Shanghai is around 1460 kilometers from Beijing. There are trains running between thw two cities. Except the bullet train No.D31 and the fast train T284, the other 8 trains all start from Beijing Railway Station. The Train D31 starts from Beijing South Railway Station. It's the fastest train. By it, you only spend less than 10 hours to get to Shanghai. The Train T284 leaves Beijing West Railway Station. It takes more than 14 hours. In my opinion, the Train D31 is more favorable, even though its cost is higher. Ps: Please avoid taking the Train 1461. It starts from Beijing Railway Station. It's the slowest train.