Shanghai - Dalian Train

Only two pairs of trains run between the two cities daily. The high speed train G1252&G1251 take 11/11.5 hours. The normal ones, T132&T131 take 25 hours. Shanghai to Dalian distance by the two pairs of trains is between 2,054 kilometers (1,276 miles) and 2,238 kilometers (1,391 miles).

Besides, frequent direct flights are provided between the two cities. Shanghai to Dalian flight time is about 2 hours. It is the best choice for those who travel in a hurry despite that it costs a little more than rail ticket, especially in peak tourism season. One thing to notice is that flight delays can easily happen due to weather change or air traffic control. In this case, it may waste some time. In contrast, bullet train is preferable for its great cost performance and beautiful scenery along the way. 
 G1252 runs from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Dalian North Railway Station for 2,054 kilometers (1,276 miles), and G1251 runs from Dalian Railway Station to Hongqiao Railway Station for 2,071 kilometers (1,287 miles). The top running speed is 300 km/h (186 mph). As you need to stay onboard for a day, you are advised to buy some food or drink in advance. The food onboard costs more.
  (Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Business Class Seat	First Class Seat	Second Class Seat
CNY 3,101 USD 456	CNY 1,507 USD 222	CNY 887.5 USD 131

 G1252/G1251 also pass by those stations: Suzhou North, Wuxi East, Zhenjiang South, Nanjing South, Chuzhou, Xuzhou East, Taian, Tengzhou East, Qufu East, Jinan West, Cangzhou West, Tianjin West, Tianjin, Binhai, Junliangcheng North, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, Shanhaiguan, Huludao North, Panjin, Yingkou East, and Bayuquan.
 If the above travel time doesn’t agree with your arrangement, or you cannot purchase tickets, then you can make a transfer in Beijing, which will provide more choices for you. More than 40 pairs are put into service along Shanghai – Beijing High Speed Railway, taking 5 – 6 hours. The duration on Beijing – Dalian High Speed Rail Line is 5 – 6.5 hours, with 6 pairs in service. In this case, the total travel time by transfer is almost the same as that of a direct ride.
 T132&T131 run between Shanghai Railway Station and Dalian Railway Station for a journey of 2,238 kilometers (1,391 miles). If you travel by them, a sleeper berth is highly recommended and usually, you need to book soft sleeper or hard sleeper beforehand as they are in great demands in most cases. In addition, you’d better bring a cup or some bottled water because the tap water onboard is undrinkable and no cups are provided for the hot drinking water. There are only a few power sockets in each sleeper carriage, so if possible, you’d better bring a portable charge device on your own.
 (Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
T132	14:13 - 15:09+	24h56m

 (Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
T131	11:24 - 12:46+	25h22m

Note: The timetable is for reference only. You can search for the real-time schedule by the search box on top of this page.
 (Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
CNY 683 USD 100	CNY 444 USD 65	CNY 243 USD 36

 Running route:
Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Zhenjiang, Nanjing, Bengbu, Xuzhou, Zoucheng, Jinan, Dezhou, Cangzhou, Tianjin, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, Beidaihe, Shanhaiguan, Suizhong, Xingcheng, Huludao, Jinzhou, Panjin, Dashiqiao, Gaizhou, Xiongyuecheng, Wafangdian, Pulandian, Jinzhou.

See also: How to Travel between Shanghai and Dalian

 Major Rail Lines from Shanghai to:
 Major Rail Lines from Dalian to: