Suzhou is a city that deserves to be explored comfortably and at your own pace. Thanks to its excellent network of private driver services, you can easily visit nearby water towns like Tongli and Wuzhen, or arrange hassle-free airport transfers. We particularly like how private drivers allow for flexibility—whether you want to take your time wandering ancient streets or need a quick, smooth ride to catch a flight. For example, the Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town offers a relaxed way to combine sightseeing with transportation. Suzhou’s close proximity to these water towns makes private drivers a smart choice for personal, door-to-door service.
Whether you’re heading to Shanghai, exploring nearby historic towns, or catching a flight at Shanghai Pudong Airport, private driver services provide convenience, comfort, and a touch of local insight. In this guide, we review the best options, helping you pick the perfect service for your needs.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find three top-rated private driver services in Suzhou. These include a scenic stop-over at Tongli Water Town, seamless airport departure transfers from Suzhou to Shanghai Pudong Airport, and an exciting trip to Wuzhen Water Town with a visit en route to Hangzhou. Each offers a different experience tailored to specific travel plans, giving you options whether you prioritize sightseeing, convenience, or value.
Now, let’s explore each in detail so you can decide which suits your trip best.
1. Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town
At number one, this private transfer stands out for its mix of comfort and culture. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine a scenic water town visit with the convenience of door-to-door service. The tour includes a flexible pickup from your Suzhou accommodation, then a roughly 7 to 8-hour journey that features a stop at Tongli Water Town—often called the “Oriental Venice” for its canals, traditional Chinese architecture, and charming water markets.
Your professional driver will meet you at your chosen location and take you in an air-conditioned vehicle to Tongli. Once there, you’re free to explore key sites such as Tuisi Garden, the Lucky Ring Bridges, and the Pearl Tower Garden at your own pace. Admission tickets are not included, but the driver’s limited English isn’t a problem thanks to helpful local staff available via phone. The highlight here is the opportunity to see authentic water town life away from the tourist crowds, with plenty of photo-worthy spots and peaceful corners. After your visit, your driver will take you directly back to your Shanghai hotel or to the airport—making this a seamless day of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, personalized experience with a scenic stop at a renowned water town en route to Shanghai. It offers great value considering the private service and cultural highlights, despite a slightly warm car at times.
$90.00 per person
2. Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou
For those with a tight schedule, this airport transfer provides a simple, stress-free way to get from Suzhou to Shanghai Pudong Airport. It takes roughly 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, and includes a professional driver who will handle all the logistics. This service is all about ease and reliability, making it perfect for travelers with early flights or tight connections.
You’ll be picked up from your Suzhou hotel or residence in an air-conditioned vehicle. The driver is friendly, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride, and the vehicle is high-quality, clean, and well-maintained. The review mentions how “the whole trip to airport is smooth,” emphasizing how worry-free this option is. It’s especially suited for business travelers or anyone who prefers to avoid the uncertainties of public transport or ride-hailing apps.
Bottom Line: For around $87, this private transfer is an excellent investment in peace of mind—particularly if you value punctuality and comfort for your airport departure.
$86.94 per person
3. Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town
This full-day trip combines a scenic ride from Suzhou to Hangzhou with a visit to Wuzhen Water Town, one of China’s top six ancient water towns. It’s a longer, more immersive experience, perfect if you’re eager to explore multiple highlights in one day. The journey lasts about 8 to 9 hours, including a stop at Wuzhen, where you’ll have around three hours to wander through the east and west sections of the town.
Your driver will meet you in Suzhou and take you to Wuzhen, where you can tour the canals, ancient stone bridges, and traditional southeastern architecture at your own pace. The fee excludes admission tickets, but the driver’s limited English is supported by a professional staff available by phone. After Wuzhen, the driver will continue to your Hangzhou hotel or airport, completing an efficient, door-to-door service.
What makes this tour special is the chance to see two iconic water towns in one day, giving a deeper sense of the region’s cultural landscape. The cost is higher—about $144 per person—but the comprehensive experience makes it worth considering if you want a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning transportation.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a combined cultural experience and don’t mind a longer day. It offers excellent flexibility but requires a good sense of adventure and time management.
How to Choose
Picking the right private driver service in Suzhou depends on your schedule, budget, and interests. If your main goal is to explore a beautiful water town and then head to Shanghai, the Tongli Water Town tour offers a relaxed, personalized experience. For travelers with packed itineraries or flight schedules, the airport transfer provides peace of mind and swift service.
If you want to combine regional highlights and enjoy a full day of sightseeing, the Wuzhen and Hangzhou transfer offers a scenic, culturally rich option, though it’s best suited for those comfortable with longer travel days.
When booking, consider your budget, how much sightseeing you want to do, and whether you prefer a guided or flexible schedule. Early booking is recommended during peak seasons, especially for the water town visits, to secure your preferred times.
Final Thoughts
Suzhou’s private driver services open up a world of convenient, personalized options for exploring nearby water towns or catching your flight. Whether you prefer a quick transfer, a scenic stop-over, or an immersive day trip, there’s a service tailored to your needs. For a relaxed day with cultural highlights, the Tongli tour is hard to beat. For seamless airport departures, the direct transfer ensures peace of mind. And for those eager to see Wuzhen and Hangzhou, a full-day adventure makes it all possible.
Booking early ensures you’ll get the timing and service you prefer, especially in busy seasons. With these options, you can enjoy Suzhou and its surroundings comfortably and authentically—making your China trip even more memorable.