Changsha Metro: Map, Lines, Fares, Usage & Ride Guide

Everything you need to know about the Changsha Metro – how to ride and pay (Alipay/WeChat), operating hours, ticket prices, main lines, and attractions along the Changsha Metro lines.

Changsha Metro Map

The Changsha Metro opened in 2014. It currently comprises 6 lines (lines 1–6) and more than 140 stations. Key interchange points: Huanghua Airport (line 6), Changsha Railway Station (lines 2, 3), South Railway Station (lines 2, 4).

You can reach most sights within 30 minutes by metro. This way, you can avoid the morning and evening rush hours in Changsha (07:30–09:00 and 17:30–19:00). Plus, it’s almost never late.

Changsha Metro Lines and Operating Hours

Most lines run at the same times. Only Line 6 (airport line) runs a little later:

• First train: 06:30 (all lines, including Line 2 to Orange Island).
• Last train: 23:00 (Line 6, timed to match late flights to the airport).
• Top tip: Use the "长沙地铁" app (which has an English language option) to check when the last metro departs so you don't miss it!

Changsha Metro Main Lines and Stations

Source: Wikipedia

So far, a total of 6 Changsha Metro lines are in operation, namely:

• Line 1 (red): Running from north to south, it connects Shangshuangtang with Jinpenqiu and stops along the way at Huangxing Square, Wuyi Square, and Kaifu Temple, among others.
• Line 2 (light blue): Running in an east-west direction between Longhuling and Guangda, it features stations such as Changsha Railway Station, Orange Island, Hunan Provincial Museum, Meixihu Park, and more.
• Line 3 (green): Running in a south-easterly direction between Xiangtan North Railway Station and Guangsheng, it passes by Martyrs' Park, Changsha University, and other stations along the way.
• Line 4 (purple): Running through the Yuelu District and Xingsha Area, it stretches from Dujiaping to Guanziling and stops at Yuelu Mountain, Xiejiaqiao, and other locations.
• Line 5 (yellow): Running from north to south, it connects Maozhutang with Shuiduhe and stops at Juzizhou, Mawangdui, Wanjiali Square, Torch Village, and more.
• Line 6 (blue): This offers a direct connection to Huanghua International Airport and is a key link to the airport. Along the way, it serves stations such as Martyrs' Park, Longping Rice Museum, Lugu Park, and more.

Changsha Metro Ticket Prices

The metro in Changsha is very affordable. The price depends on how far you travel. The details are as follows:

Changsha Metro fares (CNY)

Changsha Metro tickets for longer stays

If you're staying for longer than two days, buy a public transport pass to save time (you won't have to buy a ticket every single time).

• Xiaoxiang Card: Valid for the Changsha Metro, the maglev train and buses, as well as in over 330 cities across China. It can be used as a physical card or a digital NFC card (via Alipay, WeChat and common smartphone wallets). It offers a 10% discount on the Metro and maglev train, as well as a 30% discount on bus journeys in Changsha.

How to Buy Changsha Metro Tickets?

Source: viajeroslowcosteros

You have 3 simple payment methods – choose what suits you best:

Mobile payments (fastest for travellers)

No ticket needed – just use your phone:

• Alipay: Open the Alipay app, tap on "Transport", search for "Changsha Metro" and follow the steps to link your credit or debit card. Then, generate a QR code.
• Scan and go: hold the QR code up to the scanner at the ticket gate. When the light turns green, you can walk through. The fare will be deducted automatically.

Self-service ticket machines (single journeys)

You'll find these machines near the entrance of every station – the buttons are labelled in English. Steps

1. Tap "English" on the screen and then select your destination station (for example, "Orange Island").
2. Select how many tickets you need (e.g., one ticket for yourself).
3. Payment methods: cash (1, 5, 10 or 20 yuan notes) or by scanning an Alipay or WeChat QR code.
4. Take the plastic ticket. Place the ticket on the scanner and walk through (don't lose the ticket!)

How to Ride Changsha Metro

Follow these 5 steps – no Chinese required, no confusion:

Step 1: Finding the right underground station

• Keep an eye out on the street for blue signs with the characters “地铁” (Metro) – all stations have clearly visible entrances (marked with “Entrance 1/2”).
• Use Google Maps (set to English) to search for your underground station (e.g. "Wuyi Square underground station").

Step 2: Collect your ticket or open your QR code

• If you're using a machine: follow the instructions in English (see "Self-service ticket machines" above).
• If you're using Alipay or WeChat: have your QR code ready before you reach the entrance gates.

Source: ENGLISH.GOV.CN

Step 3: Accessing the platform

• Swipe your ticket at the gate or scan your QR code – wait for the green light (don't push against the gate!).
• Check the display board above the stairs. It will show you where the next train is heading (e.g., "To Huanghua Airport") and when it arrives (usually in 2–5 minutes).

Step 4: Taking the train

• Keep to the right on the platform and let people get off first.
• On the train: The next station is shown on the screens (also in English), and there are announcements too (e.g. "Next stop: Orange Island").

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Step 5: Get off and continue to your destination

• When you reach your station, follow the signs marked "Exit". Insert your ticket into the gate or scan your QR code to open it.
• Check the maps near the exits to find the right way (e.g. “Exit 3 → Orange Island”).

Changsha Transport Comparison: Metro, Bus, Taxi, and Car Hire

Choose the right mode of transport for your needs – here is a simple comparison:

Changsha Metro Travel Itineraries (1–3 Days)

You can reach all the top spots by metro – here are some simple plans to make the most of your time:

1-day main tour (short visits)

2-day tour (add more places)

• Day 2:
• • Morning: Kaifu Temple (Line 1 → 开福寺站, Exit 1) – an ancient Buddhist temple with free admission.
  • Afternoon: Longping Rice Museum (Line 6 → 隆平水稻博物馆站, Exit 2) – learn all about hybrid rice.
  • Evening: Xiangjiang River cruise (Line 2 > 湘江中路站, Exit 2) – Tickets: ¥80.

3-day tour (including airport)

• Day 3:
• • Morning: If you have a late flight, take Line 6 to 花明楼站 (Huaminglou Station) – visit Mao Zedong's former residence (free of charge).
  • Afternoon: Take Line 6 to Huanghua Airport (¥8 , travel time 1 hour) – make sure to arrive 2 hours before your flight.

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