Beijing - Shanghai Trains: High-speed Train & Overnight Train, Time, Price

The Beijing - Shanghai Railway, also called the Jinghu Railway, is one of China's busiest and most important train routes. It starts in Beijing and goes through big cities like Tianjin, Jinan, Nanjing, and Suzhou before ending in Shanghai.

Over 40 pairs of high-speed trains travel this route daily, taking around 4 to 6 hours. The fastest train takes 4 hours and 18 minutes to travel between Beijing and Shanghai, covering 1,318 kilometers.

Besides, there are 5 pairs of normal-speed overnight trains still running on this line, needing about 12 to 19 hours.

Beijing - Shanghai High-Speed Train Facts

• Open time: June 30, 2011
• Shortest Duration: 4 hours and 18 minutes
• Distance: 1,318 kilometers (818 miles)
• Speed: 350 kph (217 mph) for Fuxing Train, 300 kph (186 mph) for Hexie Train
• Terminals: Beijing South Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, Shanghai Railway Station
• Main Stops: Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan, Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Shanghai
• Number of Trains: 43 pairs of daytime G-trains and 3 pairs of overnight D-trains
• Frequency: every day

Beijing - Shanghai High-Speed Train Time

Most high-speed trains between Beijing and Shanghai are operated at Beijing South Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.

Here is the timetable. (Updated on March 31, 2024)

There are six high-speed trains will arrive at Shanghai Railway Station (city center).

Here is the timetable. (Updated on March 31, 2024)

The schedules are subject to change without prior official notice. For real-time information, please visit China Train.

Shanghai - Beijing High-Speed Train Time

Most high-speed trains between Beijing and Shanghai are operated at Beijing South Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.

Here is the timetable. (Updated on March 31, 2024)

There are five high-speed trains will depart from Shanghai Railway Station (city center).

Here is the timetable. (Updated on March 31, 2024)

The schedules are subject to change without prior official notice. For real-time information, please visit China Train.

Beijing - Shanghai High-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Currently, several high-speed rail lines implement floating ticket prices. The prices listed in the table below are the published ticket prices set by China Rail without any discounts. The actual ticket price is subject to the discounted price at the time of purchase.

Child Ticket

Children aged 6 to under 14 can buy a child discount ticket, which is about half the price of an adult ticket. Children who are 14 or older need to pay full price for an adult ticket.

Each adult can bring along one child under 6 years old who doesn't need a separate seat, and they can travel for free. If there's more than one such child, extra ones should get child discount tickets.

Beijing - Shanghai Overnight Train

• Shortest duration: 12 hours 3 minutes
• Terminals: Beijing Railway Station, Beijing South Station, Shanghai Railway Station
• Number of trains: 5 pairs of overnight trains
• Frequency: every day

Beijing to Shanghai Overnight Train Schedule

Overnight Beijing to Shanghai sleeper trains schedule. (Updated on March 31, 2024)

Note: +1 means the train arrives the next day.

Shanghai to Beijing Overnight Train Schedule

Overnight Shanghai to Beijing sleeper trains schedule. (Updated on March 31, 2024)

Note: +1 means the train arrives the next day.

Beijing - Shanghai Overnight Train Ticket Price

Beijing - Shanghai Train Types

There are generally four types of trains running between Beijing and Shanghai: G trains, D trains, T trains, and normal trains. 

All these train types offer different levels of comfort, speed, and ticket pricing, providing options that cater to different traveler's needs and budgets.

G Trains

G trains, also known as High-Speed Trains, are the fastest in China's rail network, reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. The G train journey from Beijing to Shanghai typically takes about 4 to 6 hours.

D Trains

D trains, or "Electric Multiple Units" (EMU), are fast trains that operate at slightly lower speeds than G trains, usually around 250 km/h. They still offer a reasonably fast and comfortable journey, with the trip between Beijing and Shanghai usually taking around 12 hours.

T Trains

T trains, known as Express Trains, were previously the fastest trains in China before the introduction of G and D train models. They travel at speeds of about 140 km/h. The journey from Beijing to Shanghai on a T train takes about 15 to 16 hours.

Normal Trains

Normal trains, often called "Regular-speed" trains, are the slowest type, traveling at a speed of around 100-120 km/h. They provide a cost-effective option for travelers on a tight budget, with a journey time from Beijing to Shanghai of approximately 19 to 22 hours.

Beijing to Shanghai, by Train or Plane?

Choosing a flight could be more suitable for those who prioritize time efficiency and can accept a higher cost. However, you may need to consider potential occasional delays.

High-speed train travel may be a better fit for travelers valuing cost-effectiveness and punctuality.

How to Book Beijing - Shanghai Train Tickets

There are three main ways you can book train tickets from Beijing to Shanghai:

Book Train Tickets with us (Highly Recommended)

China Travel Train Booking offers 24/7 English-speaking personalized service for all your booking needs. This allows for individual attention and flexibility to handle emergency changes and customize solutions to meet your unique requirements.

Our team endeavors to make your train travel smooth!

Book Train Tickets through China Rail Official Website

You can consider using the 12306 China Rail official website if you want to save the service fee charged by travel agencies. However, it may require significant effort to handle ticket changes or cancellations on your own.

Note: The official 12306.cn website offers ticket sales services only between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM, however, the ticket search function remains accessible 24/7.

Book Train Tickets at Train Stations

Buying tickets directly at the train station ticket windows is another option. Nevertheless, this method requires lining up and can pose a considerable challenge as the train station staff may not speak English.

History of Beijing - Shanghai High-Speed Railway

The idea for the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway emerged in the early 1990s due to overcrowding on the Beijing-Shanghai Railway. Construction began in 2008 and finished in 2011, shortening the travel time between Beijing and Shanghai from 15 hours to just 5 hours!

Through years of innovation, the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway now reaches a speed of 300 km/h. In 2017, China Rail introduced the Fuxing Train on this route, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 350 km/h.

FAQs on Beijing - Shanghai High-Speed Trains

How long does it take to get from Beijing to Shanghai by high-speed train?

The journey between Beijing and Shanghai by high-speed train typically takes 4.5 to 6 hours. 

The fastest high-speed train, the Fuxing (G21/28), can make the journey in just 4 hours and 18 minutes!

How much is the bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing?

The ticket price for a bullet train trip between Shanghai and Beijing varies depending on the class of the seat.

How fast is a Beijing to Shanghai high-speed train?

The Beijing - Shanghai high-speed trains, particularly the Fuxing series, can reach top speeds of around 350 km/h (217 mph).

The average speed of the EMU trains is approximately 250 km/h (155 mph).

More Rail Lines from Beijing:

• Beijing to Xi’an
• Beijing to Datong
• Beijing to Tianjin
• Beijing to Guangzhou
• Beijing to Shenzhen
• Beijing to Hong Kong

More Rail Lines from Shanghai:

• Shanghai to Xi’an
• Shanghai to Guangzhou
• Shanghai to Hangzhou
• Shanghai to Suzhou
• Shanghai to Nanjing
• Shanghai to Hong Kong

You Might Like to Read

• Beijing Travel Guide
• Shanghai Travel Guide
• Best Tips for China Train Travel