From Shanghai to Suzhou – How Fast Can You Get There?
From Shanghai to Suzhou – How Fast Can You Get There? Very fast. Trains from Shanghai to Suzhou run every 10–20 minutes. The trip takes about 25 to 35 minutes depending on which train you take. Most departures from Shanghai Hongqiao to Suzhou Railway Station are around 25 minutes. From Shanghai Station (the older one, closer to downtown), trains take 30–40 minutes to Suzhou Railway Station. Fares range from about 20 RMB for slow non-bullet trains to 45 RMB for high-speed. There‘s no need to book days in advance – buying a ticket an hour before departure usually works, except on weekends or holidays. Just leave some buffer in case the next train is full. The new Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou high-speed line has added even more frequencies, including direct trains to Suzhou South Station. That said, avoid Hangzhou to Suzhou with a transfer – direct trains are still the best bet. Once you arrive, Alipay QR codes work on all metro lines. Most stations have English announcements, and the network covers all the major historic sites.