Shanghai to Chengdu / Chengdu to Shanghai: Best Ways to Travel

Shanghai to Chengdu land distance is about 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles). Nowadays, there are 4 ways to travel between these two cities. Generally speaking, direct flight is the best and fastest way. It only takes 3 hours onboard with the fare of CNY 1,000 to 1,500. Shanghai to Chengdu high speed train is a cost-effective choice, and the cheapest ticket only costs CNY 690. It takes 11-15 hours for a single trip. Besides, normal speed trains and long-distance buses are available.
   There are more than 45 Shanghai to Chengdu flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport / Hongqiao International Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport every day. The dense schedule and short travel time bring a lot of convenience to travelers who have tight schedule. If you want to purchase the discounted flight tickets, you are advised to book them online in advance.
 From Shanghai Railway Station / Hongqiao Railway Station, there are direct high speed trains that can take you to Chengdu East Railway Station. This is regarded as an economical way to travel between Shanghai and Chengdu. Duration is 11-15 hours. The ticket fares range from CNY 690-1,012.5 for 2nd Class Seat. 
 Ticket Prices: CNY 690-1,012.5 for Second Class Seat; CNY 1,104-1,676 for First Class Seat; CNY 2,903-3,142.5 for Business Class Seat
 Nowadays, both Shanghai Railway Station and South Railway Station operate normal speed trains to Chengdu Railway Station. However, the travel time is quite long, reaching 30-38.5 hours for a single trip. So it is not so recommended although it can be the cheapest way of travel.
 Ticket Prices: CNY 259-278.5 for Hard Seat; CNY 448-471.5 for Hard Sleeper; CNY 734.5-747.5 for Soft Sleeper
 Because of the long travel time, the buses are also not recommended. 

Starting Point	Schedule	Ticket Fare
North Coach Station	06:20	CNY 350
South Coach Station	06:45
General Coach Station	07:30
Hutai Road Coach Station	07:45

 → First of all, you can take a direct flight from Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport.
→ Then take metro line 10 to Taipingyuan Station and transfer to metro line 7 to Culture Palace Station.
→ After arriving, take metro line 4 to Wide and Narrow Alley directly.
  The flights from Chengdu to Shanghai need 3 hours’ flying time in general. There are 45-50 flights daily from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport, operating from 07:40 to 20:45. You may have 20-60% discounts when purchasing the tickets in advance.
 The direct high speed trains operate frequently from Chengdu East Railway Station to Shanghai Railway Station / Hongqiao Railway Station. They depart at 06:13, 07:47, 07:57, 08:07, 09:24 and 10:57, costing CNY 690 to 1,012.5 for 2nd Class Seat with the duration of 11-15 hours.
 Ticket Prices: CNY 690-1,012.5 for Second Class Seat; CNY 1,104-1,676 for First Class Seat; CNY 2,903-3,142.5 for Business Class Seat
 Although it is a cheaper way to travel from Chengdu to Shanghai, it is still not recommended because it spends almost 30 hours on the way. 
 Ticket Prices: CNY 259-278.5 for Hard Seat; CNY 448-471.5 for Hard Sleeper; CNY 734.5-747.5 for Soft Sleeper
 Taking long-distance bus is not a recommended choice because of the long duration on the road.

Starting Point	Schedule	Ticket Fare
East Coach Station	09:00	CNY 350

 → It is advised to take a flight from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport firstly. 
→ Then take metro line 2 to East Nanjing Road Station. After arriving, you can walk east along East Nanjing Road and arrive at the Bund.