Connecting two of China's most significant cities, the journey from Shanghai to Nanjing offers a fascinating transition from a modern financial hub to a city steeped in imperial history and cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn by Nanjing's ancient city walls, its poignant historical sites, or simply seeking a change of pace, you have excellent transport options to make the trip efficiently and comfortably. The high-speed rail network provides a swift and scenic link, while flights offer another alternative for those prioritizing speed. You can book tickets for both trains and flights directly on GoAsia.cc.
Shanghai to Nanjing by Train
Traveling by train is by far the most popular and recommended way to get from Shanghai to Nanjing, offering a blend of speed, convenience, and affordability. China's high-speed rail network is world-class, making this journey incredibly smooth. Prices range from an economical $14 for a Hard Seat to $84 for a Business Class ticket, depending on the service and class you choose. Durations vary from an impressive 1 hour 33 minutes on the fastest high-speed services to around 5 hours 13 minutes for slower trains.
Second Class Seat
The Second Class Seat is the most common and budget-friendly option for high-speed trains. These seats are comfortable, with ample legroom, and are perfect for the relatively short journey. With frequent departures throughout the day, you'll find it easy to fit a Second Class Seat into your schedule.
Hard Seat
For the most budget-conscious travelers, Hard Seats are available on some slower train services. While less comfortable than Second Class, they are a very economical way to travel, particularly for those who don't mind a more basic experience.
Hard Sleeper
Hard Sleeper berths are available on overnight or longer-distance trains, though for the Shanghai to Nanjing route, they primarily serve as a more spacious option on some daytime services. These open-plan berths provide a place to lie down, which can be a good choice if you prefer to relax more fully during the journey, even if it's not truly an overnight trip.
Soft Sleeper
The Soft Sleeper offers a more private and comfortable experience than the Hard Sleeper, usually in compartments of four berths. This is a great choice if you're traveling with family or friends and prefer a quieter environment, or simply desire more comfort on your journey.
Business Class
For the ultimate in comfort and luxury on China's high-speed rails, Business Class is unparalleled. These spacious seats recline fully, often come with personal entertainment systems, and offer premium service. If you're looking to travel in style and enjoy a top-tier experience, Business Class is worth the splurge.
Shanghai to Nanjing by Flight
While trains are generally more efficient for this route due to airport transfer times, flying is an option for those who prefer air travel or have specific schedule requirements. Flights from Shanghai to Nanjing typically take around 1 hour 15 minutes, with prices ranging from $98 to $174 for an Economy class ticket. There is usually one departure late in the evening. Remember to factor in travel time to and from the airports, as well as check-in and security procedures, which can add several hours to your total journey time.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | $98-174 | 1h 15min | Standard air travel comfort |
| Train (Hard Seat) | $14-84 | 1h 33min-5h 13min | Basic, upright seating |
| Train (Second Class Seat) | $14-84 | 1h 33min-5h 13min | Comfortable, standard seating |
| Train (Hard Sleeper) | $14-84 | 1h 33min-5h 13min | Shared open berths |
| Train (Soft Sleeper) | $14-84 | 1h 33min-5h 13min | Private, comfortable berths |
| Train (Business Class) | $14-84 | 1h 33min-5h 13min | Premium, spacious seating |
Tips for Traveling from Shanghai to Nanjing
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular train times or during peak travel seasons (Chinese national holidays), it's highly recommended to book your train tickets a few days or even weeks in advance. Flights also tend to be cheaper when booked early.
- Choose Your Train Station Wisely: Shanghai has several train stations. Ensure you know which station your train departs from (e.g., Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is common for high-speed trains) and plan your transport there accordingly. Nanjing also has multiple stations, with Nanjing South being the primary hub for high-speed services.
- Arrive Early: For trains, aim to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure, especially if you need to pick up tickets or navigate a large station. For flights, the standard 2-3 hours before departure applies.
- Packing for Comfort: Even for a relatively short train journey, consider bringing snacks, a water bottle, and a power bank for your devices. The train journey offers opportunities to enjoy the passing scenery.
- Learn Basic Phrases: While major transport hubs often have English signage and staff who speak some English, knowing a few basic Mandarin phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience.
- Consider High-Speed Rail: For most travelers, the high-speed train is the most convenient, comfortable, and often quickest way to travel between Shanghai and Nanjing when factoring in total journey time.
Timetable
| Flight Shanghai - Nanjing $ 97.71–173.63 1h 15m | |
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| Train Shanghai - Nanjing $ 14.26–84.40 1h 33m – 5h 13m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Shanghai to Nanjing directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The cheapest way to get from Shanghai to Nanjing is by train, specifically a Hard Seat ticket, which can cost as little as $14. Second Class Seat tickets are also very affordable, starting from $14.
The fastest way to get from Shanghai to Nanjing is by high-speed train, with the quickest services completing the journey in just 1 hour 33 minutes. While flights have a shorter air time of 1 hour 15 minutes, the total travel time including airport transfers and security often makes the train faster overall.
The journey from Shanghai to Nanjing by train can take anywhere from 1 hour 33 minutes to 5 hours 13 minutes, depending on the type of train. Flights have an air time of 1 hour 15 minutes.
For most travelers, taking the high-speed train is generally better. It's often quicker door-to-door, more affordable, and offers a more scenic and convenient experience without the hassle of airport security and transfers. Flights are only recommended if you have specific timing needs or are already at the airport.
Yes, you can buy train tickets at the station, but it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular routes and during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and avoid long queues. Online booking platforms like GoAsia.cc also offer convenient options.
Trains between Shanghai and Nanjing offer several classes, including Hard Seat (most basic), Second Class Seat (standard comfort), Hard Sleeper (open berth), Soft Sleeper (more private berth), and Business Class (premium comfort on high-speed trains).