Shanghai to Xining Trains

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Rail Monsters sells official tickets for Shanghai to Xining CRH and Fuxing services. Use our platform to confirm and purchase tickets online, including G-category high-speed and conventional options, and receive e-tickets where provided by the rail operator.

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Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options. Our online ticket system supports credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other digital methods to buy Shanghai to Xining tickets with secure transactions.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

Flexible exchange and cancellation policies are available depending on fare type. Modify your Shanghai to Xining reservations service or upgrade your booking in line with the operator's exchange and cancellation policies to adapt travel plans.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Access our human support team 24/7 to answer questions or assist with online ticket booking. Rail Monsters provides round-the-clock assistance for Shanghai to Xining ticket issues and timetable information.

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After purchase you will receive electronic tickets or PDF confirmations for Shanghai to Xining trips if provided by the operator. Online ticket booking delivers e-tickets and train access details directly to your email.

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Shanghai to Xining Route Overview

The Shanghai to Xining route links the Yangtze Delta with Qinghai via a mixture of high-speed corridors and conventional sections. Direct G-category services cover large portions of the route at higher speeds, while some journeys require transfers, commonly at Lanzhou. Travel times vary by service and number of stops, offering both daytime high-speed options and slower overnight trains.

Travel time

4h 22m

Train type

G Series

Z Series Express

Fastest trip

35m

Longest trip

12h 32m

Shanghai

Shanghai - China's largest city and a major rail hub with Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Railway Station serving long-distance high-speed services. Key business and cultural districts include The Bund and Pudong.

Shanghai Nan (South)

Shanghai South, 动力南五路, Caohejing, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200237, China

Shanghai

Shanghai, Shanghai Railway Station South Square, 卓悦局, Tianmuxilu, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200041, China

Shanghai Xi (West)

上海西, Jiaotong Road, Wanli, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200063, China

Shanghai Hongqiao

Shanghai-Hongqiao, Hongqiao Railway Station Departures, Xinhong, Minhang District, 201106, China

4h 22m

Xining

Xining - Capital of Qinghai province and gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known for Qinghai Lake and the Great Mosque of Xining. Xining Station handles regional and long-distance services to inland China.

Xining

Xining, Jingzang Expressway, Yunjiakou, Chengdong District, Xining City, Qinghai, 810000, China

Available Ticket Classes

On the Shanghai to Xining route, common classes include Second Class (standard seating), First Class (larger seats) and Business Class on some high-speed trains. Conventional overnight services may offer soft sleepers and hard sleepers. Seat reservation options vary by service and fare type.

from

$68

Hard Seat Class

from

$122

Hard Sleeper Class

from

$186

Soft Sleeper Class

from

$342

Superior Soft Sleeper Class

from

$398

Second Class

from

$680

First Class Seat

from

$1409

Business Class (Lounge Seat)

from

$64

Standing Class

Practical Information for CRH/Fuxing Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on CRH/Fuxing Trains. Travelling on China Railway high-speed trains includes rules for carry-on and larger items. Below are key points to know when bringing luggage aboard high-speed services between Shanghai and Xining:

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may bring standard carry-on items plus additional luggage. Typical guidance recommends combined dimensions per item within about 160 cm (length + width + height) and a weight guideline near 20–25 kg per piece. Check specific train operator rules for exact limits.

Storage Facilities

High-speed trains provide overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of cars for suitcases and travel bags. Keep valuables with you and place larger cases in designated storage zones or at the carriage ends.

Special Items

For bicycles, musical instruments or oversized equipment, confirm acceptance in advance. Space for bulky items is limited and subject to availability, and some services require advance notification or a separate transport arrangement.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

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Lisbon–Porto

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Paris to Barcelona, would book again

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Priya

Shanghai to Xining Map

Plan your trip between Shanghai and Xining across China using the Shanghai–Xi'an–Lanzhou high-speed corridor and the Lanzhou–Xining high-speed line. Key stations include Shanghai Hongqiao, Nanjing South, Zhengzhou East, Lanzhou West and Xining. The route passes diverse terrain from the Yangtze Delta through inland plains to the elevated plateau near Xining. Use this transport plan to time station transfers and select services for your travel in China.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

Changes

Direct

Travel time

2h 16m

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

Changes

Direct

Travel time

12h 32m

Price from

$165

Departures

Rating

Train

Changes

Direct

Travel time

23m

Price from

$41

Departures

Rating

Rail travel between Shanghai and Xining provides city-center to city-center connections with scheduled departures and a range of seating classes. Buses offer lower fares but require significantly longer travel times and multiple stops. Flights reduce airborne time but add airport transfers and check-in time. For many travelers the high-speed rail option balances travel time and arrival in central stations.

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

4h 22m

$41-$805

Bus

Apprx.

36h 0m

$60-$150

Flight

Apprx.

2h 30m

$120-$320

Shanghai to Xining Train

G-category high-speed trains and Fuxing/CRH sets operate on much of the Shanghai to Xining corridor. Sections of the route allow speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph) where infrastructure permits, while other segments run at lower speeds due to gradients and regional track limits. Direct high-speed services typically take around 10 to 12 hours depending on the number of stops; slower overnight conventional trains can take 20 hours or more and offer sleeper accommodation. Both high-speed and conventional options provide reserved seating and varying onboard amenities.

G Series

China Railway G Series high-speed trains run at up to 350 km/h on key corridors.

Learn more

Z Series Express

China Railway Z Series Express trains are direct conventional services up to 160 km/h.

Learn more

Cities at Both Ends

Shanghai is China's financial and shipping center, known for the Bund, Pudong skyscrapers and major rail hubs such as Shanghai Hongqiao. Xining, capital of Qinghai province, is the primary gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known for Qinghai Lake and historic sites like the Great Mosque of Xining. Depart from Shanghai Hongqiao and arrive at Xining Station to access regional attractions and plateau scenery.

Shanghai

China's largest eastern rail hub, linking the Yangtze River Delta with Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and inland cities.

FAQ about the Shanghai - Xining Route

How do I book tickets from Shanghai to Xining?

You can book tickets online via Rail Monsters, select departure and arrival stations, choose class and departure, and complete payment. Electronic tickets or PDFs are issued where provided by the operator. Check ticket availability on the search page before purchase.

How long is the train from Shanghai to Xining?

High-speed G-category services usually complete the trip in about 10 to 12 hours depending on stops. Slower overnight or conventional trains can take 20 hours or more and include sleeper options.

Which trains run between Shanghai and Xining?

Services include G-category high-speed trains operated with CRH/Fuxing sets on major corridor segments and conventional numbered trains for overnight travel. Choose G trains for faster daytime travel and conventional trains for sleeper accommodations.

How much is the train from Shanghai to Xining?

One-way high-speed tickets from Shanghai to Xining typically range from CNY 858 to CNY 1,170 (around $120 - $164 USD), depending on class and advance purchase. Sleeper or conventional services can vary. Use Rail Monsters to compare fares and book tickets online.

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