China City Transit Matrix
Compare high-speed rail and flight options between China's major cities. Times, costs and distances - at a glance.
Is it better to fly or take the train in China?
For most routes under about 1,500 km, high-speed rail beats flying door to door. Shanghai–Beijing takes 4 hours 30 minutes by train (second class ¥576–697) against a 2h20m flight plus airport time, and the train is the better choice. Short hops are train-only territory: Shanghai–Hangzhou 45 minutes (¥73), Shanghai–Suzhou 30 minutes (¥40).
For long distances, fly: Shanghai–Chengdu is 10 hours 30 minutes by rail versus a 3-hour flight; Shanghai–Guangzhou 6h50m by rail versus 2h30m in the air.
Beijing
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China travel intelligence
Quick reference
Select a departure city above, then browse arrival options.
| To | HSR Time | HSR Price | Flight Time | Flight Price | Distance |
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