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Trains to and from Shanghai - Info and Tickets

Trains to and from Shanghai

Shanghai is a national rail hub with multiple major stations serving high-speed (G/D), intercity and conventional (Z/K/T) trains. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station handles most high-speed services, including Beijing–Shanghai high-speed trains to Beijing South and intercity links to Nanjing, Hangzhou and Suzhou; it is adjacent to Hongqiao International Airport and connected to Shanghai Metro Lines 2, 10 and 17. Shanghai Railway Station, north of the city centre, handles many conventional long-distance and regional services as well as some high-speed trains. Shanghai South Railway Station serves routes toward southern and southwestern China and regional services to Zhejiang and Jiangsu. Longyang Road station is the eastern terminus of the Shanghai Maglev Line to Pudong Airport (commercial speed up to 431 km/h, journey about 8 minutes) and an interchange with metro and intercity services. Common direct destinations from Shanghai include Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Suzhou.

20Oct

Seats

Shanghai

Hohhot

09:56

ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao

12h 1m

21:57

HohhotHuhhot Dong ( East)

Direct

High-speed

G-class - CRH Train G3754

from

15977 USD

12h 1m, Direct

09:56

ShanghaiShanghai Hongqiao

21:57

HohhotHuhhot Dong ( East)

from

15977 USD

Direct

High-speed

G-class - CRH Train G3754

Visiting Shanghai

Shanghai is a major port city on the Yangtze River Delta and one of China’s primary financial centers. Key sights include the Bund, a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River; Yu Garden, a Ming-dynasty classical garden; Shanghai Tower (632 meters tall) in Lujiazui; Nanjing Road, a major shopping street; and the Shanghai Museum at People’s Square. Several main railway stations serve long-distance and high-speed services: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station handles most high-speed bullet train services, while Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station serve a mix of conventional and high-speed routes. High-speed trains connect Shanghai with nearby destinations: Hangzhou East (typical journey 45 minutes), Suzhou (typical journey 25–30 minutes), Nanjing South (typical journey about 1 hour), and Beijing South (typical journey approximately 4.5–6 hours on the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed line). Travelers can buy train tickets online or at station ticket counters; Rail Monsters lists schedules and allows customers to buy train tickets for trains from and trains to Shanghai, including bullet train services and conventional routes. Book trains from and to Shanghai online at Rail Monsters.

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Book Train Tickets to and from Shanghai Online – Options, Tips, and Reservations

Tips for Online Reservations

Use Online reservation services on Rail Monsters to compare departure dates, trains, and Train prices before you Book your tickets. For online reservation, enter full passenger name, ID type and number, and a valid contact phone number; retain your e-ticket number or booking reference for boarding. Check whether physical ticket collection is required at the originating train station and bring the same ID used for booking. With the Rail Monsters iOS and Android apps...

Buying Train Tickets Online

You can buy train tickets online to and from Shanghai through the Rail Monsters website and apps. Use train tickets online search to compare trains and carriers such as China Railway on routes serving Shanghai. Online reservation services let you Book your tickets and select departure dates, seat class, and passenger details. Major Shanghai locations with ticket counters include Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South, and Shanghai West; ticket counters handle ticket collection and ID verification. Passengers must present valid identification when collecting tickets or boarding: Chinese citizens use national ID cards; foreign nationals use passports.

Types of Train Tickets Available

Rail Monsters offers ticket options on high-speed and conventional services: G, D, and C trains (high-speed) and Z, T, K trains (conventional). Fare categories and seat types include business class, first class, second class, soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat. The site lists regular tickets, cheap tickets, and discount tickets where applicable. Train prices are displayed per journey and per train station on the booking pages, with carrier, class, and distance affecting final fares.

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Train Travel to and from Shanghai FAQ and Tips

Which stations in Shanghai serve high-speed and long-distance trains?

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is the main hub for high-speed (G and D) services and connects directly to Hongqiao Airport and Metro Line 2/10/17. Shanghai Railway Station (central) handles many conventional long-distance trains and some high-speed services. Shanghai South Railway Station serves a mix of high-speed and conventional services on southern routes. Shanghai West handles fewer passenger services and is used mainly for regional and freight operations.

Do overnight sleeper trains operate from Shanghai?

Yes. Overnight conventional trains (Z, T, K and other types) operate from Shanghai to destinations across China and offer sleeper berths such as soft sleeper and hard sleeper. Travel times and berth types vary by route; sleeper services are typically used for overnight journeys where high-speed daytime options are not available or practical.

How do I travel between Shanghai Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport by rail?

From Pudong Airport, take the Shanghai Maglev to Longyang Road (commercial ride time about 7–8 minutes; maximum operational speed 431 km/h). From Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 to reach Hongqiao area (additional Metro time about 30–40 minutes depending on stops). Alternatively, take Metro Line 2 directly from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao with a total journey time typically around 50–70 minutes, depending on walking and transfer times.

Are seats reserved on Chinese high-speed trains and how are seat classes organised?

High-speed trains (G and D) use assigned seating at the time of ticket purchase. Typical seat classes on G trains are second class, first class, and business class. Conventional long-distance trains may offer soft sleeper, hard sleeper, soft seat, and hard seat accommodation. The ticket you buy will show the coach and seat or berth assignment.

How can I buy and collect train tickets for travel to or from Shanghai?

You can buy tickets at Rail Monsters. Tickets can also be purchased at station ticket counters and self-service machines. For Rail Monsters bookings you will receive an e-ticket or booking reference; to board in China you must present the passport that matches the passenger name. If an e-ticket or QR code is not accepted, collect a paper ticket at the station ticket counter or self-service machine using the same passport.

Are there luggage and bike rules for trains in Shanghai?

Passengers may bring luggage onto trains; large items are placed in luggage racks or stored in designated carriage areas. Rules for oversized items and large numbers of bags vary by service and may be restricted on some high-speed trains. Folding bicycles are generally allowed if carried as luggage and meet size and security requirements; full-size bicycles may require separate arrangements. Check specific carriage rules when booking.

What identification is required to travel by train in Shanghai?

Chinese citizens use their national ID cards for ticket purchase and boarding. Foreign passengers must present their passport for purchasing tickets, collecting paper tickets, and boarding trains. The name on the ticket must match the passport; railway staff perform identity checks at station entry and onboard.

What are the typical travel times from Shanghai to nearby cities by high-speed train?

Shanghai to Suzhou: around 25–35 minutes on high-speed services. Shanghai to Hangzhou: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour on G trains. Shanghai to Nanjing: typically 1 to 1.5 hours on high-speed services. Shanghai to Beijing: fastest G services take roughly 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the specific train. Shanghai to Guangzhou: high-speed trains generally take about 7 to 8 hours.