Shanghai - Suzhou Trains

(Update on November 14, 2014) In this page, we offer Shanghai - Suzhou Trains information, as well as more details about that for your reference. 

Shanghai - Suzhou Trains

There are about 196 pairs of regular trains between Shanghai and Suzhou every day. Most of them are G (High-Speed Train) trains or EMU (D-series train). The distance between the two cities is about 150 kilometers.

G train is the best and fastest category train between Shanghai and Suzhou. Currently, there are about 111 G trains, which take about 20 to 30 minutes only to finish the whole journey.

EMU train is the second fastest train, which takes about 25 to 58 minutes for the whole trip between the two places.

There are about 50 ordinary trains, like T-series and K-series trains. This kind of trains take the longest time compared with the high-speed ones, costing 1 to one hour and 40 minutes. And the coondition on the train is not so friendly.

►Recommended trains
It is highly recommended to take G trains or  EMU (D-series train) to travel between Shanghai and Suzhou, not only to save time, but also to enjoy a better environment on the trains. As the train schedule is quite aboundant, so you could easily choose any train that fits your travel schedule. 

►Train from Shanghai to Suzhou
High-speed trains from Shanghai to Suzhou operates from 06:00 am to 10:20 pm. It starts off almost 20 minutes. They set off from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station or Shanghai Station.

►Train from Suzhou to Shanghai
High-speed trains from Suzhou to Shanghai runs from 06:52 am to 11:09 pm every day, departing almost every 15 minutes. Most of them set off from Suzhou Railway Station or Suzhou North Railway Station.

Attentions: The above train information is for your reference only. Please check the ticket information including the tickets fares at the railway station or by your TCT tour advisors separately.

Notes for Taking Trains in China

1. Booking an original train is easier than booking a passing-by train. Train ticket can be booked 20 days in advance at most.

2. Generally, the seats on the ordinary trains in China have tow types including soft seat and hard seat. Train sleepers are classified into two types: soft sleeper and hard sleeper. Hard sleeper has three sub-categories: upper hard sleeper, middle hard sleeper and lower hard sleeper; Soft sleeper has two sub-categories: upper soft sleeper and lower soft sleeper (better). If you take an over-night train or long distance train, you would better buy a ticket for soft sleeper to make your trip more comfortable.soft sleeper (lower soft sleeper is better).

And on G trains, seats include business seat (the best), first class seat and second class seat. On D trains, only first class and second class. Normally, second class seat is good enough.

3. In China, taking a train is a comparative cheaper way to cut down the travel cost. While correspondingly, the comfortable level is lower than by air.
Luggage: you need to take the luggages by yourself and keep an eye of them on transporting time, no luggage-checking service on the train
Carriage: it may be crowded when in the domestic travel seasons as well as summer holidays.

4. Types of China Train

G–High-Speed Train
C–Intercity EMU Train
D–Electric Multiple Units (EMU) Train
Z–Direct Express Train
T–Express Train
K–Fast Train
Four-digit Number Train - Regular Speed Train
L–Temporary Train

Tips for travelling to Shanghai and Suzhou

Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The best time to travel in Shanghai is in spring and autumn, The city has a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. Generally, the warm Spring and cool Autumn are the more comfortable seasons. While Summer and Winter are far less pleasant. Overall, Shanghai enjoys a mild and moist climate.



Best Time to Visit Suzhou
As one of the top travel destinations in China, Suzhou is suitable for travelling all year round, especially from April to October. The most important thing to know about Suzhou weather is that it can get very hot, humid, and it rains a lot!

Try to Avoid Domestic Travel Seasons
The most crowded seasons in China are Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.), International Labour Day (May 01 to 03) and National Day (Oct 01-07). Spring Festival and the National Day golden week are the most crowded time for travelling.

Related Information:
► More transportation information:Shanghai Transportation
►Recommended China Tour to Shanghai: 11 Days Tour from Water Town to Mt. Huangshan (Destination: Shanghai-Tongli-Suzhou-Hangzhou-Mt. Huangshan-Shanghai)