Beijing to Shanghai by Train
By China Rail Guide Updated 2026-05-29 Fares verified May 2026 against China Railway (12306)
- Fastest
- 4h 18m
- Distance
- 1,318 km
- Trains/day
- 50+
- From
- $93
The Beijing–Shanghai high-speed line is China's flagship corridor: a direct, dead-straight 1,318 km route linking the capital with the country's largest city. The fastest non-stop G-trains (e.g. G25) cover it in about 4 hours 18 minutes, making the train far more convenient than flying once airport transfers and security are counted.
At a glance
- Fastest non-stop service: about 4h 18m on premium Fuxing CR400 trainsets (up to 350 km/h).
- Around 50 high-speed trains a day, running from roughly 06:18 until 19:24 — China's densest HSR frequency.
- Departs Beijing South (北京南), arrives Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥), both linked to the metro.
- Four seat classes: Second, First, Premium First-class and lie-flat Business — Second Class is comfortable for the full trip.
Fares by class
High-speed (G/C) seat classes on the main service:
| Class | Price (CNY) | Approx. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class | ¥661 | $93 |
| First Class | ¥1,058 | $149 |
| Premium First-class | ¥1,455 | $205 |
| Business Class | ¥2,315 | $326 |
Prices are official China Railway (12306) fares for the fastest non-stop Fuxing G-trains. Slower services cost a little less — Second Class from about ¥598 (~$84).
Stations & train types
Trains depart from Beijing South and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao. Direct trains run this route.
- G — High-speed (up to 350 km/h)
Train or flight from Beijing to Shanghai?
A flight looks quicker on paper, but China's domestic flights ask you to arrive about 2 hours early, and airports sit well outside the city. High-speed trains leave from a central station with quick security. Most trains take 4.5–6 hours (fastest non-stop 4h 18m). Counting the whole door-to-door trip:
| 🚄 High-speed train | ✈️ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| On board / in the air | 4h 18m | ~2h 25m |
| Getting there & through | + ~30m (central station, fast security) | + 2h arrive early, + ~1h30m to/from airports |
| Realistic door-to-door | ~4h 48m | ~5h 55m |
Flight time is estimated from route distance; airport arrival and transfer times are typical for China domestic travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Beijing to Shanghai?
The fastest non-stop G-trains take about 4 hours 18 minutes. Most services run 4.5 to 5 hours, and the slowest with extra stops take up to about 6 hours.
How much is a Beijing to Shanghai train ticket?
On the fastest Fuxing G-trains, Second Class is about ¥661 (~$93), First Class ¥1,058, Premium First-class ¥1,455, and Business Class ¥2,315. Slower trains are a little cheaper — Second Class from about ¥598. These are official China Railway (12306) fares.
Which stations do Beijing–Shanghai trains use?
High-speed trains depart from Beijing South Railway Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, both connected to the city metro.
Is it better to take the train or fly from Beijing to Shanghai?
For most travelers the train wins: city-centre to city-centre, no airport transfer, and a reliable ~4.5-hour journey versus a 2.25-hour flight plus 2 hours of airport time each end.
Travelling the other way? See Shanghai → Beijing →
Schedule and fares reflect China Railway (12306) official services, last verified 2026-05 against live booking data. Times and prices can change — confirm when you book.