Beijing to Shanghai HSR 2026 (京沪高铁)
4.5 hour bullet train between two megacities. 41 daily G-train departures. CNY 553 to 2,330 by class. Trip.com books in CNY with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Mobile QR ticket on the Trip.com app.
4.5 hours
Beijing South to Shanghai Hongqiao
41 daily
G-class departures, 5 AM to 9 PM
350 km/h
Top speed (Fuxing CR400)
CNY 553
Second class fare (one-way)
Route Map
Quick Answer
The Beijing-Shanghai HSR is the world's busiest HSR line — 41 daily G-train departures, 4.5 hours, 1,318 km. Beijing South Station (Beijing-Nan) to Shanghai Hongqiao (the airport station). Second class CNY 553, First class CNY 933, Business class CNY 2,330. Book on Trip.com (Ctrip) in CNY with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Tickets release 15 days before departure. Avoid Spring Festival (late January to mid-February 2027) and Golden Week (October 1 to 7).
Beijing-Shanghai HSR Class Options
Business (Shang-wu)
CNY 2,330
3 seats per row, lie-flat, free meal, lounge access
First class (Yi-deng)
CNY 933
4 seats (2+2), 60-degree recline, extra legroom
Second class (Er-deng)
CNY 553
5 seats (2+3), free WiFi, charging ports, standard recline
Standing (Wu-zuo)
CNY 553
Same fare as Second class but no seat — Spring Festival emergency only
Book Beijing-Shanghai HSR on Trip.com
Full Mandarin interface, all G-trains, CNY + Alipay/WeChat Pay, foreign passport accepted, mobile QR ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stations — Beijing South to Shanghai Hongqiao or Shanghai Station?+
All G-trains run Beijing South (Beijing-Nan) to Shanghai Hongqiao. Beijing South is on Subway Line 4 and 14 (15 minutes from central Beijing). Shanghai Hongqiao is integrated with Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) — same building, 5 minute walk between HSR platform and SHA Terminal 2. This makes Beijing-Shanghai-flight transfers seamless. Shanghai Station (the older terminus) is a different station for legacy trains, not HSR.
Beijing-Shanghai HSR versus flight — which is faster door-to-door?+
HSR usually wins on door-to-door time. Flight is 2h 20m air time, plus 2h check-in plus 1h transfers each side = 6h+. HSR is 4h 30m on the train plus 30 min each end = 5h 30m. HSR is also more reliable in weather and the seats are bigger. Cost-wise, HSR Second class CNY 553 versus flight CNY 800 to 1,500 typically. For business, HSR wins. For luxury, flight Business class wins. For luggage, HSR has no checked-bag limit (just hand-carry size).
How early to arrive at Beijing South station?+
30 minutes is safe. Security plus ID check plus walking to the platform takes 20 minutes during peak hours. Tickets stop selling 5 minutes before departure and the gate closes 3 minutes before. Beijing South has 8 dedicated security lines and is well-signed in Mandarin and English. Pickup the ticket at the manned counter if you booked on Trip.com (passport needed) or scan the QR code at the gate on the Trip.com app. For Shanghai Hongqiao, allow 30 minutes plus extra if continuing to SHA flight.
Can I book the Beijing-Shanghai HSR last-minute?+
Yes outside Spring Festival and Golden Week. Tickets are usually available same-day for Second class. First class often available 24 hours ahead. Business class fills 3 days ahead but cancellations free seats. During Spring Festival and Golden Week, book exactly 15 days before departure at 6 AM Beijing time — tickets sell out in 1 to 3 minutes. Trip.com offers a Pre-Order Helper service for CNY 50 priority booking during peak periods.