The calculation is simpler than most people think. Beijing South station is on metro Line 4. Shanghai Hongqiao station is on metro Lines 2 and 10. You exit the train and are in the city center in 30 minutes. Beijing Capital Airport is 35 km from the city center. That is 50 to 90 minutes in traffic or 50 minutes by airport express. Add airport check-in time on each end. The 2-hour Beijing to Shanghai flight becomes a 6 to 7 hour journey. The 4.5-hour train becomes a 5.5-hour journey. The train wins. Full transport context: China Transportation Guide.
The Core Table
| Route | G-Train | Door-to-Door Train | Flight | Door-to-Door Flight | Take the… |
| Beijing to Shanghai | 4h 30min | 5h 30min | 2h | 6h to 7h | Train |
| Beijing to Xi’an | 4h 30min | 5h 30min | 2h | 6h to 7h | Train |
| Shanghai to Hangzhou | 45min | 1h 30min | No direct | N/A | Train only |
| Beijing to Chengdu | 7h 30min | 8h 30min | 2h 30min | 5h 30min | Flight |
| Shanghai to Chengdu | 10h+ | 11h+ | 2h 30min | 5h 30min | Flight |
| Guangzhou to Shanghai | 7h 30min | 8h 30min | 2h 30min | 6h | Flight |
| Any city to Hainan (Sanya) | Not by rail | N/A | 2h to 4h | 5h to 7h | Flight (only option) |
Why the Airport Transfer Matters So Much
The problem with flying in China is not the flight. It is the airport locations. Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is 35 km northeast of the city center. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is 40 km from The Bund. Add 90 minutes for check-in requirements, the airport transfer both ends, and security, and a 2-hour flight becomes 5.5 to 6.5 hours of actual travel time. High-speed train stations are almost always in city centers or connected by metro. This is the real reason trains beat planes on routes under 5 hours.
When Flights Are the Clear Choice
The flight calculation changes completely on longer routes. Beijing to Chengdu by G-train takes 7.5 to 8 hours. The flight takes 2.5 hours. Even accounting for airport transfers, the flight saves 3 to 4 hours. The rule: if the G-train time on a route exceeds 5 hours, compare the door-to-door totals.
Practical Booking Tips
- Trains: book on Trip.com or 12306. Up to 15 days in advance. Rail guide.
- Flights: book 4 to 6 weeks ahead on Trip.com. Flights guide.
- Flexibility: trains allow changes with a fee. Most budget domestic flights are non-refundable.
- Summer flights: build a buffer day if flying into Shanghai or Guangzhou in July to September. Delays cascade.
Frequently Asked Questions
For full high-speed rail guidance: China High-Speed Rail guide. For transport overview: China Transportation Guide.