How to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai
How far is Beijing to Shanghai? The Beijing to Shanghai distance is around 1,100 kilometers (680 miles). There are 4 ways of transportation:
1. High speed train is the best and the most popular way to go from Beijing to Shanghai with the travel time of 4.5 - 6.5 hours and the lowest cost of CNY 553 - 671 (USD 78 - 95).
2. Flight is the fastest way, taking 2 - 2.5 hours, also the most expensive way.
3. Overnight sleeper trains which take around 12 - 22.5 hours is an economy way popular among budget travelers.
4. Long-distance bus is not recommended because of its few schedule and long duration.
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| Beijing to Shanghai Overnight Train |
1. Best Way - Beijing - Shanghai High Speed Train: 4.5 - 6.5 hours, CNY 553 - 671 (USD 78 - 95)
From Beijing South Railway Station: Over 40 trains from 06:20 to 19:36
Ticket Price: CNY 553 - 671 (USD 78 - 95) for a second class seat, CNY 930 - 1,091 (USD 132 - 155) for a first class seat, CNY 1,748 - 2,344 (USD 248 - 332) for a business class seat
This is the common and the best way to travel from Beijing to Shanghai. Although the duration on the train is longer than the time on the plane, the railway stations are easier to be reached than airports; also, the security check at railway stations is faster than at airports. Last but not least, experiencing high speed train has been a must for travelers to China.
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| Beijing South Railway Station |
2. Fastest Way - Beijing - Shanghai Flight: 2 - 2.5 hours, About CNY 1,650 ( usually 20% - 60% off)
From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) / Daxing Airport (PKX)
Ticket Price: About CNY 1,650 (USD 232) for full-fare economy class.
Normally, there is a 30% - 60% off discount from November to next March and a 20% - 40% off discount from April to October. Still, this is the most expensive way after adding airport fee and fuel cost.
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| Beijing Capital International Airport |
3. Economy Way - Beijing - Shanghai Overnight Sleeper Train: 12 - 22.5 hours, CNY 296.5 - 553 (USD 42 - 78)
From Beijing Railway Station / Beijing South Railway Station: 12:00, 19:36, 20:03, 21:21
Price:
T/1461 Trains: CNY 463.5 - 497.5 (USD 66 - 71) for a soft sleeper, CNY 296.5 - 325.5 (USD 42 - 46) for a hard sleeper
D Trains: CNY 627 - 680 (USD 89 - 96) for a soft sleeper, CNY 514 - 553 (USD 73 - 78) for a hard sleeper
Overnight sleeper train is an economy choice for passengers with a tight budget. The trains run through the evening and passengers can save a night’s hotel expense. There are also seat classes onboard, but passengers are advised to choose sleepers for a comfortable ride.
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| Beijing Railway Station |
4. Long-distance Bus: Around 14 hours, About CNY 350 (USD 50)
From Beijing Zhaogongkou Long-distance Bus Station: 16:30 every day
Price: around CNY 350 (USD 50)
It is not recommended to take bus to travel from Beijing to Shanghai or from Shanghai to Beijing. Not only because of the long duration, but also because of the small space and limited facilities inside.
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| Long-distance Bus |
Further Reading:
How to Travel from Shanghai to Beijing
Beijing - Shanghai Train VS. Plane
Cheapest Way to Travel between Beijing and Shanghai
How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Pudong Airport
How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to the Bund
How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to People’s Square & Nanjing Road