Hong Kong to Shanghai Trains

High-speed train services linking Hong Kong West Kowloon and Shanghai Hongqiao use the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the national high-speed network; seating is usually offered in Second, First and Business class (comparable to Economy, Premium and First). Direct G-series high-speed trains (operated with CRH/CR400 ‘Fuxing’ and CRH380 series sets) run at line speeds up to 300–350 km/h (186–217 mph) and, when available, complete the trip in roughly 8.5–9.5 hours with a limited number of stops at major hubs. These direct services pass through mainland high-speed corridors and typically stop only at principal stations. Many schedules instead use a single transfer—most commonly at Guangzhou South or Shenzhen North—where passengers switch to another G-series service bound for Shanghai Hongqiao. Those one-change itineraries use the same types of high-speed trains (CR400/CRH380) with the same top speeds of 300–350 km/h (186–217 mph) but add transfer time, producing total journey times in the range of about 9.5–12 hours depending on connection wait times. Onboard facilities on both direct and transfer routes generally include reclining seats with tray tables, power outlets, luggage racks and trolley service; Business class provides increased seat pitch and wider seats. Note that Hong Kong departures require Mainland immigration clearance at West Kowloon before boarding, so leave extra time for check-in procedures.