Qiandao Lake is reached by high-speed rail from Hangzhou on the Hangzhou-Huangshan line, which stops at Qiandaohu station (about forty minutes from Hangzhou). The station is on the eastern edge of the lake and taxis reach the main pier and Chunan town in about fifteen minutes. The rail connection has made Qiandao Lake very accessible as a day trip from Hangzhou, though an overnight stay gives time to explore the quieter parts of the lake that day-trippers miss.
By road, the lake is about two hours from Hangzhou by bus. Local buses from Chunan connect to the main viewing areas and the dam; a rented car or a taxi hired by the day is more practical for reaching the outlying parts of the lake and the smaller settlements.