- Must visit
Shenzhen Museum
Shenzhen’s leading history museum presents archaeology, folk culture, reform-era exhibits, and city development in a major civic building.
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Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Shanghai to Shenzhen
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Shanghai to Shenzhen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €98 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 54m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €98, while a flight costs an average of €455.
Distance: 752 miles (1211 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€98 Average price Cheapest | €455 Average price | €162 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 32m Average total duration 12h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 54m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 15h 14m 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 Shenzhen is a train with an average price of €98.
This is compared to other travel options from Shanghai to Shenzhen:
A train is €358 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Shanghai to Shenzhen costing on average €455.
The fastest way to travel from Shanghai to Shenzhen is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 54m.
Other travel options to Shenzhen take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Shanghai and Shenzhen including taking a train and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Shanghai to Shenzhen among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 3h 12m faster (12h 2m by train vs 15h 14m by car) and roughly €64 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€98 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.
Direct services run with China Railway.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Shanghai to Shenzhen by train or flight
Compare train and flight 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 Shenzhen
ChinaChina
Trains from Shanghai to Shenzhen run on average 1 times per day, taking around 12h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €96 but you can travel from only €72 by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:52, the last at 12:00. The fastest train covers the 752 miles (1211 km) distance in 12h 2m.
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 €72
Distance 752 miles (1211 km) |
Average train duration 12h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price €96 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 12h 2m |
First train 12:52 AM |
Last train 12:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 €72
Train companies: China Railway from Shanghai to Shenzhen trainsChina Railway trains will get you between Shanghai and Shenzhen from €72. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
China Railway
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average China Railway Duration
12h 2m
Cheapest China Railway Price
€96
China Railway frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Shenzhen
Things to do in Shenzhen
Discover the best of Shenzhen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Shenzhen trip today.
- Recommended
He Xiangning Art Museum
A major contemporary art museum with rotating international exhibitions, architecture displays, and one of China’s strongest design programs.
- Recommended
OCAT Shenzhen
A contemporary art venue in OCT with experimental shows, public programs, and strong coverage of photography, moving image, and new media.
- Must visit
Lianhuashan Park
A large hilltop park with broad lawns, civic monuments, and one of the best free skyline viewpoints in central Shenzhen.
- Must visit
Sea World
A stylish waterfront district centered on a renovated cruise terminal, known for museums, promenades, events, and sunset harbor views.
- Recommended
Dameisha Beach
Shenzhen’s most famous beach area offers a long seaside promenade, mountain-backed scenery, and easy access for urban day trips.
Roast Goose
Cantonese-style roast goose with crisp skin and rich juices. A classic banquet and family dish widely loved across Shenzhen for its deep flavor.
Har Gow
Fresh shrimp dumplings in thin translucent wrappers. A signature Cantonese dim sum staple popular in Shenzhen tea houses for its delicate texture.
Cheung Fun
Soft rice noodle rolls filled with shrimp, beef, or char siu, served with sweet soy sauce. A classic Cantonese breakfast and dim sum favorite.
Zhuo Yue Xuan
Elegant high-end Cantonese restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, praised for seafood, roast meats, and business dining ambiance.
Xingli Chinese Restaurant
Refined Cantonese fine dining in The Ritz-Carlton, known for polished service, dim sum, seafood, and banquet-style specialties.
Laurel Restaurant
Large traditional Cantonese tea house known for classic dim sum and lively local atmosphere. A dependable choice for breakfast or brunch.
Chinese yuan (¥)
Moderate for a major Chinese city: metro is cheap, local meals are low-cost, but hotels in central districts and international dining can raise daily spend.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- ¥20-40 for fast food or simple local meals.
- Mid-range
- ¥80-180 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- ¥300+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- ¥25-40 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is generally not expected in restaurants, cafes, or taxis. Upscale hotels may add service charges, so check the bill before leaving extra.
FAQs: Trains from Shanghai to Shenzhen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Shanghai to Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Shanghai to Shenzhen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €96, while the average price is around €98.
The train from Shanghai to Shenzhen runs once a day and takes approximately 12h 2m.
The first train from Shanghai to Shenzhen leaves at 12:52 AM.
The distance by train from Shanghai to Shenzhen is 752 miles (1211 km).
The last train from Shanghai to Shenzhen leaves at 12:00 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Shanghai to Shenzhen.
Yes, there is a direct train from Shanghai to Shenzhen. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by China Railway.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Shanghai to Shenzhen.
The cheapest way to get from Shanghai to Shenzhen is by flight, with a cost of around €72.
Yes, you can take the train from Shanghai to Shenzhen.
Since neither Shanghai nor Shenzhen 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Shanghai to Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen, travelers should be cautious of common scams such as overpriced taxi fares, counterfeit goods in markets, and distraction thefts in crowded areas. It's important to use official transportation services, avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers, and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Petty crime is relatively low, but vigilance is advised, especially in tourist-heavy locations.
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 Shenzhen
Most Shanghai to Shenzhen trains use the Shanghai Hongqiao to station pair. Use this guide to compare Shanghai and Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen
Shanghai Hongqiao
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