Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
October is an advantageous month to depart from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) due to pleasant fall weather and frequent airline schedules. However, China's National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7) often pushes up fares and demand on nearby hubs like New York (JFK/EWR), Baltimore (BWI), and Washington D.C. (IAD). For best PHL to HGH deals, search for mid-week departures outside Golden Week, consider flying into Shanghai Pudong and taking a 1–2 hour high-speed train to Hangzhou, and set fare alerts 6–10 weeks before travel. CTA: Search cheap flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) now and compare flexible dates to save.
For international travel from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in October, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. October sees increased holiday travel planning and weather variability; early arrival gives time for check-in, security, and any airline or documentation checks. Consider extra time if you need to drop off bags, purchase duty-free items, or use airport lounges.
Top options to reach Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) include SEPTA regional rail, Airport Line (from Center City), taxis, rideshares, and private car services. In October, traffic can be lighter than summer but expect congestion during morning and evening peaks; plan accordingly. For cost savings, use public transit to avoid parking fees and check current SEPTA schedules ahead of time.
There are typically no nonstop flights between Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH); most itineraries require one or two connections. Common connection hubs include Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital/ Daxing (PEK/PKX), Seoul Incheon (ICN) or Taipei (TPE). Use flight search tools to compare routes and consider flying into Shanghai and taking a short high-speed train to Hangzhou for potentially faster or cheaper options.
Average round-trip fares from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in October vary widely, commonly ranging from $900 to $1,600 depending on booking window, carrier, and proximity to China's Golden Week (Oct 1–7). Booking 6–10 weeks in advance usually yields better deals; prices spike during National Day travel. Sign up for fare alerts and compare multi-city or open-jaw itineraries (e.g., fly into Shanghai Pudong and train to Hangzhou) to reduce costs.
U.S. citizens need a valid passport and a Chinese visa or appropriate entry permission when flying from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in October, unless eligible for visa-exemption programs. Verify passport validity (usually 6 months beyond travel dates) and carry printed copies of your itinerary and any required vaccination or health forms. Check the latest entry rules with the Chinese consulate and airline before departure, as policies can change seasonally or around holidays.
October in Philadelphia is generally mild with autumn temperatures ranging from 50–70°F (10–21°C), while Hangzhou experiences pleasant autumn weather with daytime highs around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and cooler nights. Expect comfortable travel conditions, but bring layers for temperature changes and possible rain in both regions. Check local forecasts before packing and allow extra time at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) if severe weather or storms are predicted.
Arriving at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in October offers pleasant autumn weather and excellent access to West Lake, historic sites, and the Yangtze River Delta. Expect heavy passenger flows during National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7), so book taxis, trains, and hotels early. Recommended arrival strategies include using the airport metro to reduce downtown transfer time, buying high-speed rail tickets to visit Shanghai or Suzhou, and checking local festival calendars for weekend crowds. CTA: Check available flights to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) and reserve ground transport ahead of October travel.
From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), the fastest options to downtown Hangzhou in October are the airport metro Line 1 and express airport shuttle buses, both running frequently. A taxi or rideshare takes about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic; metro offers predictable travel times. October's cooler weather makes surface transit comfortable, but expect heavier crowds if you arrive during China’s Golden Week (Oct 1–7).
Yes — while arriving directly at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) places you in Hangzhou, many travelers arriving via Shanghai Pudong (PVG) choose to take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East station, which takes about 45–60 minutes. If your flight lands at HGH, you can still access Shanghai via frequent trains and expressways. For October travel, book train tickets early around National Day and check schedules for holiday surges.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is significantly busier during China's National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7), with higher passenger volumes, longer security lines, and limited hotel availability. Expect earlier sellouts and higher fares for flights and ground transport in early October. If possible, travel either before or after Golden Week or secure tickets and accommodations well in advance to avoid crowds.
Travelers arriving at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) commonly visit Hangzhou's West Lake, as well as nearby cities including Shanghai, Suzhou, Ningbo, and Nanjing. Many tourists use HGH as a gateway to explore the Yangtze River Delta via high-speed rail and regional flights. October provides scenic autumn landscapes, making it a popular month for day trips and multi-city itineraries.
As of October, standard entry requirements for Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) typically include a valid passport and visa (if applicable) and any health documentation required by Chinese authorities. COVID-19 policies have varied by season and policy updates; check the latest requirements from the Chinese embassy and your airline before travel. Carry printed health forms and digital copies of vaccination records to expedite arrival processing.
When arriving at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in October, declare any high-value items and be ready for customs inspections; typical baggage allowances vary by carrier. Carry receipts for electronics and gifts, and be mindful of duty-free allowances. October travel, especially during Golden Week, may result in longer baggage claim times — consider tracking your luggage online and packing essentials in your carry-on.
Major October events that affect the PHL→HGH route include China's National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7), which leads to crowded airports, sold-out hotels, and increased airfares in Hangzhou and across the country. Hangzhou hosts autumn cultural activities around West Lake and temple fairs in October, drawing domestic tourists. On the departure side, Philadelphia has fall events and cultural festivals that can increase local travel to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Plan around festival dates, book accommodation early, and use multi-city routing to manage demand during peak dates.
The best time to fly from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in October is mid-October (after Golden Week) to avoid peak prices and crowds. Book 6–10 weeks in advance for the most competitive fares; if you must travel around Oct 1–7, secure tickets as early as possible and remain flexible on return dates. Consider mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) for lower fares and shorter layovers, and aim for overnight transpacific legs to arrive refreshed in Hangzhou.
There are usually no direct flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH); most travelers choose connecting itineraries. Pros of connecting flights include lower fares and more schedule options; cons include longer total travel time and potential for missed connections. If you prefer fewer ground transfers, choose a single-connection itinerary with a reliable hub and keep layovers at least 90–120 minutes for international transfers in October. An effective alternative is to fly into Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and take a high-speed train to Hangzhou for predictable ground time and often faster door-to-door travel.
Common carrier options for PHL → HGH in October include: China Eastern (via Shanghai Pudong PVG) — good for short PVG→HGH transfers and strong domestic connectivity; Air China (via Beijing PEK/PKX) — efficient if pairing with northern China travel; EVA Air (via Taipei TPE) and Korean Air/Asiana (via ICN/ICN/NRT) — provide comfortable two-stop options with competitive pricing; U.S. carriers often codeshare to Asian partners. Compare seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, and checked baggage policies when booking. For October travel around Golden Week, prioritize flexible tickets or refundable options to handle schedule changes.
Pack layered clothing: Philadelphia and Hangzhou enjoy crisp autumn temperatures in October, so bring a lightweight jacket, travel umbrella, and comfortable shoes for sightseeing. Apply for your Chinese visa in advance and carry digital and paper copies of your itinerary and health records. During Golden Week (Oct 1–7), expect crowded trains and fully booked hotels — travel a few days before or after to avoid peak crowds. For air travel, bring noise-cancelling headphones and sleep aids for long transpacific segments, enroll in airline seat alerts, and purchase travel insurance that covers schedule changes during holiday periods. CTA: Prepare your PHL to HGH October trip checklist and confirm visas and train tickets now.
Pure airborne time between major U.S. departure points and East Asia averages 14–16 hours; a typical PHL to HGH itinerary with one connection will have total travel time of approximately 16–24 hours depending on layover length. Example schedules in October: fly PHL → JFK/ORD → PVG → HGH (total ~18–22 hours); PHL → IAD → PEK → HGH (total ~17–21 hours); or PHL → IAD → ICN → HGH (total ~18–24 hours). Remember to account for time zone shift: Philadelphia is Eastern Time (UTC−4 in October with DST) and Hangzhou is China Standard Time (UTC+8). For best connections, target overnight transpacific segments that reduce daytime jet lag and check airline-specific schedules as October timetables may adjust for holiday demand.
To secure cheap flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in October, search early and stay flexible. Key strategies: 1) Avoid the National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7) to prevent fare spikes; 2) Compare flying into Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and taking a 45–60 minute high-speed train to Hangzhou; 3) Use fare alerts, incognito browser searches, and mid-week outbound dates for lower prices; 4) Consider one-stop itineraries via Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), or European hubs for competitive pricing. CTA: Set price alerts for PHL to HGH and compare PVG + train options for October travel savings.
