Train vs flight
Shanghai to Nanjing
上海 → 南京
Take the train
There are no regular direct flights — the high-speed train takes 1h 50m station to station.
🚄 High-speed train
Fastest1h 50m
Typical run time 1h 30m + 20 min at the station
- From
- Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station 上海虹桥站~16 km from centre
- To
- Nanjing South Railway Station 南京南站~9 km from centre
✈ Flight
—
No regular direct flights on this route.
How we count: station-to-station (or airport-to-airport) only — median scheduled time plus 20 min for trains or 60 min for flights. We don’t guess how long it takes to reach the station from your hotel. Estimate — verification pending
What the journey is like
| 🚄 Train | ✈ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage | No weigh-in; you lift bags onto the rack yourself. Large suitcases go at the end of the carriage. | Domestic economy usually includes ~20 kg checked; power banks must be carry-on. |
| Signal & Wi-Fi | Mobile signal most of the way; some trains have Wi-Fi. | Phone off at take-off; Wi-Fi rare on domestic flights. |
| Work on a laptop | Yes — tray tables and sockets on most high-speed trains. | Only in the air, briefly. |
| ID checks | Your passport is your ticket. Many stations have e-gates that read foreign passports; otherwise use the staffed lane. | Passport at check-in and security; arrive 1.5–2h early. |
| Delays | Very punctual. | Air-traffic delays are common, especially in summer storms. |
How to book
Book trains on Trip.com (English, small fee) or the official 12306 app (English, no fee, passport registration needed). Tickets open about 15 days ahead and sell out around holidays. Flights: Trip.com or the airline’s own app.
FAQ
How long is the train from Shanghai to Nanjing?
About 1h 30m on a typical high-speed train. Allow ~1h 50m including getting through the station.
Which station does the Shanghai–Nanjing train leave from?
Most trains leave from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站) and arrive at Nanjing South Railway Station (南京南站). Always check the station name on your ticket.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Shanghai to Nanjing?
Take the train. There are no regular direct flights — the high-speed train takes 1h 50m station to station.