Beijing and Shanghai are two iconic megacities that represent China’s past and future, respectively. Although they are about 1,200 kilometers apart, a modern and efficient transportation network makes it easy to travel quickly and comfortably between the capital and the country’s financial hub. While Beijing immerses you in China’s rich history and culture through its many ancient landmarks, Shanghai welcomes you with theme parks like Shanghai Disneyland and a thoroughly modern, interactive atmosphere.
We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you navigate your journey from Beijing to Shanghai (or vice versa), including train and flight ticket prices, the distance between the two cities, and how long the trip takes.
How to Get from Shanghai to Beijing
There are several ways to travel from Shanghai to Beijing, with the fastest option being the high-speed train, which gets you to the capital in just over four hours.
If you’d rather use the time to take in more of the journey or travel overnight, a regular train might be a better choice. By leaving in the evening, you’ll arrive in Beijing early the next morning, rested and ready to explore.
Flying is another option, but the time it takes to get to the airport, go through check-in and security, and collect your luggage can make it less convenient. Plus, plane tickets are often more expensive, so it’s not the most budget-friendly option.
Finally, you could travel by long-distance bus, though it’s the slowest and least comfortable way to make the trip. Be prepared for a long journey and keep in mind that you may need some time to recover once you arrive.
Distance Between Beijing and Shanghai
Beijing is located in the north of China, while Shanghai sits in the southeast. The distance between these two major cities varies depending on the mode of transport: around 1,100 km by air, 1,300 km by train, and approximately 1,200 km—or about 14 hours—by car.
How to Travel from Shanghai to Beijing by High-Speed Train
Taking a high-speed train is one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to travel between Shanghai and Beijing. These modern trains cover the distance between the two megacities in just 4.5 to 6.5 hours. It’s one of the busiest and best-organized rail routes in China.
Two types of high-speed trains operate on this route: G-series trains—the fastest, reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h—and D-series trains, which are slightly slower but still very comfortable. Trains depart from Beijing South Railway Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
High-speed trains run daily from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes. You can choose from three classes: second class, first class, and business class. Second-class seats are arranged in a 3+2 configuration with standard padded seating. First-class seats are arranged 2+2, offering more legroom. Business-class seats fully recline, allowing you to lie flat for maximum comfort.
Ticket prices for second class start at around $80. First-class tickets start at $128, and business class from $258. Prices may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and departure time. You can check current fares and book your tickets online.
How to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai by Regular Train
In addition to high-speed trains, there are also traditional (regular) trains connecting Beijing and Shanghai. This option is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. These trains mostly operate overnight, with travel times ranging from 15 to 22 hours. Most of them are sleeper trains equipped with compartments offering various levels of comfort.
Departures usually take place from Beijing Railway Station (the central station), but some trains also leave from Beijing South or Beijing West stations, depending on the schedule. In Shanghai, most trains arrive at Shanghai Railway Station, with a few going to Shanghai South.
There are several types of seating and sleeper options available. Hard seats are the cheapest but not suitable for long journeys. Hard sleeper berths are a more economical way to lie down, though less comfortable, and tickets typically cost between 150 and 300 yuan. Soft sleepers offer more comfort and are priced similarly to second-class seats on high-speed trains.
Tickets can be purchased on the official Chinese railway website, 12306.cn, although the interface is only available in Chinese. You can also book in advance through platforms like Trip.com or 12go.asia.
Flying from Shanghai to Beijing
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, flying between Beijing and Shanghai is a convenient option. The flight itself takes about two hours, but when you factor in the time needed to get to the airport, check in, go through security, board, and collect your luggage, the total travel time is around 5 to 6 hours.
As the high season approaches—from March to November—airfare between Beijing and Shanghai tends to rise significantly. To save money, you can choose a low-cost airline, though it’s important to note that these carriers often have strict baggage limits.
Flights depart from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), arriving in Shanghai at either Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) airports. Around 50 direct flights operate daily, starting as early as 6:00 AM and running until late at night. Purchase plane ticket from Beijing to Shanghai.
Airlines offering direct flights between the two cities include China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China United Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines. The average one-way ticket costs around $80.
How to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai by Bus
While it’s not the most popular option, it is entirely possible to travel from Beijing to Shanghai by bus. This method is best suited for budget travelers who aren’t in a hurry and are prepared for a long journey. The bus service between these two major cities is organized, but it’s far less convenient and much slower than taking a train or flying.
The bus trip takes between 16 and 20 hours, and ticket prices generally range from $20 to $50. Buses usually depart from major long-distance bus stations in Beijing, such as the Liuliqiao Long-Distance Bus Station. In Shanghai, they mostly arrive at the Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station.
Since buses run less frequently than trains, it’s best to purchase your ticket in advance. You can do this at ticket counters in the bus stations or through local apps—though keep in mind that these are usually only available in Chinese.
