Hi Inn Shanghai Railway Station in Shanghai

Pretty good. More like a small airport really but very efficient. Lots of places to eat. Not as busy as I imagined. Good central location in Shanghai. Definitely if your a tourist this is really you best option. I got the metro from here to people square and it was super easy.

Shanghai Railway Station (the "original" main station) is an impressive feat of logistics. While many travelers head to the newer Hongqiao hub, this station is actually much more convenient if you are staying in the city center near People’s Square or Jing'an.

Prime Location: Unlike the airport-adjacent stations, this one is truly in the heart of Shanghai. Being on Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4 makes it incredibly easy to reach from almost anywhere in the downtown area.

Modern Meets Traditional: Don't let the "older" reputation fool you. The station has undergone significant renovations. It handles both the ultra-fast G-series bullet trains and the classic overnight sleeper trains, giving you great flexibility in pricing and travel style.

Efficient for Foreigners: The "Passport as Ticket" system works brilliantly here. As long as you’ve booked online (via Trip.com or 12306), you simply scan your passport at the manual gates. The staff are used to international travelers and are generally very helpful at the manual counters.

Facilities: The station feels like a mini-airport. There are plenty of food options ranging from quick local bites to familiar chains like KFC and Starbucks. The waiting halls are vast, clean, and well-organized with clear English signage.

North vs. South Square: The station is split into two halves. If you are taking the Metro, check which exit is closer to your specific waiting hall to save yourself a long walk around the massive complex.

Security Queues: While efficient, security checks can get busy during peak morning hours. Arrive at least 40–60 minutes before your departure to ensure a stress-free experience.

Taxis: Follow the signs to the official underground taxi ranks. Avoid the "private drivers" who might approach you in the arrivals hall; the official queue moves fast and uses the meter.

Shanghai Railway Station is very large and well organised. We came to Shanghai from Beijing in the bullet train. The trains were very fast, comfortable and efficient.

A massive, busy, and centrally located railway hub. While the main concourse is often chaotic, the Business Class lounge is a true sanctuary.

It offers comfy loungers, proper work tables, and even semi-private booths in a luxurious setting. The priority boarding was a fantastic perk such ad being escorted to the train first made for a truly VIP entrance.

Once onboard, the Business Class seat was a revelation: a personal cocoon that was very comfortable and could recline to a lie-flat position, complete with complimentary refreshments.

This premium experience completely transforms the journey, making travel from Shanghai both efficient and deeply relaxing 😌

A guide for foreigners: You must always use the MANUAL CHANNEL for everything, and your passport is your ticket. This includes ticketing, entry, boarding and arrival. The manual ticket office is across the street to the east, show your passport to staff and they'll direct you. Alternatively you can buy tickets online through trip for an added fee. However, immediate departure tickets should still be bought through the ticket office. I recommend arriving no more than an hour early, but 30 minutes is possible if you've been here previously. It all depends on how long the line is out front.