Beijing, China → Shanghai, China · ✈ 1h 50min · 🚗 17h 20min
576 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: southeast
The distance from Beijing to Shanghai is 1,067 km (663 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 50min.
The straight-line distance from Beijing, China to Shanghai, China is approximately 1,067 kilometers (663 miles or 576 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Shanghai is located southeast of Beijing. Beijing is in Asia, in the Hebei region of China, while Shanghai is in Asia, in East China, China. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,067 km | ~1h 50min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,387 km | ~17h 20min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~1,227 km | ~3h 49min | Comfortable alternative to flying |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,280 km | ~10h 40min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Beijing to Shanghai. For 1,067 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,387 km, fuel costs for driving from Beijing to Shanghai are approximately $111–$208 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Beijing sits at 39.9042°N, 116.4074°E, while Shanghai is located at 31.2304°N, 121.4737°E. The initial compass bearing from Beijing to Shanghai is 153° (SSE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Beijing heading roughly SSE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 8.67° and the longitude difference is 5.07°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Beijing and Shanghai is approximately 35.5937°N, 119.0780°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 534 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Beijing and Shanghai share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Beijing is a major city in China with a population of approximately 21,540,000. Located in the Hebei region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in China, Beijing is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Beijing
Shanghai is a notable city in China with a population of approximately 24,870,000. Situated in the East China region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Shanghai is one of China's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Shanghai
1,067 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,067 km, the Beijing-Shanghai route is about 2.7% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 50min.
Combined, Beijing and Shanghai have a population of over 46,410,000 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Beijing to Shanghai is approximately 1,067 kilometers (663 miles, 576 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 50min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 17h 20min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Shanghai is approximately Same timezone compared to Beijing.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,387 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,067 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.