Beijing-Shanghai HSR Trains Guide & Tips

The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway has been servicing for the public for nearly one year since June 30, 2011. For its fast speed and cheaper cost than that of taking a flight, more and more travelers prefer taking a ‘G’ train from Beijing to Shanghai. And here are some useful information for you taking the high-speed train to Shanghai from Beijing.

What does “G train” mean?

‘G’ stands for ‘Gaotie’ in Chinese, and G trains refers to the high-speed railway trains.

In China, trains are divided into various classes according to their speed. From the slowest to the fastest, they are:
K Trains (Fast Trains with top speed of 120 km/h),
T Trains ( Express Train with the highest speed of 140 km/m),
Z Trains (Direct Express Train with the highest speed of 160 km/h),
D Trains (Electric Multiple Unites Train with the top speed of 250 km/h),
C Trains (Intercity EMU Trains with the average speed of 240 km/h)
G Trains (High-Speed EMU Trains, with the average speed of 300 km/h)

Click for more details about China Train Travel Guide.

Where can I get the trains to Shanghai?

Go to Beijing South Railway Station. There are totally five railway stations in Beijing city, but only Beijing South Railway Station operate high speed trains (both D Trains and G Trains) from Beijing to Shanghai.

The Gate of Beijing South Railway Station

Beijing South Railway Station, the largest railway station in Asia, is located in Yongdingmenwai Daijie, Chongwen District. You can take Subway Line 4 to Beijing South Railway Station.

Click to enlarge the map

Train Travel Tips:

• Because the Real-name System of purchasing Tickets for HSR trains, passport number is needed for foreign passengers who don’t have Chinese identity ID. Learn more about the Real-name ticket purchasing system.
• Hold onto your ticket because you’ll need it at the end of the train ride. Don’t throw your ticket randomly after the trip, because your personal information (like passport number) is on the name-based ticket. Either collect it or shred the QR code, your name and ID number after using. Pay attention to avoid a possible leak of personal information.
• When you arrive at the station you must first go through security control to departure area. Please notice these objects that are forbidden in the train, as following: animals, the toxic, flammable and explosive goods.
• Be on time! Tickets gates always close five minutes before departure.