How to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai

How far is Beijing to Shanghai? The Beijing to Shanghai distance is around 1,100 kilometers (680 miles). There are 4 ways of transportation:

1. High speed train is the best and the most popular way to go from Beijing to Shanghai with the travel time of 4.5 - 6.5 hours and the lowest cost of CNY 553 - 667 (USD 77 - 93).

2. Flight is the fastest way, taking 2 - 2.5 hours, also the most expensive way.

3. Overnight sleeper trains which take around 12 - 22.5 hours is an economy way popular among budget travelers.

4. Long-distance bus is not recommended because of its few schedule and long duration.

How to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai
How to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai
 

1. Best Way - Beijing - Shanghai High Speed Train: 4.5 - 6.5 hours, CNY 553 - 667 (USD 77 - 93)

 From Beijing South Railway Station: Over 40 trains from 06:10 to 19:00

 Ticket Price: CNY 553 - 667 (USD 77 - 93) for a second class seat, CNY 930 - 1,067 (USD 129 - 148) for a first class seat, CNY 1,873 - 2,331 (USD 260 - 324) for a business class seat

This is the common and the best way to travel from Beijing to Shanghai. Although the duration on the train is longer than the time on the plane, the railway stations are easier to be reached than airports; also, the security check at railway stations is faster than at airports. Last but not least, experiencing high speed train has been a must for travelers to China.  
 

2. Fastest Way - Beijing - Shanghai Flight: 2 - 2.5 hours, About CNY 1,650 ( usually 20% - 60% off)

 From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) / Daxing Airport (PKX)

 Ticket Price: About CNY 1,650 (USD 230) for full-fare economy class.

Normally, there is a 30% - 60% off discount from November to next March and a 20% - 40% off discount from April to October. Still, this is the most expensive way after adding airport fee and fuel cost.

 

3. Economy Way - Beijing - Shanghai Overnight Sleeper Train: 12 - 22.5 hours, CNY 322.5 - 610 (USD 45 - 85)

 From Beijing Railway Station / Beijing South Railway Station: 11:56, 19:36, 20:03, 21:21

 Price:
T/1461 Trains: CNY 495.5 - 516.5 (USD 69 - 72) for a soft sleeper, CNY 322.5 - 345.5 (USD 45 - 48) for a hard sleeper
D Trains: CNY 818 - 823 (USD 144) for a soft sleeper, CNY 528 - 610 (USD 73 - 85) for a hard sleeper

Overnight sleeper train is an economy choice for passengers with a tight budget. The trains run through the evening and passengers can save a night’s hotel expense. There are also seat classes onboard, but passengers are advised to choose sleepers for a comfortable ride.
 

4. Long-distance Bus: Around 14 hours, About CNY 350 (USD 50)

 From Beijing Zhaogongkou Long-distance Bus Station: 16:30 every day

 Price: around CNY 350 (USD 50)

It is not recommended to take bus to travel from Beijing to Shanghai or from Shanghai to Beijing. Not only because of the long duration, but also because of the small space and limited facilities inside.

Further Reading:
How to Travel from Shanghai to Beijing
Beijing - Shanghai Train VS. Plane
Cheapest Way to Travel between Beijing and Shanghai 
How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Pudong Airport
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

- Last updated on Sep. 01, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on How to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai
Asked by Garrett from NETHERLANDS | Apr. 28, 2020 17:34Reply
Please kindly tell how to get to Daxing International airport by train
Answers (1)
Answered by TravelChinaGuide | Apr. 29, 2020 18:57
00Reply


Thank you for your inquiry.

There are a few trains a day from Beijing West Station to Daxing Airport taking around 30min on the way. You can input departure as "Beijing' and arrival as "Daxing Airport" for detailed schedule. You can also take airport shuttle bus from Beijing South and West Station to airport directly. Hope this information can help you a little.
Asked by Mark from USA | Nov. 11, 2019 20:31Reply
I'm looking at taking an overnight train from Beijing to Shanghai.
My suitcase might be too big to bring on the train. How much will it cost me to check my suitcase?
Answers (1)
Answered by Rachel from GERMANY | Nov. 12, 2019 01:12
00Reply


I am not sure how large is your suitcase, but I never saw anyone checking the luggage size and weight at station. I am sure some suitcases on the train I took are larger than the policy they stated, but they were not questioned at all.
Asked by IVANKHT | Oct. 01, 2019 23:57Reply
Which is better? Shanghai Station or Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station?
I would like to know which train station is better to travel to Beijing from Shanghai?
Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Howard from USA | Oct. 08, 2019 20:35
00Reply


It depends on which train will you take. Most of the rides go from Hongqiao Station but generally speaking, Shanghai Station is closer to downtown.
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