Shanghai to Qingdao High Speed Train: 4.5-6.5 Hr Train

Shanghai to Qingdao Distance (700 km) & Train Route Map

Shanghai to Qingdao Train Map

First, let’s check out the distance from Shanghai to Qingdao. The direct line is about 700 km. However, our high speed train journey, shown on the Shanghai to Qingdao train route map, covers around 1300 km as we travel through Jiangsu, Anhui, and Shandong.

You'll see stations like Shanghai Hongqiao, possibly Zhangjiagang, Nantong West, Yancheng, Lianyungang and Rizhao West, before we arrive in Qingdao West.

Just a heads-up, the stops can differ a bit depending on the specific train.

Shanghai to Qingdao High Speed Train Duration, Timetable & Cost

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Train Type:

All G-train D-train C-train

Depart Time:

All 00:00-06:00 06:00-12:00 12:00-18:00 18:00-24:00

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Quick Facts about Shanghai to Qingdao High Speed Train

Duration: 4.5-6.5 hrs.

Average Speed: 150-170 km/h

Frequency: 30+ G-series and D-series trains from Shanghai to Qingdao every day

Seating: Second Class, First Class and Business Class

Departure Time: 08:41-16:32

Arrival Time: 12:57-23:03

Departure Station: Shanghai Hongqiao Station (上海虹桥站), Shanghai Station (上海站), or Shanghai Songjiang Station (上海松江站)

Arrival Station: Qingdao North Station (青岛北站), Qingdao Station (青岛站), Qingdao West Station (青岛西站), Qingdao Airport Station (青岛机场站), Chengyang Station (城阳站), or Hongdao Station (红岛站)

Shanghai to Qingdao Train Cost, Seating Options & Facilities

Tips for Choosing Your Seat on the Shanghai to Qingdao Train

Business Class offers a luxurious experience

First Class

Now let's talk about how to choose the best seats on our Shanghai to Qingdao high speed train.

Comfort Is King: Business > First > Second

If you want to stretch out and relax, Business Class is your go-to. Loads of space, super comfy leather seats – perfect if you fancy a quiet vibe or need to work on the go.

First Class offers a sweet balance – still pretty spacious and comfy, but a bit more budget-friendly.

Second Class is your standard option, great for shorter hops, and honestly, the legroom is decent (may be a little cramped for taller people) with reclining seats.

For Travel Cost: Second > First > Business

If you're keeping an eye on expenses, Second Class is the most budget-friendly, a fantastic value. First Class is a step up in comfort without breaking the bank. And Business Class? Well, you pay for that extra luxury.

For Easy Access: F/A (Window) > D (Aisle) > A (Window) > C (Aisle) > B (Middle)

When you're picking your seat, think about how you like to move around.

Seats marked 'F' and 'A' are your window seats – perfect for soaking in the scenery. If you like to stretch your legs or nip to the restroom without bothering anyone, go for the aisle seats, usually marked 'D'. 'C' is also an aisle seat, while 'B' is a middle seat.

Strategies for Snagging Tickets for Your Shanghai to Qingdao Train Trip

It’s time to quickly nail down those Shanghai to Qingdao train tickets. Here are some practical strategies.

1. First, get the China Railway 12306 app or website and pre-fill your info. This proves to be super time-saver!
2. Smart timing is crucial. Try to avoid peak Chinese festivals and holiday travel days (like the National Day or Labor Day) if you can, maybe go a day or two earlier or later for a smoother ride on the Shanghai to Qingdao high speed train.
3. See "no tickets"? Jump on the 12306 waitlist ("houbu 候补")! Put in a few requests for different times or days and pay upfront to hold your place.
4. And here's a local tip: don't stress too much! We at Asia Odyssey Travel can actually help you snag those Shanghai to Qingdao train tickets.

Plus, we can sort out your whole trip with planning, private transfers in both cities, and English support. So, relax and let us handle the ticket hustle! We'll get you on that train! Contact Asia Odyssey Travel!

Where Does the Shanghai to Qingdao High Speed Train Depart from?

Listen up for our Shanghai to Qingdao high speed train departure points! We'll likely leave from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station or Shanghai Railway Station.

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

上海虹桥站

No.1500 Shenggui Road, Minhang District, Shanghai

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is super close to Hongqiao Airport, and it's only about a 20 km journey to downtown Shanghai. You've got lots of options to get there: subway lines 10, 17, or 2, bus, or taxi. It takes about 1 hour.

Shanghai Railway Station

上海站

No.303, Moling Road, Jingan District, Shanghai

Shanghai Station is the closest train station to downtown Shanghai, just about 3.7 miles away. You can get there in 20-40 minutes by taking the subway lines 1, 3, or 4, or by bus or taxi. It's really easy to connect Shanghai Station to the city center.

So, which station should you choose? For the best options on our Shanghai to Qingdao train, aim for Hongqiao!

For Qingdao, Shanghai Hongqiao is usually the top choice, about 15 km (30 mins drive) from the city center. Most high-speed trains to Qingdao leave from there, offering frequent and fast rides (some direct in under 4.5 hours!).

Located 2 km (15 mins drive) from the city center, Shanghai Station is a good alternative if you're in the north of the city and need a morning train.

Where to Get Off the Shanghai to Qingdao Bullet Train?

As our comfy Shanghai to Qingdao high speed train nears its destination, let's chat about where we'll hop off in beautiful Qingdao! There are a few stations, but the main ones you'll hear about are Qingdao West, Qingdao North, and Qingdao Station.

Qingdao North Railway Station

青岛北站

No.1 Jingle Road, Licang District, Qingdao

If you're headed to Licang or Chengyang from Qingdao, consider starting at Qingdao North Station. Located about 18 kilometers from the city center, it's well-connected by Metro lines 1, 3, and 8, plus buses and taxis, all getting you there in 30-50 minutes.

Qingdao Railway Station

青岛站

No.2 Taian Road, Shinan District, Qingdao

Qingdao Railway Station is your passport to fun! It’s right by the sea and just 8 kilometers from the city center. It's a short walk to cool spots like Zhan Bridge and the Catholic Church. The main seaside attractions are just a few Metro stops away on lines 1 and 3.

So, which station should you aim for on our Shanghai to Qingdao train? Qingdao North Station is usually the winner!

Qingdao North Station is generally your best bet. Most of the trains coming from Shanghai Hongqiao stop there, and it's only a 30-minute taxi to the city center (May Fourth Square).

Qingdao Station is a great second choice, especially if you're planning to explore Qingdao's charming old town right away, only 4.5 kilometers, a super short 15-minute drive! Plus, it takes only just 10 minutes’ walk to Zhanqiao Pier, an iconic landmark.

We'll probably want to avoid Qingdao West Station if we can, as it's quite a distance from the city, taking over 1 hour to get to the main areas.

Shanghai to Qingdao Travel Plan by High Speed Train

Shanghai (3-4 Days)

The Bund, Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Water Town

We'll start with Shanghai (3-4 days)! This dazzling city is a perfect intro to China.

Think iconic views from the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, strolls along the bustling Bund (外滩) with its amazing skyline, and soaking up culture in Yu Garden (豫园), the French Concession, and Xintiandi (新天地). This takes 2-3 days.

Got an extra day? Whiz over to Disneyland for some fun or escape to the charming old water town of Zhujiajiao (朱家角) – Shanghai's little Venice! Check out more China ancient towns >>

Recommended Tours:

3 Days Best Shanghai Tour: Encounter Old and New Shanghai

Train to Qingdao from Shanghai (0.5 Day)

Next up, travel from Shanghai to Qingdao by train (0.5 day)!

As I mentioned, the Shanghai to Qingdao high speed train whisks us away in about half a day – a comfy and scenic ride!

Qingdao (2-3 Days)

Qingdao Beaches

Qingdao is a coastal gem in China

Then we arrive in Qingdao (2-3 days)! Get ready for beautiful coastlines and relaxing beaches.

A must-do is a visit to the iconic Zhanqiao Pier (栈桥) and the German-style architecture in Badaguan Scenic Area (八大关). The famous Tsingtao Beer Museum (‌青岛啤酒博物馆) and the vibrant Beer Street deserve a day of exploration!

Natural lovers can hike the Mount Lao (崂山) to soak in the charm of ancient temples here.

Combine Shanghai and Qingdao in 1 Week

Combining Shanghai and Qingdao in 1 week is totally doable and gives you a great taste of both a modern metropolis and a scenic coastal city. This plan lets you hit the highlights of each, creating memories that'll last way longer than a week.

Contact Asia Odyssey Travel to DIY your adventure in Shanghai and Qingdao!

Book & Plan Your Shanghai to Qingdao Train Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel

Let Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) handle your Shanghai to Qingdao high speed train adventure! We provide all-in-one services, including tickets snagging, station pickup and drop-off, private transfer in both cities, itinerary plan, tour guide and 24/7 support.

Well-planned Itineraries: 50+ China Bullet Train Tours

High Speed Rail Hubs:

Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Hong Kong

Popular Train Journeys from Shanghai: Shanghai to Guiyang, Shanghai to HK, Shanghai to Harbin, Shanghai to Zhengzhou

Book and plan your Shanghai to Qingdao train tour with us now!