Beijing – Shanghai High-Speed Trains — Duration, Price, Stations, and Timetable

There are many high-speed trains running between Beijing and Shanghai, with G trains operating during the daytime and D trains during the nighttime. G trains are the faster train type, while D trains are slower but cheaper. It's one of the most popular rail routes in China.

• Distance: 1,318 kilometers (819 miles)
• Shortest duration: 4 h 48 min
• Number of trains: 46 pairs of high-speed trains (43 daytime trains and 3 overnight trains)

Ticket Prices for 5 Different Seat Classes

The two types of high-speed train operating on the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway line are equipped with the same modern and new facilities. The only difference is that G trains are much faster than D trains, and the price is higher.

Prices of Different Seat Classes on a Beijing – Shanghai High-Speed Train

Features of the 5 Seat Classes

• Business class seats on G trains: 3 seats in a row, adjustable seats can recline to a horizontal lying down position, the most comfortable
• 1st class seats on G trains: 4 seats in a row, the most recommended 
• 2nd class seats on G/D trains: 5 seats in a row, cheapest seats on high-speed trains
• Deluxe sleeper on D trains: 2 berths in a cabin, suitable for couples, best choice for an overnight train
• Soft sleeper on D trains: 4 berths in a cabin, half the price of a deluxe sleeper

Allows 2 Hours Between Getting to the Train Station and Departure

We suggest you choose a train that allows you to arrive at the train station 2 hours before its departure because the stations in Beijing and Shanghai are very large and it takes time navigate and negotiate security checks and lines.

There are usually many passengers queued up in front of the ticket windows and entrances, especially during peak season and China's public holidays, such as the first weeks of May and October.

Buy Train Tickets Online or at Train Stations

Valid ID is required when buying a ticket AND boarding a train:

• Foreign passengers: passport
• Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passengers: Mainland Travel Permit

Online Booking — the Most Convenient Way

You can book train tickets online easily through China Highlights Train Ticket Service. We provide detailed and helpful English guidance, a 24/7 service, and also a ticket delivery service. You only need to complete three steps to get your train tickets.

Alternatively, you can contact your travel advisor to help you buy the train tickets, which is also very convenient.

Or Buy Train Tickets at Train Stations — If You Can Speak Some Chinese

This is a good choice if you know some Chinese characters and can speak simple Chinese.

If you don't know Chinese, please see our Chinese translation table below for help:

We, at China Highlights, will be glad to help you if you need more Chinese translations.

• Or see our more detailed guide for How to Buy Train Tickets in China.

Go to the Right Train Station — D/G Trains Depart/Arrive at Different Shanghai Terminals

There are several train stations in Beijing and Shanghai. G trains use Shanghai Hongqiao Station, while D trains use Shanghai Station. So make sure that you are at the right train station for your train.

If You are Taking a G Train

• Beijing Terminal: Beijing South Railway Station ("北京南 Beijing Nan" on tickets)
• Shanghai Terminal: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station ("上海虹桥 Shanghai Hongqiao" on tickets)

Getting to Beijing South Railway Station by Taxi

Beijing South Railway Station is about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Tian'anmen Square and 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Beijing Capital International Airport.

See our transportation guide for Beijing South Railway Station.

Getting to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station by Taxi

There is a distance of about 20 kilometers (13 miles) between Shanghai's two stations so make sure that you go to the right one if you depart from Shanghai.

See our transportation guide for Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.

If You Are Taking an Overnight D Train

• Beijing Terminal: Beijing South Railway Station ("北京南 Beijing Nan" on tickets)
• Shanghai Terminal: Shanghai Railway Station ("上海 Shanghai" on tickets)

Getting to Shanghai Railway Station by Taxi

See our transportation guide for Shanghai Railway Station for more.

High-Speed Train Timetables

The timetables below are only for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, you may use the search tool at the top of this page, or our Train Ticket Booking Service.

If you are looking for tour planning ideas using this route, please see Beijing to Shanghai Train Travel Route.

Daytime G Trains Timetable

Terminals:

• Beijing South Railway Station
• Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

(Updated on June 7, 2016.)

Overnight D Trains Timetable

Terminals:

• Beijing South Railway Station
• Shanghai Railway Station

New and Modern Facilities on High-Speed Trains

The facilities and appearance of G and D trains are similar in that they are all new and modern. The bullet-shaped trains are white. The facilities include:

• a restaurant car and canteen bars
• free boiling/cold water
• fully air-conditioned
• adjustable seats
• 220V AC sockets
• Chinese/Western-style toilets and a handicapped restroom

Western-Style Toilets Are Available on High-Speed Trains!

Chinese toilets are one of the biggest issues for a foreign traveler in China. Don't worry! Western-style toilets are set at the end of each carriage and are equipped with toilet paper. However, they may occasionally run out of toilet paper, so you are recommended to take your own, just in case.

Related Articles

• How to Choose Between Train Types and Seat Classes in China
• China High-Speed Trains — Popular and Convenient
• How to Board and Get Off a Chinese Train
• China's 10 Fastest Trains — World Records and Benefits for You

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