These two cities sit close enough, roughly 175 kilometres apart, that the journey between them barely counts as a detour, yet the fastest option gets you there in under an hour. This guide covers every way to make the trip, plus where to stay and what to do once you've arrived, whether you're passing through for a single day or basing yourself in Shanghai for a longer stay.

Most itineraries fly into Hangzhou or Shanghai first, so book flights to whichever city starts your trip.

This is by far the fastest and most convenient option, with non-stop high-speed services covering the roughly 175-kilometre distance in as little as 45 minutes, and trains that stop along the way still arriving within 59 to 75 minutes. Frequent departures throughout the day mean there's rarely a long wait between trains, making this the default choice for most travellers.

Slower conventional trains take around 2 to 3 hours for the same route, a noticeably longer ride that trades speed for a cheaper ticket and a more scenic pace through the countryside between the two cities. It suits travellers with a looser schedule who'd rather save a bit on the fare.

Long-distance buses cover the Hangzhou-Shanghai route in roughly 2.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic conditions, generally landing somewhere between the high-speed train and regular train in both price and duration. It's a reasonable backup option if train tickets sell out during a busy travel period.

This UNESCO World Heritage site anchors most Hangzhou itineraries, with walking paths, pagodas, and causeways that reward a slow half-day or longer exploring the shoreline. Renting a bicycle for a loop around the lake is one of the most popular ways to see it, giving a pace slower than a car but faster than walking the whole circuit on foot.

Hangzhou's surrounding hills produce Longjing, one of China's most celebrated green teas, and a short trip out to the villages where it's grown gives a genuine sense of the region's tea culture beyond a simple cup at a café, with several farms offering tastings alongside a walk through the terraced fields themselves.

This 5-star property on Yu Yuan Road in Jing'an offers a truly upscale base for exploring the city, with the kind of full-service amenities that suit a longer stay or a special-occasion trip.

A budget-friendly option on Middle Zhejiang Road in Huangpu, this hotel puts you within easy reach of People's Square and the surrounding downtown attractions without the luxury price tag.

A hotel near the Bund or People's Square keeps Shanghai's major sights within easy reach after the short trip in from Hangzhou.

Seven themed zones make this the largest single attraction on this list, easily filling a full day for families or anyone wanting a break from the city's museum and market circuit.

One of the largest aquariums in Asia, this stop suits a half-day visit and works well paired with nearby riverside attractions along the Huangpu.

Established in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, this classical garden gives a genuine sense of historic Shanghai amid the surrounding modern skyline, complete with traditional pavilions, rockeries, and koi ponds.

A Shanghai Tower observation deck ticket, bookable through Traveloka's activities listings, gives the best panoramic view of the city skyline you've just arrived in.

Tickets can be booked online in advance or purchased at the station, though booking ahead guarantees a seat during busier travel periods like national holidays.

Hangzhou East Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station handle the bulk of high-speed services between the two cities, both well connected to their respective city centres by metro.

Few city pairs in China offer this combination of proximity and a genuinely fast connection, making Hangzhou a realistic day trip from Shanghai or vice versa rather than a separate multi-day detour. West Lake's scenery and Shanghai's skyline offer such a strong contrast that pairing them, even briefly, rewards travellers who might otherwise only see one or the other. Even a single overnight in each city gives a genuine feel for both, without the trip ever feeling rushed given how short the connection between them runs.

West Lake and the city's tea culture make a slower, more scenic opening to a trip, with Shanghai's faster pace as the natural second half.

Beginning in Shanghai lets you ease into the trip with the city's famous skyline and shopping before a quieter, more traditional close in Hangzhou.

A car rental makes little sense for a trip this short and well-served by rail, though an airport transfer is worth arranging for a smooth arrival into whichever city your flight lands in first, saving the hassle of finding a taxi after a long journey.

Two cities this close together means the transport choice barely affects your overall itinerary, freeing up more planning time for what to actually do once you arrive. Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, trusted by over 100 million users, bringing flights, hotels, activities, car rental, eSIM, and travel insurance together in one app for trips across Asia and beyond. Check Traveloka promotions before booking, and download the app before your trip.