Shanghai – Guangzhou Train: 2026 Latest Timetable & Ticket Price

Written by Candice Zhao | Updated April 01,2026

Shanghai and Guangzhou, the two most dynamic first-tier cities in China, are popular destinations for most international travelers. Though the distance between them is relatively long, about 1,450 km, it is easy to travel between these two cities thanks to the frequent flights and trains every day. Compared with flights, high-speed trains are more punctual and comfortable, and train stations are usually closer to city center. That’s why it has become a top option for more and more travelers.

From 07:00 to 22:00, about 15 trains shuttle between the two cities every day. The fastest G-series trains take only 6.5 – 8.5 hours. If you are not in a hurry, the overnight D-series trains are also nice choices. Just book a sleeper berth. After a good night’s sleep on the 11-hour journey, you will arrive at the destination. For budget travelers, normal trains with hard seats as low as CNY 200/USD 29 are really cost-effective.

In this guide , we will share 2026 updated train schedules, ticket prices for different Shanghai – Guangzhou train types and a comparison between trains and flights, so that you can choose the most suitable way.

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• High-Speed Train Schedules
• Stations in Shanghai: Which to Choose?
• Stations in Guangzhou – Which is the Top Option?
• Normal Train Options & Schedule
• G-series Train vs. Overnight D-series Train vs. Normal Train
• Train vs. Flight
• Tips & FAQs for Train Travel
• Explore Shanghai and Guangzhou with China Xian Tour

Shanghai – Guangzhou High-Speed Train Schedules

• Distance: about 1,790 km
• Train types: G-series high-speed train, D-series overnight bullet train
• Travel time: G-series trains: 6.5 – 8.5 hours; D-series trains (overnight): 11 – 15.5 hours
• Frequency: 9-series G trains and 2 – 5 D-series trains (overnight) every day
• Terminals: Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai South, Shanghai Songjiang, Guangzhou East, Guangzhou South, Guangzhou, Guangzhou North, Guangzhou Baiyun
• Main stops: Suzhou South, Hangzhou West, Huangshan North, Nanchang East, Guangzhou Xintang

Usually, 9 pairs of G-series trains and 2 – 5 pairs of D-series trains run between the two cities every day. All G-series trains operate during daytime and take less travel time, while D-series trains are all overnight trains and take a longer time. And some D-series may be not available every day.

Shanghai to Guangzhou Schedule & Duration

Note: G251 and G253 are the fastest trains, which take less than 6.5 hours.

Guangzhou to Shanghai Schedule & Duration

Note: G252 and G246 are the fastest trains, which take about 6.5 hours.

Shanghai – Guangzhou Bullet Train Ticket Prices & Classes

Stations in Shanghai: Which to Choose?

Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai South and Shanghai Songjiang all operate Shanghai to Guangzhou high-speed trains. The first two stations are the major stations with both G-series and D-series trains. Which one to choose?

If you seek for high efficiency, choose Shanghai Hongqiao. It offers the densest trains and the fastest trains. From 07:00 – 20:00, a total of 10 trains depart from the station, so flexible choices are available for passengers. In addition, this station is right next to Hongqiao Airport and metro lines 2, 10 and 17 can take you to the station directly.

Though Shanghai South has relatively fewer trains and the trains departing here take about 7.5 – 8 hours, it is closer to the city center. Metro lines 1, 3 and 15 are all available. And metro line 1 can take you to Huaihai Road and People’s Square directly. If you are planning to start your Shanghai tour after arrival, this station will be a better option.

Stations in Guangzhou – Which is the Top Option?

With the densest trains, Guangzhou South is the main hub station of the G-series Shanghai – Guangzhou bullet train. It is the farthest from the city center, about 20 km. To facilitate passengers to transfer between the station and downtown Guangzhou, a total of 4 metro lines (metro lines 2, 7, 22 and Foshan metro line 2) have a stop here and no security check is needed if you transfer from the high-speed train to metro. It is thus a more convenient option for most travelers.

Guangzhou East is another major station. It is situated at the core area of Tianhe CBD and is only 5 km to the city center. Metro lines 1, 3 and 11 have connected the station with other major areas in Guangzhou. It is very suitable for tourists who plan to explore the city center after arrival. It takes just about 20 minutes to get to Canton Tower by metro.

Shanghai – Guangzhou Normal (Non-bullet) Train: Options & Schedule

• Travel time: 19.5 – 23.5 hours
• Frequency: 2 trains every day
• Terminals: Shanghai Songjiang, Guangzhou Baiyun
• Main stops: Jiaxing, Hangzhou South, Yiwu, Shangrao, Hengyang, Shaoguan East

Shanghai to Guangzhou Normal Train Schedules

Guangzhou to Shanghai Normal Train Schedules

Prices & Classes

How to Get to the Stations

Shanghai Songjiang: Take metro line 9 to Shanghai Songjiang Railway Station stop and exit from Exit 3. This station is really far from downtown and even a single journey needs about 1h40m. So leave enough time if you plan to take a train there.

Besides, the station is divided into South Area (ticket gates 1 and 2) and North Area (ticket gates 3 – 15). The two areas are connected by a 300-meter corridor, and walking between them takes about 8 minutes. So, please double check your ticket to ensure you arrive at the correct area.

Guangzhou Baiyun: Guangzhou metro line 12 can transport you to Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station stop. It is also far from the city center. Usually, passengers need to transfer from line 3 to line 8 at Kecun station first. Then transfer to line 12 at Julong station and get off at the train station. This trip will take about 1 hour.

G-series Train vs. Overnight D-series Train vs. Normal Train: How to Make a Choice?

For easy comparison, the major differences between different Shanghai – Guangzhou trains are listed above. Which one to choose for your China train tour?

Taking less time, G-series trains are most suitable for tourists who value high efficiency, such as business travelers and those with limited time. Compared with D-series trains, it can save at least 4.5 hours for you to arrange the following itinerary.

Overnight D-series trains are ideal choices for tourists who want to balance budget, travel time and comfort level. The sleeper is the highlight of D-series trains. It will not take up daytime time and you can save the accommodation cost. After an overnight rest, you can start your trip directly upon arrival the next morning.

Normal trains are actually not recommended, because its travel time is about 8 – 15 hours longer than G-series and D-series trains. You will feel exhausted after the journey.

Train vs. Flight

The total travel time of the flight is relatively shorter than the train. And during off seasons, like late October and November, its price is even cheaper than the train. So if you are on a tight schedule or plan to travel in off season, the flight is a nice choice.

However, in terms of punctuality, riding a high-speed to transfer between Shanghai and Guangzhou is more reliable. And during peak seasons, its price is more advantageous than planes. For tourists who want to ensure punctual arrival or travel during peak seasons, the high-speed train is more advised.

Essential Tips & FAQs for Shanghai – Guangzhou Train Travel

• What is the Guangzhou to Shanghai distance by train?

G-series Trains: about 1,790 km

Overnight D-series Trains: about 1,725 km

Normal Trains: about 1,550 – 1,700 km

• How long does the fast train take from Guangzhou to Shanghai?

G-series and D-series trains are both fast trains and take about 6.5 – 8.5 hours and 11 – 15.5 hours, respectively.

• How to buy China train tickets online as a tourist?

The China Railway 12306 website and app are the official ticket booking platforms and offer an English version. The site is https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html. After switching the language into English, follow the props to fill in your name, nationality and passport number, etc. Afterwards, bind your international credit card and book the ticket directly.

Other ticket booking platforms, such as Trip.com, are also easy for international travelers to use. Its process is simpler and it offers multilingual interfaces and supports international credit cards also. If you are not familiar with Chinese, Trip.com is more recommended.

• What is the luggage allowance on the Shanghai-Guangzhou bullet train?

Generally, an adult can carry 20 kg of luggage for free and a kid can carry 10 kg for free. The sum of length, width and height for each item must not exceed 130 cm. An exception is that the folding wheelchair and baby stroller are not subject to the restrictions and can be carried for free.

• Can I buy food on the train?

Yes. A dining carriage is usually located in the center of the train, where boxed meals, snacks and drinks are all provided. Besides, during the journey, attendants will also push a dining cart and move through each carriage to sell snacks and drinks.

Explore Shanghai and Guangzhou with China Xian Tour

Shanghai is known as a modern international metropolis, and Guangzhou is a food paradise rooted in the civil life. Both are the most representative first-tier cities in China. Do you want to experience the charm of both cities in one tour? China Xian Tour can tailor a trip for you.

We are dedicated to inbound tourism for about 20 years and serve over 6,000 international travelers every year. Our travel specialists are familiar with all the tourism cities in China and are experienced in customizing a trip based on tourists’ preferences. We will also try our best to meet all your demands. Just contact us now.