Shanghai to Xian Train Schedules, Tickets and Stations - WeTrip

Shanghai to Xian Trains Schedules, Fares, Train Stations

As one tourist distribution center in China, Shanghai is not only a metropolis with various attractions but also a transportation hub operating frequent flights and high-speed trains to different destinations in China. Generally, Shanghai operates nearly 300 high-speed trains every day and about 20 of them run to Xian - the ancient capital city. There are about 19 high-speed G-trains departing from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Xian North Railway Station and 3 high-speed D-trains from Shanghai Railway Station to Xian Railway Station.

Among the 20 high-speed trains from Shanghai to Xian, the earliest train leaves from Shanghai at around 06:00 and the last train departs at around 17:00. The G-trains run much faster than D-trains usually. The fastest train can take you from Shanghai to Xian within 6 hours and the D-trains will take 15 hours. Other Shanghai-Xian G-trains usually take 6 ~ 8 hours.

Shanghai Xian Train Route

Shanghai Xian Railway, about 1,509km (938 miles) long, starts from Shanghai to Shaanxi via Jiangsu Province and Henan Province. There about over 10 stopover train stations between Shanghai and Xian and different trains may stop in different stations, including Suzhou Railway Station, Nanjing South Railway Station, Zhengzhou East Railway Station etc. Almost all the trains will take a stop at Nanjing and Zhengzhou, so it is also very convenient to travel to Xian from Nanjing or Zhengzhou.

Shanghai Xian High Speed Rail Map

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站)

Location: No. 1500, Mingui Road, Minhang District. (上海市闵行区申贵路1500号)

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is the most important high-speed railway station in Shanghai. All G-trains from Shanghai to Xian departs from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. You can take metro Line 10 to the railway station from the downtown area. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is just adjacent to Hongqiao Railway station, so you can transfer between them easily by walking.

Shanghai Railway Station (上海站)

Location: No. 303, Moling Road, Jing'an District (上海市静安区秣陵路303号)

Shanghai Railway Station is located in the downtown area of Shanghai and can be reached by metro Line 1, Line 3, and Line 4. Shuttle buses are also available to take you from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Railway Station. Because of its good location, it is rather close to the top attractions in Shanghai, including the Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, etc.

Xian North Railway Station (西安北站)

Location: Yuansuo Road, Weiyang District, Xian City (陕西省西安市未央区元朔路)

As the only high-speed railway station in Xian city, Xian North Railway Station plays an important role in operating high-speed trains to/from Xian. It is about 20km (50 minutes' driving) away from the downtown area. You can take metro Line 3 to get to the railway station from the city center and shuttle buses from Xian Xianyang International Airport.

China Train Travel Tips

Class of Ticket

Second Class Seats: The most common type, featuring a "3+2" configuration (5 seats per row, with sections A/B/C as a three-seat block and D/F as a two-seat block). The seat width is approximately 48-50 cm, and the distance between rows is about 90-100 cm, making it suitable for short-distance travel or passengers with budget constraints. First Class Seats: Adopt a "2+2" configuration (4 seats per row, with two seats in sections A/C and two in D/F respectively). The seat width increases to 54-56 cm, and the row spacing is approximately 110-120 cm, offering more spacious room—ideal for passengers seeking greater comfort. Business Class Seats: Available in "1+2" or "1+1" configurations (2-3 seats per row). The seat width reaches 70-80 cm, and the row spacing can extend up to 130-150 cm (in some train models, seats can recline 180° to form a "bed"). The space is most comparable to that of an airplane's business class cabin, with strong privacy.

Book, Collect, Alter and Cancel Train Ticket

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 or 12306 APP.

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 (currently passengers can board train without paper ticket in most China train stations, only passport is required); 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.

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.

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.

How to Plan Your Shanghai Xian Tour

Known as an important gateway city to China, Shanghai preserves the mixed culture of the western and eastern. The duration and theme of your Shanghai tour can be flexibly arranged based on your time and interests. Usually, tourists spend 1 to 2 days on sightseeing the most famous landmarks in Shanghai, including the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center (WFC) - the highest breathtaking skyline in Lujiazui, various historical architectures, Yu Garden, City God Temple along the Bund and busy Nanjing Road. Local culture lovers can use one extra day to visit Tianzifang, Zhujiajiao Water Town, while family travelers can have fun in Shanghai Disney Resort. Meanwhile, you can also experience Maglev Train (the world's fastest high-speed bullet train) and energetic nightlife, taste diverse snacks to make your Shanghai tour interesting and memorable.

Travel from Shanghai to Xian

Usually, spending 4 to 6 days in Shanghai and Xian is the most suitable travel length for the two hot destinations. A tour from Shanghai to Xian is like traveling by time machine taking you from the metropolis to explore ancient China. Flights, high-speed trains and normal trains are available from Shanghai to Xian every day. As the ancient capital for 13 dynasties with more than 3000 years, Xian has many historical ruins, museums and cultural relics. For first-timers to Xian, explore the must-see sights like Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Xian Ancient City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter. For further exploration, go to Mount Hua, Hanyang Mausoleum, Qianling Mausoleum, etc.

Travel Shanghai with Xian, Beijing & More China Destinations

Beijing Xian Shanghai are golden triangle cities often visited together for a week holiday. Besides Shanghai, you can use 3 days to visit the Great Wall in Beijing and major iconic spots like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, 2 days for fulfilling your Terracotta Warriors tour in Xian. With more time, you can extend the trip from Shanghai to the nearby cities such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan Mountain, and further to Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, Yunnan, Silk Road, Tibet and more phenomenal destinations to enrich your WeTrip.

Travel with WeTrip

As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, WeTrip has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.

Paul & His Wife Visited the Bund

Timothy Family in Yu Garden

Daniela and Her Family in Terracotta Warriors Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book China high-speed train tickets as a foreigner?

You can book through the official 12306 app (passport registration required), at train station ticket counters with your passport, or through WeTrip's booking service. We recommend booking 5-10 days in advance for popular routes.

What's the difference between G, D, and C trains in China?

G-trains (Gaotie) are the fastest at 300-350 km/h, D-trains (Dongche) run at 200-250 km/h, and C-trains (Chengji) are intercity trains at 200 km/h. G-trains offer the most comfortable experience with business, first, and second class seats.

Can I use my passport to board a Chinese train?

Yes, foreign passports are accepted at automated ticket gates in most major stations. Simply scan your passport at the gate. Some smaller stations still require manual verification at staffed counters.

What's the Beijing to Shanghai bullet train schedule?

There are 50+ daily G-trains between Beijing and Shanghai, running from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The journey takes 4-5.5 hours depending on stops. Second class tickets start from ¥553 (~$77 USD).