June 2016 Shanghai to Changsha and return- how to get there,by air or train

If by bullet train, it takes about 5.5-6 hours on the way. Ticket fare is CNY 478 for a second class seat and CNY 798.5 for a first class seat.
If by air, the duration is about 2.5 hours. It's hard to tell how much the ticket will be. Generally, the full fare for the economy class is around CNY 1000. But there always be discounts. You may keep an eye on it.
For the detailed schedule, you can search on your own on this website.

Thank you for your prompt reply.
What if I travel from Wuhan to CS City instead. From which station in Wuhan and upon return which station? How much on the bullet train? How quick?

Any recommended places to stay as I will arrive late by plane from Canada?Some hotels where I can stay overnight and easily go to the Wuhan Railway Station to catch the bullet train.Any airport buses to the Wuhan Railway Station if I don't stay overnight?

Thank again!
Tony

1. From Wuhan to CS, take bullet train from Wuhan Railway Station, get off at CS South Railway Station. The train schedules are from 07:00 to 20:59. The duration is about 2 hours. The ticket fare of first class seat is CNY264.5 and second class seat is CNY164.5. About the return way, you can also take the bullet train from CS South Railway Station.
2. Well, you can direct find a hotel nearby Wuhan Railway Station. Hanting hotel (Railway Station Branch) is a good choice. It's located at the West Square of Railway Station. You can easily see it.
3. There are airport shuttle buses that can take you to the Railway Station. The operating hours are until the arrival of the last flight. The duration is about 70 mins with the ticket fare of CNY 37 per person.

Thank you for your fantastic reply!