How to Book Train Travel From Shanghai to Beijing

Train travel from Shanghai to Beijing is relatively easy considering that there are many daily trains. Shanghai is a major transport center in China and Beijing is the country's capital. Sit back, relax and enjoy comfortable travel in a part of the world that is steeped in history and rich in culture.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Plan Your Trip Around the Train Schedule

1. Travel on either the T21 train or the Z13 train. Both trains have daily service from Shanghai to Beijing.

2. Plan your journey by taking the train schedules into consideration. Both trains depart in the evening. The T train leaves at 6 p.m. while the Z train leaves at 7 p.m.

3. Keep in mind that although the T21 is an express train, the journey is shorter on the Z train.

Purchase Your Ticket

4. Determine the most convenient method of purchasing your ticket. You can book your ticket yourself or book through an agency.

5. Consider booking your ticket through an agency if you are outside of China. The agencies can make the purchase in advance. They will send the ticket to your hotel in China, once you have arrived.

6. Purchase your ticket from the foreigner's reservation office if you are buying locally.

7. Be aware that the luxurious Z train is quite popular so it fills up quickly. Tickets for this train are usually available 20 days before its scheduled departure. Tickets for the T train can be obtained 10 days in advance.

Take the Train

8. Arrive at the train station with enough time to spare. The Shanghai station is usually busy and crowded. You will need enough time to locate your train.

9. Locate an information booth or seek the assistance of railway staff if you need help finding your train.

10. Prepare to spend 18 hours on board if you are taking the K train, or 11 hours if you are on the Z train.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn the language. Mandarin is the national language. Although English is taught in schools, it is rare to find a local who can converse in English. Consider purchasing a phrase book.
• Know the currency. China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB). You can change your currency to RMB at your hotel or at a bank.
• To book train travel From Shanghai to Beijing, call China-Train Ticket at 86 10 65266721 or visit the link below.
• Tickets must be purchased at the station where you plan to board your train.
• It is not possible to buy roundtrip tickets. Train stations in Shanghai do not sell tickets for other train stations.