Transport · Stations · Shanghai
Shanghai Railway Station
上海站. Shanghai's central rail hub for conventional and intercity services, served by Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4.
About this station
Shanghai Railway Station was rebuilt in its current form in 1987 and expanded in 2004 ahead of major traffic growth. The building is a long, low-slung structure north of the old city, with a distinctive circular clock tower at its centre — a recognisable Shanghai skyline element that predates the Pudong towers by decades.
The station handles a wide range of services: some high-speed trains, intercity expresses to Nanjing and Hangzhou, and longer conventional routes. Passengers heading to Beijing on the G-train, or to Suzhou and Hangzhou on the fastest services, generally use Hongqiao instead. Shanghai station's advantage is its central Metro connectivity — three lines interchange here, making it accessible from virtually any part of the city.
The station sits in the Jing'an district and is surrounded by a commercial and residential mix that becomes progressively more interesting toward the Suzhou Creek waterfront, about a 15-minute walk south. For travellers with time before departure, the M50 art district is a short taxi ride to the west.
Entry tips
Shanghai station is the city's older intercity hub, busier and less modern than Hongqiao. It handles a mix of conventional and high-speed services. Arrive 35 minutes early. During Chinese New Year the station reaches extreme congestion — consider Shanghai Hongqiao for high-speed departures.
Security flow
Standard three-stage entry. The station has four entrance gates; the north gate tends to be less congested than the main south entrance. Baggage X-ray at entry, ticket check at waiting hall, platform scan.
Food inside the station
Multiple food court levels with Shanghai specialities — xiaolongbao stalls, scallion noodles, and braised pork over rice. The basement level is less crowded. Standard coffee and convenience stores also present.
Food nearby
The Zhabei district immediately surrounding the station is not a tourist area. For good eating, take Metro Line 1 south two stops to People's Square, which has numerous restaurants.
Transit to the city
Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4 serve the station, providing connections to all major city areas. Line 1 reaches People's Square in under 10 minutes. Taxis queue on the South Square; ride-hailing pick-up is designated.