Book with your passport on the 12306 app (in English) or Trip.com; the fastest Beijing – Shanghai trains take about 4.5 hours.
- Tickets carry your name and passport number; at the station, scan your passport at the gate or use a staffed counter.
- Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure: stations are huge and have security checks.
- G trains are fastest; D trains are a little slower.
- Check the station name: Beijing has several (South, West...), Shanghai has Hongqiao and Shanghai stations.
Note: around National Day and Lunar New Year, tickets sell out almost as soon as sales open.