Everything about Changsha Metro – how to ride, pay (Alipay/WeChat), operating hours, fares, major lines & attractions along Changsha Metro lines.
Changsha Metro Map & Basic Info
Credit: Wikipedia
Changsha Metro was opened in 2014. Currently, it has 6 lines (Lines 1 to 6) and over 140 stations. Key connection points: Huanghua Airport (Line 6), Changsha Railway Station (Line 2), South Railway Station (Line 4).
You can reach most scenic spots by subway within 30 minutes. It avoids the morning and evening rush hours in Changsha (7:30-9:00 a.m. and 5:30-7:00 p.m.), and is almost never late.
Changsha Metro Operating Hours
Most lines run at the same time – only Line 6 (airport line) is a bit later:
- First train: 6:30 AM (all lines, including Line 2 to Orange Island).
- Last train: 10:30 PM (Lines 1,2,3,4) | 11:00 PM (Line 6 – matches late flights to the airport).
- Tip: Use the “长沙地铁” app (has English mode) to check when the last train leaves – don’t miss it!
Major Lines & Stations of Changsha Metro
Credit: Wikipedia
Up to now, Changsha Metro has opened a total of 6 operational lines, namely:
- Line 1 (Red) : Running from north to south, it connects Shangshuangtang to Jinpenqiu, passing through Huangxing Square, Wuyi Square, Kaifu Temple, etc
- Line 2 (light blue) : It runs east-west, connecting Guangda and Meixihu West, passing through Changsha Railway Station, Orange Isle, Hunan Provincial Museum, Meixihu Park, etc
- Line 3 (Green) : Spanning southeast, it runs from Xiangtan north to Guangsheng, passing by Martyrs' Park, Changsha University and other places
- Line 4 (Purple) : It runs through Yuelu District and Xingsha Area, from Dujiaping to Guanziling, passing through Yuelu Mountain, Xiejiaqiao and other places
- Line 5 (Yellow) : Running from northwest to southeast, it connects Maozhutang to Shuiduhe, passing through Juzizhou, Mawangdui, Wanjiali Square, Torch Village, etc
- Line 6 (blue) : It directly reaches Huanghua International Airport and is an important hub line for airport transportation. It passes through Martyrs' Park, Longping Rice Museum, Lugu Park, etc
Changsha Metro Prices & Cards
It's very cheap to take the subway in Changsha. The fare depends on how far you go. The details are as follows
Changsha Metro Prices (CNY & USD)
Distance | Fare (¥/$) | Example Route |
0-6 km | 2/0.28 | 五一广场 ↔ 黄兴广场（购物街） |
6-16 km | 3-4/0.42-0.56 | 五一广场 ↔ 橘子洲（Orange Island） |
16-26 km | 5-6/0.70-0.84 | 五一广场 ↔ 长沙火车站 |
26+ km | 7-8/0.98-1.12 | 五一广场 ↔ 黄花机场（Line 6） |
Changsha Metro Transit Cards for Longer Stays
If you stay for more than two days, purchase a public transportation card to save time (you don't need to buy a ticket every time)
- National Transportation Card: Applicable to Changsha Metro and buses, and even over 300 cities in China. Purchase at the subway customer service counter - spend 20 yuan / 2.80 US dollars (deposit, which you will receive when you return the card) plus the money you loaded.
- Changsha local card: No deposit is required. Just pay 10 yuan / 1.40 US dollars. Both cards can enjoy a 5% discount on the subway!
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How to Pay & Buy Tickets for Changsha Metro
Source from viajeroslowcosteros
You have 3 easy ways to pay – pick what’s best for you:
Mobile Payment (Fastest for Tourists)
No ticket required - Use your mobile phone:
- Alipay: Open the app, tap "Transport", then search for "Changsha Metro", follow the steps to link your credit card/debit card, and then generate a QR code.
- Scan to ride: Hold the QR code near the gate scanner – green light means you can pass. The fare is deducted automatically.
Self-Service Ticket Machines (One-Time Rides)
Near the entrance of each station, there are these machines - they have English buttons. Steps
- Click on "English" on the screen, and then select your destination station (such as "Orange Island").
- Choose how many tickets you need (for example, one for yourself).
- Payment methods: Cash (1-yuan / 5-yuan / 10-yuan / 20-yuan banknotes) or scanning the Alipay/wechat QR code.
- Take the plastic ticket - swipe the card in, insert it in and exit (don't lose it!)"
Foreigners How to Ride Changsha Metro (Step-by-Step)
Follow these 5 steps – no Chinese needed, no confusion:
Step 1: Find the Right Metro Station
- Look for blue “地铁” (Metro) signs on the street – all stations have clear entrances (marked “Entrance 1/2”).
- Use Google Maps (set to English) to search for your station (e.g., “Wuyi Square Metro Station”).
Step 2: Get a Ticket or Open Your QR Code
- If using a machine: Follow the English prompts (see “Self-Service Tickets” above).
- If using Alipay/WeChat: Have your QR code ready before you get to the gates.
Source from ENGLISH.GOV.CN
Step 3: Enter the Platform
- Swipe your ticket or scan your QR code at the gate – wait for the green light (don’t push the gate!).
- Check the screen above the stairs: It shows where the next train is going (e.g., “To Huanghua Airport”) and when it arrives (usually 2-5 minutes).
Step 4: Take the Train
- Stand on the right side of the platform – let people get off first.
- Inside the train: Screens show the next station (with English), and there’s an announcement too (e.g., “Next stop: Orange Island”).
Source from Wikimedia Commons
Step 5: Exit and Go to Your Destination
- When your station comes, follow “Exit” signs. Insert your ticket or scan your QR code to open the gate.
- Check the map near exits for directions (e.g., “Exit 3 → Orange Island”).
Changsha Transport Comparison: Metro vs Bus vs Taxi vs Car Rental
Credit: Wikipedia
Choose the right transport for your needs – here’s a simple comparison:
Transport Type | Avg Fare (¥/$) | Speed | Best For | Pros | Cons |
Metro | 2-8/0.28-1.12 | Fast | Attractions, airport, train stations | No traffic, on-time, English signs | Can’t reach remote areas |
Bus | 2/0.28 | Slow | Short local trips (e.g., hotel to market) | Cheap, covers small streets | Crowded in rush hour |
Taxi | 10-120/1.40-16.80 | Fast/slow | Late nights, heavy luggage | Door-to-door, no walking | Expensive (¥60+/8.40$ to airport) |
Car Rental | 200-400/28-56/day | Flexible | Day trips (e.g., Zhangjiajie) | Go anywhere you want | Need Chinese driver’s license (or translation) |
Changsha Tour Plans Using Metro (1-3 Days)
Metro covers all top spots – here are simple plans to use your time well:
1-Day Core Tour (Short Visits)
Time | Activity | Metro Line/Station | Tips |
9:00 AM | Hunan Museum | Line 6 → 湘雅医院站 (Exit 3) | Book free tickets online 1 day ahead. |
12:00 PM | Lunch at Huangxing Road | Line 6 → 五一广场站 → transfer to Line 1 → 黄兴广场站 (Exit 1) | Try stinky tofu (¥10/1.40$) and sugar cakes. |
2:30 PM | Orange Island | Line 1 → 五一广场站 → transfer to Line 2 → 橘子洲站 (Exit 2) | Rent a bike (¥20/2.80$) to the Mao statue. |
6:00 PM | Yuelu Mountain | Line 2 → 溁湾镇站 (Exit 4) | Hike up or take cable car (¥30/4.20$). |
2-Day Tour (Add More Spots)
- Day 2:
- Morning: Kaifu Temple (Line 1 → 开福寺站，Exit 1) – old Buddhist temple, free entry.
- Afternoon: Longping Rice Museum (Line 6 → 隆平水稻博物馆站，Exit 2) – learn about hybrid rice.
- Evening: Xiangjiang River Cruise (Line 2 → 湘江中路站，Exit 2) – tickets ¥80/11.20$.
3-Day Tour (Include 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).
- Afternoon: Take Line 6 to Huanghua Airport (¥8/1.12$, 1 hour ride) – arrive 2 hours before your flight.
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Changsha Metro
Does Changsha have a metro?
Yes – 6 lines (Line 1 to Line 6) covering the city, airport, and train stations. It’s the most convenient way to get around.Can I use Alipay to pay for Changsha Metro?
Yes – open Alipay, search “长沙地铁”, link your card, generate a QR code, and scan it at the gates. Fare is deducted automatically.Is Changsha Metro expensive?
No – most rides cost ¥2-5 (0.28 −0.70). Even the ride to the airport is only ¥8 (1.12$), much cheaper than a taxi.Can I take luggage on Changsha Metro?
Yes – regular suitcases are fine. Oversized items (like big sports bags) need security checks, and staff may ask you to wait for less crowded trains.Do Changsha Metro stations have English signs?
Yes – all stations have Chinese-English signs for entrances, exits, and attractions. Ticket machines and train screens also have English.Is it safe to take Changsha Metro at night?
Yes – stations have security cameras, and trains are patrolled. Most people take it until the last train (10:30 PM-11:00 PM) with no issues.