How to travel from Shanghai to Suzhou

Shanghai to Suzhou Distance
The distance between Shanghai and Suzhou is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) as the crow flies, while the actual travel distance by road is around 105 kilometers. If you're traveling by car or taxi, the journey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. High-speed trains are the fastest and most popular option, taking only 21 to 32 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. For those on a budget or without train access, long-distance buses from stations like Shanghai South Bus Station take a similar 2.5 to 3 hours. Taxis or private transfers provide door-to-door convenience and flexibility, though at a higher cost. With multiple transport choices available, it's easy to plan a trip between these two cities based on your schedule and preferences.

How to Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou by Train
The most recommended way to travel from Shanghai to Suzhou is by high-speed train, offering a fast, clean, and reliable experience. The journey typically takes between 23 minutes to 50 minutes, depending on the specific train and stops along the route. With over 100 high-speed trains running daily, you’ll enjoy great flexibility in choosing your departure time. Ticket prices range from CNY 30 for a 2nd class seat to CNY 159 for a business class seat, making it suitable for both budget and premium travelers. Trains depart from major Shanghai stations—including Shanghai Railway Station, Hongqiao Railway Station (the busiest and most convenient for travelers near the airport), Shanghai West, and Songjiang Station—and arrive at various Suzhou stations such as Suzhou Railway Station (central and most popular), Suzhou North, Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), or Suzhou New District Station.  With frequent departures from early morning to late evening, the high-speed train is a smart and hassle-free choice for a day trip or extended stay in Suzhou.

A. Departure from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Suzhou Station/Suzhou North Station
Time: 06:10 – 22:10, with trains available every 5-60 minutes.
The Earliest train: G1970; Duration: 23min; 2nd class seat: CNY 39 (Recommended); 1st class seat: CNY 65; Business class seat: CNY 126
The Latest train: G9276; Duration: 25min; 2nd class seat: CNY 39 (Recommended); 1st class seat: CNY 65; Buiness class seat: CNY 126

B. Departure from Shanghai Railway Station to Suzhou/Suzhou North Station:
Time: 05:45 – 22:23, with trains available every 5-30 minutes.
The Earliest train: G7032; Duration: 25min; 2nd class seat: CNY 30 (Recommended); 1st class seat: CNY 49
The Latest train: G7212; Duration: 60min; 2nd class seat: CNY 35 (Recommended); 1st class seat: CNY 56

C. Useful Tips for Purchasing Train Tickets for Your Shanghai to Suzhou Day Trip:
Shanghai to Suzhou:
Option 1: Train G8302 departs from Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 08:52 AM and arrives at Suzhou Station at 09:19 AM
Option 2: Train G7084 departs from Shanghai Station at 08:36 AM and arrives at Suzhou Station at 09:14 AM
Suzhou to Shanghai:
Option 1: Train G1817 departs from Suzhou North Station at 17:54 PM and arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 18:17 PM
Option 2: Train G7243 departs from Suzhou Station at 17:57 PM and arrives at Shanghai Station at 18:36 PM
Please choose one of the above options according to your hotel location.

2)Normal Train from Shanghai to Suzhou
If high-speed train tickets aren't available, you can still opt for standard trains between Shanghai and Suzhou. These trains offer a more budget-friendly choice, with journey times ranging from 21 to 79 minutes. Ticket prices vary between CNY 16.5 and CNY 156, depending on the train and seat class. For a smoother experience, it’s advisable to check schedules and book tickets in advance to secure your preferred travel time.

3) How to Buy Train Ticket      
Use Official 12306 App
Download the 12306 China Railway app from your app store.
Open the app and register using your passport details.
Search for trains by entering your departure and arrival stations, and choose your travel date.
Select your preferred seat and confirm the ticket.
Pay using Alipay or WeChat Pay (if you don't have Chinese payment options, you might need to use another platform like Trip.com).
Once booked, your e-ticket will be available in the app. You can show this QR code at the station for entry.

Book Online in Advance
Go to Trip.com or other international booking platforms like Klook or Ctrip.
Create an account and select your train route (e.g., Shanghai to Suzhou).
Choose your travel date and time, and make payment with a credit card or PayPal.
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a QR code or booking reference.
On the day of travel, bring your passport to the station and either collect your physical ticket from the ticket counter or use the self-service machine with your booking reference and passport.

Buy at the Train Station
Go to the ticket counter at the train station (e.g., Shanghai Hongqiao Station).
Bring your passport and go to the counter that services international travelers or a general counter (you can ask for help in English).
Tell the staff your departure and arrival stations, and the date of travel.
Select your seat class and pay by credit card or cash.
After payment, the staff will give you your physical ticket.

Self-Service Machines (Not Recommended)
At major stations like Shanghai Hongqiao or Shanghai Station, you can use the self-service machines.
Select your route (you may need to choose in Chinese, so it's better to be familiar with the characters or ask for assistance).
Scan your passport at the machine to pull up available trains.
Pay using WeChat Pay, Alipay, or credit card (if supported).
While convenient, this method may be harder for non-Chinese speakers, so I recommend using the ticket counter instead.

Travel Agency Help
If you booked our travel agency's itenerary, we can help you with ticket booking—easier and stress-free.
We will assist in booking train tickets for you and deliver them to your hotel or provide you with an e-ticket that you can use directly.

Warm Tips
Tips for Taking Train:
When traveling by train in China, it is essential to carry your passport, as it is required for ticket collection and boarding. Make sure to arrive at the train station at least one hour before departure. Many stations now only accept e-tickets. If you are using an e-ticket, you can enter the station and board via the manual channels using the ID you provided when purchasing the ticket, such as your passport. Printing your e-ticket in advance can help make the process faster and more convenient.

Location:
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is conveniently situated near Hongqiao Railway Station, making train travel to Hangzhou an excellent option for arriving passengers. Terminal 2 is only about a 10-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, Metro Line 10 provides a quick connection from Terminal 1 to Hongqiao Railway Station in 5–8 minutes, ensuring a smooth transfer.

Getting Around Suzhou After Arrival
After arriving in Suzhou, there are several convenient ways to travel from the train or bus station to your hotel or popular attractions.
Metro: Suzhou’s metro system is modern and efficient, connecting major areas such as Suzhou Railway Station, Suzhou Industrial Park, Guanqian Street, and the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Signs are in both Chinese and English, making it easy for travelers to navigate.
Public Bus: The city bus network reaches most destinations, including Tiger Hill, Lingering Garden, and Shantang Street. Fares are usually under CNY 3, and payment can be made with a transportation card or apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available at stations and throughout the city. Typical fares range from CNY 15–40 depending on distance. For foreigners, having the destination written in Chinese or using ride-hailing apps like DiDi Chuxing makes travel easier.
Shared Bikes and E-Scooters: For short distances or scenic exploration, bike-sharing and e-scooter services are ideal. They’re perfect for wandering along canals, Suzhou Ancient City streets, or Jinji Lake, offering a flexible and local way to explore the city.

How to Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou by Bus (Updated Guide)
Traveling from Shanghai to Suzhou by bus remains a flexible and reasonably priced option, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and fares ranging between CNY 40–100 depending on where you depart.

Below are the main stations offering direct bus services to Suzhou, including specific departure schedules:

Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station (South Station)

Address: 666 Shilong Road, Xuhui District (near Shanghai South Railway Station)
Fare: Approximately CNY 38
Departure Times (Daily):
06:27, 07:07, 07:27, 07:47, 08:47, 09:07, 09:27, 09:47,
10:07, 10:27, 10:47, 11:27, 11:47, 12:27, 12:47, 13:07,
13:27, 13:47, 14:07, 14:27, 14:47, 15:07, 15:27, 16:07,
16:27, 16:47, 17:24, 17:47, 18:17, 18:37, 19:30

Helpful Tips
Taking the Bus:
In China, bus travel follows a “real-name ticket system,” which means you’ll need to present your passport or an ID when buying or boarding with your ticket. This system is designed to make travel safer and more organized. Usually, there’s no need to worry about reserving tickets too early since buses operate frequently. That said, during national holidays or peak seasons, booking in advance is recommended so you can secure a seat and avoid stress.

Buying Bus Tickets:
Since most long-distance buses in China don’t yet support online booking, tickets are generally purchased either at the station directly or through someone else buying them on your behalf. Remember, because of the “real-name system,” a valid ID like your passport is required at the time of purchase. This policy ensures all tickets are tied to a traveler’s actual identity, providing both safety and verification.

How to Travel from Hangzhou to Suzhou by Private Vehicle
The distance between Hangzhou and Suzhou is about 93 miles (150 kilometers), making it a convenient trip between two of China’s most famous cultural cities. Our company offers private transfer services starting from around CNY 900, depending on the type of vehicle and the number of passengers. The drive usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours one way, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey. With a professional driver, you can relax and enjoy the scenery along the way, giving you more time to explore Suzhou’s classical gardens, canals, and historic landmarks, and still return to Hangzhou the same day if you wish.

How to Travel from Hangzhou to Suzhou by Taxi
A taxi ride from Hangzhou to Suzhou typically costs between CNY 600 and 900 and takes about 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic. Since most taxi drivers speak only Mandarin, it’s advisable to have your destination written in Chinese. Having a translation app ready can also make things easier. Several ride-hailing apps are available and some offer English support:

DiDi Chuxing – the most popular app in China; supports English and international phone numbers.
Caocao – provides standard and premium ride options, with an English version available.
Meituan Taxi – integrated into the Meituan app; some newer versions support English.
Uber China – still functions in a few cities but has limited coverage compared with DiDi.

When booking online, note that foreign credit cards are often not accepted. To avoid issues, it’s best to carry some cash or use Chinese mobile payment options such as WeChat Pay or Alipay for a smooth trip.

Ready to explore the best of Shanghai and Suzhou without the stress of planning? Book our customized tour packages and let us take care of everything—from high-speed train tickets to door-to-door transfers, from expertly curated itineraries to personalized on-the-ground guidance. Our professional team will handle every logistical detail so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the rich culture, classical beauty, and modern charm of these two iconic cities.

Whether you’re drawn to Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, intrigued by Suzhou’s tranquil classical gardens and water towns, or curious about local silk-making traditions and teahouse culture, we offer a wide range of handpicked experiences to match your travel style. Enjoy a guided tour with a local expert, or opt for a flexible private itinerary tailored to your interests, timing, and pace.

We also offer thoughtful add-ons such as water town extensions (like Tongli or Zhouzhuang), local food tastings, or cultural workshops—perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers seeking more than just sightseeing.

Below are a few of our most popular Shanghai–Suzhou day trip plans, but we’re happy to customize your journey based on what excites you most. Want to start later in the day, add a scenic canal boat ride, or spend extra time at a garden café? Just let us know.

Contact us now to book your Shanghai to Suzhou trip and let us craft a journey that’s smooth, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Your perfect day in Suzhou starts here—with us. 

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Feel free to reach out to us anytime for more information, travel suggestions, or fully personalized tour services. Whether you’re looking to adjust departure times, add a water town visit, include family-friendly stops, or simply want insider tips—our team is here to help you craft the perfect Shanghai–Suzhou experience tailored just for you.