- Must visit
Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King
Excellent archaeology museum around the Western Han Nanyue king's tomb, showcasing jade, bronzes and a major royal burial site.
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Travel Information
Compare flight and train for Shanghai to Guangzhou
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Shanghai to Guangzhou among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from ₫82. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of ₫82, and a flight costs an average of ₫41.
Distance: 753 miles (1212 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
₫123 Average price Cheapest | ₫350 Average price | ₫162 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 33m Average total duration 8h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Shanghai to Guangzhou is a train with an average price of ₫123.
This is compared to other travel options from Shanghai to Guangzhou:
A train is ₫227 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Shanghai to Guangzhou costing on average ₫350.
The fastest way to travel from Shanghai to Guangzhou is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 26m.
Other travel options to Guangzhou take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Shanghai and Guangzhou including taking a flight and train.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Shanghai to Guangzhou among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 6h 48m faster (8h 3m by train vs 14h 51m by car) and roughly ₫38 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (₫123 vs ₫162). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Shanghai to Guangzhou train times
The table below shows live departures for Shanghai to Guangzhou trains for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G253 | 4:00 PM Shanghai Hongqiao | 6h27 | 10:27 PM Guangzhou | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Shanghai to Guangzhou by flight or train
Compare flight and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Shanghai to Guangzhou
ChinaChina
Trains from Shanghai to Guangzhou run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at ₫82 but you can travel from only ₫41 by flight.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:47, the last at 12:00. The fastest train covers the 753 miles (1212 km) distance in 6h 27m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from ₫41
Distance 753 miles (1212 km) |
Average train duration 8h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price ₫82 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 6h 27m |
First train 12:47 AM |
Last train 12:00 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from ₫41
Complete guide to Guangzhou
Things to do in Guangzhou
Discover the best of Guangzhou — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Guangzhou trip today.
- Must visit
Guangdong Museum
Large provincial museum with strong Cantonese history, maritime trade and natural history exhibitions in a striking modern building.
- Recommended
Guangzhou Museum
Leading city museum in Yuexiu Park, housed in Zhenhai Tower, covering Guangzhou history with ceramics, trade and urban heritage displays.
- Must visit
Shamian Island
European-style island district with shaded lanes, colonial-era architecture and riverfront walks; one of Guangzhou's most atmospheric areas.
- Must visit
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
Classic commercial pedestrian street lined with arcades, shops and restored facades; ideal for experiencing busy old Guangzhou street life.
- Must visit
Yuexiu Park
Major central park with hills, lakes and city monuments; excellent for casual walking, greenery and combining several heritage sights.
Cheung Fun
Steamed rice rolls with a silky texture, filled with shrimp, beef, or char siu. A classic Cantonese dim sum prized for freshness and delicate soy seasoning.
- Gluten-free
Lao Huo Tang
Slow-cooked Cantonese soup simmered for hours with herbs, meats, or seafood. It reflects Guangzhou's strong soup culture and emphasis on balance and nourishment.
Roast Goose
Cantonese roast goose with crisp skin and rich, juicy meat. Guangzhou is famous for refined roasting techniques and this is a signature celebratory dish.
Lai Wan Market
Elegant fine-dining Cantonese restaurant at The Garden Hotel, respected for refined dim sum, seafood, and classic banquet cooking.
Bingsheng Taste
Well-known venue for premium Cantonese roast meats, especially roast goose. Popular for traditional flavors in a comfortable modern space.
Tao Tao Ju
Historic Cantonese restaurant known for traditional dim sum and classic Guangzhou dishes in a busy, old-school setting.
Chinese yuan (¥)
Moderate for China. Metro and local meals are cheap, but international hotels, malls, and upscale dining cost more than in many comparable Chinese cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- ¥20-40 for street food or simple local meals.
- Mid-range
- ¥80-180 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- ¥300+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- ¥20-35 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is generally not expected in restaurants, taxis, or cafes. High-end hotels may add service charges, so extra tips are usually unnecessary.
FAQs: Trains from Shanghai to Guangzhou
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Shanghai to Guangzhou by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Guangzhou, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Shanghai to Guangzhou can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at ₫82, while the average price is around ₫123.
The train from Shanghai to Guangzhou takes 6h 27m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Shanghai to Guangzhou is 753 miles (1212 km).
The first train from Shanghai to Guangzhou leaves at 12:47 AM.
The last train from Shanghai to Guangzhou leaves at 12:00 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Shanghai to Guangzhou.
The cheapest way to get from Shanghai to Guangzhou is by flight, with a cost of around ₫41.
No, you cannot take the train from Shanghai to Guangzhou.
Since neither Shanghai nor Guangzhou are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of China and China. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Shanghai to Guangzhou among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY) as its currency. For travelers, using cards like UnionPay is widely accepted in cities, but cash is still essential in smaller towns and markets where card acceptance may be limited.
In Guangzhou, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas such as markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who avoid meters and counterfeit goods in shopping districts. It’s advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps and to remain vigilant when handling money or valuables in busy places.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Shanghai to Guangzhou
Most Shanghai to Guangzhou trains use the Shanghai Hongqiao to station pair. Use this guide to compare Shanghai and Guangzhou train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Shanghai
Arrival train stations in Guangzhou
Shanghai Hongqiao
More options for your journey from Shanghai to Guangzhou
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