If you're planning a tour combining Shenzhen with Shanghai, understanding your transportation options is crucial. This guide will help you navigate the journey between these two dynamic Chinese cities, separated by approximately 1,500 km (930 miles) but connected through efficient modern transit networks.
As China's pioneering special economic zone, Shenzhen offers visitors a glimpse into the country's rapid development, while Shanghai showcases its metropolis charm. Whether concluding a business trip or leisure stay in Shenzhen, traveling to Shanghai is straightforward with convenient options including flights, high-speed trains, and conventional rail services to match your travel preferences.
The fastest way to reach Shanghai, requiring only 2.5 hours in the air. Occasionally, discounted economy tickets may be available at prices even more affordable than high-speed train fares.
A comfortable, enjoyable and environmentally-friendly option. The journey takes approximately 7 to 11.5 hours.
The slowest route to Shanghai; carriages can be crowded but offer an economical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Soaring between China's twin economic powerhouses is swift and convenient, with Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (IATA: SZX) offering abundant daily connections to Shanghai. Located 32 km northwest of Shenzhen's bustling center, this major aviation hub provides travelers with a quick 2.5-hour journey across the country, making it ideal for business travelers or visitors with limited time. The frequent flight schedule ensures flexibility for your itinerary, allowing you to maximize your time exploring both innovative Shenzhen and cosmopolitan Shanghai.
Shenzhen Airport Address:Bao'an Avenue, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province (深圳市宝安区宝安大道)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
The railway between Shenzhen and Shanghai spans 1,623 kilometers (1,008 miles), connecting Guangdong Province with Shanghai. It passes through several provinces, including Fujian and Zhejiang, and serves dozens of intermediate stations in major cities such as Xiamen, Fuzhou, Wenzhou, Ningbo, and Hangzhou. This allows you to travel between Shanghai and Shenzhen with the option to stop over in the mentioned cities for a short tour. Please note that not all trains stop at the same stations, so travel times may vary.
Shenzhen Shanghai High Speed Railway Map
Shenzhen North Railway Station has hundreds of high speed trains running through. Travelers can go from/to Hong Kong, Guilin, Shanghai, Xiamen, Kunming, Nanjing, Fuzhou, Chaoshan, Huizhou, etc. Located in the north of Shenzhen City, it is about 10 kilometers from the new downtown in Futian and about 14 kilometers from the old downtown in Luohu District.
Metro Line 4 and Line 5 can take you from the station to different areas in Shenzhen, including attractions like Window of the World, Shenzhen Museum, Splendid China Folk Village, etc.
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station serves as Shanghai's premier high-speed rail terminal, conveniently integrated with Hongqiao International Airport to form one of East Asia's largest transportation hubs. It's about 20 km to the Bund, Shanghai Museum and Yuyuan Garden (about 45 minutes' drive).
The station is served by metro line 2, line 10 and line 17, which can easily take you to the city center and Zhujiajiao Water Town.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As the "Silicon Valley" of China and the gateway city from China mainland to Hong Kong and Macau, Shenzhen, the city of "creativity" is valued as one of the “Top 10 cities to visit in 2019” by Lonely Planet with its unique charming modern city sightseeing, pleasant coastal line and so forth. Usually, you can visit Shenzhen from Hong Kong or Guangzhou and spend 1 day in Shenzhen to see the urban scenery and past change there. It's suitable to tour Shenzhen for 2 ~ 3 days to visit the major sites of this city from its towering Pingan Finance Center, history introduction in Shenzhen Museum, fabulous Splendid China Folk Culture Village, Dafen Oil Painting Village, etc. Since May 1, 2019, Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen) has been implementing 144-hour visa-free period for citizens from many countries, under certain conditions, you can go for a city tour to explore all the stunning attractions in the city even without applying for a visa.
Both Shanghai and Shenzhen are two highly developed cities in China. Different location and history bring the two destinations distinctive metropolis features and landscape. During your stay in Shenzhen, this young and energetic city has many theme parks and fasinating attractions showing its creation and rapid development. While in Shanghai, you have many places to experience the international city and its mixture of eastern and western culture. Two or three days is reommended to tour the essential landmarks, including the Bund, Yu Garden & Bazaar, Shanghai Museum, etc.
With more time in Shanghai, you can extend the trip to the nearby cities of Shanghai such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan Mountain, etc. Besides Shanghai and its nearby cities, it is also highly recommended to extend your Shenzhen trip to the nearby cities like Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau in the Great Bay Area, and a bit further to Guilin to admire the fantastic Karst landscape. Since Shenzhen has very good transportation with other destinations in China, it is also very good to travel to more top destinations, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, etc. to appreciate more highlights! Select your favorite one at below to start your exploration! If you have more ideas, please feel free to tell us to customize your Shenzhen Shanghai tour!
Ping'an Financial Center in Shenzhen
Shenzhen Bay Park
Paul & His Wife Visited the Bund
Timothy Family in Yu Garden
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