How to Get from Shanghai to Suzhou – Getting around conveniently and comfortably

 Although Suzhou is located relatively close to the Paris of the East, or Shanghai, travelling this distance can be a costly and inefficient affair for the uninitiated. Situated 50 miles from Shanghai, Suzhou is an emerging tourist hub with an array of exciting attractions and activities. From public transport options to vehicle rentals, there's more than one way to get from Shanghai to scenic Suzhou. Here are some of the ways in which tourists can reach Suzhou with ease.

Taking the Train

                            Suzhou Tram| Image via Wikimedia Commons

Often regarded as the most efficient way to reach Suzhou from Shanghai, hopping on board the high-speed train bound for Suzhou is the preferred method of travel for most seasoned visitors. The entire journey takes no less than 35 minutes which makes the high-speed trains from Shanghai the most convenient means of getting from Point A to B for those who wish to avoid hassle altogether. Travellers who wish to head out to Suzhou as soon as they touch down in Shanghai can take the train directly from Hongqiao Airport train station while those based in the interior of the city can catch the train from the city centre's Shanghai Station. Subway lines 1, 3 and 4 connect visitors to trains bound for Suzhou Railway Station although Shanghai Station is not the only railway terminal one can use. The Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station offers access to both Suzhou North and Suzhou Railway Station via its subway lines numbered 2 and 10. Trains that run between Shanghai and Suzhou start their run before 6 am and depart every 10 minutes or so until 11 pm.

High-Speed Train Cost

The ticket prices for travellers boarding high-speed trains from Shanghai to Suzhou are surprisingly cheap with most fares below USD 20. The price differences are due to the cabin class in which one chooses to travel. Even the D class seats are very comfortable so budget travellers need not stress about buying first-class tickets in order to travel in comfort.

Sleeper Train Option

Tourists who are not pressed for time can travel between the two cities on what is known as a sleeper train. While admittedly slower, it is a more tranquil way to travel as one can nap the whole way through. Although sleeper trains are more suited for long-distance journeys that take several hours, the hour-long trip from Shanghai to Suzhou is also well worth it. Sleeper trains are typically more expensive than high-speed trains but a standard seat will be no more than USD 10.

Driving to Suzhou

If train tickets and railway platforms seem too complicated to navigate, travellers can always opt to take a taxi to Suzhou from Shanghai. Although it is more costly than taking the train, it is a hassle-free and efficient way to reach one's destination without complications. It is necessary to negotiate a fare for the ride with the driver beforehand as most of the taxi cabs offering long-distance drives are not metered. Note that aspects such as rush hour and the traffic congestions one may face on the way to Suzhou will factor into the overall cost but generally, the journey should not take more than two hours. Those who are planning on spending only a day in Suzhou can hire the cab driver for the day so he or she can drive one around the major tourist attractions such as the Watertown of Zhouzhuang as well.

Bus Travel

Tipped to be the least convenient means of reaching Suzhou from Shanghai, the trip takes around 1 and a half hours or two hours at most. The downside to taking the bus is that bus tickets will cost more than a high-speed train ticket to Suzhou but take longer to reach the final destination. Those who have reserved accommodation at Pan Pacific Suzhou or any other hotel in Suzhou China may also have to rely on other means of transport to reach the resort base.

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