Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is one of two airports located in the booming city of Shanghai. After landing at SHA, visitors can make the short trip to Suzhou by train, shuttle bus or taxi. Because of its close proximity to Suzhou and convenient (and quick) train transportation, American and Canadian travelers usually opt to fly into SHA.
Distance from Suzhou: 50 miles (80 km)
Driving: 1 hour 15 minutes
Bullet/High-Speed Train: 30 minutes
Regular Train: 1 hour
Pudong International Airport (PVG) is Shanghai’s second (and largest) airport. Located in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, the airport is a fast growing hub for all things international. Trains, shuttle buses and taxis are the best mode of transport for visitors landing at PVG.
Distance from Suzhou: 65 miles (104 km)
Driving: 1 hour 45 minutes
Bullet/High-Speed Train: 30 minutes (Requires transferring lines)
Regular Train: 1 hour (Requires transferring lines)
Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX) is the closest airport to Suzhou. While many travelers are enticed by its proximity to the oriental water city, the airport is relatively small and there are no nonstop flights from the U.S. or Canada into WUX, so travelers will inevitably transfer in another city before making their final arrival.
Distance from Suzhou: 14 miles (22 km)
Driving: 30 minutes
Bus: 40 minutes
Two additional airports — Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) and Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) — are also available and often used by travelers visiting Suzhou. The distance from each airport to Suzhou is roughly 100 to 125 miles (164 to 203 km) and about a two- to two-and-a-half-hour drive, respectively.
Fly from the U.S. or Canada to Shanghai (SHA or PVG) nonstop aboard a variety of airlines including those listed below.
| AMERICAN AIRLINES |
CHINA EASTERN |
DELTA AIRLINES |
UNITED AIRLINES |
AIR CANADA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Los Angeles Dallas |
Honolulu Los Angeles New York San Francisco |
Seattle Detroit Los Angeles |
San Francisco Los Angeles Chicago Newark |
Vancouver Toronto |
Additional airlines offer service between North America and Shanghai, check your preferred carrier’s website for the latest information.
After arriving at a nearby airport, the quickest way to get to Suzhou is by train. Suzhou has four main train stations that welcome travelers daily. Simply select your train of choice (high-speed or regular), sit back and enjoy the ride. Fares vary for each destination, and visitors must purchase their tickets from the railway station counter or through the ticket office at the airport.
Suzhou Railway Station
Line: Shanghai–Nanjing Main Line
Location: 27 Chezhan Road, Gusu, Suzhou (Gusu District)
Suzhou North Railway Station
Line: Beijing-Shanghai (Jinghu) High-Speed Railway
Location: Fulin Road, Xiangcheng District (northwest Suzhou)
Suzhou Yuanqu (Industrial Park) Railway Station
Line: Shanghai–Nanjing Main Line
Location: Zhihe West Road, Suzhou Industrial Park
Suzhou Xinqu (New District) Railway Station
Line: On the Shanghai–Nanjing Main Line, but used for high-speed trains to/from Beijing only
Location: Hushuguan Town, Suzhou New Zone 215004
Make your way to Suzhou by bus, coach or shuttle. Suzhou’s three main bus terminals are conveniently located throughout the city and provide daily transport to and from surrounding airports to Suzhou and other major cities.
South Bus Station
It’s the largest of the three stations and is located just south of downtown Suzhou.
Location: Yingchun Road and Nanhuan Road East, Suzhou
Destinations: Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou
North Bus Station
It’s the newest of the three stations and is located next to the Suzhou North Railway Station, about a 20- to 30-minute walk from downtown Suzhou. The express buses from Wuxi and Shanghai are ideal for quick trips from WUX and SHA to Suzhou. Includes the bullet train to and from Shanghai.
Location: 29 Xihui Road, Suzhou
Destinations: Shanghai, Wuxi, Zhangjiagang, Changzhou, Kunshan, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Zhenjiang, Nantong, Jiaxing, Taicang
West Bus Station
Due to its location north of the Suzhou Amusement Park along the edge of Suzhou’s New District, this station is the furthest from downtown Suzhou. Express service is available to and from some locations — including Shanghai.
Location: Jinshan Road and Changjiang Road, New District Suzhou
Destinations: Changshu, Zhangjiagang, Kunshan, Zhenhu, Nantong, Wuxi, Liyang, Hangzhou and Nanxun
With a fleet of more than 4,000 cabs, taxis are a common way to get around Suzhou. Similar to the U.S. and Canada, cabs can sometimes be hard to hail during peak travel time, rain-soaked weather and on holidays. A taxi is available if you see the illuminated Chinese characters “空车” or the dash light is illuminated in green.
Fares are inexpensive, starting at just ¥10. Using meters, rates increase based on the total mileage/kilometers, time of day and traffic.
Travel Tip — Know your destination’s address. Many drivers don’t speak English, so write down the address (in Chinese) and hand it to the driver.
A favorite among visitors and locals alike, cycling through Suzhou is both a scenic and speedy mode of transportation. Avoid busy thoroughfares and ride along charming back roads, winding canals and budding gardens.
Rent a bike from a local shop for roughly ¥25 per day. Or, if you’re staying at a hostel in Suzhou, ask the concierge if they have any bikes for rent.
Travel Tip — Check your seat, brakes and tires before touring the historic city of Suzhou.
See the same sights as a cyclist without ever putting foot on a pedal. Pedicabs are perfect for travelers who want to see the sights — they are even small enough to travel down Suzhou’s historic, narrow streets.
Pedicabs are a great alternative to taxis — and are often less expensive, starting at just ¥5. Due to summer heat, rates in warm-weather months tend to be higher.
Travel Tip — Negotiate and confirm the price before hopping in; drivers have been known to price-gouge after the trip concludes.
