Shanghai to Beijing Train

The Beijing–Shanghai high-speed line is the busiest and most punctual rail corridor in China, and the single most common train trip foreign visitors take. G-trains cover the 1,318 km between Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao in as little as 4h18m, with departures roughly every 10–15 minutes throughout the day.

Fastest journey
4h18m
Distance
1318 km
Trains per day
40+
Departs
Shanghai Hongqiao
Arrives
Beijing South

Departures on 2026-10-29

TrainDepartArriveDuration Second ClassFirst ClassBusiness Class
G532 06:31 12:18 05:47 US$92US$146US$271 Book
G548 06:32 12:39 06:07 US$98US$154US$299 Book
G2 06:43 11:32 04:49 US$95US$152 sold outUS$333 Book
G4 07:00 11:37 04:37 US$105US$161US$336 Book
G550 07:22 13:21 05:59 US$95US$152US$289 Book
G566 07:27 13:36 06:09 US$92US$146US$271 Book
G598 07:38 13:32 05:54 US$95US$152US$289 Book
G8 08:00 12:26 04:26 US$104US$159 sold outUS$333 sold out Book
G600 08:05 14:04 05:59 US$95 sold outUS$152 sold outUS$289 sold out Book
G634 08:15 14:13 05:58 US$95US$152US$289 Book
G10 09:00 13:26 04:26 US$104 sold outUS$159US$333 sold out Book
G668 09:26 15:21 05:55 US$99US$156US$311 Book

Times shown are local China time (UTC+8). Prices are in US dollars and include service fee.

What you should know

  • Book from Beijing South (北京南) — not Beijing Station or Beijing West. They are different stations on opposite sides of the city.
  • Second Class is comfortable and costs a fraction of a flight; Business Class gives you a fully flat seat for about triple the fare.
  • Trains sell out around Chinese public holidays — the 15-day booking window matters on this route more than anywhere else.
Booking with a foreign passport

We book real tickets directly against your passport number — no Chinese ID or phone number needed. Your passport is your ticket: go to the staffed lane at the gate, let staff scan it, and board.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Beijing to Shanghai?

The fastest G-trains take about 4 hours 18 minutes non-stop. Slower G-trains that stop at Nanjing, Jinan or Tianjin take 5 to 6 hours.

Which Beijing station do I need for Shanghai?

Almost all high-speed departures leave from Beijing South (Beijing Nan). Always check your ticket — Beijing Station and Beijing West serve different destinations entirely.

Can I buy Beijing–Shanghai tickets with a foreign passport?

Yes. Your passport is both your ID and your ticket: after booking, walk to the staffed lane at the gate and let them scan your passport.

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