Travel from Shanghai to Nanjing | Shanghai to Nanjing Train

Shanghai is one of the most famous cities in China and attracts numerous visitors with its diverse culture, modern vibe and international atmosphere. Many people start their China trip from Shanghai and are impressed by this metropolis. Just 300 km away, there is an ancient capital Nanjing that will give you a different travel experience with its profound history.

Though both cities have airports, there is no need to take a flight and no flight is scheduled between them. The most recommended way to travel from Shanghai to Nanjing is by high speed train and it only takes 1-4 hours. Long distance buses are also available and it needs about 4.5 hours. Check the detailed information about how to travel from Beijing to Nanjing and choose the train that suits your itinerary most.

Shanghai to Nanjing Transportation Map

Option 1: Shanghai to Nanjing Train (Most Efficient & Recommended Way)

Shanghai is well connected with Nanjing by high speed trains. There are nearly 200 daily high speed G/D/C trains from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station and Shanghai West Railway Station to Nanjing South Railway Station, so you can take a Shanghai-Nanjing high speed train easily. The fastest one takes only 1 hour and the slowest one is about 4 hours. Besides, there are also some available Z/T/K-trains and the journey will need at least 2.5 hours.

The real-time train schedule is as follows:

Referential Currency: RMB=1USD

Train No.
Departure / Train Staiton
Duration
Seat Type / USD Price / Availability

Note: Train information is subject to final confirmation due to the delay of data occasionally.

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站)
Location: No.1500, Shengui Road, Minhang District, Shanghai (上海市闵行区申贵路1500号), about 20 km, 50 minutes~1 hour’s drive to the Bund; 20 km, 1 hour’s drive to Shanghai Museum; 23 km, 1 hour’s drive to Shanghai World Financial Center; 35 km, 40 minutes’ drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town; 43 km, 1 hour’s drive to Shanghai Disney Resort.

Shanghai Railway Station (上海站)
Location: No.303, Moling Road, Jingan District, Shanghai (上海市静安区秣陵路303号), about 6 km, 20 minutes’ drive to the Bund; almost 7 km, 20 minutes’ drive to Yu Garden; about 35 km, 40 minutes’ drive to Shanghai Disney Resort.

Nanjing South Railway Station (南京南站)
Location: No. 98 Yulan Road, Yuhuatai District, Nanjing City （南京市雨花台区玉兰路98号）, about 11 km (40min by car or metro) to Nanjing downtown (Xinjiekou), 14 km (45 minutes by car, 1.5 hours by metro and bus) to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.

Nanjing Railway Station (南京站)
Location: No. 111 Longpan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing City (南京市玄武区龙蟠路111号), about 8 km (30 minutes by car, 20 minutes by metro) to Nanjing downtown (Xinjiekou), 12 km (30 minutes by car, 70 minutes by metro and bus) to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Nanjing South Railway Station

China Train Travel Tips

Class of Ticket

You can usually choose from the First Class Seat, the Second Class Seat or Business Class Seat on the high speed trains. While, there are three types offered on the normal train, including Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper and Hard Seat. learn more >>

Book, Collect, Alter and Cancel

Foreign tourists can book train ticket online or via a ticket agency, or buy the tickets physically at the train station with your valid passport. Train ticket alteration and cancellation are only available at ticket counters. learn more >>

Board & Get off

1) Prepare your passport and China Visa; 2) Get to the right train station at least 30 mins in advance; 3) Collect your train ticket; 4) Read your train ticket; 5) Pass the security control; 6) Pass through Security & Luggage Checks; 7) Find the right waiting room; 8) Cross the ticket checking gate; 9) Get to the right platform; 10) Get on your train. learn more >>

Baggage Allowance

Passengers don’t need to check luggage separately. Each passenger is allowed to carry luggage in certain weight and volume, but without limitation of amount and types. learn more >>

Facilities and Service

All high speed trains in China are equipped with advanced facilities and good service, including luggage racks, air-conditioner, power socket, dining car, hot water, etc. learn more >>

Option 2: Shanghai to Nanjing Bus

There are several long-distance buses (about 4.5h) from Shanghai to Nanjing. They usually depart from Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Terminal (上海长途汽车客运总站, next to the north square of Shanghai Railway Station) and arrive at Nanjing Bus Passenger Terminal (南京汽车客运站), Nanjing Gaochun Bus Station (南京高淳汽车站) or Nanjing Lishui Bus Station (南京溧水汽车客运站). As taking a bus is time-consuming and the schedules are uncertain, it is not recommended to travel from Shanghai to Nanjing by bus.

How to Plan a Shanghai Nanjing Trip

Usually, a classic Shanghai Nanjing tour needs about 4 days. If you have more time and are quite interested in local culture, you can take 1 to 2 more days to visit more attractions, join in more local featured activities to make an in-depth Shanghai Nanjing tour.

During the 2-3 days in Shanghai, you can experience the flying speed of Maglev Train, marvel at towering modern skyscrapers, such as Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, learn amazing ancient Chinese art in Shanghai Museum, enjoy western style historical architectures along the Bund, visit local cultural icons like Yu Garden, Tianzifang, City God Temple, Zhujiajiao Water Town, have fun in Shanghai Disney Resort, etc.

☛ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour
☛ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour

To explore the cultural and natural highlights of Nanjing, 2 ~ 3 days are needed. You can pay a visit to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (the tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Father of Modern China), take a walk in Confucius Temple Area along the Qinhuai River, climb up the ancient City Wall, and know a part of heavy history and cherish peace in the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre.

☛ 2 Days Ancient Nanjing Tour

If you have more days, you can expand your Shanghai Nanjing trip to the nearby Hangzhou - picturesque West Lake, Suzhou - city of classical gardens and silk, Huangshan - magnificent Yellow Mountain and Hui-style ancient villages, etc. Or you can contact us to customize a trip according to your own itinerary and interests. Just tell us your needs and we will take care of everything, you just need to focus on sightseeing!

☛ 5 Days Charming Jiangsu Tour (Suzhou, Wuxi & Nanjing)
☛ 8 Days East China Tour by High-speed Train (Nanjing / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Shanghai)

Our Mexican Family Travelers Visited the Bund of Shanghai at Night

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing

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Nanjing Travel Guide

Extension Readings of High Speed Train Travel in China

Recommended Nanjing Tours

Top 3 Nanjing tours chosen by most customers to explore Nanjing in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

2 Days Time-efficient Nanjing Essence Tour

Nanjing

5 Days Charming Jiangsu Tour (Suzhou, Wuxi & Nanjing)

Suzhou / Wuxi / Nanjing

8 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Nanjing Yangtze Delta In-depth Tour

Nanjing / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Shanghai

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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