Beijing - Shanghai High Speed Train
The high speed trains running between Beijing and Shanghai are world's fastest, with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).
About 41 high speed G trains from Beijing to Shanghai and 40 from Shanghai to Beijing finish the 1,318 km's (819 mi) distance in 4.5 - 7.5 hours daily, mainly between Beijing South Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. A second class seat ticket costs CNY 498 - 673.
There are also 3 pairs of D trains running overnight with a duration of about 12 - 12.5 hours.
About 42 G types in total: departure time from 06:08 to 19:24; duration from 4H18M to 7H47M.
(Last Update on Feb 4, 2026)
About 40 G types in total: departure time from 06:31 to 19:25; duration from 4H24M and 7H24M.
(Last Update on Feb 4, 2026)
(Last Update on Feb 4, 2026)
Notes: The schedule and ticket fare of the overnight high speed D trains may change on different dates.
Take Metro Lines 4 and 14 which directly connect to the -1F of the station building. The airport shuttle bus line 2 allows passengers to transfer between Capital Airport and the station. A taxi to the station costs about CNY 120 from Capital Airport and CNY 25 from the city center area around the Tiananmen Square.
Take subway line 2, line 10 and line 17 to reach the station, which is located next to Hongqiao Airport. A taxi takes 1.5 hours and costs CNY 230 from Pudong Airport to the station, while 45 minutes and CNY 70 from the downtown area near People's Square.
There are two types of them, the high speed D type and the normal type.
The overnight D trains are well-equipped, comfortable, fast and safe, and are especially recommended for travelers with limited time, as you travel at night and leave more time for sightseeing in daytime. If you plan a day trip to visit the Great Wall, they are probably the best choices.
The normal type takes a longer time, about 16 - 22.5 hours but costs less, hence they are popular among budget travelers. If you are going to travel by it, it is better to book a ticket in advance, especially the sleeper ticket, as they are in great demand most time.
How far from Beijing to Shanghai? The high speed railway measures 1,318 km (819 miles). You can travel between the two cities by the daytime G trains, taking 4.5 - 6.5 hours or the overnight sleeper.
If you would like to travel in the daytime to enjoy the great view on the way, we recommend the G type Beijing - Shanghai high speed trains, as they are fast and comfortable. What's more, the Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao stations are well equipped like airports, and it is easy for you to find the right boarding gate and platform. The seats and facilities in the carriages are clean and modern. Last but not least, they are punctual.
If you want to save the time in the daytime, travel overnight. The four-bunk soft sleeper cabin is clean, comfortable and private. After a good sleep, you can reach your destination. The hard sleeper bunks are also comfortable and they are good choices if you travel on a budget.
Just remember that the daytime Beijing - Shanghai bullet trains run between Beijing/ Beijing South Railway Station and Shanghai/ Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. The overnight D ones travel between Beijing/ Beijing South Railway Station and Shanghai/ Shanghai South/ Shanghai Songjiang Railway Station.
Major Rail Lines from Shanghai to:
About 41 high speed G trains from Beijing to Shanghai and 40 from Shanghai to Beijing finish the 1,318 km's (819 mi) distance in 4.5 - 7.5 hours daily, mainly between Beijing South Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. A second class seat ticket costs CNY 498 - 673.
There are also 3 pairs of D trains running overnight with a duration of about 12 - 12.5 hours.
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| Beijing South Railway Station |
Beijing to Shanghai Train Schedule
(Last Update on Feb 4, 2026)
| Train No. | Departure - Arrival | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| G7 | 09:00 - 13:37 | 4h37m |
| G11 | 10:03 - 14:39 | 4h36m |
| G745 | 12:21 - 18:21 | 6h00m |
| G27 | 17:04 - 21:36 | 4h32m |
| G35 | 19:24 - 23:51 | 4h27m |
(Last Update on Feb 4, 2026)
| Train No. | Departure - Arrival | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| D17 | 19:10 - 07:31+ | 12h21m |
| D7 | 19:18 - 07:25+ | 12h7m |
| D9 | 19:36 - 08:00+ | 12h24m |
| D11 | 21:15 - 09:45+ | 12h30m |
| D5 | 21:21 - 09:27+ | 12h6m |
See more Beijing Schedule
| Train No. | Departure - Arrival | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| G4 | 07:00 - 11:37 | 4h37m |
| G10 | 09:00 - 13:26 | 4h26m |
| G16 | 11:53 - 16:34 | 4h41m |
| G28 | 17:55 - 22:37 | 4h42m |
| G32 | 19:25 - 23:49 | 4h24m |
(Last Update on Feb 4, 2026)
| Train No. | Departure - Arrival | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| D18 | 18:42 - 07:09+ | 12h27m |
| D10 | 21:05 - 09:24+ | 12h19m |
| D12 | 21:14 - 09:40+ | 12h26m |
| D6 | 21:15 - 09:25+ | 12h10m |
See more Shanghai Schedule
Notes:
1. "+"means the second day;
2. The timetable above is for reference only. Please use the search tool on the top of this page for real-time schedule.
Ticket Price of Beijing - Shanghai High Speed G Trains
(Last Update on Feb 4, 2026)
| Business Class Seat | First Class Seat | Second Class Seat |
|---|---|---|
| CNY 1,748 - 2,481 USD 253 - 360 | CNY 930 - 1,141 USD 135 - 165 | CNY 553 - 714 USD 80 - 103 |
Ticket Price of Beijing - Shanghai High Speed D Trains
| 1st Class Sleeper | 2nd Class Sleeper | Second Class Seat |
|---|---|---|
| CNY 838 - 877 USD 121 - 127 | CNY 683 - 714 USD 99 - 103 | CNY 390 - 408 USD 57 - 59 |
Notes: The schedule and ticket fare of the overnight high speed D trains may change on different dates.
How to go to Beijing South Station
How to go to Shanghai Hongqiao Station
 |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station |
The overnight D trains are well-equipped, comfortable, fast and safe, and are especially recommended for travelers with limited time, as you travel at night and leave more time for sightseeing in daytime. If you plan a day trip to visit the Great Wall, they are probably the best choices.
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| Normal Overnight Sleeper Train |
Which Train to Take Between Beijing and Shanghai?
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If you would like to travel in the daytime to enjoy the great view on the way, we recommend the G type Beijing - Shanghai high speed trains, as they are fast and comfortable. What's more, the Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao stations are well equipped like airports, and it is easy for you to find the right boarding gate and platform. The seats and facilities in the carriages are clean and modern. Last but not least, they are punctual. If you want to save the time in the daytime, travel overnight. The four-bunk soft sleeper cabin is clean, comfortable and private. After a good sleep, you can reach your destination. The hard sleeper bunks are also comfortable and they are good choices if you travel on a budget. Just remember that the daytime Beijing - Shanghai bullet trains run between Beijing/ Beijing South Railway Station and Shanghai/ Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. The overnight D ones travel between Beijing/ Beijing South Railway Station and Shanghai/ Shanghai South/ Shanghai Songjiang Railway Station. See also:
8 Most Scenic Rail Rides in China
How to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai
Beijing-Shanghai Train vs. Flight
Cheapest Way to Travel between Beijing and Shanghai
How to Get from Beijing South Railway Station to Wangfujing
How to Get from Beijing South Railway Station to Capital Airport
How to Get from Beijing South Railway Station to Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to the Bund
How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to People’s Square & Nanjing Road
How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Pudong Airport
Major Rail Lines from Shanghai to:
- Last updated on Feb. 04, 2026 by Charlotte Qiu -