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Trains in China: Info, Map and Tickets Online

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Route image

Schedule & Ticket Prices for top routes in China

19Jun
1
Seats
Beijing
Shanghai

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:18
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
5h 53m
12:11
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
Direct
G-class - CRH Train G547
from
16539 USD
1
5h 53m, Direct
06:18
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
12:11
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
from
16539 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
06:30
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
4h 54m
11:24
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
Direct
G-class - CRH Train G1
from
16539 USD
1
4h 54m, Direct
06:30
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
11:24
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
from
16539 USD
1
Direct
High-speed

Day trains

12:00
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
4h 38m
16:38
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
Direct
G-class - CRH Train G15
from
16539 USD
1
4h 38m, Direct
12:00
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
16:38
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
from
16539 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
12:11
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
7h 47m
19:58
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
Direct
G-class - CRH Train G2573
from
16049 USD
1
7h 47m, Direct
12:11
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
19:58
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
from
16049 USD
1
Direct
High-speed

Evening trains

18:00
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
4h 43m
22:43
ShanghaiStation
Secondary station
Direct
G-class - CRH Train G29
from
16686 USD
1
4h 43m, Direct
18:00
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
22:43
ShanghaiStation
Secondary station
from
16686 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
18:04
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
4h 54m
22:58
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
Direct
G-class - CRH Train G31
from
16539 USD
1
4h 54m, Direct
18:04
BeijingBeijing Nan (South)
22:58
ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao
from
16539 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
Route image
day

First train

06:08
night

Last train

21:22
distance

Travel duration

9h 4m
daily-departure

Daily departures

51
departure-station

Departure station

Beijing
changes-type

Changes

direct
arrival-station

Arrival station

Shanghai
ticket-price

Ticket price

from $25
fastest-s

Fastest trip

4h 18m
longest-s

Longest trip

46m

Your Complete Guide to Train Travel in China

China Railway operates one of the largest passenger rail systems on earth, with high-speed G, D, and C trains forming the core intercity network. Beijing South to Shanghai Hongqiao takes about 4 hours 18 minutes on the fastest G trains, while Beijing West to Xian North takes around 4 hours 15 minutes. Shanghai Hongqiao, Hangzhou East, Nanjing South, Guangzhou South, Shenzhen North, Chengdu East, and Wuhan all sit on major high-speed corridors with frequent departures from early morning until late evening. Conventional China Railway services still matter on long-distance routes where overnight travel saves a hotel night. Z, T, and K trains link cities such as Beijing, Harbin, Kunming, Urumqi, Lhasa, and Guilin with sleeper berths, hard seats, and soft seats depending on the train. The network also includes international passenger service on the China-Laos Railway from Kunming South toward Vientiane, plus mainland high-speed trains serving Hong Kong West Kowloon. ID checks are standard at Chinese stations, so passenger details must match the travel document used for booking.

How to Buy Train Tickets in China

Purchasing train tickets in China through Rail Monsters is a straightforward process. We prioritize high-speed train options, such as the CRH and G-series trains, ensuring a quick and comfortable journey across major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. With our user-friendly platform, you can book your tickets in advance while enjoying a variety of international payment options and round-the-clock customer support for a seamless travel experience on China's extensive rail network.
1
24/7 Multilingual Support
Rail Monsters provides real human support in English and other languages for China bookings, changes, and travel questions.
2
Book When Sales Open
China Railway tickets usually open about 15 days before departure, and holiday trains can sell out quickly.
3
Domestic and Regional Coverage
Book trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Kunming, and many smaller Chinese cities.
4
Digital Booking Confirmation
Receive booking details by email, then use the registered passport or ID for station checks in China.
5
China Railway G and D Train Tickets
Search Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Xian, Shanghai-Hangzhou, and Guangzhou-Shenzhen high-speed trains through Rail Monsters.
6
Flexible Online Payment
Pay for China Railway tickets with major credit cards, debit cards, and supported digital payment methods.
1
24/7 Multilingual Support
Rail Monsters provides real human support in English and other languages for China bookings, changes, and travel questions.
2
Book When Sales Open
China Railway tickets usually open about 15 days before departure, and holiday trains can sell out quickly.
3
Domestic and Regional Coverage
Book trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Kunming, and many smaller Chinese cities.
4
Digital Booking Confirmation
Receive booking details by email, then use the registered passport or ID for station checks in China.
5
China Railway G and D Train Tickets
Search Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Xian, Shanghai-Hangzhou, and Guangzhou-Shenzhen high-speed trains through Rail Monsters.
6
Flexible Online Payment
Pay for China Railway tickets with major credit cards, debit cards, and supported digital payment methods.

China Railway Network Map

China's high-speed map has north-south and east-west trunks. The Beijing-Shanghai line links Beijing South, Jinan West, Nanjing South, and Shanghai Hongqiao. The Beijing-Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong corridor runs through Zhengzhou East, Wuhan, Changsha South, and Guangzhou South. Other key routes connect Shanghai with Hangzhou and Nanjing, Chengdu with Chongqing, and Lanzhou with Urumqi across northwest China.

China trains Classes and Tickets Information

Standing Class
from
$457
Standing Class
First Class Seat
from
$289
First Class Seat
Superior Class
from
$5826
Superior Class
Business Class (Lounge Seat)
from
$449
Business Class (Lounge Seat)
Second Class
from
$185
Second Class

How to buy train tickets in China

On Rail Monsters, search a China Railway route by city or station, choose a date, and compare available G, D, C, Z, T, or K trains. Select the class offered on that train, such as second class, first class, business class, hard sleeper, or soft sleeper. Enter passenger details exactly as shown on the passport or accepted ID, then complete payment online. Booking confirmation arrives by email. At the station, use the same ID for real-name checks before boarding.

How to buy train tickets in China

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Ticket office on station

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Rail Monsters mobile app

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Rail Monsters website

Payment Information

Rail Monsters accepts major international payment cards and supported online payment methods for China Railway bookings. Prices are displayed before checkout, with currency conversion shown where available. After payment, Rail Monsters sends confirmation to the email address used during booking. Chinese rail stations use real-name travel controls, so the passenger name and document number must match the ID shown at Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou South, or any other departure station. Keep the payment receipt and booking email until the trip ends.

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Take the train in China

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avatarDenise Harston
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Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.
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Local Guide
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avatarMarius-Adrian Nicoara
Very kind and helpful staff
Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!
avatarAllison Makhoul

FAQ and Facts About Trains in China

Are trains in China reliable?

China Railway high-speed trains on routes such as Beijing South to Shanghai Hongqiao and Guangzhou South to Shenzhen North run to fixed timetables with frequent daily service. Large stations use airport-style security and real-name ticket checks, so punctual boarding depends on arriving early. For major hubs like Shanghai Hongqiao or Beijing West, allow at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure, especially during Spring Festival, National Day week, and summer travel peaks.

How long is the train from Beijing to Shanghai?

The fastest G trains from Beijing South to Shanghai Hongqiao take about 4 hours 18 minutes over the 1,318 km high-speed line. Many departures take between 4 hours 30 minutes and 6 hours, depending on intermediate stops at cities such as Jinan, Nanjing, and Suzhou. Conventional overnight trains between Beijing and Shanghai take much longer but offer sleeper berths. High-speed services use business, first, and second class seating.

What ticket classes are available on China high-speed trains?

China Railway G trains usually offer second class, first class, and business class. Second class has 2+3 seating, first class normally has 2+2 seating, and business class has wider reclining seats in a 1+2 or 1+1 layout depending on the trainset. Some D trains add sleeper or soft sleeper options on longer overnight high-speed services. Rail Monsters sells individual train tickets for specific trains and dates, not rail passes.

Can I reach Guilin by train in China?

Yes. Guilin North and Guilin West sit on high-speed routes linking Guangxi with Guangdong, Guizhou, and Hunan. Guangzhou South to Guilin West can take about 2 hours 30 minutes by D or G train, while Shenzhen North to Guilin often takes around 3 hours. From Guilin's rail stations, local transport reaches the Li River piers and Yangshuo area. Tickets are popular during Chinese public holidays, so early booking helps.

Why should I book China train tickets in advance?

China Railway ticket sales usually open about 15 days before departure, and the best-timed G trains can sell out on Beijing-Shanghai, Shanghai-Hangzhou, Guangzhou-Shenzhen, and Chengdu-Chongqing routes. Spring Festival, the May holiday, National Day week, and university vacation periods create heavy demand. Booking as soon as sales open gives more choice of departure time and class. Last-minute seats may remain on some routes, but business class or late-night departures may be the only options.

How do I book China train tickets through Rail Monsters?

Enter your departure city, arrival city, and travel date on Rail Monsters. Compare China Railway options by departure time, travel time, train number, and class. Select a train, enter passenger names exactly as shown on the passport or accepted ID, then pay online. Rail Monsters sends your booking confirmation by email. At Chinese stations, pass through real-name ID checks and security screening before reaching the waiting hall and platform.

Why take the train instead of driving or flying in China?

China Railway high-speed trains link city rail hubs directly, which helps on routes under 1,200 km. Beijing to Xian takes about 4 hours 15 minutes by G train, and Chengdu East to Chongqing North can take about 1 hour 15 minutes. These trips avoid highway traffic and reduce time spent reaching distant airports. High-speed trains also produce lower emissions per passenger than short domestic flights on comparable corridors.

Who operates trains in China?

China Railway is the national passenger rail operator and runs almost all intercity trains in mainland China. Its high-speed services use G, D, and C train categories, while conventional long-distance services use Z, T, K, and numbered train categories. Major stations such as Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou South, and Chengdu East handle hundreds of departures on busy days. City metro systems are separate from China Railway intercity services.
Learn more information at our
Country Guide

China Railway

China Railway

China Railway operates passenger trains across China.