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Leaving behind the Ming Dynasty city walls and the somber history of the Southern Capital for the neon-lit skyscrapers of the Bund feels like a leap across time. While Nanjing offers a reflective, scholarly atmosphere rooted in its imperial past, Shanghai is a relentless engine of modernity and international commerce.
Nanjing and Shanghai are joined by a dense high-speed rail corridor, and the train is the practical way to travel between them. You can compare and book tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Nanjing to Shanghai by Train
In October 2026 the 12306 timetable listed 172 trains from Nanjing South to Shanghai Hongqiao, 157 of them high-speed G-trains, with departures from 06:10 to 22:51.[1]
High-Speed G-Trains
The fastest G-trains cover Nanjing South to Hongqiao in 1 hour to 1 hour 2 minutes, for example G35 (22:51 to 23:51), G93 (20:21 to 21:22) and G455 (10:29 to 11:31).[1] On these services a second-class seat costs CNY 153 to 162, first class CNY 253 to 260 and business class CNY 528 to 567.[1] G-trains that stop more often take up to about 2 hours 40 minutes, and some leave from Nanjing station or arrive at Shanghai, Shanghai West or Songjiang instead of Hongqiao.[1]
D-Trains and Conventional Trains
D-trains from Nanjing South to Hongqiao take 1 hour 54 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (D981 06:10 to 08:04, D985 06:28 to 08:58), and a second-class seat costs CNY 98.[1] Conventional K and Z trains, mostly leaving from Nanjing station, take roughly 3 to 5 hours, so there is little reason to choose them over a G-train.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (CNY) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (G), second class | 153 - 162[1] | 1h - 1h 2min (fastest services) | High |
| High-speed train (G), first class | 253 - 260[1] | 1h - 1h 2min (fastest services) | Very High |
| High-speed train (G), business class | 528 - 567[1] | 1h - 1h 2min (fastest services) | Very High |
| D-train, second class | 98[1] | 1h 54min - 2h 30min | Medium |
Tips for Traveling from Nanjing to Shanghai
- Station Check: The 12306 listing shows three departure stations in Nanjing (Nanjing, Nanjing South and Xianlin) and several arrival stations in Shanghai (Hongqiao, Shanghai, Shanghai South, Shanghai West, Songjiang, Jinshan North and Liantang). The fastest services run between Nanjing South and Hongqiao, so check both station names on your ticket.[1]
- Book in Advance: The 12306 date selector currently shows the next 15 days, so book as soon as your date appears, especially around public holidays.[1]
- Passport Requirement: Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show the same passport to enter and leave the station and to board the train.[2]
- Luggage: Each passenger may bring up to 20 kg of cabin luggage free of charge, and each item may measure up to 130 cm in total on high-speed trains.[2]
Timetable
| Flight Nanjing - Shanghai $ 76.55 1h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Nanjing to Shanghai, including current prices and schedules.
A second-class seat on a D-train from Nanjing South to Shanghai Hongqiao was listed at CNY 98 on 12306 in October 2026. A second-class seat on the fastest G-trains costs CNY 153 to 162. Fares can differ by date and train.
The fastest services are high-speed G-trains from Nanjing South to Shanghai Hongqiao, which take about 1 hour.
By high-speed train the trip takes about 1 hour to 2 hours 40 minutes depending on the number of stops. D-trains take about 2 to 2.5 hours, and conventional trains roughly 3 to 5 hours.
Most of the fastest trains leave from Nanjing South. Some trains leave from Nanjing station or Xianlin, so check the station name on your ticket.
Very often. In October 2026 12306 listed 172 trains from Nanjing South to Hongqiao alone, with departures between 06:10 and 22:51.
Yes. Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show it to enter the station and board the train.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Nanjing South to Shanghai Hongqiao, 16 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): 12306 FAQ: real-name tickets, ID and free cabin luggage. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.