(Update on November 14, 2014) Here, we offer
Suzhou to
Hangzhou Trains information, including high speed Train and ordinary train for your reference, as well as some useful tips for traveling to the two cities.
Suzhou - Hangzhou Train
There are about 30 pairs of trains traveling between Suzhou and Hangzhou every day. 16 of them are high-speed trains, while the rest are ordinary trains.
High-speed trains take 1 to 1.5 hours for one way trip, while ordinary trains take 3 to 5.5 hours. So, it is highly recommended to take high speed train (G-series or D-series) instead of ordinary trains to save time.
►Train from Suzhou to Hangzhou
Most trains depart from Suzhou Railway Station, only a few leave from Suzhou North Station.
High-speed trains operate from 08:08 am to 19:12 every day.
Ordinary trains run from 03:03 to 21:33 with daily departure.
►Train from Hangzhou to Suzhou
Trains from Hangzhou to Suzhou depart from Hangzhou East Railway Station or Hangzhou Railway Station.
High-speed trains operate from 10:10 to 20:26 every day, while ordinary trains from 02:04 to 20:08.
Attentions: Suzhou - Hangzhou is train information is just for your reference only. Please check the ticket information including the tickets fares at the railway station or by your TCT tour advisors separately.
Notes for Taking Train in China
1. Booking an original train is easier than booking a passing-by train. Ttrain ticket can be booked 20 days in advance at most.
2. Generally, the seats on the ordinary trains in China have tow types including soft seat and hard seat. Train sleepers are classified into two types: soft sleeper and hard sleeper. Hard sleeper has three sub-categories: upper hard sleeper, middle hard sleeper and lower hard sleeper; Soft sleeper has two sub-categories: upper soft sleeper and lower soft sleeper (better). If you take an over-night train or long distance train, you would better buy a ticket for soft sleeper to make your trip more comfortable.
There are only seats available in high-speed trains, including business seat (the best), super seat, first class seat and second class seat. Nosleeper is available.
3. In China, taking a train is a comparative cheaper way to cut down the travel cost. While correspondingly, the comfortable level is lower than by air.
Luggage: you need to take the luggages by yourself and keep an eye of them on transporting time, no luggage-checking service on the train.
Carriage: it may be crowded when in the domestic travel seasons as well as summer holidays.
4. The first character of train number has special meanings.
G–High-Speed Train
C–Intercity EMU Train
D–Electric Multiple Units (EMU) Train
Z–Direct Express Train
T–Express Train
K–Fast Train
Four-digit Number Train - Regular Speed Train
L–Temporary Train
Tips for Travelling to Suzhou and Hangzhou
Best Time to Visit Suzhou:
The best time to visit to Suzhou is April to October, when the trees and flowers of this garden city are green and in full bloom.
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou:
Best time to visit Hangzhou is March to October, especially Spring from March to May. West Lake in spring is in its most beautiful moment.
Try to Avoid domestic travel seasons
The most crowded seasons in China are Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.), International Labour Day (May 01 to 03) and National Day (Oct 01-07). Spring Festival and the National Day golden week are the most crowded time for travelling.
Related Information:► More transportation information: Suzhou Transportation
► More travel information: Suzhou Travel Guide