Plan to travel on any of the T trains from Beijing, they run daily. The length of the trip, depending on the T train, is usually 12 or 13 hours.
Book one of the Z trains. They also run daily but are express trains and more luxurious. Also the journey is shorter on this train, usually 11 or 12 hours. Consequently, ticket prices for the Z trains are higher than others.
Consider the #1461 train. This is a good train to take if you would like to make more stops along the way. Although at 21 hours, it takes longer to get to Shanghai, it leaves earlier and gives tourists a chance to see more of China.
Book your preferred train based on schedule and duration of journey.
Select your preferred class. The T21 train has three classes: deluxe, soft sleeper and hard sleeper. The Z train has deluxe and soft sleeper classes only.
Plan to purchase your ticket several days in advance. Tickets sell out quickly.
Plan to bring your own food. Restaurant cars on the trains are not guaranteed.
Plan to purchase food at the various stops along the way if preferred if using the Z1 or any of the T trains.
Plan to arrive early in order to have enough time to find your train.
Plan for crowds. The Beijing station is very busy and crowds of people rush to the trains when they arrive.
Prepare for the train stops along the way. The T103 and T109 trains make 3 stops before Shanghai, the T31 makes 4 stops and the Z1 makes 1 stop. The 4 other Z trains go directly to Shanghai.
