The distance between Chengdu and Shanghai varies depending on the mode of transportation and the specific route taken. The direct air distance, or great-circle distance, between the two cities is approximately 1,029 to 1,059 miles (1,656 to 1,704 kilometers). For those traveling by land, the distance is significantly longer; the driving distance is estimated to be around 1,169 miles (1,882 kilometers), while the railway distance for high-speed trains covers approximately 1,223 to 1,243 miles (1,969 to 2,000 kilometers). Consequently, travel times range from about 3 hours by flight to between 11 and 16 hours via high-speed rail.