The Shanghai Metro is an ideal choice for foreign tourists, connecting major attractions, airports and train stations efficiently. Metro stations are equipped with English signs and voice announcements, and support a variety of convenient payment methods. This guide covers the Shanghai Metro map, operating hours, fares and steps to take the subway, helping you travel around Shanghai with ease.
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Shanghai Metro Map
Shanghai metro map from Wikipedia
Shanghai Metro is China's largest and longest operating urban rail transit system, currently with 21 lines (including maglev), more than 500 stations, and a total mileage of over 800 kilometres. As the backbone network of urban public transportation, Shanghai Metro covers 16 administrative districts in the city, connecting major commercial centres, tourist attractions, transportation hubs and residential areas, with an average daily passenger flow of more than 10 million.
Main lines such as Line 2 and Line 10 connect famous attractions such as the Bund, Yu Garden, Disneyland, as well as the two major international airports of Pudong and Hongqiao and multiple high-speed rail stations, and are the most economical and reliable transportation options for foreign tourists to explore Shanghai.
Shanghai Metro Lines, Operating Hours & Major Spots
Line | Operating Hours | Major Spots |
1 | 5:30 AM – 24:00 PM | People's Square, Shanghai Railway Station, Xujiahui Shopping District |
2 | 5:28 AM – 22:30 PM | Hongqiao Airport, Pudong Airport, Lujiazui (Oriental Pearl Tower), Nanjing Road East, Jing'an Temple |
3 | 5:20 AM – 22:35 PM | Shanghai South Railway Station, Zhongshan Park |
4 | 5:25 AM – 22:35 PM | Shanghai Stadium, Century Avenue |
5 | 5:28 AM – 22:40 PM | Dongchuan Road, Minhang Development Zone |
6 | 5:30 AM – 22:30 PM | Century Park, South Pudong Area |
7 | 5:30 AM – 22:30 PM | Jing'an Temple, Longyang Road (Maglev transfer) |
8 | 5:30 AM – 24:00 PM | China Art Museum, People's Square |
9 | 5:30 AM – 22:30 PM | Tianzifang (Dapuqiao Station), Qibao Ancient Town |
10 | 5:25 AM – 22:30 PM | Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, Hongqiao Railway Station, Hongqiao Airport T1 |
11 | 5:25 AM – 22:30 PM | Disney Resort, Longhua Temple, Jiading District |
12 | 5:30 AM – 22:30 PM | International Cruise Terminal, Qutang Road Art Zone |
13 | 5:30 AM – 22:30 PM | Nanjing Road West, Huaihai Road Shopping Area |
16 | 5:50 AM – 22:30 PM | Longyang Road (Maglev transfer), Lingang New City |
17 | 5:30 AM – 23:00 PM | Zhujiajiao Water Town (20-min walk from station), Hongqiao Railway Station |
Information updated in 2025. Some lines have multiple trains. The subway operating hours are based on the earliest first train time and the latest last train time.
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Shanghai Metro Ticket Prices
The Shanghai Metro fare is calculated based on the distance travelled, and is generally between 3 and 15 yuan (excluding the Maglev Line and some newly opened lines). The specific charging standards are as follows:
Distance (km) | Fare (RMB) | Example Routes |
0-6 | ¥3 | People's Square to Nanjing East Road (Line 1, 1 stop) |
6-16 | ¥4 | Jing'an Temple to Lujiazui (Line 2, 6 stops) |
16-26 | ¥5 | Shanghai Railway Station to Disney Resort (Line 3/11, 15 stops) |
26-36 | ¥6 | Hongqiao Airport to Longyang Road (Line 2/7, 22 stops) |
36-46 | ¥7 | Pudong Airport to Shanghai South Station (Line 2/1, 28 stops) |
46-56 | ¥8 | Songjiang to Waigaoqiao (Line 9/12/6, 35+ stops) |
56-66 | ¥9 | Jiuting to Lingang New City (Line 9/16, 40+ stops) |
>66 | +¥1 per 10km | Extreme long-distance trips |
How to Buy and Pay for Shanghai Metro Tickets
1. Ticket vending machine (recommended)
Find the ticket vending machine in the subway station, select the English interface, click on the route map to select the destination, and the system will display the fare. Cash (banknotes and coins), Alipay or WeChat payment are supported. After payment, you can receive a blue round one-way ticket.
2. Transportation card (suitable for multiple rides)
Purchase the "Shanghai Public Transportation Card" at the station service window, with a deposit of 20 yuan, which can be recharged. It is more convenient to swipe the card to enter and exit the station, and it can also be used for buses and taxis. The card can be refunded before leaving Shanghai (the balance can be refunded, and the handling fee must be deducted).
3. Scan the QR code with your mobile phone (most convenient)
Download the "Shanghai Metro DADUHUI" APP, bind your Alipay, WeChat or UnionPay card, generate a QR code and scan it to enter the station directly. Some gates also support Alipay/WeChat "travel" function to scan the code directly.
👇Shanghai Metro DADUHUI APP
👇Use Alipay to scan QR code
Source: viajeroslowcosteros
4. Manual ticket sales (backup)
If you encounter problems, you can go to the service window to purchase a one-way ticket with cash or mobile payment, and the staff will provide help.
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For those who want to travel the metro as many times as they want, Shanghai Metro offers a variety of great value passes to make your city exploration more free and convenient.
One-Day Pass
The most popular one-day pass costs only RMB 18 and can be easily purchased at ticket offices at major metro stations. This card allows you to travel the Shanghai metro network as many times as you want within 24 hours of activation, making it a great choice for those who plan to visit multiple attractions in a short period of time. There is no need to refund the ticket after use, and the beautiful card can also be kept as a souvenir of your trip.
Three-Day Pass
If you plan to travel for more than a few days, the three-day pass will be a more economical choice. It costs RMB 45 and can also be purchased at designated station ticket offices. It allows unlimited travel on all metro lines within 72 hours after the first use. Like the one-day pass, the card is yours after use, making it a special souvenir of your trip to Shanghai.
Maglev and Metro Pass
The price of a one-way maglev + metro one-day pass is 55 yuan. Passengers can take a one-way maglev (economy class) and unlimited metro rides within 24 hours after the first use.
The price of a round-trip maglev + metro one-day pass is 85 yuan, which allows passengers to take a round-trip maglev (economy class) and unlimited metro rides within 24 hours after the first use.
How to Take the Shanghai Metro
1. Ticket purchase/payment method
👆Refer to the above ticket purchase and payment methods
2. Steps to enter the metro station
1️⃣ Security check:
All luggage must pass through the X-ray machine (water needs to be tested)
2️⃣ Card swiping at the gate:
One-way ticket: Insert the ticket card → Remember to take it back after passing (need to be recycled when leaving the station)
Transportation card/mobile phone: Scan the code directly (green arrow light is on to pass)
3️⃣ Find the route:
Look at the platform display (the next bus time is broadcast in Chinese and English)
If you need to transfer (such as People's Square), follow the guide signs to avoid going to the wrong exit
3. Exit
Insert the one-way ticket into the gate recycling port
Transportation card/mobile phone scan code to deduct fees (recharge is required if the balance is insufficient)
If you get lost: check the station block map or ask the service centre
Shanghai Metro FAQs
Q: Is the Shanghai Metro friendly to foreigners?
A: Very friendly. There are English signs and English announcements at major stations. Some ticket machines support English interfaces and staff can provide basic English help.
Q: How do tourists take the Shanghai Metro?
A: It is recommended to download the "Metro Metropolis" and "Alipay" App to scan the code to ride, or directly purchase a single ticket at the ticket machine (supports English operations).
Q: Does the Shanghai Metro have English station announcements?
A: All lines have bilingual station announcements in Chinese and English.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay on the Shanghai Metro?
A: Yes, you can bind the Shanghai Transportation Card through the iPhone wallet (NFC function must be activated).
Q: Is the Shanghai Metro crowded?
A: It is crowded during peak hours in the morning and evening (7:30-9:30, 17:00-19:00). It is recommended to avoid popular lines such as Line 1/2/8/9.
