Shanghai - Harbin Train

Two pairs of trains are operated between the two cities. One pair numbered as G1204/G1202 are high speed trains, taking 12.5 hours. Another pair are normal ones numbered as Z172/Z174, taking 23.5/24 hours. The Shanghai to Harbin distance by train is 2,422/2,553 kilometers (1,505/1,586 miles) based on the different routes.

In contrast, direct Shanghai to Harbin flights only take 3 hours for a single journey. Nevertheless, flight ticket costs a little more than rail ticket, but it may be a good choice for those who are pressed for time.
 G1204/G1202 run between Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Harbin West Railway Station for a distance of 2,422 kilometers (1,505 miles). The top running speed can be up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
  (Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Business Class Seat	First Class Seat	Second Class Seat
CNY 3,364.5 USD 495	CNY 1,684.5 USD 248	CNY 997.5 USD 147

 
They also pass by those stations including Suzhou North, Wuxi East, Changzhou North, Zhenjiang South, Nanjing South, Bengbu South, Dingyuan, Xuzhou East, Zaozhuang, Taian, Qufu East, Jinan West, Cangzhou West, Tianjin West, Tianjin, Binhai, Tangshan, Beidaihe, Shanhaiguan, Qinhuangdao, Suizhong North, Jinzhou South, Shenyang North, Tieling West, Kaiyuan West, Siping East, Changchun West, Fuyu North.
 Besides, passengers can make a transfer in Beijing as there is only one pair of direct bullet trains available between Shanghai and Harbin. Over 40 pairs of G trains are available between Shanghai and Beijing, taking 5 – 6 hours. After arriving in Beijing, you can take Beijing – Harbin High Speed Train, taking 7 – 8.5 hours. You will have more choices when traveling this way and the consumed time of transfer has no big difference from direct rides.
 Z172/Z174 runs between Shanghai Railway Station and Harbin West Railway Station, taking 23.5/24 hours. The running distance is 2,553 kilometers (1,586 miles). Despite its relatively long journey time, it costs less compared with high speed rail trip. If you have enough time and want to save some travel expenses, this will be a quite good choice. However, you are advised to book a soft sleeper or hard sleeper berth as it will be uncomfortable to sit over 20 hours. Besides, you’d better bring some food and drink for the long time trip.
  (Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
CNY 767.5 USD 113	CNY 495.5 USD 73	CNY 273.5 USD 40

 Stopovers of Z172/Z174: Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Nanjing, Bengbu, Xuzhou, Dezhou, Cangzhou, Tianjin, Tangshan, Beidaihe, Qinhuangdao, Shanhaiguan, Jinzhou, Jinzhou South, Shenyang North, Siping, Changchun, and Shuangchengpu.

  Qinhuangdao
Qinhuangdao, located in the northeast part of Hebei Province, is a time-honored harbor city in north China. This city has beautiful coastline and good ecological environment. The city is famous for Shanhaiguan Great Wall or Shanhaiguan Pass which is well-known as the “First Pass under Heaven”. Additionally, tourists can also go to Beidaihe Scenic Area which is a great summer resort. This city can be easily reached by air, rail and long-distance buses from other major domestic cities.

 Changchun
As the capital city of Jilin Province, Changchun is reputed as the Spring City of Northland because of its pleasant climate and the City of Automobiles as this city is the cradle of Chinese automobile industry. When visiting the city, you should not miss Movie Wonderland, Changbai Mountain, Jilin Provincial Museum etc. The city has sound transportation system. It is pretty convenient to arrive in or depart from here by flight, rail or coach. Tourists can also reach the major attraction sites in the city by public transportation.

 Read more: How to Travel between Shanghai and Harbin

 Major Rail Lines from Shanghai to:
 Major Rail Lines from Harbin to: