How to Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou, Shanghai Airport to Suzhou
There are several transportation options for traveling from Shanghai to Suzhou which vary by price, time to spend, and the level of convenience they offer. The distance between these two cities is around 110 km (65 mi); there are three modes of transportation for you to choose from:
- High-speed/bullet train (recommended, fastest)
- A private tour with a travel agency like China Travel (recommended, most convenient)
- Long-distance bus
High-Speed Train (Recommended, Fastest)
Taking a high-speed/bullet train is the fastest way to visit Suzhou from Shanghai; it takes around 25–35 minutes one way. This is the most popular way to travel between the two cities.
There are 182 pairs of high-speed trains running between Shanghai and Suzhou from 6 am to 10 pm. Most trains start from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥火车站), and others start from Shanghai Railway Station (上海火车站) and Shanghai South Railway Station (上海南站).
In Suzhou, it is most convenient to take the trains from Suzhou Railway Station (苏州火车站) and Suzhou North Railway Station (苏州北站) because of their central location. Suzhou Railway Station is close to the Classic Gardens and other tourist spots.
- In Shanghai, trains to Suzhou depart between 05:48 to 22:50. There is a train every 40 minutes, and the journey takes between 23 minutes and 1 hour and 29 minutes, depending on the train.
- In Suzhou, trains to Shanghai depart between 05:30 to 22:36. There is a train every 70 minutes, and the journey takes between 23 minutes and 1 hour and 23 minutes, depending on the train.
Tickets on bullet trains are generally divided into three types, second class, first-class, and business class, price varies from RMB 40 (USD 6) to RMB 118 (USD 18).
Read more about how to select and buy train tickets.
Traveling with China Travel (Recommended, Most Convenient)
Many travelers like to use public transportation. However, it may be time-consuming to understand the different routes and kinds of seats and to wait in long queues at stations, especially if there are language problems.
Taking a private tour with a guide who speaks your language is the most convenient way to travel between these two cities. You can enjoy a hassle-free trip. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to tourist attractions in Suzhou.
You could consider booking one of the following tours directly:
Long-Distance Bus
The bus takes between 1½–3 hours. A ticket costs around US$6–US$13, depending on the route. There are several bus stations from where you can catch a ride; the following three have the most buses making daily trips from Shanghai to Suzhou:
- Shanghai South Long-distance Bus Station (上海南站); 1½ hour journey; and buses are available between 6:30–18:00.
- Hongqiao West Long-distance Bus Station(上海虹桥西站) (next to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station); 1½–2-hour journey; buses are available between 11:00–21:00.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG, 浦东机场); 2½–3-hour journey; buses are available between 9:00–21:00.
If you would like to take a bus from Suzhou back to Shanghai, you could choose to depart from one of these two stations: Suzhou South Bus Station (苏州汽车南站), between 10:00–18:00; or Suzhou North Square Bus Station (苏州北广场汽车站), which has two buses between 11:00–12:40.
Shanghai Airport to Suzhou
From Hongqiao Airport
Take Shanghai Metro Line 10 and Line 2 to Hongqiao Railway Station, then take the high-speed train to Suzhou.
- The time needed: 30 min
- Ticket price: RMB 35-39
From Pudong International Airport
1. Take the long-distance bus from Pudong Airport to Suzhou Bus Station.
- Where to take the bus: at the south end of the bus parking area on the second floor of the terminal building at Pudong International Airport (near the toll exit)
- Where to buy Ticket: 6-7 at the terminal building, or exit of the terminal building.
- The time needed: 2 hours
- Departure Time: 10:40, 11:20,11:50, 12:50, 13:50, 14:40, 15:20, 16:10, 16:50, 17:50, 18:50, 19:40
- Ticket Cost: RMB 82
2. Take Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Hongqiao Railway Station, then take a high-speed train to Suzhou.
How to Plan a Shanghai - Suzhou Tour
You are suggested to catch the morning train from Shanghai if time permits, then you can spend one day in Suzhou and back in Shanghai in the evening.
One Day
In the Classical Humble Administration Garden, hop on a pedicab to ride around the residential areas and blocks for a glimpse of Suzhou. Spend a half-day ambling down Tongli Water Town on the outskirts of Suzhou.
Recommended Tour: 1-day Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Tour from Shanghai
Two Days
Day 1: Rickshaw ride to visit Suzhou's old street, classical Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, and Humble Administrators Garden.
Day 2: Visit the thousand-year-old Tongli Water Town in the suburb of Suzhou, take a boat ride through the waterways and arch-stone bridges, and immerse yourself in the elegant time-honored water town.
Accommodation Ideas:
Most star-rating hotels in Suzhou are located in the downtown ring surrounded by some of the most famous scenic spots. You could also stay near Shantang Old Street which will light up at night with a wonderful vibe, great shops, bars, and places to eat along the canal way. If travel to a water town, staying overnight in a boutique hotel near the small town would be a good choice.
Food and Restaurants
Suzhou cuisine features slightly sweetness in taste. The foods you must try are Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Steamed White Fish, Water Shield with Egg Flakes, Pan-Fried Bun, Fengzhen Noodles, Aozao Noodles, Fish Flavor Spring Rolls, etc.
Songhelou Restaurant - a famous brand of Suzhou
- Location: No. 198, Shantang Street, Jinchang District, Suzhou
- Transport: bus 200, 300, 51, 522, 70 and 7
- Opening hours: from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m
- Tel: 0512- 65321398
Bi Feng Tang - Suzhou Style Food
- Location: 1-2F, Lifeng Square, No. 39, Baodai East Road, Wuzhong District, Suzhou
- Transport: bus 45, 512, 550, 552 and 900
- Opening hours: from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m
- Tel: 0512- 67074778
YangYang Dumpling
- Location: CangLang District ShiQuan Street 420, Suzhou
- Transport: bus No. 47, No. 204, No. 501, No. 511 to Wangshiyuan North
- Opening hours: 08:00-02:00
- Tel: 0512 - 65192728
144-Hour Visa-Free Policy
You can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 6 days in Shanghai and Suzhou, check the 144-hour visa-free policy to see if you are eligible.
Travel Tips
We try to provide accurate transportation information, as far as possible. However, timings and prices are subject to change, depending on day-to-day scheduling.
Although there are many trains between Shanghai and Suzhou every day, it is best to book your tickets at least 3 days ahead of your departure date to ensure availability.