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Shanghai to Beijing from $50: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Shanghai, China
to
Beijing, China

How to Get from Shanghai to Beijing: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$50 by busBest price
1075 kmDistance
4h 6m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Shanghai to Beijing with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
China Railways G-Class
Train
Average Duration
4h  36m
Estimated price
$55-130
Recommended
Company
China Bus Guide
Bus
Average Duration
18h 
Estimated price
$50-50
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1075 km
Duration: 4h 6m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
5h  14m
Estimated price
$80-91
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  41m
Estimated price
$93-254
Company
various
Subway
Plane
Average Duration
4h  31m
Estimated price
$122-289
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  6m
Estimated price
$125-212
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  13m
Estimated price
$134-325
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
12h  15m
Estimated price
$150-230
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  34m
Estimated price
$151-342
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
5h  40m
Estimated price
$161-417

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 10/03Tu 11/03We 12/03Th 13/03Fr 14/03Sa 15/03Su 16/03
Fly $313 $313 $313 $314 $312 $312 $306
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Shanghai to Beijing

The route from Shanghai to Beijing offers a fascinating contrast between Shanghai's modern skyline and energetic pace, and Beijing's rich history and cultural landmarks.

Best Neighbourhoods in Beijing

Beijing's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences reflecting its rich heritage and modernity.

Hutong
• Experience traditional courtyard homes and narrow lanes.
• Great food options from local eateries.
Sanlitun
• Vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs.
• Popular shopping destination with international brands.
Dashilar
• Historic area with quaint shops and architecture.
• Close to major sights like Tiananmen Square.

Best Times To Visit Beijing's Attractions

Timing your visit can significantly enhance your Beijing experience.

The Forbidden City
Visit early in the morning on weekdays to beat crowds and enjoy tranquility.
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Midweek visits in spring or fall provide breathtaking views and fewer tourists.
Summer Palace
Late afternoon visits during weekdays offer cooler temperatures and stunning sunset views.

Beijing Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Beijing experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters; the best times to visit are in spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures. Weather plays a significant role in your travel experience, affecting outdoor activities and the visibility of iconic landmarks.

Dining Recommendation in Beijing

A must-try dish in Beijing is the iconic Peking Duck, best enjoyed at restaurants like Da Dong, where the crispy skin and rich flavors contrast sharply with Shanghai's seafood-focused cuisine. Dining here immerses you in the traditional local atmosphere, highlighting the pride in craftsmanship and the use of regional ingredients, setting it apart from Shanghai's modern dining scene.

Shanghai - Beijing operators

Explore transport companies operating between Shanghai and Beijing, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
(86)12306
Website
12306.cn

Train from Shanghai Station to Beijing South

Average Duration
4h 36m
Estimated price
$80-90

Train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Beijing South

Average Duration
4h 24m
Estimated price
$80-90
Contact phone
(86)12306
Website
chinahighlights.com

Train from Shanghai to Beijing

Average Duration
12h 6m
Estimated price
$55-130
Bus
Website
chinabusguide.com

Bus from Shanghai General to Beijing

Average Duration
18h
Estimated price
$50-50
Plane
Website
en.ceair.com

Plane from Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Beijing Capital (PEK)

Average Duration
2h 19m
Estimated price
$180-410

Plane from Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Beijing Daxing (PKX)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$120-310

Plane from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Beijing Capital (PEK)

Average Duration
2h 28m
Estimated price
$100-350

Plane from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Beijing Daxing (PKX)

Average Duration
2h 32m
Estimated price
$95-250
Website
airchina.com

Plane from Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Beijing Capital (PEK)

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$190-650

Plane from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Beijing Capital (PEK)

Average Duration
2h 27m
Estimated price
$170-650
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
(86)021-64370000
Website
shmetro.com

Other from West Nanjing Road to Longyang Road

Average Duration
19m
Estimated price
$1-2

Shanghai to Beijing: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Shanghai and Beijing offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from Shanghai to Beijing, covering a distance of 1219.9 km, which translates to around 12 hours and 15 minutes of driving time. 💰 The cost of the journey by car from Shanghai to Beijing ranges from $150 to $230, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore China at their own pace without the restrictions of public transportation schedules. 🏙️ Arrive in Beijing after a scenic drive through the Chinese countryside, ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and modern marvels of this dynamic city. Explore iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and sample delicious Beijing cuisine to complete your memorable road trip adventure.
Average price
$150 - $230
🚄 Board the direct train at Shanghai Station and enjoy a comfortable ride to Beijing South station. The journey takes around 4 hours and 36 minutes, with services operating daily. 💸 Ticket prices for the Shanghai to Beijing train range from $55 to $130, offering flexibility for different budgets.
Departure Point
Shanghai Station
Arrival Point
Beijing South station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: The high-speed trains from Shanghai to Beijing typically offer meals and snacks depending on your ticket class. First Class passengers usually get complimentary meals served on a tray, while Business Class may offer a wider selection of gourmet options. Economy Class passengers can purchase pre-packed meals and snacks from the trolley service, which includes drinks and local delicacies. Remember to check the train's route number to know what catering services are available.
Seating Options: For the Shanghai to Beijing route, you can choose between several classes of seating. Business Class is the most luxurious with spacious seating and wider aisles, often equipped with power outlets and includes superior catering services. First Class seats are also comfortable and slightly less expensive; they recline and offer ample legroom but with fewer amenities than Business Class. Economy Class is more economical, providing decent comfort for the price, but seats are narrower and less spacious. Check the specific train operator for seat configurations and availability.
Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive at Beijing South Railway Station, you'll find it quite large and busy, so it's best to follow the signs in English which lead you to exits. There are luggage storage services available in the station if you want to explore Beijing without your bags. The station also has clean restrooms, but showers are not available. Use the station's free Wi-Fi to help navigate and plan your next steps.
🛫 Enjoy a quick and convenient flight from Shanghai to Beijing with a direct route taking just 2 hours and 5 minutes. Airlines like Hainan, Air China, and China Eastern provide options for this popular route. 🌆 Experience the bustling capital of China after a comfortable flight that covers the distance of 4 hours and 13 minutes. 💸 Flight prices between Beijing and Shanghai can range from $134 to $325, providing various options to suit different budgets for your journey across these two dynamic Chinese cities.
Departure Point
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Arrival Point
Beijing Capital Airport
🚌 The bus journey from Shanghai to Beijing with China Bus Guide departs once daily and takes approximately 18 hours, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to navigate between the two vibrant cities. 🌆 Embarking from Shanghai General station and arriving at Beijing station, the bus service offers a cost-effective and scenic way to traverse the 818-mile distance between these two bustling metropolises, allowing travelers to relax and take in the sights along the way. 💰 With tickets priced at $50 for the Shanghai to Beijing route, this bus trip provides an affordable and comfortable travel option for those seeking to explore the varied attractions and cultural richness that both cities have to offer.
Departure Point
Shanghai General station
Arrival Point
Beijing station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Shanghai to Beijing.

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The distance between Shanghai and Beijing is approximately 1075.0 km by air or road. Traveling by train is the fastest option, with a travel time of 4 hours and 36 minutes. Taking a combination of flight and train reduces the travel time slightly to 4 hours and 24 minutes. By car, it takes 12 hours and 12 minutes, while taking a bus is the longest option, with a travel time of 18 hours.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Shanghai to Beijing is by bus, as it is the cheapest option with a travel time of 18 hours. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option, taking only 4 hours and 23 minutes.
The prices for train travel between Shanghai and Beijing can range from $55 to $130, depending on the class and type of train. The price of a bus ticket between the two cities is usually around $49.
To travel from Shanghai to Beijing without using public transportation, you can choose to rent a car or hire a private driver. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1211.8 km, and it takes around 12 hours and 12 minutes to drive. The prices for car rental or private hire range from $150 to $220, depending on the provider and type of vehicle chosen.
The best way to travel from Shanghai to Beijing without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 36 minutes and costs between $55 and $130. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes around 18 hours but is a more affordable option at $49. Another option is flying, which takes 4 hours and 23 minutes and costs between $130 and $330.
Yes, there is a direct link between Shanghai and Beijing. The train operated by China Railways G-Class departs from Shanghai Station and arrives at Beijing South, with a journey time of approximately 4h 36m. Additionally, there is also a direct bus service, operated by China Bus Guide, which departs from Shanghai General and arrives at Beijing. However, the bus journey takes significantly longer, around 18 hours.
The flight from Shanghai to Beijing typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes on a direct flight. The prices for this route can vary between $134 and $325.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Beijing with over 370 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at approximately $66 per night.