Shanghai, China → Beijing, China · ✈ 1h 50min · 🚗 17h 20min
576 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: northwest
The distance from Shanghai to Beijing 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 Shanghai, China to Beijing, 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.
Beijing is located northwest of Shanghai. Shanghai is in Asia, in the East China region of China, while Beijing is in Asia, in Hebei, 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 Shanghai to Beijing. 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 Shanghai to Beijing 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.
Shanghai sits at 31.2304°N, 121.4737°E, while Beijing is located at 39.9042°N, 116.4074°E. The initial compass bearing from Shanghai to Beijing is 336° (NNW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Shanghai heading roughly NNW. 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 Shanghai and Beijing 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.
Shanghai and Beijing 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.
Shanghai is a major city in China with a population of approximately 24,870,000. Located in the East China region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in China, Shanghai is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Shanghai
Beijing is a notable city in China with a population of approximately 21,540,000. Situated in the Hebei region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Beijing 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 Beijing
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 Shanghai-Beijing route is about 2.7% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 50min.
Combined, Shanghai and Beijing have a population of over 46,410,000 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Shanghai to Beijing 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.
Beijing is approximately Same timezone compared to Shanghai.
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.