How to get from Shanghai to Shenzhen

China · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Shanghai · Shenzhen

Shanghai to Shenzhen is a classic north–south hop across China’s east coast. Your best choices are the fast and frequent high-speed G/D trains, quick flights to Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), a money-saving overnight sleeper on conventional rails, or a long-haul bus if you’re pinching pennies. Pick based on time, budget, and where in each city you start/end.

At A Glance (Shanghai to Shenzhen)

Mode Duration Best For
🚄 High-Speed Train (G/D) — Shanghai Hongqiao → Shenzhen North/Futian ~7.5–9.5h (direct) Comfort, reliability, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 550–1,700 (2nd→Business class) » compare trains | Trip.com tickets
✈️ Flight (PVG/SHA → SZX) ~2.5h flight + 1–1.5h airport transfers Fastest when schedules align, mileage redeemers
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 700–1,600 (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚆 Overnight Sleeper (Conventional T/Z/K train) ~13–16h (route-dependent) Budget + save a hotel night
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 350–700 (hard/soft sleeper) » check sleepers | Trip.com rail
🚌 Long-Distance Bus ~18–22h (traffic & stops) Cheapest last-minute, flexible travelers
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 300–600 (seat/sleeper) » compare buses

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Most comfortable + predictable: High-speed train — wide seats, power outlets, snack carts, and downtown-to-downtown convenience.
  • Fastest clock-to-clock (if near airports): Fly PVG/SHA→SZX, then metro/taxi into town.
  • Save a hotel night: Overnight sleeper on conventional rail.
  • Ultra-budget/no tickets left: Long-distance bus, but expect a very long ride.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Buy early for weekends/holidays: Trains and flights sell out; compare on 12Go and Trip.com. Keep passport details handy for rail tickets.
  • Stations & airports are big: Allow extra time to navigate Shanghai Hongqiao (HQR station/airport cluster) and Shenzhen North/Futian mega-stations.
  • Local transfers: In both cities, metro and licensed taxis are best; ride-hailing operates via local apps. For fixed intercity quotes, check GetTransfer.
  • Luggage: If sightseeing before departure, stash bags at city locations via Radical Storage Shanghai or Radical Storage Shenzhen.
  • Staying overnight? Browse hotels near stations/centers on Booking.com (Shanghai) and Booking.com (Shenzhen).

🚄 Option #1 — High-Speed Train (G/D Series) — Best Overall

Comfortable Frequent City-center to city-center

  • Overview: Frequent G/D trains from Shanghai Hongqiao to Shenzhen North (some to Futian). 2nd/1st/Business classes; onboard power and snacks. Bring your passport for ticket pickup/ID check.
  • How to book (with price): ~CNY 550–1,700 by class/date. Compare and reserve on 12Go (trains) or Trip.com (CN rail). Official (Chinese): 12306.
  • Pros: Smooth, scenic in parts; no airport transfers. Cons: Longer than flying; peak dates sell out.

Step-by-step: High-Speed Train

  1. Reach Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (inside the Hongqiao transport hub) by metro Line 2/10 or taxi; arrive 45–60 minutes early.
  2. Buy or collect your ticket (passport required) and pass security to the waiting hall; check the overhead boards for your gate.
  3. Board your G/D train; keep your passport and seat/coach info handy. Food carts and hot water are usually available onboard.
  4. Arrive at Shenzhen North (interchange for metro Lines 4/5) or Futian (Lines 2/3/11). Continue by metro/taxi to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hongqiao / Shenzhen North & Futian)

  • Shanghai Hongqiao: Metro Lines 2/10, airport buses, and taxis all serve the hub shared with SHA domestic airport.
  • Shenzhen arrivals: From North use Metro L4/L5; from Futian use L2/L3/L11 (handy for Nanshan/Shekou/airport).
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (PVG/SHA → SZX) — Fastest in the Air

Shortest airtime Many daily flights Airport transfers

  • Overview: Multiple airlines fly from PVG (Pudong) and SHA (Hongqiao) to SZX (Shenzhen Bao’an). At SZX, connect by metro Line 11, taxi, or hotel pickup.
  • How to book (with price): ~CNY 700–1,600 each way. Search on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  • Pros: Quick in the air; lots of frequencies. Cons: Transfers and airport time reduce the edge vs. HSR.

Step-by-step: Flight PVG/SHA → SZX

  1. Choose departure airport based on where you stay: SHA is inside the Hongqiao hub (closer for west Shanghai), PVG serves most international flights and the east side.
  2. Book tickets on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and arrive 2 hours before departure.
  3. Land at SZX; take Metro Line 11 (fast to Nanshan/Futian), or a licensed taxi. Some hotels offer paid pickups.
  4. If you need a fixed private car, compare quotes on GetTransfer (Shenzhen).

Getting to the main embarking points (PVG/SHA & SZX)

  • Shanghai airports: PVG by Metro L2/Maglev/bus/taxi; SHA by Metro L2/L10 or short taxi from west side districts.
  • Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX): Metro Line 11 connects the terminals to downtown; taxis/ride-hailing available curbside.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #3 — Overnight Sleeper (Conventional Rail)

Save hotel night Budget Longer travel

  • Overview: Classic T/Z/K sleepers run between Shanghai Railway Station (or South) and Shenzhen Station (Luohu) with hard/soft sleeper berths. Slower but sociable and cheap.
  • How to book (with price): ~CNY 350–700 by berth. Check availability on 12Go or Trip.com Rail. Official (Chinese): 12306.
  • Pros: Sleep en route and arrive morning. Cons: Fewer modern amenities; longer door-to-door than HSR.

Step-by-step: Overnight Sleeper

  1. Get to Shanghai Railway Station by Metro Lines 1/3/4 or taxi; arrive ~60 minutes early to find the correct waiting room/gate.
  2. Show passport to collect your paper ticket if needed; board and locate your berth (upper/middle/lower).
  3. Carry snacks/water; lights dim late evening. Secure valuables and enjoy a classic rail night.
  4. Arrive at Shenzhen Station (Luohu); continue by Metro Line 1/3 or taxi to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Shanghai Main / Shenzhen Luohu)

  • Shanghai Main: Big concourses—follow English signs; eateries and convenience stores on site.
  • Shenzhen Luohu: Direct metro access (L1/L3) and taxis; good for east-side hotels.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #4 — Long-Distance Bus (Cheapest, Longest)

Low cost Many boarding points Very long ride

  • Overview: Sleeper/coach services run from various Shanghai bus hubs to Shenzhen (Nanshan/Longhua/Luohu). Expect multiple rest stops and potential delays.
  • How to book (with price): ~CNY 300–600. Compare routes on 12Go or check vendor counters at stations.
  • Pros: Tickets often available last-minute. Cons: Least comfortable; subject to traffic and overnight noise.

Step-by-step: Long-Distance Bus

  1. Pick a Shanghai departure hub that’s closest to you (ask your hotel); verify destination terminal in Shenzhen.
  2. Arrive 45–60 minutes early to check in and stow large luggage underneath.
  3. Bring water/earplugs/eye mask; expect rest-area food stops every few hours.
  4. On arrival in Shenzhen, use metro/taxi to reach your accommodation.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bus hubs / Shenzhen arrival)

  • Shanghai hubs: Reach by metro/taxi; signage varies—allow extra time to find the right bay.
  • Shenzhen terminals: Look for nearby metro links (e.g., Longhua/Nanshan lines) for easy last-mile.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Shanghai to Shenzhen)

Train or flight — which is better?
HSR is stress-free downtown-to-downtown and great in bad weather; flights are fastest in the air but add airport transfers and check-in time.

Which Shanghai station/airport should I use?
Most HSR departures leave Shanghai Hongqiao; sleepers often use Shanghai Railway Station. Flights depart SHA (closer west) and PVG (farther east).

Which Shenzhen station should I target?
Shenzhen North is the main HSR hub (good for Longhua/Nanshan); Futian is central; Luohu suits the east side and older districts.

How early should I arrive?
HSR: 45–60 minutes; flights: 2 hours domestic; sleepers/buses: ~60 minutes.

Can I use e-tickets?
Most online agents issue e-tickets tied to your passport; keep the passport for station checks and ticket pickup where required.

Where should I stay?
Near Futian/Convention Center for business, Nanshan/Shekou for leisure/tech parks, Luohu for markets and classic downtown. Compare on Booking.com (Shenzhen).

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