Heading to Shanghai? You will love how easy it is to get around with the Shanghai Metro. It is cheap, fast, and takes you almost anywhere in the city.
I will show you how to use the Shanghai Metro. You will get to see the Shanghai Metro map, know what time the metro operates, learn how to buy tickets, and take Shanghai Metro. Feel ready to hop on the metro like a local and start exploring!
Shanghai Metro Map and Lines
Source: This Shanghai Metro Map is from International Services Shanghai.
Right now, Shanghai Metro has 20 lines and over 500 stations across the city. It is one of the biggest metro systems in the world!
Most lines run through the city centre. The lines are in different colours on the Shanghai Metro map, so you can spot them quickly:
- Line 2 (Green): From Pudong Airport to the city centre and Hongqiao Airport.
- Line 10 (Purple): Stops at Yuyuan Garden and Xintiandi.
- Line 11 (Brown): Goes to Disneyland.
You will see English signs in every station, so don’t worry about getting lost.
Key Stations of Shanghai Metro
Station | Lines | Why Stop Here? |
People’s Square | Line 1, 2, 8 | Heart of the city, near Nanjing Road |
Century Avenue | Line 2, 4, 6, 9 | Easy transfer point in Pudong |
Shanghai Railway Station | Line 1, 3, 4 | For intercity trains |
Hongqiao Railway Station | Line 2, 10, 17 | For high-speed trains and airport |
Longyang Road | Line 2, 7, 16, Maglev | Maglev to Pudong Airport |
Disney Resort | Line 11 | For Disneyland Shanghai |
Yuyuan Garden | Line 10 | Old Town and Yuyuan Garden visit |
West Nanjing Road | Line 2, 12, 13 | Shopping and cafes |
Shanghai Metro Operating Hours
Most lines start running around 5:30am to 6:00am and the last trains leave around 10:30pm to 11:00pm.
Different lines and stations may have small differences, so it is good to check the last train time at the station if you plan to stay out late. You will see the times on the boards near the gates.
Tip: Try to avoid rush hours (7:30am–9:00am and 5:30pm–7:30pm) if you can. The trains get very crowded during these times!
Airport Metro Operating Hours
If you’re coming from the airport, the Shanghai Metro is a handy way to reach the city.
Pudong Airport:
- Maglev: 6:45 AM – 9:40 PM from Longyang Road.
- Line 2: 5:28 AM – 10:30 PM.
Hongqiao Airport:
- Line 2: 5:28 AM – 10:30 PM.
- Line 10: 5:25 AM – 10:30 PM.
If you arrive very early or late, you might need to take a taxi or an airport bus instead.
Grab Flight Discounts to Shanghai
Shanghai Metro Tickets, Passes and Fares
Taking the Shanghai Metro is budget-friendly. A single ride usually costs ¥3 to ¥9 (about S$0.53-1.6). It's easy to buy a Shanghai Metro Pass.
Single Journey Tickets
Distance | Fare | Example Route |
0–6 km | ¥3 (about S$0.53) | People’s Square to East Nanjing Road |
6–16 km | ¥4 (about S$0.71) | Hongqiao Railway Station to Lujiazui |
Beyond 16 km | ¥1 per 10 km (about S$0.18) | Pudong Airport to downtown (~¥7, about S$1.24) |
Children (under 1.3m) | Free (with an adult, max two children) | |
Shanghai Metro Day Passes
Pass Type | Price | Details |
1-Day Tourist Pass | ¥18 (about S$3.2) | Unlimited rides for 24 hours |
3-Day Tourist Pass | ¥45 (about S$8) | Unlimited rides for 72 hours |
Maglev Combo Pass | ¥55 (about S$9.78) | Single Maglev ride + 24-hour metro access |
Maglev Round-trip Combo Pass | ¥85 (about S$15.11) | Round-trip Maglev + 24-hour metro access |
You can also buy a Public Transport Card to enjoy a 10% discount after ¥70 (about S$12.44) in a calendar month.
How to Pay for Shanghai Metro?
Shanghai Metro Pass: Single Tickets
Single journey tickets are a simple choice for travellers.
Where to Buy?
1. Ticket Machine
You can buy single tickets from ticket machines at every metro station. Machines have English, Chinese, and sometimes other languages.
Pay with cash (RMB notes and coins) or a card. The machines accept 1, 5, 10, and 20 yuan notess. Some machines even accept international credit cards now.
2. Service Counter
The stations have a service counter if you need help.
How to Use?
After buying your ticket, you will get a small plastic token. Tap this token on the sensor at the gate to enter the station. Keep the token in your pocket during your ride. When you exit, insert the token into the slot on the gate to leave the station.
Shanghai Metro Pass: Alipay Metro Card
Source: viajeroslowcosteros
If you have Alipay, using the Alipay Metro Card is one of the easiest ways to ride the Shanghai Metro without cash or physical tickets.
Where to Get?
Open your Alipay app and go to "Transport". Search for “Shanghai Metro” or "Shanghai Transport". Activate the Shanghai Metro QR code (you may need to verify your account).
No physical card is needed; your phone becomes your metro pass.
How to Use?
At the metro gate, open your Alipay app and tap on the Metro QR code. Scan the QR code at the gate to enter. Do the same to exit at your destination.
The fare will be automatically deducted from your Alipay balance after your ride.
How to Top Up Shanghai Metro Pass?
No manual top-up is needed. Your rides are deducted directly from your Alipay wallet or linked payment card.
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Shanghai Metro Pass: Local Metro App
The Metro app is also a great tool to help you plan your trips on the Shanghai Metro.
Where to Get?
Download the app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for “Metro 大都会”.
How to Use?
Use the app to check metro routes, plan your journey, and see station information. It shows you which lines to take and where to change trains. You can also check fares and station exits. Just generate a QR code and scan it at the turnstiles.
Shanghai Metro Pass: Shanghai Public Transportation Card
Source: International Services Shanghai
If you plan to use the Shanghai Metro a lot, the Shanghai Public Transportation Card, also called the Jiaotong Card, is a must-have. It's a local way to get around the city.
Where to Buy?
Available at metro station service counters, airports, post offices, and some convenience stores across Shanghai.
How to Use?
Simply tap the card on the sensor at the gate to enter and exit the metro. The fare will be automatically deducted from your card balance. You can also use it on buses.
How to Top Up?
Top up at ticket machines or service counters in metro stations. Some convenience stores also accept top-ups. Payment can be made by cash or card.
Note: The card usually requires a small deposit (around ¥20, about S$3.55).
How to Take the Metro in Shanghai?
1. Plan Your Route
Use a Shanghai Metro map or apps like Metro Man to find the best way to get where you want. Check which line and station you need.
2. Go Through Security
Yes, there’s a security check! You’ll pass your bags through an X-ray machine before entering the station.
3. Buy a Ticket or Use a Metro Card
At the station, buy a single ticket from the machine or use your Shanghai Public Transportation Card or Alipay Metro Card to tap in.
4. Find Your Platform
Look for signs in English and Chinese. They’ll tell you which direction to take based on the line colour and end station.
5. Board the Train
Wait behind the yellow line on the platform. Let passengers off first before you get on.
6. Exit at Your Station
When you arrive, follow signs to the exit. Tap your card, scan the QR Code, or insert your ticket to leave.
Read More
Reaching Top Attractions by Metro
- Shanghai Museum – Located near People’s Square (Metro Line 1, 2, 8)
- The Bund – Accessible via East Nanjing Road (Line 2)
- Yu Garden – Near Yuyuan Garden Station (Line 10)
- Shanghai Tower – Accessible via Lujiazui Station (Line 2)
- Jing’an Temple – Near Jing'an Temple Station (Line 2)
- Shanghai Disneyland – Direct access via Disneyland Station (Line 11)
- Nanjing Road – Famous shopping street accessible from People’s Square (Line 1, 2, 8)
- Shanghai Metro Museum – Metro development history, functions, and culture. (Line 10)
The Shanghai Metro is hands down the best way to explore this city. Remember to plan your routes, keep your card or phone ready, and enjoy the ride! Happy travelling!