Travel Guide at Shanghai Railway Station

Railway Station Aerial View

Hello there! With 140 years of experience to draw upon, Shanghai Railway Station stands alone. With Metro Lines 1/3/4, emphasizing both more developed and less affluent areas, it serves as the final key hub to connect cities nationwide. Nearby there are both department stores and hotels.


Summary


Overview of Shanghai Railway Station

Railway Station Front View

Address: 303 Moling Road, Tianmu West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai

Best Arrival Time: 1 Hour before Train Departure 

Chinese Name: 上海站 

Chinese Pinyin: Shang Hai Zhan 

Name on the Train Ticket: Shanghai (上海) 

Train Ticket Booking: Click Here to Purchase Tickets



Traveling From the Downtown Shanghai to Shanghai Railway Station

1.Metro

The metro is always an option. Then by Line 1 to South Square (Exit 1/2) or Lines 3/4 North Square (Exit 7/8).


From People's Square, it's about 13 minutes on Line 1. Fare is 3-5 RMB. In order to circumvent traffic and also features clear guides for the station exit.

Metro Direction

2. City Bus

Buses are cheap and fun. Try the Night 305 service to North Square (23:05-04:45). Two yuan is the typical fare on most lines with transfer discounts.


Journeys are 30-50 minutes, but delays are possible during peak hours. Take the exits marked South/North Square stops near stations.

3. Taxi

Taxis offer door-to-door convenience. The 12km downtown route takes 20-40 minutes, and something like 30-50 for the fare.


South/North Square underground garages (B1 for temporary drop-off). You can find them near downtown but marred by rush-hour jams.
Taxi Direction

4. Ride-hailing Services

China ride-hailing (Didi) is adjustable. The fares and times are comparable with taxis (30-50 yuan, 20-40 minutes).


Book through apps, and pick up at select downtown locations. Great for guests with luggage, drop off in garage zones such as taxis.


Train Ticket Buying Guide for Shanghai Railway Station

1.Online Purchase

The easiest way to purchase tickets for Shanghai Railway Station is through official's app or site: www.12306.cn. Once signed up and logged in (in English), provide your departure, destination and date to look up train trips.


Choose the preferred train and class, input passengers' ID information, and pay for them. E-tickets are welcome for check in, you can board with your passport or ID card directly.

2. Manual Ticket Windows

Manual ticket windows are also available for passengers wanting to buy tickets on-site, at the Joint Ticket Building. Ticketing, exchanges and refunds are managed by seven "one-stop service" windows.


Bring ID identification, like passports; staff can answer questions. The windows are open from 6 a.m., to 10 p.m., and it's best to go outside of peak hours if you want to avoid the long lines.

Ticket Counter Position

3. Self-service Ticket Vending Machines

Self-service ticket vending machines located throughout the station is another quick option. They have cash, UnionPay debit cards and prepaid cards.


Via the on-screen guides, you can choose from routes and seating plans for your ticket to purchase. You can also print reimburse vouchers here if you need to within 180 days of travel.


Important Considerations for Smooth Travel

Special notes for various types of passengers: Children from 6-13 need to be carried with child ticket and children under six are free to travel if they are accompanied by paying adults. Discounted tickets available to students and eligible disabled individuals with certificates.


It is a 15-day ticket pre-sale period and the 12306 app provides a "reminder" function for transit users to know when the tickets are on sales. For missing identifications, apply for a temporary electronic ID through the 12306 app.


Getting From Shanghai Railway Station to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

1.Metro

The most economical, albeit somewhat roundabout connection is to take the metro line 1 from Shanghai Railway station to People's Square and then transfer for line 2 towards Xujing East staying in it until you reach Terminal 2 or one stop more if heading to terminal.


This should take around forty minutes, cost five yuan and run every three minutes but check at Guanglan Road that your train will continue on.

2. Airport Bus

The Airport Bus Line 941 rumbles out of the south square of Shanghai Station and goes directly to Hongqiao East Transport Centre, calling at terminals one and two en route.


It operates from dawn till almost midnight, costs just two yuan and takes about an hour to complete the sixteen-kilometre journey, making it the cheapest public solution for those without heavy bags or fast deadlines.

Public Bus Direction

3. Taxi

You just stretch your arm and wave your hand and one will whistle to a stop. Native ride from the rank at the front of station forecourt can reach Hongqiao in about half an hour on a good day, though offered no traffic won't leave Shanghai, either might but they don't have to.


It'll cost around 14 for fuel up-front plus around sixty or seventy as the rate gradually mounts, well worth it if weighed-down with luggage with companions thanks to the spacious trunk.

4. Ride-hailing Services

With services like DiDi, dependent on a smartphone, you could select an ordinary car or even a more spacious MPV from the phone when still in transit, follow the display of its real-time driver and pay through electronic channels without standing in line; journey time is courthouse taxi rides at around half an hour to reach your destination, fares are between 50-80 yuan based on demand and promotional coupons often reduce per km costs below cab rank level, this justifies predictability and comfort for passengers.


Reaching The Bund From Shanghai Railway Station

1.Metro

For those getting to the Bund from Shanghai Railway Station, it highly suggested to take the metro; also his is time-saving. You can board Metro Line 1 at the Shanghai Railway station and alight at People's Square.


Then switch to Metro Line 2 and go one stop to East Nanjing Road station. From there, it's a brief walk to the Bund. The entire trip takes on average 26 minutes and you can do it all at a comparatively low cost and several times throughout the day.

2. City Bus

If you like buses too, take Bus line 930 from south square and get off at Xinbeimen station for a 500 meters walk until you get to the Bund.

3. Taxi

Taxi is a good option for direct and quick journey. It is approximately 5.5 km away from Shanghai Railway Station to the Bund. Assuming the relatively clear traffic, it's a mere 6 to 10 minutes ride.


It's the priciest option, but it is most convenient if you have luggage. There are number of reliable Taxi companies in the city.

4. Ride-hailing Services

Both the time and cost to travel there probably would be the same as a typical cab. In the press of a smartphone button, you can book a ride using popular apps, which is nearly as easy as hailing a regular old cab for the trip to the Bund.

Ride-hailing Services Direction


Shanghai Railway Station Services and Amenities

1.Ticket Counter

The ticket counter is located at both the north and south plazas. You can buy tickets, change tickets here, and get refunds.


The ticket window is open 24 hours, providing you with plenty of trading time. You can purchase tickets using cash, Alipay, WeChat and credit card. Passports or other identities are required.

2. Baggage Storage

There are 24-hour storage lockers in the waiting hall and next to the metro. The longer you keep your luggage in the storage locker, the higher expense it will be. Here are the prices details:


Storage Lockers: 10-30 RMB / 8 hours, each additional hour costs 1-3 RMB.

Store-Based Storage: 30-50 RMB / day for maximum storage duration: long term storage available.

Baggage Storage Direction


FAQ

1.Is it possible for me to spend the night at Shanghai Railway Station?

Yes, you can sleep overnight, but it's not advisable. The station is located in the center of town, it's more convenient to reserve a cheap hotel nearby.


2. What if I forget something at Shanghai Railway Station?

You will be able to submit a report on the lost item at the lost-and-found counter. If you're unsure how to get there, just ask any of the staff.


3. Which languages does the staff at Shanghai Railway Station understand?

Most of the staff in Shanghai Railway Station speak Mandarin. Because Shanghai is a city towards the world, some staff at various information desks and key service points can communicate in simple English. There are English-language signs everywhere in the station for non-Chinese-speaking riders.


4. Is it allowed to board the train before time mentioned on my ticket?

No you may only travel on the train your ticket is booked with. The gate-man will confirm your details before letting you in.


5. Is there free Wi-Fi at Shanghai Railway Station?

No, it doesn’t.