Hello, I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler from China. My travel style leans toward exploring lesser-known, hidden gems around the world. I enjoy sharing tips on how to travel on a budget in China, hoping to help like-minded travelers find unique destinations. Today, I’m excited to share information about Shanghai Railway Station— a transportation hub blending modernity with history. As a traveler, I’ll take you through its distinctive features and practical information to help you plan your trip to Shanghai efficiently and comfortably.

Summary

Overview of Shanghai Railway Station

  • Address: 303 Moling Road, Tianmu West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
  • Recommended Arrival Time: At least 1 hour before train departure
  • Chinese Name: 上海站 (Shanghai Zhan)
  • Pinyin: Shang Hai Zhan
  • Train Ticket Station Name: Shanghai (上海)
  • Train Ticket Purchase:Click to Purchase Tickets
Shanghai Railway Station exterior view with a large digital board

2 Best Ways to Reach Shanghai Railway Station from Downtown

If you’re traveling during the day, I recommend taking the metro as Shanghai Railway Station is conveniently located in the city center with multiple metro lines directly connecting to it. If you have heavy luggage, using a ride-hailing service might be more convenient.

1. How to Take the Metro from Downtown Shanghai to Shanghai Railway Station?

2. How to Take a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service from Downtown Shanghai to Shanghai Railway Station?

You can use Alipay or DiDi to hail a taxi.

  • Drop-off Locations: South Entrance (Ticket Check Point 1), North Entrance (Ticket Check Point 12)
  • Price: 20 RMB
  • Travel Time: 20 minutes

Ticket Purchase Guide

How to Buy Train Tickets

  • Online Ticket Purchase:
    • Official Channels:
      • Official Website or the Railway12306 APP
      • Third-party booking platforms, which offer the same prices as the official website, are more user-friendly. You can try our recommended Booking Platform.
    • Station Name on Ticket: Shanghai (上海)
    • Third-party Online Ticket Purchase:Click to Buy Tickets
  • Manual Ticket Window Purchase: Available via cash, Alipay, WeChat, or credit card.
Interior of Shanghai Railway Station ticket hall at night
  • Ticket Vending Machines: Available for Alipay or WeChat payments. Please note that not all machines support non-mainland Chinese passports. If you can’t find the “Passport” option, try a different machine.
Self-service ticket machines at Shanghai Railway Station
  • Ticket Purchase Time: Train tickets in China can only be purchased up to 15 days in advance, whether online or at the station.
  • Train Operator: All trains in China are government-operated; there are no private train companies.

Choosing the Right Ticket

Train Types

  • High-Speed Trains (HSR): China’s high-speed trains are famous for their efficiency and speed, with top speeds reaching 350 km/h. The high-speed rail network covers most major cities in China. They provide a smoother and faster experience, though tickets are pricier compared to regular trains. Ideal for travelers new to train travel.
  • Regular Trains: These are slower and cheaper than high-speed trains, perfect for those who don’t mind taking a little longer to reach their destination. Some regular trains offer sleeper carriages, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those on long journeys.
Chinese high-speed train and traditional train at a platform

Seat Classes

  • High-Speed Train:
    • Second-Class Seat: The most popular option for most travelers.
    • First-Class Seat: More spacious and comfortable than second-class, but higher in price.
    • Business-Class Seat: The most luxurious option, with fully reclining seats, complimentary snacks, and exclusive VIP services such as priority boarding. It’s the closest you’ll get to business-class flight service on land.
Second-class, first-class, and business-class seats in high-speed train
  • Regular Train:
    • Hard Seat: Most commonly chosen by short-distance travelers.
    • Soft Seat: More comfortable than hard seats, offering greater space, typically for medium-length trips.
    • Hard Sleeper: These come in three tiers: Upper, Middle, and Lower Berths. Suitable for long-distance or overnight trips.
    • Soft Sleeper: These offer more privacy, with four beds per compartment, making them ideal for long trips or overnight travel.
    • Standing Ticket: The cheapest option, but not recommended unless there are no other available seats.
Hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper in a traditional train

Ticket Exchange and Refund Policies

Exchange Policy

  • Eligibility for Exchange: Most train tickets can be exchanged.
  • Exchange Limit: Only one exchange per ticket.
  • Exchange Fees:
    • More than 48 hours before departure: Free of charge.
    • 24-48 hours before departure: A 5% fee based on the ticket price.
    • Within 24 hours of departure: A 15% fee based on the ticket price.
    • After departure: A 40% fee based on the ticket price.
  • How to Exchange:
    • Online: Log in to your booking platform and select “Exchange.” Follow the instructions.
    • Offline: Go to the ticket window at the station with your original ticket and ID.

Refund Policy

  • Eligibility for Refund: Most tickets can be refunded.
  • Refund Fees:
    • More than 8 days before departure: Free of charge.
    • 48 hours-8 days before departure: 5% fee based on the ticket price.
    • 24-48 hours before departure: 10% fee based on the ticket price.
    • Within 24 hours of departure: 20% fee based on the ticket price.
    • After departure: No refund allowed.
  • How to Refund:
    • Online: Log in to your booking platform and select “Refund.” Follow the instructions.
    • Offline: Go to the ticket window at the station with your ticket and ID.

Train Travel Guide

Preparation Before Entering the Station

  • Documents Required: Passport and any other documents used for booking.
  • Need for Printed Tickets: Not necessary, but you can print them for reference or as a keepsake.
  • Recommended Arrival Time: Arrive at least 1 hour before your train’s departure.
  • Train Punctuality: Chinese trains are known for being on time, so there is little chance of early or delayed departures. Be sure not to be late.

Security Check at Shanghai Railway Station

  • Security Process: All luggage must go through security checks before entering the station.
  • Common Luggage Regulations:
    • Prohibited Items: Sharp objects (e.g., knives), and liquids exceeding 150ml (e.g., hair dye, hair spray, insecticide).
    • Permitted Items: Baby strollers are allowed.

Boarding Steps

  1. Check Your Ticket: Confirm your train details, seat, and car number.
  2. Check the Departure Information on the Big Screen: Find your platform and gate location.
  3. Wait for Boarding: Listen for the announcement.
    • Gate Opening Time: 10-15 minutes before departure.
    • Double Check: Before passing the gate, confirm that your train number matches the one on your ticket to avoid getting on the wrong train.
  4. Boarding: Scan your ID or ticket to access the platform.
  5. Getting on the Train: Look for your car number and seat. If it’s close to departure, you can board any nearby car first and walk through to your designated seat. Most cars are connected.
Train schedule display screen at Shanghai Railway Station

Travel Tips

  • Crowds at Shanghai Railway Station: The station can be quite crowded, especially during rush hours. After passing security, it may take up to 10 minutes to reach the boarding gate, so be sure to arrive 1 hour ahead.
  • Purchasing Tickets On-Site: If you’re buying tickets in person, arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure, and check the train schedule and ticket availability.
  • Rush Hours: Morning (7:00-9:00) and evening (17:00-19:00) rush hours may take longer due to traffic congestion.

3 Best Ways to Get from Shanghai Railway Station to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

To get to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, I recommend the metro during the day because it’s a quick and reliable option, free from traffic. If you have a lot of luggage, taking the airport shuttle bus is another good choice.

1. Metro

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Bus Route: Airport Line 4
  • Departure Location: Shanghai Railway Station (North Plaza)
  • Departure Times: Fixed intervals, starting from 05:00 with departures every 30 minutes
  • Price: 27 RMB
  • Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

3. Taxi or Ride-Hailing

  • Drop-Off Location: Based on your flight terminal (International or Domestic).
  • Price: 140 RMB
  • Travel Time: 1 hour

2 Best Ways to Get from Shanghai Railway Station to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

For getting to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, the metro is quick and avoids the city’s traffic. If you have heavy luggage, ride-hailing is a good option.

1. Metro

  • Metro Route: Line 4 + Line 2
  • Destination: Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2
  • Opening Hours: 05:30 – 22:30
  • Price: 5 RMB
  • Travel Time: 45 minutes
  • Transportation Card Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

2. Taxi or Ride-Hailing

  • Drop-Off Location: Based on your flight terminal.
  • Price: 60 RMB
  • Travel Time: 30 minutes

Best Ways to Get from Shanghai Railway Station to Downtown Shanghai

1. Metro

2. Taxi or Ride-Hailing

  • Pick-Up Location: North or South Plaza (look for the nearest pickup signs).
  • Price: 20 RMB
  • Travel Time: 15 minutes

Hotel Recommendations Near Shanghai Railway Station

  • Time Walk S Hotel (Shanghai Railway Station Suzhou Creek Branch)
    • Why it’s Recommended: Convenient location, with easy access to Metro Line 1. About 1 km from the station. The hotel environment is also nice, with a view of Suzhou Creek.
    • Address: 37 Meiyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (near Chang’an Road entrance to Shanghai Railway Station)
    • Price: 500 RMB
    • Booking Link:Click to Book
  • Hanting Hotel (Shanghai Railway Station Branch)
    • Why it’s Recommended: A well-known chain, just a 10-minute walk from Shanghai Railway Station.
    • Address: 83 Moling Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (directly opposite the South Plaza railway ticket office)
    • Price: 300 RMB
    • Booking Link:Click to Book

Inside Shanghai Railway Station Guide

Ticket Window Locations

  • Location: North and South Plazas
  • Services Provided: Ticket purchases, ticket exchange, and refunds
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, Alipay, WeChat, Credit Card
  • Required Documents: Passport or other identification

Luggage Storage Locations

  • Locations: There are storage lockers in both the waiting hall and the metro station. For longer storage, you can use stores outside the station. Many stores offer luggage storage services at cheaper rates for extended periods.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • Prices:
    • Storage Lockers: 10-30 RMB for 8 hours. Each additional hour costs 1-3 RMB.
    • Store-Based Storage: 30-50 RMB for 1 day.
  • Maximum Storage Time: Long-term storage available.

FAQ

Can I stay overnight at Shanghai Railway Station?

Yes, you can stay overnight, but it’s not recommended. Although there are shops open at night, since the station is located in the city center, it’s better to book a nearby budget hotel.

Does Shanghai Railway Station offer free Wi-Fi?

No, it does not.

What should I do if I lose something at Shanghai Railway Station?

You can report your lost item at the lost-and-found counter. Ask any staff member for directions.

What languages do staff at Shanghai Railway Station speak?

Staff at Shanghai Railway Station mainly speak Mandarin. Given that Shanghai is an international city, some staff members may speak basic English, especially at information desks and major service points. For non-Chinese-speaking travelers, there are English signs throughout the station.

Can I take a train earlier than the one listed on my ticket?

No, you are only allowed to board the train specified on your ticket. The ticket inspector will verify your information before allowing you through the gate.

Essential Shanghai Travel Resources