High-speed trains are the fastest way from Shanghai to Bijie. The typical itinerary is a G-series service from Shanghai Hongqiao along the Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway, commonly operated by CR400 “Fuxing” sets running at up to 300–350 km/h (186–217 mph), reaching Guiyang North in about 7.5–9 hours depending on stops at major hubs such as Hangzhou East, Nanchang West, and Changsha South. From Guiyang North, a G/D service on the Chengdu–Guiyang high-speed line continues to Bijie station, usually with CR300AF or CRH2A trainsets at 200–250 km/h (124–155 mph), taking roughly 1–1.5 hours. Total end-to-end time is typically 8.5–10.5 hours with one same-station transfer. As an alternative, conventional Z/T/K trains run from Shanghai to Guiyang at around 120–160 km/h (75–99 mph), taking about 20–24 hours, followed by a high-speed hop to Bijie of approximately 1 hour. High-speed services offer Second, First, and Business Class seating with power outlets and refreshments, while conventional services provide seat options plus Hard/Soft Sleeper berths. Travelers prioritizing the quickest arrival should choose the all–high-speed combination via Guiyang North; budget-oriented passengers may consider the overnight conventional leg to Guiyang and then transfer to high-speed for the final segment.