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Shanghai to Beijing by High-Speed Train

Published 2026-10-24 · Updated 2026-10-24 · Transport

Written by China On Arrival Editorial Desk · Research basis: Editor research, fact-checked

TL;DR

A: The Beijing–Shanghai HSR is China's flagship corridor: 40+ Fuxing departures daily covering 1,318 km in as little as 4 h 18 (most 4 h 18-6 h), second class ¥553-695, downtown-to-downtown faster than flying. Anchors to remember: G2 leaves Hongqiao 09:00, G28 leaves 19:00 — both in Beijing South by ~23:18 at the latest.

What’s the short answer?

China’s showpiece corridor: 1,318 km from Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥) to Beijing South (北京南) in as little as 4 h 18 on 350 km/h Fuxing trains, 40+ departures daily, second class ¥553-695. Door-to-door it typically beats flying: no baggage check, station 30-minute security instead of a 2-hour airport ritual, and both stations sit on Metro lines in the middle of town.

Route facts (checked October 2026)

Distance1,318 km
Fastest4 h 18 min (limited-stop Fuxing anchors)
Typical4 h 18 – 6 h
Frequency40+ departures daily, ~06:00-19:00
Second class¥553-695 (dynamically priced)
First class¥930-1,111 · Business ¥1,748-2,318

The anchor trains

Memorize two numbers: G2 (Hongqiao 09:00 → Beijing South 13:18) and G28 (Hongqiao 19:00 → 23:18) — the morning sightseeing slot and the after-dinner departure. Most trains make 3-6 stops (Nanjing South, Jinan West are the usual majors); the timetable is dense enough that you rarely need a specific number outside holidays, when the fastest trains sell out within minutes of the 15-day window opening.

Check Shanghai → Beijing fares & seats →

How do you book?

12306 app (zero fees) or Trip.com (English-first, small fee) — the mechanics, verification quirks and gate routine are in the 12306 vs Trip.com guide; refund and change fine print in the refund fees answer. Want the sleeper instead of a hotel night? Overnight D sleepers also link the two cities — the trade-offs are in the sleeper section of the trains guide.

What do you do on arrival?

Beijing South is on Metro Line 4 — Wangfujing and Qianmen are one transfer away (Beijing neighborhoods, or the 10-day first-timer itinerary if you’re doing the loop in reverse). Base yourself with our Shanghai picks before you go.

Sources

Connecting to the capitals? The Beijing city guide and Shanghai city guide cover arrival, stay areas and costs.

Sources