Hangzhou Airport uses a total of 4 terminals, but they are interconnected to form one large complex. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are newly combined for check-in under the single designation of "Terminal 3".
The signage is clear and the airport is quite compact for its size with relatively short distances.
Both security and passport control are efficient and can handle a huge number of passengers in reasonable times.
Queues for security check are usually around 20 minutes maximum. You will wait between 30 and 60 minutes for passport control on arrival.
Book a hotel near Hangzhou Airport
Which terminal?
The terminals are divided by airline.
- Terminal 1 (domestic flights only) - check-in takes place at Terminal 3
- Terminal 2 (international flights only) - check-in is at Terminal 3
- Terminal 3 (domestic flights only) - 9 Air, Air Changan, Beijing Capital Airlines, Chengdu Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Express Airlines, China United Airlines, Chongqing Airlines, Colorful Guizhou Airlines, Donghai Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Hebei Airlines, Jiangxi Air, Juneyao Airlines, Kunming Airlines, Loong Air, Lucky Air, OK Air, Ruili Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, Suparna Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Tibet Airlines, Urumqi Air, West Air, Xiamen Air
- Terminal 4 (domestic and international flights) - Air Asia, Air China, Air Macau, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Beijing Capital Airlines (international only), Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines (international only), China Southern Airlines, Dalian Airlines, Egyptair, Eva Air, Hong Kong Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Scoot, Sichuan Airlines, VietJetAir, Xiamen Air (international only)
Transfer between flights
Hangzhou is not one of the main transfer points in China, and the not-so-intuitive signage reflects this.
The vast majority of guaranteed transfers (i.e. both flights are on the same booking) take place within the same terminal.
What checks do I go through when connecting?
Find out what procedures you will face during your transfer.
- International -> International: security check
- International -> domestic: immigration and security check
- Domestic -> International: Immigration and security check
- National -> national: no check
Routes from Hangzhou to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan also count as international flights.
Do I have to leave the transit zone?
If you have luggage all the way to your destination or are travelling with hand luggage only, you do not need to leave the transit area.
Do I have to collect my luggage?
If both flights are booked on the same reservation and you have less than 24 hours to transfer, you do not need to collect your baggage.
Do I need a visa for China?
You do not need to arrange a visa for China for an international transfer.
Visa-free entry for transfers within 144 hours
Many airlines also offer long layovers of several days.
Hangzhou Airport is included in the visa-free entry program up to a maximum of 144 hours.
Upon arrival, before passing through immigration, look for the special counter where these visa-free entries are processed.
Please note that if you cross within 24 hours, the official may refuse to issue a visa-free entry permit and you will therefore have to spend time in the transit zone.
For transfers over 24 hours, visa-free entry permits are always issued without any problems. However, you need to present your flight ticket from China and your accommodation reservation.
