Shanghai to Beijing Train

Around 42 Shanghai to Beijing high speed G trains run frequently daily, whose distance between is 1,318 kilometers (819 miles). Their travel time is 4.5 - 6.5 hours, and the lowest cost is CNY 498 for a second class seat.

Besides, around 3 pairs of overnight high speed D trains are available for passegners to save the day time; their travel time is about 12 - 12.5 hours, and the lowest cost for a second class sleeper is CNY 522. And 3 pairs of overnight normal speed train run between with a travel time of 13.5 - 21.5 hours. A hard sleeper costs CNY 304.5 - 325.5.

Shanghai to Beijing High Speed Train
Shanghai to Beijing High Speed Train

Shanghai to Beijing Daytime High Speed Train Schedule

(Last Update on Nov 26, 2025)
Train No.Departure - ArrivalTravel Time
G10406:17 - 13:126h55m
G1010:00 - 14:264h26m
G13212:21 - 18:256h4m
G15016:04 - 21:565h52m
G2818:52 - 23:184h26m
About 42 G types in total: departure time from 06:27 to 19:00; duration from 4H18M to 6H45M.
 

Shanghai to Beijing Daytime High Speed Train Price

(Last Update on Nov 26, 2025)
Business Class SeatFirst Class SeatSecond Class Seat
CNY 1,671 - 2,341
USD 235 - 330
CNY 837 - 1,070
USD 118 - 151
CNY 498 - 669
USD 70 - 94
 

Shanghai to Beijing Overnight Train Schedule

(Last Update on Nov 26, 2025)

Train No.Departure - ArrivalTravel Time
146212:15 - 10:00+21h45m
T11016:30 - 08:52+16h22m
Z28219:16 - 09:52+14h36m

(Last Update on Nov 26, 2025)
Train No.Departure - ArrivalTravel Time
D1818:42 - 07:09+12h27m
D1021:05 - 09:24+12h19m
D621:15 - 09:26+12h11m

 

Shanghai to Beijing Overnight Train Fare

(Last Update on Nov 26, 2025)
Nos.Soft SleeperHard Sleeper
1461/1462CNY 476.5 / USD 67CNY 304.5 / USD 43
Z281/Z282CNY 497.5 / USD 70CNY 325.5 / USD 46
T109/T110CNY 497.5 / USD 70CNY 325.5 / USD 46

(Last Update on Nov 26, 2025)
Nos.1st Class Sleeper2nd Class SleeperSecond Class Seat
D18CNY 641 / USD 90CNY 522 / USD 74CNY 298 / USD 42
D10CNY 633 / USD 89CNY 555 / USD 78CNY 317 / USD 45
D6CNY 680 / USD 96CNY 553 / USD 78CNY 316 / USD 45

 

FAQs on How to Travel from Shanghai to Beijing

 

There is no doubt the hard seats on old trains. However, it is quite exhausting to sit straight for a long journey. So the economy sleeper, especially those on overnight trains are more popular cheap travel way, including 1462, T110, Z282, D18, D6 and D10. A hard sleeper of normal trains costs CNY 304.5 - 325.5 and a hard sleeper of D trains costs CNY 522 - 555.  The duration is generally 12 - 21.5 hours.
 

2. What is the fastest way to get from Shanghai to Beijing?

Flight is the fastest way from Shanghai to Beijing, taking around 2.5 hours, followed by high speed G train taking 4.5 - 6.5 hours. However, check-in procedure in Shanghai aiport is more time-consuming than at the railway station. Also, upon arrival in Beijing, it takes more time to reach your hotel from Beijing airport than from Beijing South Railway Station. Therefore, there is no big difference in total door-to-door travel time.

 See more Beijing - Shanghai Train vs. Plane

Terminal 2 of Hongqiao International Airport
Terminal 2 of Hongqiao International Airport

3. Is there a direct train between Shanghai and Beijing?

Over 42 pairs of direct Shanghai to Beijing bullet trains with the duration of 4.5 - 6.5 hours. A ride on a second class seat costs CNY 498 - 673. Plus, 6 pairs of overnight sleeper trains run between Beijing and Shanghai with the travel time of about 12 - 21.5 hours.
 

4. How far is it from Shanghai to Beijing?

The flight distance from Shanghai to Beijing is 1,084 kilometers (674 miles). The distance by high speed train is 1,318 kilometers (819 miles) and the expressway distance is 1,262 kilometers (784 miles).
 

Passengers can take high speed train, overnight train, flight, or long-distance bus from Shanghai to Beijing.

High speed train is the most recommended for short duration, dense schedule, modern facilities and comfortable environment; and it is convenient to get to Honqgiao Railway Station in Shanghai and leave Beijing South Railway Station upon arrival. Overnight train is good choice of budget travelers; remember to book a sleeper for the long ride. Flight can be fastest way but Beijing Capital Airport is in suburb and it takes time to reach downtown. Long-distance bus is the least recommended way because of quite long duration and uncomfortable environment.

Soft Sleeper on Overnight D Trains
Soft Sleeper on Overnight D Train
Badaling Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall

6. Can I visit the Great Wall of China from Shanghai?

Yes. Passengers should take a flight, or train from Shanghai to Beijing firstly. Then, train or bus is available for passengers to reach the famous Great Wall sections like Badaling and Mutianyu.

 See more How to Get to the Great Wall from Shanghai
 

See also: 
Shanghai Train Schedule 

Beijing Train Schedule

Beijing - Shanghai High Speed Train  

Beijing - Shanghai Overnight Sleeper Train 

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 
 

 Major Rail Lines from Shanghai to:


Major Rail Lines from Beijing to:

- Last updated on Nov. 26, 2025 by Grace Yang -