I would like to know if there is a bullet train leaving Shanghai after 5pm on Friday 13 of August. We would like to go to from Shanghai to Beijing leaving after 5pm on Friday 13 of August and returning back to Shanghai on the 19th. We have a very early flight on the 20th from Pudong so we have to be back on the 19th. I am confused about the times on the schedules - are the times a.m. or p.m.?

I don't know which train station to go into in Beijing either. Which one does the fastest train, the train I would like to take go into?
we would like to make the most of our time in Beijing so it's good to take the sleeper overnight on Friday night and arrive rested for Sat. and to be back we would take the overnight on the 18th..Does this sound good?

What are the cross streets for the ticket stations to by the tickets in Shanghai and is there someone who speaks English at these stations? What is the usual surcharge for a hotel to book tickets? I was told that a 1 way ticket for an adult was 268.00 US. This sounds crazy when I see what you are quoting for tickets. Thank you for your help.

Mrs WaWA