price difference between train/plane from Shanghai to Hong Kong

WHat is the price difference between TRAIN & AIRPLANE if travelling from Shanghai to Hong Kong (direct one-way)?

By train, I go sleeper and by plane, I go economy.

The only reason why the train doesn't appeal is because it takes 24hours. Right?

But if the price of the airplane is unreasonble, I guess I'll have no choice.

Hong Kong - Shanghai is a premium business route for air travel. Expect to pay US$200 or so for one-way.

Regular soft-sleeper (4-in-cabin) is about US$100, deluxe about $150.

A cost and time effective alternative is to fly from Shenzhen (SZX), just across the border from Hong Kong.

Take the train only if you're interested in train travel.

Just checking some prices, and I used 8/23 as an example.

For HKG-PVG, I found a China Eastern fare of HK$1,680 (US$215) from the Hong Kong-based www.tiglion.com

For SZX-SHA, I found a 560 yuan (US$70) fare from China-based www.elong.net

Pretty significant difference. From Hong Kong to SZX, you can take a coach or ferry. The coach is cheaper (~HK$100/US$13) and more frequent, but requires a messy border crossing. The ferry is about HK$200 (US$25), but is more comfortable.

Is it easy to get to the Shenzhen airport if going by ferry? Is taxi the best way and how much should I expect to pay?

If you take the ferry from Hong Kong to the Shenzhen airport on www.turbojet.com.hk, then there's a free shuttle to the terminal that matches the arrival of the ferry. The main problem with this method is that this ferry is <b>infrequent</b>, and is relatively expensive.

There's another ferry pier in the Shekou area of Shenzhen. From there, you need to take a taxi or public bus to the airport. With the cost and time, it's <b>not</b> an effective way to get to SZX.