Changsha Metro Guide 2026: Map, Lines & Fares

If you are going to Changsha, which's the city with the best food and culture in Hunan, you should not take a taxi from the airport. Taxis are very expensive. The best way to see Changsha is to use the Changsha Metro. Changsha Metro is a way to get around the whole city without spending a lot of money.

Changsha Metro Map & Lines

Changsha Metro’s six colour-coded lines form a transport grid spanning the Xiang River connecting old town heritage sites and newly built business zones.

• Line 1 (Red) – North-south downtown line covering Wuyi Square, Huangxing Pedestrian Street and Kaifu Temple. Ideal for food shopping and city-centre sightseeing.
• Line 2 (Light Blue) – Changsha’s important east-west line. Connects the railway station, city centre, Orange Isle and Yuelu Mountain covering iconic sights.
• Line 3 (Green) – Serves suburban and university zones, including Martyrs’ Park. Great for cultural visits away from busy downtown areas.
• Line 4 (Purple) – Rail and scenic route linking Changsha South Railway Station, Yuelu Mountain and Hunan University for intercity travellers.
• Line 5 (Yellow) – Covers leisure precincts, perfect for exploring local neighbourhoods and casual dining spots.
• Line 6 (Dark Blue) – Airport line, for Singapore visitors. Directly serves Huanghua Airport, Hunan Provincial Museum and key downtown areas saving taxi rides.

Source: Wikipedia

Major Interchange Hubs

Changsha Metro Operating Hours

All standard lines follow a consistent daily schedule, with Line 6 (airport line) extending closing times to accommodate delayed international flights from Singapore and Southeast Asia:

• First train departure across all lines: 06:30
• Last train for Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: 23:00
• Last train for Line 6 (Airport): 23:00 (matches late evening flights landing at Huanghua Airport)

Rush Hour Warning for Singapore Travellers

Avoid travelling during these crowded windows if possible:

• Morning peak: 07:30 – 09:00
• Evening peak: 17:30 – 19:00
• Trains become extremely packed during these times, with limited space for luggage or camera equipment. If you must travel during peak hours, stick to Line 6 (airport) which maintains slightly more breathing room.

Airport Specific Timing Tip

To get to Wuyi Square in the city centre from Huanghua International Airport, it takes 50 minutes. You need to take Line 6 and then transfer to Line 2. The most you will pay is ¥7, which's like S$1.30. This is really cheap compared to taking a taxi, which costs ¥60 or S$11.20 for a one way trip.

Changsha Metro Fares & Tourist Passes

Source: Wikipedia

Changsha Metro uses distance-based tiered pricing, with fares starting at just ¥2 (S$0.37) for short trips. All prices below use a standard conversion rate of 1 CNY ≈ S$0.18 for Singapore readers.

Single Journey Ticket Fare

Children under 1.3 metres tall travel free when accompanied by an adult (maximum two free children per paying passenger). 

Unlimited Tourist Day Passes

If you plan to hop between multiple attractions daily, these flat-rate unlimited passes offer huge savings over single tickets:

Key notes on tourist passes: No deposit required, non-refundable, non-rechargeable and cannot be replaced if lost. Ideal for Singapore travellers on a 2–4 day Changsha city break.

Long-Stay Travel Card Discounts

For visitors staying over three days, consider a physical transport card:

1. National Transit Union Card: ¥20 deposit (refundable upon return) + preloaded travel funds. 10% discount on all metro rides, usable across 300+ Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.
2. Local Changsha Xingcheng Card: ¥10 one-time production fee (non-refundable), 10% metro discount, valid for Changsha metro and public buses only.

How to Pay for Changsha Metro?

Singapore visitors without local Chinese bank accounts will find mobile QR payment the most hassle-free choice, with no need to handle cash or physical tokens.

1. Alipay Transit QR Code (Top Recommended for Foreign Travellers)

Alipay supports international Visa/Mastercard linking, making it the most accessible payment method for Singaporeans.

1. Download Alipay app and register with your Singapore mobile number.
2. Navigate to the Transport tab on the homepage.
3. Search “Changsha Metro” and accept the service agreement.
4. Link your foreign credit/debit card for automatic fare deductions.
5. Generate your dedicated metro QR code, scan it at station gate scanners to enter and exit.
6. No physical ticket or manual top-up needed; fares deduct automatically post-journey.

2. Single-Journey Plastic Token (For Cash Users)

Available from self-service ticket machines at every station, with full English language support.

• Accepted payment: CNY cash notes (¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20) or Alipay/WeChat scan-to-pay.
• How to use: Tap the token on the sensor to enter the station; insert the token into the gate slot when exiting. Do not lose the token—you cannot exit without it.

3. Changsha Metro Official App

Download “长沙地铁 / Changsha Metro” from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Features built-in English mode, route planning, real-time train arrival times and a native transit QR code. Singapore travellers can link foreign payment cards directly within the app.

4. Physical Public Transport Card

Purchase at station service counters or airport convenience stores. Simply tap the card sensor at entry and exit gates; balance deducts automatically. Suitable for travellers who prefer not to rely on mobile data or app logins.

How to Take Changsha Metro?

To make sure you do not get confused during your metro trip follow these six easy steps:

1. Plan Your Route Ahead

Use a map app to find out which line you need to take and the name of the station where you will get off. You should also look up the names of the places you want to visit in English, so you can get directions.

2. Complete Security Screening

You need to put all your bags and luggage through an X-ray machine before you can go into the part of the metro where you have to pay. Do not worry, you can bring your tourist stuff like cameras and water bottles.

 3. Prepare Your Payment Method

Make sure you have your Alipay QR code ready or buy a ticket from the machine. If you want to buy a pass for tourists you need to go to the counter where they help customers.

4. Scan/Tap to Enter the Paid Zone

Hold your QR code or ticket flat on the sensor and wait for the light to turn green before you walk through. Do not try to rush or push the gate before it is open.

5. Board the Train Safely

Stand behind the line on the platform and let people get off the train before you get on. There are screens on the ceiling that show you which stations are coming up. They speak to you in both Chinese and English.

6. Exit at Your Destination Station

Look for the signs that say "Exit" and follow them to leave the platform. You need to scan your QR code or put your ticket in the machine to unlock the gate. Try to figure out which exit is closest, to where you want to go so you do not have to walk far.

Top Changsha Attractions Reachable Directly by Metro

All of Changsha's cultural, food, and natural sights are easy to get to by metro, which means tourists from Singapore do not have to spend a lot of money on private transport. Here are some of the places to visit in Changsha:

1. Hunan Provincial Museum (Free Entry)
2. • Line 6 → Xiangya Hospital Station (Exit 3)
   • Highlight: World-famous Mawangdui Han Dynasty relics. Book free tickets online one day in advance via the museum’s official WeChat mini-program.
2. Orange Isle Scenic Area (Free Entry)
3. • Line 2 → Juzizhou Station (Exit 2)
   • Key sight: Giant Mao Zedong youth sculpture. Rent a sightseeing buggy (¥40 round trip) to cover the long island easily.
3. Yuelu Mountain & Yuelu Academy
4. • Line 2 to Yingwanzhen Station, transfer Line 4 to Hunan University Station
   • Don’t miss Aiwan Pavilion, a historic pavilion featured in classic Chinese poetry. Cable car rides available for visitors who prefer not to hike.
4. Wuyi Square & Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street
5. • Line 1 / Line 2 interchange Wuyi Square Station
   • Changsha’s central food hub: sample signature stinky tofu, sugar oil cakes and milk tea from local stalls, plus flagship Cha Yan Yue Se stores.
5. Kaifu Temple (Ancient Buddhist Temple)
6. • Line 1 → Kaifu Temple Station (Exit 1)
   • Peaceful historic temple with low entry fees, perfect for escaping busy city crowds.
6. Longping Rice Museum
7. • Line 6 → Longping Rice Museum Station
   • Interactive exhibits honouring Yuan Longping, the father of hybrid rice—great for family and educational trips.
7. Meixi Lake Culture Centre
8. • Line 2 → Meixi Lake West Station
   • Iconic futuristic architecture designed by Zaha Hadid, stunning sunset lakeside walks free for all visitors.
8. Mawangdui Han Tombs Museum
9. • Line 4 → Mawangdui Station
   • Supplementary exhibition space for artefacts seen at Hunan Provincial Museum.

Metro vs Other Changsha Transport

Source: Wikipedia

This table outlines how Changsha Metro compares to taxis, buses and airport maglev trains to help you budget effectively from Singapore: