Planning a trip from Chengdu to Shanghai but not sure which way to go? These two megacities are more than 1,600 kilometers apart, and depending on your choice of transport, the journey can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.
While Chengdu is best known as the home of giant pandas, there’s much more to explore in this laid-back city. After soaking in Chengdu’s relaxed atmosphere, many travelers continue their journey to other major destinations in China, especially Beijing or Shanghai.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how to get from Chengdu to Shanghai – whether by train or plane. You’ll learn about ticket prices, travel times, where to buy tickets, and other practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
Distance Between Chengdu and Shanghai
The distance between Chengdu and Shanghai is about 1,964 kilometers by road in a straight line. To travel between the two cities, the fastest and most convenient option is by plane — perfect for those who value their time, as the flight takes around three hours.
Another option is the high-speed train, with a travel time of up to 15 hours. If you choose this route, consider taking an early morning departure — you’ll have the chance to see plenty of beautiful scenery along the way.
For budget travelers, the regular train is also available, though the journey from Chengdu to Shanghai takes around 30 hours.
Flying from Chengdu to Shanghai
The fastest way to travel from Chengdu to Shanghai is by plane. On average, there are more than 100 direct flights each day, departing from early morning until late at night. Airlines operating on this route include Chengdu Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China. The average flight time is around three hours, though with Chengdu Airlines it may take up to four hours.
Ticket prices vary depending on the airline, season, and how far in advance you book. On average, expect to pay around $200 for a one-way ticket. You can check current prices and book tickets easily through online platforms such as 12Go or Trip.com.
Departure and Arrival Airports
You can fly from one of Chengdu’s two international airports – Tianfu (TFU) or Shuangliu (CTU). If you plan to end your stay in Chengdu with a visit to the famous Giant Panda Research Base, it’s more convenient to depart from Shuangliu Airport, located about an hour’s drive from the reserve.
Flights from Chengdu to Shanghai arrive at either Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Pudong is Shanghai’s main international hub, situated roughly an hour from the city center, while Hongqiao is closer to downtown and primarily handles domestic flights.
Depending on where you plan to stay and what you want to see in Shanghai, choose the airport that offers the most convenient access to your destination.
How to Get from Chengdu to Shanghai by High-Speed Train
Traveling from Chengdu to Shanghai by high-speed train is a great way to experience more of China — even if it’s just through the window. The journey takes between 11 and 15 hours, depending on the train type and schedule.
Around 15 high-speed trains run this route daily, with departures starting as early as 6:00 a.m. and continuing until 7:00 p.m. Most trains leave in the morning, with only a couple of departures around midday and in the evening.
Departure and arrival stations for the high-speed train
High-speed trains depart from Chengdu East Railway Station, one of the city’s largest and most modern stations. You can easily reach it by metro via Line 2 or Line 7 and get off at Chengdu East Railway Station. In Shanghai, trains arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
Types of seats and comfort levels
High-speed trains on this route are divided into two types: on one, the journey takes about 13 hours, and on the other, around 15 hours. Each train offers several classes of seating with varying levels of comfort.
On the trains with a 15-hour journey, you’ll find standing tickets, second-class, and first-class seats. A standing ticket is the cheapest option – you can sit in any available seat but must give it up if a passenger with a reserved seat asks for it.
Second-class seats are slightly more expensive, with three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other. First-class coaches have two seats on each side, offering more legroom and luggage space. On the trains with a 13-hour journey, you can also choose from first-class, second-class, and business-class seats. Business class provides the highest level of comfort, featuring one seat on each side of the aisle, and meals are included in the ticket price.
Ticket prices range from about $90 for the cheapest seats to around $400 for a business-class ticket. You can check current prices and book your trip on Trip.com.
From Chengdu to Shanghai by regular train
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get from Chengdu to Shanghai, consider taking a regular (non-high-speed) train. It’s a great option to save money – even a four-berth soft sleeper compartment costs about the same as a first-class seat on a high-speed train – but you’ll spend more than a full day on the journey. Travel time on a regular train ranges from 30 to 40 hours.
Departure and arrival stations
Trains depart from Chengdu West Railway Station (Chengduxi) and typically arrive at Shanghai Railway Station, which mainly serves overnight and long-distance trains. Chengdu West Station is connected to metro lines 4 and 9, with the metro platforms located directly inside the station – very convenient, especially if you’re traveling with luggage.
Types of carriages and comfort levels
Only two or three regular trains run on this route each day, with two of them departing at night. Ticket prices vary depending on the class of comfort, of which there are three. The cheapest option is a hard seat, starting at around $40. A hard sleeper (six-berth compartment) costs from about $70, while a soft sleeper (four-berth compartment) starts at around $100. You can check current prices and purchase tickets online.
If you’re planning a trip from Chengdu to Beijing instead, you can check out our separate guide on that route.
