D-series high-speed trains on the Shanghai to Rugao route provide a choice of Second Class and First Class seating (Economy and First), delivering a modern EMU experience on this corridor. Services run via the Shanghai–Suzhou–Nantong Railway and continue on the Nanjing–Qidong Railway to Rugao, reaching up to 200 km/h (124 mph) between Shanghai and Nantong and around 160 km/h (99 mph) onward to Rugao. The quickest end-to-end journeys are about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, with limited stops such as Taicang, Zhangjiagang, and Nantong, while trains with additional stops typically take around 2 to 2.5 hours. Most departures use Shanghai Railway Station, with some services from Shanghai Hongqiao; a few timetables require an easy same-station change at Nantong. By comparison, conventional Z/T/K trains on this route operate at lower speeds of roughly 120–140 km/h (75–87 mph) and can take 3 to 4 hours or more, with fewer daily frequencies. D-series CRH EMUs offer reserved seating, power outlets, air-conditioned coaches, and clean restrooms, whereas classic services may provide Hard/Soft Seat and limited onboard amenities. Note that this corridor is not part of the 300–350 km/h (186–217 mph) G-series network, so there are no 350 km/h services on Shanghai–Rugao at present.