How to get from Beijing to Shanghai
Beijing to Shanghai is one of Asia’s easiest mega-city hops. Your main choices are the fast G/D high-speed trains (city-center to city-center), frequent flights (PEK/PKX ↔ SHA/PVG), a classic overnight sleeper train, or a budget-first long-distance bus. Private car/charter works for door-to-door flexibility. Compare below and follow the step-by-steps.
At A Glance (Beijing to Shanghai)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚄 High-Speed Train (G/D: Beijing South/Chaoyang → Shanghai Hongqiao) | ~4h25–5h30 (direct) | Fastest city-center to city-center |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 560–1,000 one-way (class/date) » compare trains | Trip.com schedules | ||
| ✈️ Flight (PEK/PKX → SHA/PVG) | ~2–2.5h flight + 40–90m transfers | Speed when airport access fits |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 500–1,500+ one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚆🌙 Overnight Sleeper Train (Conventional) | ~11–13h (night) | Save a hotel night, relaxed pace |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 300–700 (soft/hard sleeper tiers) » see options | overnight schedules | ||
| 🚌 Long-Distance Bus | ~15–18h | Lowest fares when trains/flights sold out |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 250–450 one-way » compare buses | ||
| 🚐 Private Car / Driver (Door-to-Door) | ~11–13h (traffic/tolls) | Max comfort & luggage, bespoke stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: Quote-based (premium) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest city-center: High-speed G/D trains between Beijing South/Chaoyang and Shanghai Hongqiao.
- Fastest gate-to-gate: Flights (good if you’re already near the airport or connecting).
- Budget + sleep en route: Overnight sleeper train.
- Last-minute budget seats: Long-distance bus (long ride, but frequent).
- Door-to-door or special needs: Private car/driver.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy early on peak dates: Major holidays/weekends sell out. Compare trains/buses on 12Go and Trip.com.
- Station/airport transfers: For easy meet-and-greet cars, compare GetTransfer. Local ride-hailing apps are widely used in both cities.
- Luggage storage: If you’re sightseeing pre-departure, stash bags via Radical Storage Beijing or Radical Storage Shanghai.
- Staying near the hub: For late arrivals/early starts, browse hotels by station/airport on Booking.com Beijing and Booking.com Shanghai.
🚄 Option #1 — High-Speed Train (G/D) Beijing → Shanghai (Most Popular, Fastest Downtown-to-Downtown)
Fast Frequent Reserved seating
- Overview: G/D trains link Beijing South (BJS) and Beijing Chaoyang to Shanghai Hongqiao in about 4.5–5.5 hours. 2nd/1st/business classes, power outlets, clean restrooms, and snack carts onboard.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 560–1,000 one-way depending on class/date. Check times, seat maps, and pay online via 12Go (trains) or Trip.com. Official: 12306 (China Railway).
- Pros: City-center terminals, frequent departures, reliable. Cons: Peak dates sell out; luggage racks can fill at rush hours.
Step-by-step: High-Speed Train
- Get to the departure station: choose Beijing South (most frequent) or Beijing Chaoyang based on proximity; use metro/taxi or a meet-and-greet car via GetTransfer.
- Buy/confirm your ticket on 12Go or Trip.com; have passport ready for ID check.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early; scan your ID/e-ticket at the gate, locate your platform and car number.
- Arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao; follow signs to metro/taxis or continue with a prebooked ride.
Getting to the main embarking points (Beijing South / Shanghai Hongqiao)
- Beijing South Railway Station: Metro lines and taxis connect citywide; allow buffer in rush hour.
- Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: Directly linked to Hongqiao Airport and metro; plenty of food/ATMs.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #2 — Flight (PEK/PKX → SHA/PVG)
Fast airtime Many daily flights Airport transfers
- Overview: Frequent services connect Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX) with Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG). Total door-to-door time depends on your origin/arrival airports and traffic.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 500–1,500+ each way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Pros: Short flight time; good for connections. Cons: Security + airport transfers add time; weather/ATC delays possible.
Step-by-step: Flight
- Choose airport pairing that fits your location (e.g., PKX→PVG if you’re near Daxing and staying near Pudong).
- Book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and allow 2–3 hours at departure.
- On arrival at SHA/PVG, follow signs for metro, airport bus, taxi, or meet your prearranged ride (compare fixed-price cars on GetTransfer).
- Continue to your hotel or onward rail/metro connection.
Getting to the main embarking points (PEK/PKX & SHA/PVG)
- Beijing airports (PEK/PKX): Reachable by metro/airport express or taxi/ride-hail; leave buffer for traffic/queues.
- Shanghai airports (SHA/PVG): SHA is close to the city; PVG has fast metro/Maglev into town.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆🌙 Option #3 — Overnight Sleeper Train (Classic & Budget-Friendly)
Save hotel night Cozy berths Longer overall
- Overview: Conventional overnight trains run between central stations (e.g., Beijing Railway Station → Shanghai Railway Station). Choose soft sleeper (4-berth), deluxe soft sleeper (2-berth), or hard sleeper (6-berth).
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 300–700 by berth type/date. Compare timetables and book on 12Go or Trip.com. Official: 12306.
- Pros: Night travel, sociable, city-center arrival. Cons: Slower; limited berths on peak dates.
Step-by-step: Overnight Sleeper Train
- Pick your departure: Beijing Railway Station is central; verify the exact station on your ticket (some services may use other Beijing terminals).
- Reserve a preferred berth on 12Go or Trip.com; bring passport for boarding.
- Arrive ~45–60 minutes early to locate your waiting room and platform; buy snacks/water for the ride.
- Wake up near Shanghai Railway Station; connect by metro/taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Beijing / Shanghai Railway Stations)
- Beijing Railway Station: Central location with metro/taxi links; signage in English available.
- Shanghai Railway Station: Major downtown hub; multiple metro lines and taxi stands.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #4 — Long-Distance Bus (Cheapest, Long Ride)
Budget Frequent Slow vs. train/flight
- Overview: Day and night coaches run between Beijing and Shanghai. Seats vary from standard recliners to sleeper-style layouts on some services.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 250–450. Check third-party listings on 12Go. Times can change—verify locally on the day.
- Pros: Often cheapest, many departure times. Cons: 15–18 hours; fewer amenities than trains.
Step-by-step: Long-Distance Bus
- Choose a Beijing terminal convenient to you (e.g., Liuliqiao or Zhaogongkou); confirm the exact pickup when booking.
- Compare departure times on 12Go; arrive 30–45 minutes early with your e-ticket and passport.
- Keep water/snacks on hand; rest-stop intervals vary.
- Arrive at a Shanghai coach station (often Shanghai South or central stations) and connect by metro/taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Beijing Coach Hubs / Shanghai Coach Stations)
- Beijing: Liuliqiao & Zhaogongkou are commonly used long-distance hubs; use metro/taxi to reach your bay.
- Shanghai: Shanghai South Long-Distance Station and other downtown coach stops have easy metro links.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Car / Driver (Door-to-Door, Flexible)
Comfort Bespoke route Costly vs. train
- Overview: A chartered car/van collects you at your address and drives straight to your Shanghai destination, with optional sightseeing stops along the way.
- How to book (with price): Request quotes and vehicle sizes on GetTransfer. For short station/airport legs in each city, local ride-hailing is widely used.
- Pros: Zero transfers, easy with bulky luggage or kids. Cons: Long drive time; premium pricing; tolls/fuel apply.
Step-by-step: Private Car
- Enter pickup/drop addresses and desired departure time; confirm what’s included (tolls, waiting time, night surcharges) in your quote.
- Share building and gate details; keep your phone reachable for the driver on pickup day.
- Plan safe rest/fuel stops every 2–3 hours; arrive in Shanghai and go straight to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- Beijing pickup: Any hotel/airport/residence; coordinate exact curbside point.
- Shanghai drop: City center or airports (SHA/PVG) as needed.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Beijing to Shanghai)
Train or flight—what’s faster door-to-door?
If you’re staying near central districts, high-speed rail is usually quickest city-center to city-center. Flights can be faster only when airport access is convenient and queues are short.
Which train class should I choose?
Second Class is great value; First offers wider seating; Business Class is the most spacious with a 1-2-1 layout on some sets.
Which Shanghai station will I arrive at?
Most high-speed services arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao (connected to SHA airport and metro). Some conventional sleepers use Shanghai Railway Station downtown.
How much luggage can I bring on trains?
Practical limits apply, but suitcases/backpacks commonly fit on racks or behind seats. Keep valuables with you.
Can I store bags for a few hours?
Yes—use staffed lockers/left-luggage at major stations or book a spot via Radical Storage Beijing and Radical Storage Shanghai.
Good areas to stay near hubs?
Beijing: around Beijing South or central Dongcheng/Chaoyang. Shanghai: Hongqiao area for early trains, or People’s Square/The Bund for sightseeing—compare on Booking.com.