How to get from Beijing to Shanghai - By Train or Flight?

Need to get from Beijing to Shanghai by train or flight? Read this guide to decide which to use and grab your cheapest train tickets on Trip.com!

Compare 3 Ways from Beijing to Shanghai: Train, Flight or Drive?

For speed, ​flights and train both win. For comfort and views, high speed ​trains rule.

Train is the #1 Choice for Beijing to Shanghai Travelers

Let’s get real—why do 80% of travelers pick the train?

• ​City Center to City Center: No 2-hour airport commutes. Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao stations are both downtown.
• ​Punctuality: Trains arrive on time 99% of the time (unlike flights).
• ​Comfort: Stretch your legs, charge your phone, or grab a hot meal—no seatbelt signs

🚆Beijing to Shanghai High-Speed Train Guide

Credit: Unsplash

Beijing-Shanghai Bullet Train Route & Schedule

The ​1,318-km 京沪高铁 (Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway) links Beijing South Station to Shanghai Hongqiao Station.

Daily Trains: 52+ departures from ​6:20 AM to 9:21 PM. Fastest service: ​G1/G3 (4h18m, non-stop).

Here are some top picks for speed and comfort (all depart from ​Beijing South Station):

Beijing-Shanghai Train ​Ticket Prices & Seat Classes

• ​Second Class (¥550–¥650): Budget-friendly with comfy reclining seats. Perfect for solo travelers
• ​First Class (¥900–¥1,100): Extra legroom and quieter cabins. Ideal for work trips
• ​Business Class (¥1,748): Lie-flat seats, VIP lounges, and complimentary snacks

✈️Flying from Beijing to Shanghai: Flights, Tips & Airport Guide

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Flight Duration, Airlines & Price Trends

• ​Duration: 2–2.5 hours nonstop, but add ​2+ hours for airport commutes and security .
• ​Top Airlines: Air China & China Eastern (most frequent), Juneyao & Sichuan Airlines (budget picks) .
• ​Cheapest Time: Midweek flights (especially Wednesdays) in ​January or ​March 30–April 6 ($61 one-way) .

Beijing Capital vs. Shanghai Pudong: Terminal Tips & Transfers

For speedy transfer, choose ​PEK to SHA to minimize ground travel. If landing at Pudong (PVG), take the ​Maglev train (430 km/h) to Longyang Road Station, then transfer to the metro.

Beijing Airports:

• ​Capital (PEK): Closest to downtown (1-hour drive). Best for international connections .
• ​Daxing (PKX): Newer, cheaper flights, but 1.5 hours from the city .

Shanghai Airports:

• ​Pudong (PVG): Far from downtown (45 mins by Maglev) but global hub .
• ​Hongqiao (SHA): 20-minute metro ride to the city—Primarily serves domestic flights.

How to Find Cheapest Flights from Beijing to Shanghai

1. Flex Your Dates:
Tap Trip.com’s ​​“Date” calendar to scan prices over 6 months. Pro tip: Flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you 20% compared to weekends.

2. Compare Airlines:

• ​Juneyao Airlines and ​Sichuan Airlines often offer the lowest fares (think 60 one way–118 round-trip).
• Use Trip.com’s ​​“Price Alert”​ feature to track fluctuations—no more manual checking!

3. Book Early… or Last-Minute:

• ​Best time to book: ​~3–4 months in advance for domestic flights.
• Last-minute steals can happen, but it’s risky. Set alerts and pounce if prices drop!

4. Promo Codes & App-Only Deals:

• Subscribe to Trip.com’s newsletter for ​exclusive promo codes.
• Download Trip.com ​free app—mobile users often get extra discounts!

Renting a Car from Beijing to Shanghai

• ​Cost: ~¥400–¥600/day (USD 56–85) for a compact car.
• ​Requirements:
• Valid Chinese driver’s license or International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Credit card for deposit (¥3,000–¥5,000).
• ​Agencies: Hertz, Avis, and local providers like ​Trip.com car rental offer reliable options.
• ​Tolls: ~¥500–¥600 (USD 70–85) one-way on the ​G2 Jinghu Highway.
• ​Traffic Rules:
• Speed limit: 120 km/h (75 mph).
• Keep right unless overtaking.

✅If you're curious about how to stay connected in China, check out the following packages!

Get from Beijing to Shanghai by Bus

Overnight Bus Routes: Schedules, Pit Stops

• ​Schedule: Only ​1 daily overnight bus departs from ​Beijing Zhaogongkou Station at 4:30 PM, arriving in Shanghai the next morning (~14 hours).
• ​Pit Stops: Expect 2–3 rest breaks at highway service stations (e.g., ​Jinan and ​Xuzhou) for restrooms and snacks.
• ​Amenities: Basic reclining seats, limited legroom, and no onboard Wi-Fi or charging ports. Bring your own water and snacks.

Cost Breakdown: Are Buses Cheaper Than Trains?

Verdict: Buses are slightly pricier than hard-seat trains but cheaper than sleepers. However, sleepers offer far better comfort for overnight trips

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