Beijing - Shanghai High Speed Train

Starting from May 26, 2026, full ticket prices for some high-speed trains between Beijing and Shanghai will increase by 20%. Don't worry: in practice, tickets are often sold at a discount.

The high speed trains running between Beijing and Shanghai are world's fastest, with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

About 46 high speed G trains from Beijing to Shanghai and 44 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 553 - 673 (US$ 81 - 99).

There are also 5 pairs of D trains running overnight with a duration of about 12 - 12.5 hours.

Beijing South Railway Station

Beijing to Shanghai Train Schedule

(Last Update on Apr 3, 2026)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
G7	09:00 - 13:37	4h37m
G11	10:03 - 14:39	4h36m
G745	12:21 - 18:21	6h
G27	17:04 - 21:36	4h32m
G35	19:24 - 23:51	4h27m

About 46 G types in total: departure time from 06:18 to 19:24; duration from 4H18M to 7H47M.

(Last Update on Apr 3, 2026)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
D17	19:10 - 07:31+	12h21m
D7	19:32 - 07:25+	11h53m
D9	19:36 - 08:00+	12h24m
D5	21:21 - 09:27+	12h6m
D11	21:22 - 09:45+	12h23m

See more Beijing Schedule

Shanghai to Beijing Train Timetable

(Last Update on Apr 3, 2026)

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

About 44 G types in total: departure time from 06:31 to 19:25; duration from 4H24M and 7H24M.

(Last Update on Apr 3, 2026)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
D18	18:42 - 07:09+	12h27m
D8	19:08 - 07:00+	11h52m
D10	21:05 - 09:24+	12h19m
D12	21:14 - 09:24+	12h10m
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 Apr 3, 2026)

Business Class Seat	First Class Seat	Second Class Seat
CNY 1,748 - 2,354 USD 256 - 345	CNY 930 - 1,076 USD 136 - 158	CNY 553 - 673 USD 81 - 99

Ticket Price of Beijing - Shanghai High Speed D Trains

(Last Update on Apr 3, 2026)

1st Class Sleeper	2nd Class Sleeper	Second Class Seat
CNY 624 - 680 USD 91 - 100	CNY 508 - 555 USD 74 - 81	CNY 291 - 317 USD 43 - 46

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

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 (US$ 17.1) from Capital Airport and CNY 25 (US$ 3.6) from the city center area around the Tiananmen Square.

How to go to Shanghai Hongqiao Station

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 (US$ 32.9) from Pudong Airport to the station, while 45 minutes and CNY 70 (US$ 10) from the downtown area near People's Square.

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Beijing - Shanghai Overnight Sleeper Trains

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.

Soft Sleeper on Overnight D Train

Wash Basins on Overnight D Train

The normal type takes a longer time, about 14.5 - 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.

Normal Overnight Sleeper Train

Which Train to Take Between Beijing and Shanghai?

Map of Beijing-Shanghai
High Speed Railway (Click to enlarge)

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 - 7.5 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.

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- Last updated on May. 13, 2026 by Rachel Hou -