Beijing and Shanghai, the two most influential cities in China, are well connected with trains. The fastest G trains are available every other 15 minutes to 30 minutes from 6:40 to 19:00. Railway company also provides comfortable overnight D trains departing in the evening and arrive early in the morning. Some normal trains are kept for those looking for budget travel.
Cost for train ride cost reasonable. For G trains, the second class seat is $79, first class seat is $126, business class seat is $249. The overnight Z trains offering luxury soft sleeper at $128, soft sleeper at $70, hard sleeper at $44, and hard seat at $24. The sleeper seats (further explanation of seat class) are quite comfortable and will save you a night accommodation in Shanghai. Choose the overnight D trains if it is under your budget.
Though there are frequently trains between these two cities, do not think that as “hop on” trains. Plan the trip in advance especially during public holidays.
Train No | Dep. Station | Dep. Time | Arr. Station | Arr. Time | Duration | Mileage |
G101 | Beijing South | 6:36 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 12:40 | 6h4m | 1318 |
G103 | Beijing South | 6:43 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 12:48 | 6h5m | 1318 |
G5 | Beijing South | 7:00 | Shanghai Station | 11:40 | 4h40m | 1325 |
G105 | Beijing South | 7:20 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 13:08 | 5h48m | 1318 |
G143 | Beijing South | 7:50 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 13:12 | 5h22m | 1318 |
G107 | Beijing South | 8:05 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 13:46 | 5h41m | 1318 |
G109 | Beijing South | 8:15 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 14:17 | 6h2m | 1318 |
G111 | Beijing South | 8:35 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 14:22 | 5h47m | 1318 |
G113 | Beijing South | 8:50 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 14:33 | 5h43m | 1318 |
G1 | Beijing South | 9:00 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 13:28 | 4h28m | 1318 |
G41 | Beijing South | 9:12 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 14:49 | 5h37m | 1318 |
G115 | Beijing South | 9:20 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 14:58 | 5h38m | 1318 |
G117 | Beijing South | 9:25 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 15:38 | 6h13m | 1318 |
G7 | Beijing South | 10:00 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 14:28 | 4h28m | 1318 |
G119 | Beijing South | 10:05 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 15:51 | 5h46m | 1318 |
G121 | Beijing South | 10:20 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 16:25 | 6h5m | 1318 |
G123 | Beijing South | 11:05 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 16:50 | 5h45m | 1318 |
G125 | Beijing South | 11:10 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 16:59 | 5h49m | 1318 |
G411 | Beijing South | 11:20 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 17:25 | 6h5m | 1318 |
G127 | Beijing South | 11:30 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 17:20 | 5h50m | 1318 |
1461 | Beijing Station | 11:55 | Shanghai Station | 7:00 | 19h5m | 1463 |
G9 | Beijing South | 12:00 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 16:36 | 4h36m | 1318 |
G129 | Beijing South | 12:10 | Shanghai Station | 18:07 | 5h57m | 1325 |
G131 | Beijing South | 12:20 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 18:16 | 5h56m | 1318 |
G133 | Beijing South | 12:50 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 18:40 | 5h50m | 1318 |
G135 | Beijing South | 13:05 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 18:59 | 5h54m | 1318 |
G137 | Beijing South | 13:35 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 19:17 | 5h42m | 1318 |
G139 | Beijing South | 13:45 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 20:05 | 6h20m | 1318 |
G3 | Beijing South | 14:00 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 18:28 | 4h28m | 1318 |
G43 | Beijing South | 14:05 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 19:43 | 5h38m | 1318 |
G141 | Beijing South | 14:10 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 20:09 | 5h59m | 1318 |
G145 | Beijing South | 14:35 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 20:33 | 5h58m | 1318 |
G11 | Beijing South | 15:00 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 19:28 | 4h28m | 1318 |
G155 | Beijing South | 15:45 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 21:41 | 5h56m | 1318 |
G147 | Beijing South | 15:50 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 22:00 | 6h10m | 1318 |
G169 | Beijing South | 16:40 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 22:35 | 5h55m | 1318 |
G151 | Beijing South | 16:45 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 23:02 | 6h17m | 1318 |
G13 | Beijing South | 17:00 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 21:36 | 4h36m | 1318 |
G153 | Beijing South | 17:16 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 23:11 | 5h55m | 1318 |
G157 | Beijing South | 17:36 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 23:32 | 5h56m | 1318 |
G159 | Beijing South | 17:46 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 23:54 | 6h8m | 1318 |
G15 | Beijing South | 18:00 | Shanghai Station | 22:43 | 4h43m | 1325 |
G17 | Beijing South | 19:00 | Shanghai Hongqiao | 23:18 | 4h18m | 1318 |
G21 | Beijing South | 19:08 | Shanghai Station | 23:40 | 4h32m | 1325 |
Z281/Z284 | Beijing Station | 19:10 | Shanghai Station南 | 9:54 | 14h44m | 1443 |
D701 | Beijing Station | 19:22 | Shanghai Station | 7:26 | 12h4m | 1463 |
D709 | Beijing South | 19:46 | Shanghai Station | 7:46 | 12h0m | 1454 |
T109 | Beijing Station | 20:05 | Shanghai Station | 11:00 | 14h55m | 1463 |
D705 | Beijing Station | 21:21 | Shanghai Station | 9:21 | 12h0m | 1463 |
Beijing, often described as one of the most historic and cultural cities in China, Beijing's position as the capital city make it very appealing. Beijing has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and it has a lot to offer for tourists.
Attractive sights include Temple of Heaven, The Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Hutong, Summer Palace, National Museum of China, Panjianyuan Market, Tian'anmen Square, Lama Temple, Olympic Green, 798 Art District etc. View a full list of Beijing tours.
Classic itinerary in Beijing
Day 1: Arrival Beijing
Day 2: The Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, Jingshan Par, and Hutong Tour
Day 3: Great Wall and Temple of Heaven
Day 4: Summer Palace, Lama Temple. Then board train to Shanghai in the afternoon.
Shanghai's diversity begins with its architectures. The city features an abundance of historic buildings left over centuries, but at the same time keeps up with the latest trends in modern structures. It is also a large international and cultural center.
Shanghai's essential includes Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Museum, Jin Mao Tower, Shikumen, The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Zhujiajiao, M50, Xintiandi, The Old Street etc.
Classic itinerary in Shanghai:
Day 1: Arrival by overnight D train from Xian. Take a full day sightseeing including Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Bund, Yuyuan Garden. Evening leisure walk at Nanjing Road.
Day 2: Full day suburb visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town and M50 or Qibao Ancient Town.
Day 3. Depart from Shanghai.
Look for more tours in Shanghai
1. Due to the frequent train operating between these cities, tickets are easier to book than other long distance trips. But you are still suggested to avoid the big festivals including National Day Holiday (Sep 31st to Oct 6th), and Spring Festival Eve (lunar calendar).
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