701 RMB) is the peak of luxury, offering lie-flat pods for those who need to rest or work in absolute privacy.
- But the true star of this route is the Soft Sleeper on the G900 (around 690 RMB). This gets you a comfortable bunk in a private, four-person cabin with a lockable door. It's clean, safe, and offers incredible value, as it replaces a hotel bill. For the G900, this is the only option I'd truly recommend.
How to Book Your Ticket (The Foreign Traveler's Dilemma)
For international travelers, booking a ticket is the first real hurdle, and you essentially have two paths.
The "hard mode" is using the official 12306 app. While it’s the direct source, it is built for Chinese residents. It often requires a complex passport verification process that can take days.
The "simple mode," and my strong recommendation for any visitor, is to use a trusted English-language travel agency. Services like Trip, which is an official partner, accepts all international credit cards, and has a clear English interface.
The most seamless, worry-free method, however, is booking with a dedicated travel agency like us, Asia Odyssey Travel. We don't just sell you a ticket; we provide a service.
We handle the booking, accept your payment easily (Credit Card, PayPal), and most importantly, we offer 24/7 support. If your train is delayed or you run into an issue, you have an English-speaking expert on the phone to help you—a peace of mind that is well worth it.
Your Guide to West Kowloon Station: Understanding "Co-Location"
West Kowloon Station is an impressive, modern space, but its most important feature for travelers is the "Co-Location" arrangement. This can be a point of anxiety for first-timers, but it's remarkably straightforward.
It means you will clear both Hong Kong exit formalities and Mainland China entry immigration in the same building before you board the train.
The process is simple: you'll head to the B1 level for ticket checks and security, then go down to the B3 Departure Hall. Here, you will walk through the Hong Kong immigration counters, and then, just a few meters later, through the Mainland China immigration counters.
Once you pass that second checkpoint, you are officially in Mainland China, free to wait for your train.
This process is smooth, but you must budget your time. While standard procedures can be done in 30-45 minutes, my "guide friend" advice is to arrive at the station 60 minutes before departure.
This gives you a comfortable buffer, especially if you are traveling on a holiday or using a passport, which requires a manual counter instead of an e-gate.
Understanding Hangzhou's Two Stations (This is Important!)
This is perhaps the most important "insider" tip for this journey: arriving at the right station in Hangzhou matters.
Your train determines where you land. The G100 daytime train arrives at Hangzhou West Railway Station (杭州西站). It is located in the far west of the city.
- If your hotel is near the Xixi Wetlands, it's perfect. But if you're aiming for West Lake, you must be prepared for a 15-20 km journey into the city, either by a 40-50 minute taxi ride or by navigating the Metro (Line 19).
The G900 sleeper train arrives at Hangzhou East Station (杭州东站). This is the city's main high-speed rail hub. From the station, you are about 10 km away from West Lake.
Follow the clear signs for the Metro, located on level -1F. You will take Metro Line 1 in the direction of "Xianghu (湘湖)". The ride is about 20-30 minutes. This is the most important part: ignore the other stops and get off at Longxiangqiao Station (龙翔桥).
This stop is the closest to the main, historic part of the lake. When you get off, look for Exit C. You will emerge onto a bustling pedestrian street. Walk straight past the large Apple Store, and in less than five minutes , you will see the water. You’ve arrived.
Alternative Routes: When Direct Trains Are Full
| Option | The First Leg | The Second Leg |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer via Shenzhen | Hong Kong to Shenzhen 98 Trains daily 15-30 min |
Shenzhen to Hangzhou 14 Trains daily 6.5-10.5 hours |
| Transfei via Guangzhou | HK to Guangzhou 37 trains daily 1-2 hours |
Guangzhou to Hangzhou 14 trains daily 5.5-10 hours |
If you find that the two direct trains are sold out (which happens frequently with the G900 sleeper), don't despair. You have excellent, flexible backup plans that are often just as fast.
The most popular alternative is transferring at Shenzhen North (深圳北). This is incredibly easy: you take one of the dozens of short-haul high-speed trains from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Shenzhen North (a quick 18-minute hop), and from there, you'll find a massive selection of daily high-speed trains to Hangzhou.
A similar, equally viable option is to transfer at Guangzhou South (广州南). The journey from Hong Kong to Guangzhou South is slightly longer (about 1 hour), but Guangzhou is one of China's largest railway hubs, offering even more daily services to Hangzhou and giving you maximum flexibility.
A Review of the G100 "Fuxing" Train
The G100 service uses a "Fuxing" (Revival) train, one of the world's fastest and most modern. It is clean, quiet, and exceptionally smooth.
Now, for life on board. You can use your electronics and charge them via the power outlets at your seat. While there is a café car and a trolley that comes through, the food is, to be blunt, mediocre at best. My insider tip is to do what the regulars do: bring your own food. Better yet, bring a cup of instant noodles or your own tea.
Every car has a free hot water dispenser at the end of the carriage, and this is the true secret to a comfortable journey. The bathrooms are also kept remarkably clean and are typically Western-style (sit-down) toilets, though it is a universal rule of travel in China to always bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer.
How to Plan a Hong Kong to Hangzhou Tour By Train
Planning a trip from Hong Kong to Hangzhou is a great way to experience both the vibrant city life of Hong Kong and the tranquil beauty of Hangzhou. The high-speed train journey takes about 7 to 9 hours, making it an easy way to travel between the two cities. Here's how to plan your visit:
Hong Kong (2-3 Days): Spend a couple of days discovering the Victoria Peak, riding the Star Ferry, and shopping in the bustling streets of Mong Kok or Causeway Bay. You can also explore the lively markets of Temple Street and enjoy the famous food scene, including dim sum and street food.
Hangzhou (2-4 Days): Once in Hangzhou, you'll be welcomed by its serene landscapes and rich culture. Plan to spend a few days visiting West Lake, taking boat rides, and walking around the ancient temples and gardens. Be sure to check out the Longjing tea plantations and enjoy a tea tasting. If you're into history and culture, don't miss the Lingyin Temple and the Xixi Wetlands.
China High Speed Train Ride Made Easy with AOT
Let Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) handle your high-speed rail adventures in China! We'll book your tickets, guide you through stations, and provide 24/7 support. Skip the confusion and travel stress-free with us.
Tour Packeges: China High Speed Train Tour Packages
China High Speed Train Cities: Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Hong Kong
Useful Travel Tips: China High Speed Train Guide
Contact us today to start planning your adventure, and let us show you the dynamic beauty and enduring traditions of this extraordinary region.
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