Hong Kong - Shanghai Train vs. Plane
Top Differences on Hong Kong - Shanghai Bullet Train, Overnight Train and Flight
| Bullet Train | Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | One pair per day | About 40 pairs per day |
| Travel Time | Around 8h | Around 3h |
| Ticket Price | CNY894 for a second class seat | Around CNY 600 - CNY 3,000 for an economy class seat |
| Recommendation Rate |  | |
See more: Hong Kong - Shanghai High Speed Train
More Flights than Trains
Only one pair of Hong Kong - Shanghai high speed trains are shuttling between Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. For more options, passengers need to transfer at Shenzhen North Railway Station.
Every day, nearly 40 pairs of direct flights are available between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)/ Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Shorter Travel Time of Plane than Train
The travel time from Hong Kong to Shanghai by bullet train takes around 8 hours while by flight passengers need only about 3 hours.
Train Tickets are Cheaper in General.
Passengers need CNY 894 to pay for a second class seat ticket on the Hong Kong - Shanghai high speed train; the ticket fare of a first class seat and a business class seat is CNY 1,456.5 and CNY 2,852.5 respectively. An economy class seat on the Hong Kong - Shanghai flights costs CNY 600 - CNY 3,000. Most of the time, the train ticket is cheaper. However, when a great discount is offered, the ticket fare of flights can be cheaper.
Trains are more punctual.
In most cases, the departure and arrival of the high speed train is very punctual compared to that of flight. Affected by weather conditions and air traffic control, flights may be delayed and sometimes even cancelled.
Faster boarding and customs clearance at railway stations.
For passengers who travel from Hong Kong to Shanghai by plane, they need to pass through customs at both Hong Kong and Shanghai airports. But passengers can finish immigration check of both sides in Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station if taking the high speed train, which saves passengers’ time.
Further Reading: How to Travel between Shanghai and Hong Kong