Transportation

Airport – Suzhou has no airport, the closest one is Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport, about 80km away. Shuttle buses from the airport to Suzhou take about an hour.

Bus – Bus fares to or from Shanghai average around RMB 30. The Shanghai trip takes around an hour and a half.

Pedi-cab & Bicycle –Heavily traveled and toured areas will have bicycle pedi-cabs and drivers will take you to specific locations or take you on a tour. Rates are RMB 5 per person plus a charge depending on the distance traveled. The area by Shiquan Jie and the train station offers inexpensive bike rentals at around RMB 25 per day.

Ship – Boats traveling down the Grand Canal can be board at the northeast bank of Renmin Bridge. Boats leave at 5:30pm, but arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure. Boats arrive in Hangzhou at 6am. Passage goes from RMB 30 to 95 depending on the boat and class. Cabins are either doubles or quads.

Taxi –Within Suzhou taxis are RMB 10 at flag-fall. Because Suzhou is relatively small, traveling to nearly any point in Suzhou will cost under RMB 40.

Train – Suzhou is well connected by rail system and there are frequent trains to and from Shanghai. Travel times range from 45 to 80 minutes depending on the particular train taken. Train fares average around RMB 20. Trains fill up rapidly and buying tickets well in advance is recommended.