Forbidden City in Beijing
For first-timers traveling from Shanghai to Beijing, taking a high-speed train rather than a regular flight is recommended.
The distance covered during a flight is 1,088 kilometers. A journey by high-speed train from Shanghai to Beijing takes 4½ to 6 hours while it takes 2½ hours by airplane.
However, considering the ticket price, time, and convenience, traveling on a high-speed train is the best choice.
Here, we have detailed the differences between taking a train journey or a flight from Shanghai to Beijing.
Less Waiting Time for a Train
A flight is faster than a high-speed train journey but, including the commuting and waiting time, the total travel time isn’t that different. Also, you will have less waiting time when taking a train.
Here’s a table to compare the total travel time from Shanghai to Beijing by train and by air.
| Travel Time from Shanghai to Beijing by Train and Air | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed Train | Flight | ||
| 4 h 18 min (fastest) | 2 h 30 min | ||
| Punctual | Occasional delays | ||
| From the Downtown Area to the Train Station and Airport | |||
| Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station | Shanghai Pudong International Airport | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | |
| Taxi | 30 min | 1 h | 30 min |
| Subway | 1 h | 1 h 30 m | 2 h |
| Maglev | - | - | 20 m |
| Security Check and Boarding Time | |||
| Waiting Time | 30 min | 1 h 30 m | 1 h 30 min |
| From the Downtown Area to the Train Station and Airport | |||
| Beijing South Railway Station | Beijing Daxing International Airport | Beijing Capital International Airport | |
| Taxi | 20 min | 40 m | 40 min |
| Subway | 30 m | 1 h | 1 h |
| Total | 6½ to 8 hours | 6 to 7 hours | 5½ to 6½ hours |
Train Ticket Prices Are Fixed and Easy to Budget For
A high-speed train ticket costs from 553 to 1,748 CNY for different seat classes. The ticket prices are fixed so you can budget and plan for your trip anytime.
The cost of a flight ticket always varies due to different airlines, seasons, and seat classes. In most cases, a flight ticket for an economy seat is more expensive than a high-speed train ticket for a second-class seat.
| Ticket Prices for Train Journeys and Flights from Shanghai to Beijing | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-class seat | First-class seat | Business-class seat | Economy seat | |
| Train | 553 CNY | 933 CNY | 1,748 CNY | - |
| Flight | - | - | 2,500 CNY | > 600 CNY |
Download our China Train Booking app to book your train ticket >>>.
A Train Is Always Punctual
High-speed trains in China are always punctual (except in extreme weather) while flights have occasional delays. In 2019, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport improved its punctuality performance from 57.2% to 94.83%. This is a great improvement but there are still some cases of delays.
Every day, 39 high-speed trains run from Shanghai to Beijing while more than 40 flights are in service. Please see an example of the schedules in the table below.
| Train Schedules from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Beijing South Railway Station | ||
|---|---|---|
| Train No. | Time | Duration |
| G6 | 07:00–11:36 | 4 h 36 min |
| G2 | 09:00–13:28 | 4 h 28 min |
| G134 | 13:00–19:26 | 5 h 48 min |
| G170 | 15:52–21:18 | 5 h 26 min |
| G22 | 19:00–23:18 | 4 h 18 min |
| Flight Schedules from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Beijing Daxing International Airport | ||
|---|---|---|
| Airline | Time | Duration |
| CA8161 | 06:50–09:25 | 2 h 35 min |
| Flight Schedules from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport | ||
| Airline | Time | Duration |
| HO1251 | 10:55–13:10 | 2 h 15 min |
| HO1253 | 15:30–18:05 | 2 h 35 min |
| CA1522 | 17:50–20:15 | 2 h 25 min |
| MU5125 | 20:00–22:25 | 2 h 25 min |
A Train Is More Convenient for a Family
Family on the train
Taking a high-speed train in China is very convenient for people who are carrying large luggage and those with children. You don’t have to wait to consign your luggage and you don’t need to worry about your children suffering from any pain in their ears or having any discomfort on an airplane.
Moreover, a seat on a high-speed train is more spacious for a passenger to stretch out.
Of course, a flight is more suitable for people who are going on a business trip and have very limited time for commuting. If you are lucky enough to avoid the traffic jams in Shanghai and Beijing, taking a taxi to any airport can be fast and convenient.
Traveling by Train Is a Different Experience
China has the largest rail network in the world. It supports the fastest speed of 350 kph from Shanghai to Beijing.
Unlike taking a flight, which seems more popular with international travelers, traveling on a high-speed train provides you with more fun and sights to see.
To book train tickets in China, use our handy app - China Train Booking app (App Store, Google Play, Android APK) will help you better plan your trip.
