Introduction
Suzhou, located in Jiangsu province, is known as the ‘Venice of the East’ for its beautiful water towns and classical gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of China’s most culturally rich cities. Getting to Suzhou from Beijing is convenient with multiple transportation options available.
Transportation Options Overview
- By Plane: The fastest option, with flight duration of about 1.5 hours
- By High-Speed Train: Comfortable and popular, taking approximately 4-5 hours
- By Overnight Train: Economical choice, saving daytime travel time
By Plane
Flying is the quickest way to travel between Beijing and Suzhou.
- Airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Suzhou Changzhou Benniu Airport (CZX) or Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Flight Duration: About 1.5 hours
- Airlines: Air China, China Eastern operate frequent flights
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 400-1500, depending on season
- Airport Transfer: From CZX airport, take bus to Suzhou city center (about 1 hour). From PVG, take high-speed train to Suzhou (about 30 minutes).
By High-Speed Train
High-speed train is the most popular option between Beijing and Suzhou.
- Stations: Beijing South Railway Station (Beijingnan) to Suzhou North Railway Station (Suzhoubei)
- Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 450-800
- Seat Classes: Second class, first class, and business class
By Overnight Train
For budget-conscious travelers.
- Travel Time: Approximately 11-14 hours
- Accommodation: Hard sleeper or soft sleeper
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 200-450
Recommendation
- For Speed: Take a flight for the quickest journey
- For Popular Choice: Take the high-speed train, which is the most convenient option
- For Budget: Take an overnight train to save on both transportation and accommodation
Tips for Travelers
- Booking: Book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons
- Platforms: For trains, use the official 12306.cn website or app. For flights, use Ctrip, Trip.com, or official airline websites
- Season: The best time to visit Suzhou is spring (March-April) or autumn (October-November)
Last Updated: July 2026
Note: Schedules and prices are subject to change. Please verify current information on official booking platforms before traveling.