Last checked: 2026-07-07

Shanghai to Nanjing: Train vs Flight – Which Is Better for First-Time Visitors?

You're in Shanghai, and Nanjing is next on your itinerary. Maybe you want to see the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, walk the ancient city wall, or explore the Presidential Palace. The distance is about 300 kilometers (186 miles), so you have two main options: a high-speed train or a short domestic flight.

For most first-time visitors, the train is the better choice. But the right answer depends on your luggage, your time of day, and whether you're connecting to an international flight. Here's what you actually need to know.

Quick Answer

Take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Nanjing. The train takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Nanjing South Station. A flight takes about 1 hour in the air, but door-to-door time is usually 3-4 hours because of airport travel, check-in, and security. Trains are cheaper, more frequent, and more reliable.

Fly only if: You are already at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and connecting to an international flight, or if you have a very early or late departure that matches a flight schedule. Even then, check the train first.

What To Know Before You Decide

Door-to-Door Time Is What Matters

The train ride itself is short. But you need to get to the station, go through security, and get to your hotel in Nanjing. From central Shanghai (People's Square area) to Shanghai Hongqiao Station is about 30-40 minutes by metro (Line 10 or Line 2). From Nanjing South Station to central Nanjing (Xinjiekou area) is another 20-30 minutes by metro (Line 1 or Line 3). Total door-to-door: about 2-2.5 hours.

For a flight from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG), you need to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours early for domestic flights. The flight is 1 hour. Then you need 30-40 minutes to get from Nanjing airport to the city center by metro (Line S1 to Nanjing South, then transfer) or taxi. Total door-to-door: 3-4 hours minimum.

Cost

A high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Nanjing South costs about 140-230 RMB ($19-$32) for a second-class seat. First-class is about 230-330 RMB ($32-$46). Tickets are easy to book on Trip.com or through the 12306 app.

A domestic flight from Shanghai to Nanjing costs 300-800 RMB ($42-$112) for a one-way economy ticket, depending on how far in advance you book. Budget airlines like Spring Airlines sometimes have lower fares, but luggage fees can add 100-200 RMB ($14-$28).

Frequency and Reliability

Trains run every 10-20 minutes from around 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Delays are rare. Flights run a few times a day, and delays are more common, especially in summer thunderstorms.

Luggage

Trains have no strict luggage weight limit for standard suitcases. You carry your bags on and off. Flights have a 20 kg (44 lb) checked baggage limit for most economy tickets, and carry-on size is smaller than in the US or Europe. If you have a large suitcase, the train is easier.

Language and Apps

Train stations have English signs and announcements. The 12306 app has an English version, but it can be glitchy. Trip.com is more reliable for international travelers. For metro travel in both cities, use the Shanghai Metro app or Alipay's transport feature. For payments, Alipay or WeChat Pay work everywhere, but have a backup card with a chip and PIN for ticket machines.

Step-by-Step Plan

If You Take the Train

Book your ticket on Trip.com or 12306 at least 1-2 days in advance. Same-day tickets are usually available, but popular times sell out.

Go to Shanghai Hongqiao Station. Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10. The station is huge, so allow 15 minutes to find your platform.

Board the train. Second class is fine for 1 hour. First class has wider seats and more legroom.

Arrive at Nanjing South Station. Follow signs to the metro. Line 1 goes to Xinjiekou (central Nanjing) in about 20 minutes.

Check your hotel. Most hotels near Xinjiekou or Confucius Temple are a short walk from a metro station.

If You Fly

Book your flight on Trip.com. Compare prices from both Shanghai airports (PVG and SHA). PVG has more international connections, but SHA is closer to the city.

Get to the airport. From central Shanghai, take Metro Line 2 to PVG (about 1 hour) or Line 10 to SHA (about 30 minutes). Taxis cost 150-250 RMB ($21-$35).

Check in and go through security. Domestic flights need 1.5-2 hours. Have your passport and e-ticket ready.

Fly to Nanjing. The flight is short, but turbulence is common in summer.

Get to the city. Take Metro Line S1 from Nanjing Lukou Airport to Nanjing South Station (about 30 minutes), then transfer to Line 1 or Line 3. A taxi to central Nanjing costs about 150-200 RMB ($21-$28).

Common Mistakes

• Booking the wrong station. Shanghai has two main train stations: Shanghai Hongqiao (for high-speed trains to Nanjing) and Shanghai Railway Station (for slower trains). Nanjing has Nanjing South Station (high-speed) and Nanjing Railway Station (slower). Always check the station name.
• Assuming flights are faster. The flight is only 1 hour, but the total time is longer than the train. Many first-time visitors are surprised by this.
• Not checking luggage limits on budget airlines. Spring Airlines and other budget carriers have strict carry-on rules. Your standard US or EU carry-on may be too big.
• Forgetting to download apps before you go. Alipay, WeChat Pay, and a metro map app (like MetroMan or the official Shanghai Metro app) are essential. Download them before you leave your home country.
• Buying train tickets at the station without a Chinese ID. Foreign passports work at ticket counters, but queues can be long. Book online to save time.

Recommended Booking / Planning Options

• Train tickets: Book on Trip.com for a smooth English interface. You can also use the 12306 app, but it requires a Chinese phone number for registration.
• Flights: Compare on Trip.com for domestic routes. Check both Shanghai airports (PVG and SHA) for the best price.
• Hotels near stations: If you arrive late, consider a hotel near Nanjing South Station. The Nanjing South Railway Station area has several mid-range options.
• Airport transfer: For flights, book a private transfer on Trip.com or use the metro. Taxis are easy but can be expensive.

FAQ

How long is the high-speed train from Shanghai to Nanjing?

The fastest trains take about 1 hour. Most take 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The slowest high-speed trains take up to 2 hours.

Which is cheaper, train or flight?

The train is almost always cheaper. A second-class train ticket costs 140-230 RMB ($19-$32). A flight costs 300-800 RMB ($42-$112) plus potential luggage fees.

Can I use my foreign credit card to buy train tickets?

Not easily. Most online booking platforms (12306, Trip.com) accept international credit cards, but the 12306 app sometimes blocks foreign cards. Trip.com is more reliable. At the station, ticket machines usually only accept Chinese bank cards or Alipay/WeChat Pay. Use the counter with your passport.

Do I need to arrive early for the train?

Yes, but not as early as a flight. Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure for security and finding your platform. The station is large, so add 10 minutes for walking.

What if my flight is delayed?

Domestic flights in China are often delayed, especially in summer. If you have a tight connection to an international flight, consider taking the train instead. Trains are more reliable.

Can I bring my luggage on the train?

Yes. There is no strict weight limit for standard suitcases. Overhead racks and luggage areas at the ends of each car are available. Keep valuables with you.

Some pages may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.