How to get to Nanjing from Shanghai in 2026

What if we told you that travelling from Shanghai to Nanjing is one of the simplest intercity journeys in China? It really is!

The two cities are only around 300 km apart and are connected by one of the busiest high-speed rail routes in the country. As a result, more than 250 trains run every day, with the fastest services connecting the two cities in just about 1 hour. Train, flight, bus and car are all available, but for most travellers, one option is much more convenient than the others.

To help you as much as possible, here is our complete guide to everything you need to know about travelling between Shanghai and Nanjing.

Transport Options from Shanghai to Nanjing

Here is a quick summary of the main transport options between Shanghai and Nanjing:

🚄 Shanghai to Nanjing by High-Speed Train: The Best Option

For this route, the high-speed train is simply the ideal and most popular choice among travellers.

The 301 km Shanghai–Nanjing intercity rail line is built for speed, with trains reaching up to 350 km/h. In practice, the journey feels almost as easy as taking the metro between two districts of the same city.

Here is some information to help you as best we can:

• Train frequency: more than 250 high-speed trains run every day, often just a few minutes apart during peak hours. Missing your train isn't a disaster; you just swap your ticket for the next one.
• Duration: between 1 hour and 2 hours depending on the number of stops. The fastest train, a direct G-train, connects the two cities in about 59 minutes.
• Timings: departures are spread from around 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering plenty of flexibility for your plans.
• Train types: G trains (the fastest) dominate, complemented by a few slightly cheaper D trains.

The train drops travellers right in the heart of the metro networks, without the long transfers that airports impose. Pretty handy, right?

How much is the ticket, and which class should you choose?

The value for money of Chinese trains is also an important factor here, especially on such a short journey. Fares vary depending on the speed of the train and the class chosen.

• Second class: from around 105 CNY (≈ £14). This is the choice for the majority of travellers, with 3+2 seating, which is comfortable for such a short journey.
• First class: around 165-175 CNY (≈ £21-23), in a 2+2 configuration, which is more spacious and quieter.
• Business class: the highest category, featuring wide reclining seats, often costing upwards of 330 CNY (≈ £43).

For a one-hour journey, second class is more than enough for most travellers. First class is mainly worth it if you are travelling during busy times and are looking for a little more peace and quiet.

Choosing the right station: Hongqiao or Shanghai?

This is the most important point, and often the source of mistakes for many travellers. Shanghai has several railway stations, and they aren't all equal when it comes to getting to Nanjing.

• Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥): this is the main high-speed railway station, one of the largest in Asia, and the departure point for the vast majority of trains to Nanjing. It is directly connected to the metro (lines 2, 10 and 17) and is adjacent to Hongqiao Airport. It is the preferred choice for frequency and flexibility.
• Shanghai Railway Station (上海站): more central, it is suitable if you are staying in the north of Puxi. It offers trains to Nanjing, but significantly fewer than Hongqiao.
• Shanghai South and Shanghai West: these stations only handle a few departures and are further out; it is best to avoid them for this journey, unless you have a specific reason.

For arrivals, most trains serve Nanjing South (南京南), a huge, modern station connected to the metro (lines 1, 3, S1 and S3). Some trains also stop at Nanjing station (南京站), which is closer to the historic centre and Xuanwu Lake.

🚌 Alternative Ways to Travel from Shanghai to Nanjing

While the high-speed train is by far the most convenient option, other transport methods are still available. Here is a summary of the other ways to travel from Shanghai to Nanjing:

1. 🚆 Regular Train (Z/T/K)

Slower but much cheaper, regular trains take around 3–5 hours and cost from around CNY ¥40 (≈£5) for a hard seat. They only arrive at Nanjing Railway Station, not Nanjing South Railway Station. This option suits travellers on a very tight budget who are not in a hurry, but the difference in comfort and travel time compared with high-speed trains is significant.

2. ✈️ Flight

The flight itself takes around 1 hour. However, once you include transfers to and from the airports, check-in, security checks and waiting time, flying is usually much slower and more expensive than taking the high-speed train. For such a short distance, it offers little advantage.

3. 🚌 Long-Distance Bus

The bus journey takes around 4 hours to reach Nanjing. Departures are limited, schedules are less convenient and travel times depend heavily on traffic conditions. Compared with the train, it is rarely the best choice.

4. 🚗 Car / Ride-Hailing

A private car or ride-hailing service offers a direct door-to-door journey in around 3.5 hours. It is a comfortable option for groups or travellers with lots of luggage, but the total cost, including tolls, is significantly higher than taking the train.

🎫 How to Book Shanghai to Nanjing Train Tickets as a Foreigner

The Chinese rail system operates on a real-name basis, which involves a few formalities. Nothing complicated once you know the procedure.

• Book online in advance: platforms like Trip.com allow you to book with just a passport, in English and in GBP, up to 15 days before departure.
• Have your passport ready: it acts as your ticket! Simply scan your passport at the gates to access the platform, as in most cases, there's no need for a paper ticket.
• Arrive early: allow 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure, especially at Hongqiao and Nanjing South, which are huge and require a security check at the entrance.
• Plan ahead for on-site payments: at the station, ticket counters accept cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay; foreign bank cards are rarely accepted, which is why it's best to book online in advance.

🚆 Shanghai to Nanjing Train Journey: Luggage, Comfort & Travel Tips

The journey is short, but a few practical tips will make the experience more pleasant, especially if it’s your first time on a Chinese train. Here is what you need to keep in mind:

• Luggage: There is no checked baggage service on Chinese trains. You will need to bring your suitcases on board and store them in the overhead racks or in the designated luggage areas at the end of each carriage. Make sure your luggage is easy to lift and carry by yourself.
• Dining: G-series trains often have a catering service or a vending machine, but the selection remains limited and is essentially Chinese. Bringing along a few snacks and a bottle of water is a good idea, especially since a hot water dispenser is available on board.
• Comfort: the trains are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with power sockets at every row. The large windows offer beautiful views of the Yangtze Delta landscapes.
• Punctuality: Chinese trains are renowned for their reliability. Don't count on any delays: make sure you're at the platform well before the doors close, which is usually a few minutes before departure.

🧭 Best Way to Get from Shanghai to Nanjing

The journey is straightforward, but the best choice depends on your priorities. Here are some quick tips to help you decide:

• 🚄 You want the fastest and easiest option: Take a direct G-series high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Nanjing South. The journey takes around 1 hour, and you can arrive in the city quickly.
• 💰 You want to spend as little as possible: The regular train to Nanjing Railway Station offers the lowest fares, but you will need to allow an extra 2–3 hours compared with the high-speed train.
• 👥 You are travelling in a group or with lots of luggage: A private car or chauffeur service can be worth the extra cost for a convenient door-to-door journey.
• 📍 You are staying in central or northern Shanghai: Departing from Shanghai Railway Station may save you a long transfer to Hongqiao, as long as the train schedule works for your itinerary.

🏯 Why Nanjing Is Worth Visiting from Shanghai

A former imperial capital, the city blends history and modernity, from the Ming City Wall and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Xuanwu Lake and the lively Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) district.

Many travellers also include it in a wider loop of the Yangtze Delta, alongside Suzhou and Hangzhou, all connected by the same high-speed rail network.

To plan your trip, remember to book your visits and accommodation in advance, especially during high season and Chinese holidays, when visitor numbers rise sharply.

🧩 More Travel Guides