Guangzhou to Shanghai Trips – How Long, Cost & Routes (2026)

Guangzhou → Shanghai transport

ModeDurationFare
Flight2h 25m$62
HSR8h 8m$137

Itineraries

BEIJING → GUANGZHOU · 15 Days
Beijing → Shanghai → Guangzhou · 15 Days

Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, The Bund and Yu Garden in Shanghai, Chimelong Resort and Canton Tower in Guangzhou — 15 days for $2,759.

Stand on Badaling Wall as Beijing fades into the haze belowStroll through Yu Garden's classical architecture in ShanghaiExplore Chimelong Safari Park's animal exhibits in Guangzhou
$3,000est. $2,759STANDARDOCTOBER1 ADULT
GUANGZHOU → SHANGHAI · 10 Days
Guangzhou → Shanghai · 10 Days

Chimelong Resort and Mount Baiyun in Guangzhou, then Oriental Pearl Tower and The Bund in Shanghai — 10 days for $1,298.

Explore Chimelong Safari Park's enclosures in GuangzhouWatch the Oriental Pearl Tower's reflection at duskEat soup dumplings at Yu Garden in Shanghai
$1,500est. $1,298STANDARDJUNE1 ADULT
SHANGHAI → GUANGZHOU · 10 Days
Shanghai → Guangzhou · 10 Days

The Bund, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Yu Garden in Shanghai, then Chimelong Resort and Canton Tower in Guangzhou — 10 days for $2,432.

Ride the Shanghai Disney Resort's Space MountainWatch the Canton Tower lights at nightExplore Chimelong Safari Park's animal exhibits
$2,000est. $2,432COMFORTJUNE1 ADULT

FAQ

How do you get from Guangzhou to Shanghai?

The fastest option is Flight (2h 25m, $62).

How long does it take to travel from Guangzhou to Shanghai?

About 2h 25m by Flight, or 8h 8m by HSR.

Is it cheaper to fly or take the train from Guangzhou to Shanghai?

Flight costs $62 versus $137 by HSR. For most Guangzhou–Shanghai trips the train wins on city-center-to-city-center time.

How many days do you need for a Guangzhou to Shanghai trip?

Most Guangzhou–Shanghai itineraries run 7–14 days depending on how many stops you add between the two cities.

What's the best time to do a Guangzhou to Shanghai trip?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal across most of China. Avoid the early-October Golden Week holiday.