How to get from Shanghai to Nanjing: a complete guide to transportation methods
With the acceleration of the integration of the Yangtze River Delta, traffic between Shanghai and Nanjing has become increasingly frequent. Whether traveling for business or vacation, it is important to choose the mode of transportation that suits you. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the various modes of transportation from Shanghai to Nanjing, including high-speed rail, high-speed trains, ordinary trains, long-distance buses, self-driving, etc., and provide structured data comparison to help you make the best choice.
1. High-speed rail: the fastest and most convenient option

High-speed rail is the most popular mode of transportation from Shanghai to Nanjing, with fast speed, frequent flights and high comfort. The following is the main information about the Shanghai to Nanjing high-speed rail:
| Train type | departure station | arrival station | Time consuming | Ticket price (second class) | Daily flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G high speed rail | Shanghai Hongqiao | Nanjing South | 1 hour-1.5 hours | 139.5 yuan | About 80 classes |
| D train | Shanghai Station | Nanjing Railway Station | about 2 hours | 95 yuan | About 30 classes |
2. Ordinary trains: an economical and affordable choice
If you have plenty of time and a limited budget, regular trains are a good choice. Although it takes longer, the ticket price is only about one-third of that of the high-speed rail.
| Train type | departure station | arrival station | Time consuming | Fare (hard seat) | Daily flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K prefix fast | Shanghai Station | Nanjing Railway Station | 4-5 hours | 46.5 yuan | About 15 classes |
| T express | Shanghai South Railway Station | Nanjing Railway Station | 3.5-4 hours | 53.5 yuan | About 8 flights |
3. Long-distance bus: flexible but time-consuming
Long-distance buses, while not as fast as high-speed rail, may be more flexible in certain situations, especially to areas around Nanjing.
| departure station | Arrive at the station | Time consuming | fare | Heading interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Long Distance Bus Terminal | Nanjing Bus Station | 4-5 hours | 90-120 yuan | 30-60 minutes |
| Shanghai South Railway Station Long-distance Passenger Terminal | Nanjing South Railway Station Bus Station | about 4 hours | 100-130 yuan | 1-2 hours |
4. Self-driving travel: freedom and flexibility
Self-driving tours allow you to enjoy the scenery along the way and the freedom of itinerary, but you need to consider gas costs, tolls and parking issues.
| route | distance | Time consuming | highway toll | Fuel cost (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G42 Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway | about 300 kilometers | 3.5-4 hours | About 150 yuan | About 180 yuan |
| G2 Beijing-Shanghai Expressway | about 320 kilometers | about 4 hours | About 160 yuan | About 200 yuan |
5. Other modes of transportation
1.Carpooling/hitchhiking:Carpooling through Didi, Hello and other platforms costs about 100-150 yuan per person and takes about 4 hours.
2.Aircraft:Although there are flights from Shanghai to Nanjing, they are generally not recommended due to the short distance and time-consuming travel to and from the airport.
6. How to choose the most suitable mode of transportation?
1.Time priority:Choose high-speed rail, especially the G-prefixed train, which can reach you in as little as one hour.
2.Budget priority:Choose regular trains or carpooling for as little as 46.5 yuan.
3.Comfort first:High-speed rail business seats or self-driving are both good choices.
4.Carrying large luggage:Self-driving or high-speed rail is more convenient.
7. Recent hot topics: New traffic trends in Shanghai-Nanjing
1.The Shanghai-Nanjing High-speed Railway along the Yangtze River is about to open:The Shanghai-Nanjing High-speed Railway along the Yangtze River, which is expected to be opened to traffic at the end of 2024, will further shorten the travel time between the two places.
2.Peak passenger flow during holidays:During the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the passenger flow of the Shanghai-Nanjing High-speed Railway increased by 15% year-on-year. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
3.The increase in self-driving new energy vehicles:With the improvement of charging facilities, the proportion of self-driving electric vehicles on the Shanghai-Nanjing Line has increased significantly.
8. Practical tips
1. It is recommended to purchase high-speed rail tickets 1-2 days in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
2. Check the vehicle condition before traveling by car and avoid morning and evening peak hours.
3. Both Nanjing South Railway Station and Nanjing Railway Station are connected by subway, and transportation in the city is convenient.
4. Shanghai Hongqiao Station is adjacent to Hongqiao Airport, which can easily connect to air travel.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the journey from Shanghai to Nanjing will be very convenient. I hope the detailed information and data comparison provided in this article can help you plan the most suitable travel plan.
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