A Complete Guide to Hangzhou Metro Lines and How to Purchase Tickets
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Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of China's most picturesque cities, has become a shining example of modern infrastructure blended with cultural heritage. As this city grows into a prominent tech and tourism hub, its transportation system—especially the metro network—plays a vital role in supporting both locals and millions of visitors annually. If you're planning to explore Hangzhou or commute across its districts efficiently, understanding its metro lines and how to purchase tickets is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all existing metro lines in Hangzhou and how to navigate the ticketing system like a pro.
As of mid-2025, Hangzhou boasts a rapidly expanding metro network consisting of 14 operational lines, with several more under construction or planned. The system is designed to offer both inner-city commuting convenience and regional connectivity with neighboring areas like Shaoxing and Lin'an.
All metro lines are well-integrated with other forms of public transportation such as buses, intercity railways, and bike-sharing stations. Each station is labeled in both English and Pinyin, making it foreigner-friendly. The metro operates daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, depending on the line and station.
Opened in 2012, Line 1 is the backbone of Hangzhou's metro system. It stretches from Xiaoshan International Airport in the east to Xiasha and then westward to Linping. This line is ideal for travelers flying into the city and wanting a direct route into central Hangzhou.
Key Stations:
Hangzhou Railway Station
East Railway Station
Jinjiang
Xianghu (near the famous Xiang Lake)
Running north-south, Line 2 connects the city center with districts like Binjiang and Qianjiang Century City, an emerging CBD area. It's particularly useful for those visiting tech parks or government buildings.
Key Stations:
Fengqi Road
Qianjiang Road
Binhe Road
Line 3 links the western Xihu District to the northeast Yuhang area. It passes through academic hubs, making it popular among university students and professors.
Key Stations:
Wensan Road
Zhejiang University Zijingang Campus
Wuchang
This line serves as a key crosstown route, running from Pengbu in the north to Chihua Street in the south. It overlaps with Line 1 at Jinjiang, creating convenient transfers.
Key Stations:
Citizen Center
Binkang Road
Jiangnan Avenue
One of the busiest lines, Line 5 runs diagonally across the city from Liangzhu to Guniangqiao. It provides access to new residential developments and commercial centers.
Key Stations:
Sanba
Hemu
Jinsha Lake
Line 6 covers western suburbs and eventually reaches Fuyang, making it a vital commuter route for those living in the outskirts. It also passes through the West Lake scenic area.
Key Stations:
West Lake University
Yuhangtang River
Fuyang
This ring-like line connects key districts like Xiaoshan and connects to Hangzhou South Railway Station. It's heavily used for suburban transfers.
Key Stations:
Olympic Sports Center
Hangzhou South Station
Jiangdong'er Road
Line 8 serves the Xiasha University Town area and helps alleviate pressure from Line 1. It is tailored to handle the high student population.
Key Stations:
Xiasha Higher Education Zone
Gaosha Road
Connecting Yuhang to Linping and beyond, Line 9 is still expanding. It's primarily residential in nature but is expected to become more commercialized soon.
Key Stations:
Jiubao
North Coach Station
This short but strategic line connects to the Hangzhou East Railway Station and serves as a major feeder line for intercity travelers.
Key Stations:
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Xingqiao
Previously known as the Lin’an Line, Line 16 connects the rural Lin’an District to urban Hangzhou. It’s designed for long-distance commuting and suburban access.
Key Stations:
Lin’an
Qingshanhu Science & Tech City
Designed primarily for high-speed airport connections, Line 19 is Hangzhou's answer to the growing need for rapid airport access. It connects Hangzhou West Railway Station to the International Airport in under an hour.
Key Stations:
Hangzhou West Railway Station
Qianjiang Century City
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Though technically part of Line 19, this segment has been branded separately for its direct service to the airport. Trains run with minimal stops to reduce travel time significantly.
Hangzhou continues to build on its ambitions by extending existing lines and planning future ones such as Line 12, Line 17, and Line 20. These will provide improved access to suburban and industrial zones, as well as connect major parks and university towns.
Buying metro tickets in Hangzhou is a streamlined and foreigner-friendly process. Here are your main options:
At every metro station, there are touchscreen ticket vending machines. You simply select your destination on a map interface (available in English), pay via coins, cash, or mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay, and receive a token.
How it works:
Select destination station
Pay amount shown (usually between ¥2 to ¥9 depending on distance)
Receive a small plastic token (looks like a poker chip)
Use it to enter and exit via turnstiles
Frequent users should consider purchasing a transportation smart card. The "Zhejiang Tong" card can be used across buses and subways throughout the Zhejiang province.
Where to get it:
Metro service windows at major stations (e.g., Hangzhou East, Wulin Square)
Requires deposit of ¥20
Rechargeable at machines or via Alipay
Benefits:
Faster entry and exit
Discounted fares (typically 5–10% off)
No need to queue for tickets
Perhaps the most convenient method if you have a Chinese bank account or linked payment method. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay offer Hangzhou Metro QR code entry options.
Steps:
Open Alipay or WeChat
Search for “Hangzhou Metro”
Enable the metro code service (may require ID verification)
Scan the QR code at turnstiles
Fare automatically deducted upon exit
For tourists, this is a great option if you have already set up a Chinese mobile wallet. Some apps like Alipay even offer “TourPass” for short-term visitors.
Hangzhou Metro has its own app available on both Android and iOS platforms. Through the app, you can check real-time train schedules, line maps, and generate QR codes for ticketless entry.
Pros:
Real-time updates
Plan trips with transfer suggestions
Alerts for delays or maintenance
Note: The app may only be partially available in English, so using a translated interface or relying on browser-based maps may help.
Recently, Hangzhou Metro has started supporting tap-and-go services using UnionPay cards and other contactless payment options. If your credit card is NFC-enabled and has UnionPay access, you might be able to tap in and out just like with a local card.
Limitations:
May not work on older turnstiles
Sometimes fails with international cards
Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM): Especially on Lines 1, 2, and 5 which serve major business areas.
Use transfer stations wisely: Some interchanges are massive (e.g., East Railway Station), so allow extra walking time.
Check last train timings: The final train often departs around 11:00 PM, but exact times vary by station.
Mind your belongings: Though generally safe, crowded metros always carry some risk of pickpocketing.
Eat and drink policies: Eating or drinking inside trains is discouraged and may be fined.
Hangzhou’s metro system offers one of the smoothest and most efficient ways to explore this iconic city. With continual upgrades and intelligent ticketing systems, even first-time visitors can navigate the network with ease. Whether you’re heading to the tranquil shores of West Lake, the bustling tech corridors of Binjiang, or catching a flight from Xiaoshan Airport, the metro is your gateway to it all.
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Author: Hangzhou Travel
Source: Hangzhou Travel
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