Beijing to Shanghai Trains

Beijing and Shanghai, the two most influential cities in China, are well connected with trains. The fastest G trains are available every other 15 minutes to 30 minutes from 6:40 to 19:00. Railway company also provides comfortable overnight D trains departing in the evening and arrive early in the morning. Some normal trains are kept for those looking for budget travel.

Cost for train ride cost reasonable. For G trains, the second class seat is $79, first class seat is $126, business class seat is $249. The overnight Z trains offering luxury soft sleeper at $128, soft sleeper at $70, hard sleeper at $44, and hard seat at $24. The sleeper seats (further explanation of seat class) are quite comfortable and will save you a night accommodation in Shanghai. Choose the overnight D trains if it is under your budget.

Though there are frequently trains between these two cities, do not think that as “hop on” trains. Plan the trip in advance especially during public holidays.

Beijing to Shanghai Train List

Train No	Dep. Station	Dep. Time	Arr. Station	Arr. Time	Duration	Mileage
G101	Beijing South	6:36	Shanghai Hongqiao	12:40	6h4m	1318
G103	Beijing South	6:43	Shanghai Hongqiao	12:48	6h5m	1318
G5	Beijing South	7:00	Shanghai Station	11:40	4h40m	1325
G105	Beijing South	7:20	Shanghai Hongqiao	13:08	5h48m	1318
G143	Beijing South	7:50	Shanghai Hongqiao	13:12	5h22m	1318
G107	Beijing South	8:05	Shanghai Hongqiao	13:46	5h41m	1318
G109	Beijing South	8:15	Shanghai Hongqiao	14:17	6h2m	1318
G111	Beijing South	8:35	Shanghai Hongqiao	14:22	5h47m	1318
G113	Beijing South	8:50	Shanghai Hongqiao	14:33	5h43m	1318
G1	Beijing South	9:00	Shanghai Hongqiao	13:28	4h28m	1318
G41	Beijing South	9:12	Shanghai Hongqiao	14:49	5h37m	1318
G115	Beijing South	9:20	Shanghai Hongqiao	14:58	5h38m	1318
G117	Beijing South	9:25	Shanghai Hongqiao	15:38	6h13m	1318
G7	Beijing South	10:00	Shanghai Hongqiao	14:28	4h28m	1318
G119	Beijing South	10:05	Shanghai Hongqiao	15:51	5h46m	1318
G121	Beijing South	10:20	Shanghai Hongqiao	16:25	6h5m	1318
G123	Beijing South	11:05	Shanghai Hongqiao	16:50	5h45m	1318
G125	Beijing South	11:10	Shanghai Hongqiao	16:59	5h49m	1318
G411	Beijing South	11:20	Shanghai Hongqiao	17:25	6h5m	1318
G127	Beijing South	11:30	Shanghai Hongqiao	17:20	5h50m	1318
1461	Beijing Station	11:55	Shanghai Station	7:00	19h5m	1463
G9	Beijing South	12:00	Shanghai Hongqiao	16:36	4h36m	1318
G129	Beijing South	12:10	Shanghai Station	18:07	5h57m	1325
G131	Beijing South	12:20	Shanghai Hongqiao	18:16	5h56m	1318
G133	Beijing South	12:50	Shanghai Hongqiao	18:40	5h50m	1318
G135	Beijing South	13:05	Shanghai Hongqiao	18:59	5h54m	1318
G137	Beijing South	13:35	Shanghai Hongqiao	19:17	5h42m	1318
G139	Beijing South	13:45	Shanghai Hongqiao	20:05	6h20m	1318
G3	Beijing South	14:00	Shanghai Hongqiao	18:28	4h28m	1318
G43	Beijing South	14:05	Shanghai Hongqiao	19:43	5h38m	1318
G141	Beijing South	14:10	Shanghai Hongqiao	20:09	5h59m	1318
G145	Beijing South	14:35	Shanghai Hongqiao	20:33	5h58m	1318
G11	Beijing South	15:00	Shanghai Hongqiao	19:28	4h28m	1318
G155	Beijing South	15:45	Shanghai Hongqiao	21:41	5h56m	1318
G147	Beijing South	15:50	Shanghai Hongqiao	22:00	6h10m	1318
G169	Beijing South	16:40	Shanghai Hongqiao	22:35	5h55m	1318
G151	Beijing South	16:45	Shanghai Hongqiao	23:02	6h17m	1318
G13	Beijing South	17:00	Shanghai Hongqiao	21:36	4h36m	1318
G153	Beijing South	17:16	Shanghai Hongqiao	23:11	5h55m	1318
G157	Beijing South	17:36	Shanghai Hongqiao	23:32	5h56m	1318
G159	Beijing South	17:46	Shanghai Hongqiao	23:54	6h8m	1318
G15	Beijing South	18:00	Shanghai Station	22:43	4h43m	1325
G17	Beijing South	19:00	Shanghai Hongqiao	23:18	4h18m	1318
G21	Beijing South	19:08	Shanghai Station	23:40	4h32m	1325
Z281/Z284	Beijing Station	19:10	Shanghai Station南	9:54	14h44m	1443
D701	Beijing Station	19:22	Shanghai Station	7:26	12h4m	1463
D709	Beijing South	19:46	Shanghai Station	7:46	12h0m	1454
T109	Beijing Station	20:05	Shanghai Station	11:00	14h55m	1463
D705	Beijing Station	21:21	Shanghai Station	9:21	12h0m	1463

What to see in Beijing

Beijing, often described as one of the most historic and cultural cities in China, Beijing's position as the capital city make it very appealing. Beijing has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and it has a lot to offer for tourists.

Attractive sights include Temple of Heaven, The Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Hutong, Summer Palace, National Museum of China, Panjianyuan Market, Tian'anmen Square, Lama Temple, Olympic Green, 798 Art District etc. View a full list of Beijing tours.

Classic itinerary in Beijing

Day 1: Arrival Beijing
Day 2: The Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, Jingshan Par, and Hutong Tour
Day 3: Great Wall and Temple of Heaven
Day 4: Summer Palace, Lama Temple. Then board train to Shanghai in the afternoon.

What to see in Shanghai

Shanghai's diversity begins with its architectures. The city features an abundance of historic buildings left over centuries, but at the same time keeps up with the latest trends in modern structures. It is also a large international and cultural center.

Shanghai's essential includes Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Museum, Jin Mao Tower, Shikumen, The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Zhujiajiao, M50, Xintiandi, The Old Street etc.

Classic itinerary in Shanghai:
Day 1: Arrival by overnight D train from Xian. Take a full day sightseeing including Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Bund, Yuyuan Garden. Evening leisure walk at Nanjing Road.
Day 2: Full day suburb visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town and M50 or Qibao Ancient Town.
Day 3. Depart from Shanghai.

Look for more tours in Shanghai

Booking Tips

1. Due to the frequent train operating between these cities, tickets are easier to book than other long distance trips. But you are still suggested to avoid the big festivals including National Day Holiday (Sep 31st to Oct 6th), and Spring Festival Eve (lunar calendar).

Train Travel Tips

Beijing Travel Guide