Comprehensive Guide to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

As an independent traveler passionate about exploring the world, I take pride in uncovering every little detail that makes a trip special. My love for budget-friendly travel drives me to discover high-quality experiences at the lowest possible cost. Today, I’m excited to share with you a comprehensive guide to Hangzhou International Airport (HGH). This guide will help you easily plan your journey from the airport to Hangzhou city center, West Lake, and other popular destinations. Additionally, I’ll highlight some of the most useful facilities the airport has to offer.

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Overview of Hangzhou International Airport

• Airport Code: HGH
• Address: Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
• Distance from City Center: 27 km
• Terminal Information:
  • T1 Terminal: Primarily serves domestic flights. Opened in 2000, covering 98,000 square meters.
  • T2 Terminal: Handles mainly international flights. Opened in 2012, covering 96,000 square meters.
  • T3 Terminal: Dedicated to domestic flights. Opened in 2012, covering 168,000 square meters.
  • T4 Terminal: Accommodates both domestic and international flights. Opened in 2022, covering an impressive 720,000 square meters.

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4 Best Ways from Hangzhou International Airport to Downtown Hangzhou

1. How to Take the Metro from Hangzhou International Airport to Downtown Hangzhou

From T4 Terminal

• Metro Lines: Metro Line 1, Line 7, and Line 19. Most travelers take Line 19.
• Location: Transportation Hub, B2 Level
• Operating Hours:
  • Line 1: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Line 7: 6:16 AM – 10:49 PM
  • Line 19: 6:03 AM – 11:14 PM
• Price: 7–9 RMB
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour

How to Buy Tickets

• Purchase single-use tickets from the ticket counter or self-service machines. Payment methods include cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
• Use QR codes via Alipay or WeChat Metro Transit Code for seamless travel.
• At the service desk, international travelers can pay with credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover Card, or American Express.

From T3 Terminal

• Metro Lines: Metro Line 1, Line 7, and Line 19.
• Location: Transportation Hub, B2 Level
• Additional Information: Same as T4 Terminal.

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2. How to Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Hangzhou International Airport to Downtown Hangzhou

From T4 Terminal

• Location: Transportation Hub, 1F, Northwest Side (follow signs for “Coach Station”).
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Frequency: Fixed schedule

Common Shuttle Bus Routes

• Wulin Gate Route
  • Departure Times: 11:30 PM, 11:55 PM, 12:20 AM, 12:40 AM, 1:00 AM, 1:30 AM
  • Price: 20 RMB
  • Best For: Late-night arrivals when metro service is unavailable.
• Hangzhou East Railway Station Route
  • Departure Times: 1:20 AM, 11:40 PM
  • Price: 35 RMB

How to Buy Tickets

• Purchase tickets at the bus ticket counter or self-service machines. Payment options include cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
• Tickets are also available via the airport’s official WeChat account.

From T3 Terminal

• Location: Exit 14, Arrival Area
• Additional Information: Same as T4 Terminal.

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3. How to Take a Taxi from Hangzhou International Airport to Downtown Hangzhou

From T4 Terminal

• Location: Corridor on F1 Level, connected to the Transportation Hub
• Price: 150 RMB (including toll fees); additional charges apply during nighttime hours (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM).
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

From T3 Terminal

• Location: Outside Exit 14, Arrival Area
• Price: 150 RMB (including toll fees); additional charges apply during nighttime hours (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM).
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

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4. How to Take a Ride-Hailing Service from Hangzhou International Airport to Downtown Hangzhou

You can book a ride through Alipay or Didi Chuxing.

From T4 Terminal

• Location: From the 2F Transportation Hub, follow signs to take the escalator or elevator down to B2 Level.
• Price: 100 RMB
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

From T3 Terminal

• Location: Exit 14, Arrival Area, and follow signs to the escalator or elevator leading to B2 Level.
• Price: 100 RMB
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

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4 Best Ways from Hangzhou International Airport to West Lake

From T4 Terminal

1. Metro

• Location: B2 Level, Transportation Hub at T4 Terminal
• Route: Take Metro Line 19 to Pengbu Station, transfer to Metro Line 1, and ride to Fengqi Road Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to West Lake.
• Operating Hours:
  • Line 1: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Line 19: 6:03 AM – 11:14 PM
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Price: 9 RMB

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

• Location: 1F, Northwest Side of the Transportation Hub (follow signs for “Coach Station”)
• Route: Take the shuttle bus to Wulin Gate Station. From there, transfer to a public bus or taxi to reach West Lake.
• Departure Times: 11:30 PM, 11:55 PM, 12:20 AM, 12:40 AM, 1:00 AM, 1:30 AM
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Price: 20 RMB (shuttle bus) + additional public bus or taxi fees (15–30 RMB)

3. Taxi

• Location: F1 Corridor, connected to the Transportation Hub at T4 Terminal
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
• Price: Around 160 RMB, including toll fees; nighttime fares (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM) may include surcharges.

4. Ride-Hailing Services

• Platforms: Didi Chuxing or Alipay
• Location: From the 2F Transportation Hub, follow signs to B2 Level ride-hailing pick-up points.
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
• Price: Around 120 RMB

From T3 Terminal

1. Metro

• Location: B2 Level, Transportation Hub at T3 Terminal
• Route: Take Metro Line 19 to Pengbu Station, transfer to Metro Line 1, and ride to Fengqi Road Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to West Lake.
• Operating Hours:
  • Line 1: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Line 19: 6:03 AM – 11:14 PM
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Price: 9 RMB

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

• Location: Near Exit 14, Arrival Area at T3 Terminal
• Route: Take the shuttle bus to Wulin Gate Station. From there, transfer to a public bus or taxi to reach West Lake.
• Departure Times: 11:30 PM, 11:55 PM, 12:20 AM, 12:40 AM, 1:00 AM, 1:30 AM
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Price: 20 RMB (shuttle bus) + additional public bus or taxi fees (15–30 RMB)

3. Taxi

• Location: Outside Exit 14, Arrival Area at T3 Terminal
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
• Price: Around 160 RMB, including toll fees; nighttime fares (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM) may include surcharges.

4. Ride-Hailing Services

• Platforms: Didi Chuxing or Alipay
• Location: From Exit 14 at T3 Terminal, follow signs to B2 Level ride-hailing pick-up points.
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
• Price: Around 120 RMB

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4 Best Ways from Hangzhou International Airport to Hangzhou East Railway Station

From T4 Terminal

1. Metro

• Location: B2 Level, Transportation Hub at T4 Terminal
• Route: Take Metro Line 19 directly to Hangzhou East Railway Station without any transfers.
• Operating Hours: Line 19: 6:03 AM – 11:14 PM
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
• Price: 7 RMB

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

• Location: 1F, Northwest Side of the Transportation Hub (follow signs for “Coach Station”)
• Route: Take the airport shuttle bus to Hangzhou East Railway Station. The service runs on a fixed schedule.
• Departure Times: 1:20 AM, 11:40 PM
• Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
• Price: 35 RMB

3. Taxi

• Location: F1 Corridor, connected to the Transportation Hub at T4 Terminal
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
• Price: Around 80 RMB, including toll fees. Note that additional charges may apply during nighttime hours (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM).

4. Ride-Hailing Services

• Platforms: Didi Chuxing or Alipay
• Location: From the 2F Transportation Hub, follow signs to B2 Level ride-hailing pick-up points.
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
• Price: Around 60 RMB

From T3 Terminal

1. Metro

• Location: B2 Level, Transportation Hub at T3 Terminal
• Route: Take Metro Line 19 directly to Hangzhou East Railway Station without any transfers.
• Operating Hours: Line 19: 6:03 AM – 11:14 PM
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
• Price: 7 RMB

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

• Location: Near Exit 14, Arrival Area at T3 Terminal
• Route: Take the airport shuttle bus to Hangzhou East Railway Station. The service runs on a fixed schedule.
• Departure Times: 1:20 AM, 11:40 PM
• Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
• Price: 35 RMB

3. Taxi

• Location: Outside Exit 14, Arrival Area at T3 Terminal
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
• Price: Around 80 RMB, including toll fees. Note that additional charges may apply during nighttime hours (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM).

4. Ride-Hailing Services

• Platforms: Didi Chuxing or Alipay
• Location: From Exit 14 at T3 Terminal, follow signs to B2 Level ride-hailing pick-up points.
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
• Price: Around 60 RMB

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International to Domestic Flight Transfers

Process Guide

1. Immigration Check
   • Upon arriving on an international flight, passengers must proceed to the immigration checkpoint in the international arrivals area to complete entry procedures. Be prepared with your passport, visa (if required), and a completed customs declaration form.
2. Baggage Claim and Customs Check
   • After immigration, go to the baggage claim area and locate the carousel assigned to your flight to retrieve your luggage.
   • If you have items to declare, use the red customs channel and complete the required inspection.
3. Domestic Flight Check-In
   • After collecting your luggage, follow airport signage to the domestic flight check-in counters or self-service kiosks. Obtain your boarding pass and check your luggage for the domestic leg of your journey.
4. Security Screening
   • Proceed to the domestic security checkpoint after completing check-in. Ensure your carry-on items meet domestic flight regulations.
5. Boarding
   • After security, head to the designated domestic departure gate. Pay attention to boarding times and arrive at your gate promptly.

Important Notes

• Time Allocation: Allow at least 2 hours for the transfer process from international to domestic flights to ensure smooth completion of all procedures.
• Special Assistance: If you need help, such as language support or traveling with children, visit the airport transfer desk for assistance.

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Domestic to International Flight Transfers

Process Guide

1. Baggage Claim and Check-In
   • Upon arrival on a domestic flight, retrieve your checked luggage from the baggage claim area. Follow signs to the international flight check-in counters to complete check-in for your next flight.
   • If your luggage is checked through to the international destination, confirm your boarding details and proceed directly to the international departure area.
2. Customs Check
   • Proceed to the customs inspection area and complete any necessary declarations. Ensure you have your passport, visa (if required), and other essential travel documents ready.
3. Immigration (Exit) Check
   • After check-in, proceed to the immigration checkpoint for exit procedures. Present your passport and boarding pass for verification.
4. Security Screening
   • After immigration, complete the security screening for international flights. Ensure your carry-on luggage complies with international regulations, particularly regarding liquids and electronics.
5. Boarding
   • Once through security, proceed to your designated boarding gate in the international departure area. Follow the boarding instructions displayed and be ready to board on time.

Important Notes

• Visa Requirements: Ensure your visa for the destination country is valid and meets the requirements. For some countries, transit visa exemptions may apply; verify this in advance.
• Time Allocation: Plan for at least 3 hours for the transfer process, especially during peak travel hours, to avoid delays.

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Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Guide

Tax Refund

• Eligibility for Tax Refund:
  • The total value of refundable goods purchased on the same day at the same tax-free store by an individual traveler must reach at least 500 RMB.
  • The tax refund applies if the date of departure is within 90 days of the purchase date.
• Refund Amount:
  • The refund rate is 11% of the invoice amount, including VAT. Of this, 10% is returned to the traveler.
• Refund Procedure:
  • Before Security: Proceed to customs for verification and approval of the refund claim. Follow airport signage for directions.
  • After Security: Submit your refund request at the refund counter located approximately 80 meters west of the immigration checkpoint in Terminal 4’s international departure area.

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SIM Card Purchase

T4 Terminal

• Location: Overseas Visitor Payment Service Center, near the International and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan Arrivals Exit at T4 Terminal.
• Available Plans:
  • 30GB + 100 minutes of calls: 50 RMB
  • 40GB + 200 minutes of calls: 80 RMB
  • 50GB + 300 minutes of calls: 150 RMB

T3 Terminal

• Location: Opposite Gate B10 in T3 Terminal
• Available Plans:
  • 40GB: 200 RMB
  • 60GB: 280 RMB

Note: A VPN is required to access services like Google or Line in China.

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Inter-Terminal Transportation: Between T3 and T4

The distance between T3 and T4 terminals is approximately 600 meters. Walking takes about 10–15 minutes by following the directional signs within the airport. Alternatively, you might encounter free shuttle buses along the way, which reduce travel time to 5–10 minutes.

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Payment App Assistance Counter (Overseas Visitor Payment Service Center)

To make it easier for international travelers to use WeChat Pay and Alipay in China, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport offers a dedicated Payment Service Counter in T4 Terminal. This counter helps visitors set up and use Chinese payment apps seamlessly.

• Services Offered:
  • Assistance with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay applications.
  • Guidance on setting up international bank cards within the apps and activating payment functions.
  • Basic tutorials and answers to frequently asked questions about using the payment apps.
• Location: Near the International and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan Arrivals Exit at T4 Terminal.

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Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport: Restaurants and Operating Hours

T4 Terminal: After Security

• Starbucks
  • Location: Approximately 95 meters west of the immigration checkpoint in the international departure area.
  • Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Offerings: Coffee and light snacks
• McDonald’s
  • Location: East side of Check-In Island K in the departure area.
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Offerings: Burgers and fast food

T3 Terminal: After Security

• KFC
  • Location: 4th floor, southeast side, after security.
  • Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Offerings: Burgers and fried chicken
• Yu Xiao Mian
  • Location: 4th floor, southeast side, after security.
  • Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Offerings: Chongqing-style noodles

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Duty-Free Shop Operating Hours

• CDF Duty-Free Shop
  • Location: International departure lounge, T4 Terminal
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Products: Cigarettes, perfumes, and cosmetics

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Baggage Storage Locations

• Location: Behind Check-In Island F in the departure hall of T3 Terminal
• Operating Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• Fees:
  • Up to 8 hours: 10 RMB per item
  • 8–16 hours: 15 RMB per item
  • 16–24 hours: 20 RMB per item

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Currency Exchange Locations

• T4 Terminal: International Departures
  • Location: Approximately 50 meters east of the immigration checkpoint.
  • Operating Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• T4 Terminal: International Arrivals
  • Location: North side of the arrival area.
  • Operating Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM

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Free Wi-Fi at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

Travelers can access free Wi-Fi at the airport through two methods:

• Mobile Number: Enter your mobile number and verify via SMS to log in.
• Self-Service Machines: Use the machines inside the airport to generate a temporary login code.

Note: Accessing sites like Google may require a VPN.

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Can You Stay Overnight at the Airport?

Yes, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport offers areas for overnight stays. Here are some recommended locations and their facilities:

• Overnight Rest Area (Recommended): Located at the end of the T3-T4 connecting corridor. This area provides three-seat benches that can fully recline, though seats may be limited. Arrive early to secure a spot.
• T4 Terminal, Gate 420 (Recommended): Quiet and spacious during nighttime, offering regular seats, couches, charging stations, and drinking water.
• T4 Terminal, Free Shower Area (Near Gate 401): Showers are available, but you need to bring your own toiletries. Hairdryers are not provided.
• T3 Terminal, Near Exit 10 in the Arrival Area: A very quiet spot with USB and plug-in charging facilities. The two-seat benches are suitable for lying down.
• T3 Terminal, Departure Area (Near Starbucks and McDonald’s): This area offers plenty of seating near Check-In Island H. Some connected seats allow for reclining, and charging stations are available.

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Check-In Deadlines at the Airport

• Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 40 minutes before departure.
• International Flights: Typically, check-in closes 50 minutes before departure.