Since its launch in 2015, Qingdao Metro🚇—the first urban rail transit system in Shandong Province—has emerged as the primary option for locals and visitors. The seven lines (Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 11, and 13) that Qingdao Metro has opened as of 2024 serve Jiaodong International Airport, Huangdao, Laoshan, and other important locations besides the major cities.
Qingdao Metro Overview
🚆 Metro Lines
Line | Route | Key Stations | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Line 1 | Wangjiagang - Dongguozhuang | Qingdao Station, Taidong, May 4th Square | Connects West Coast to downtown |
Line 2 | Taishan Road - Licun Park | May 4th Square, Shilaoren | Coastal tourist line |
Line 3 | Qingdao Station - Qingdao North Station | Qingdao Station, People's Hall, Licun | North-south trunk line |
Line 4 | People's Hall - Dahedong | Laoshan, Shazikou | Direct access to Laoshan Scenic Area |
Line 8 | Qingdao North Station - Jiaozhou North Station | Jiaodong Airport, Hongdao | Airport express |
Line 11 | Miaoling Road - Qiangu Mountain | Jimo, Aoshan Bay | Connects Jimo district |
Line 13 | Jinggangshan Road - Dongjiakou | Huangdao, Lingshan Bay | West Coast main line |
🔄 Major Transfer Stations
Station | Transfer Lines |
|---|---|
May 4th Square Station | Line 2 & Line 3 |
Qingdao North Station | Line 1, 3 & 8 |
Taidong Station | Line 1 & 2 |
⏰ Operating Hours
Time | Details |
|---|---|
First Train | Approx. 5:30-6:00 (Line 1 starts earlier) |
Last Train | Approx. 22:00-23:00 (Line 8 to airport ends at 22:00) |
Peak Hours | 7:00-9:00 & 17:00-19:00 (3-5 min intervals) |
Qingdao Metro Map 2025
🎁 Locate Qingdao Metro information and easily explore the city | Use real-time subway maps, station guides, and intelligent transit advice to plan your trip.
Qingdao Metro Timetable (Key Stations)
First & Last Train Times (Weekdays)
Station | Line | First Train | Last Train (to terminus) |
|---|---|---|---|
Qingdao Station | Line 1 | 06:00 | 22:30 (to Dongguozhuang) |
Line 3 | 06:00 | 22:40 (to Qingdao North) | |
May 4th Square | Line 2 | 06:10 | 22:30 (to Licun Park) |
Line 3 | 06:05 | 22:35 (to Qingdao North) | |
Qingdao North Station | Line 1 | 06:00 | 22:30 (to Wangjiagang) |
Line 3 | 06:00 | 22:30 (to Qingdao Station) | |
Line 8 | 06:00 | 22:00 (to Jiaodong Airport) | |
Taidong | Line 1 | 06:05 | 22:35 (to Dongguozhuang) |
Line 2 | 06:10 | 22:30 (to Licun Park) | |
Jiaodong Airport | Line 8 | 06:30 | 22:00 (to Qingdao North) |
Frequency (Weekdays)
Period | Frequency |
|---|---|
Morning Peak (07:00-09:00) | 3-5 minutes |
Evening Peak (17:00-19:00) | 4-6 minutes |
Off-Peak | 6-10 minutes |
Weekends | 5-8 minute |
🎁 Locate Qingdao Metro information and easily explore the city | Use real-time subway maps, station guides, and intelligent transit advice to plan your trip.
Qingdao Metro Ticket Price
Table 1: Fare Structure & Payment Methods (USD)
Category | Details | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
Base Fare | (0-6 km) | $0.28 |
Short Distance | (6-12 km) | $0.42 |
Medium Distance | (12-22 km) | $0.56 |
Long Distance | (22-32 km) | $0.69 |
Extended Distance | (32-52 km) | $0.83 |
Maximum Fare | (52+ km) | $0.97 |
Payment Methods | QR Code (Alipay/WeChat), Transport Card, Single Tickets, Contactless | - |
Table 2: Discount Policies & Example Fares (USD)
Passenger Type | Discount | Example Route | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Adult | Full fare | Qingdao Sta. → May 4th Square (5km) | $0.28 |
Student | 50% off | Same route | $0.14 |
Senior (60-64) | 50% off | Taidong → Shilaoren (15km) | $0.28 |
Senior (65+) | Free | Any journey | Free |
Disabled Person | Free | Any journey | Free |
Military | Free | Any journey | Free |
Long Distance Trip | - | Qingdao North → Airport (38km) | $0.83 |
200 meters northeast of Haitian Bay, Wanggezhuang Subdistrict
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Qingdao Metro Ticket Types
Ticket Type | Description | Validity | Price Range (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Journey Ticket | One-time use paper ticket | Valid only on purchase day for single trip | 0.28−0.97 | Occasional riders/Tourists |
QR Code Ticket | Electronic ticket via Alipay/WeChat | Valid for 2 hours after activation | 0.28−0.97 | Most passengers (convenient) |
Transport Card (Qingdao Tong) | Rechargeable IC card | No expiry (minimum $1.40 deposit) | Pay-as-you-go (with 10% discount) | Frequent local commuters |
Tourist Pass | Unlimited rides | 1-day (4.20)3−(4.20) or 3 3-day (8.30) options | Fixed price | Visitors doing extensive sightseeing |
Group Ticket | For 10+ people | Single use, same day | 20% discount | School groups/tour groups |
Special Discount Card | For eligible groups | Varies by card type | Free or 50% off | Students/Seniors/Disabled |
Tips👇:
- When an adult pays, children under 1.2m ride free.
- The majority of tickets are sold at service counters and station vending machines.
- Chinese payment apps on a smartphone are necessary for QR codes.
- Taxis and buses also accept transport cards.
Have you just reached Qingdao? The majority of visitors take the bullet train to Qingdao. To receive a better deal, please purchase your tickets as soon as possible! The Chinese bullet trains are shown below👇:
How to Use the Metro in Qingdao: A Comprehensive Guide
Step 1: Make a Route Plan
Examine the metro map: decide on your destination and starting station.
Use Apps: To view real-time timetables, download "Qingdao Metro" or use Baidu Maps/Amap.
Important Transfer Stations:
- Lines 2 and 3 of May 4th Square
- Lines 1, 3, and 8 at Qingdao North Station; Lines 1 and 2 at Taidong
- Here's how to download and use the Qingdao Metro application👇:
Step 2: Choose Your Ticket
Ticket Type | How to Buy | Best For |
|---|---|---|
QR Code (Alipay/WeChat) | Scan at gate via "Qingdao Metro" mini-program | Tourists & casual riders |
Single Journey Ticket | Vending machines (English available) | One-time trips |
Qingdao Tong Card | Service counters (¥20 deposit, refundable) | Frequent riders (10% discount) |
Tourist Pass | Major stations (1-day/3-day unlimited rides) | Visitors exploring multiple attractions |
Step 3: Come into the station
Security Check: Similar to airports, all luggage is scanned by X-ray machines.
Enter:
Touch your phone to the gate's scanner to scan the QR code.
Just one ticket: Put it into the slot (get it after it's passed).
Click on the reader on the transport card.
Step 4: Board a bus
Verify the sign: Verifies the direction, such as "to Qingdao North Station."
Platform Screen: Indicates when the next train is expected to arrive.
Priority seating is reserved for the elderly, expectant mothers, and those with impairments.
Source from Qingdao News
Step 5: Transfer, if required
The following line is indicated by colorful indicators.
Usually taking three to five minutes, transfers don't cost more if they happen within two hours.
Source from Qingdao News
Step 6: To leave, click Exit.
Tap the QR code or transit card, then tap again to subtract the appropriate fare.
One-way ticket: Put it in the gate; there are no returns.
Until you exit the station, hold onto your ticket (lost tickets incur the highest fare).
Pro Tips
✅ Avoid Rush Hour: 7:30–9:00 AM & 5:00–7:00 PM (very crowded).
✅ Free Toilets: Available in all stations.
✅ WiFi: Connect to "Qingdao Metro Free WiFi" (requires Chinese phone number).
✅ Lost & Found: Contact station staff or call 0532-55770000.
A Guide to the Main Attractions of Qingdao's Metro Lines and Stations
Beaches, cultural institutions, and significant tourist destinations are all easily accessible via Qingdao's metro system. Here is a thorough rundown of the sights close to each subway line:
🚇 Line 1 (West Coast to Downtown)
| Station | Nearby Attractions | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
Qingdao Station | Zhanqiao Pier (iconic seaside landmark) Tianhou Temple (historic temple) | 5–10 mins |
Xiaocunzhuang | Taidong Night Market (local street food & shopping) | 3 mins |
May 4th Square | May 4th Square (city center with light shows) Olympic Sailing Center | 5 mins |
🚇 Line 2 (Coastal Scenic Route)
| Station | Nearby Attractions | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
Shilaoren | Shilaoren Beach (popular sandy beach) Qingdao Sculpture Park | 8 mins |
Maidao | Qingdao Beer Museum (birthplace of Tsingtao Beer) | 10 mins |
Fushansuo | Badaguan Scenic Area (historic villas & tree-lined streets) | 15 mins |
🚇 Line 3 (Downtown to North)
| Station | Nearby Attractions | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
People’s Hall | Xiaoyushan Park (panoramic city views) | 10 mins |
Qingdao North Station | Transfer to Line 8 for Jiaodong Airport | - |
🚇 Line 4 (Laoshan Mountain Access)
| Station | Nearby Attractions | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
Dahedong | Laoshan Scenic Area (hiking & Taoist temples) Take bus 304 to mountain entrance | 5 mins (to bus stop) |
🚇 Line 8 (Airport Express)
| Station | Nearby Attractions | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
Hongdao | Hongdao Seaside Park (less crowded beach) | 15 mins |
Jiaodong Airport | Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport | Direct access |
🎁 Locate Qingdao Metro information and easily explore the city | Use real-time subway maps, station guides, and intelligent transit advice to plan your tri
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.
Special Offer: Exclusive Hotels Deal for New User
From now until stock last, you can enjoy up to 8% off when you register as a member by desktop, mobile and app, click here to view more!
Qingdao Metro's FAQ section
What is the Qingdao metro fare?
Mileage-based pricing is implemented by Qingdao Metro. The starting price, not including reductions, is RMB 2. The fare is 3 yuan for 5–10 km, 4 yuan for 10–17 km, 5 yuan for 17–27 km, 6 yuan for 27–38 km, and for every 1 yuan increase in fare over 38 km. The starting distance is 5 km.What time does Qingdao's metro shut down?
Hours of Service: 06:15–21:30.What makes Qingdao well-known?
Qingdao, a bustling port city and well-liked tourist attraction on the southern coast of the Shandong Peninsula in northeastern China, is well-known for its breathtaking bays, distinctive fusion of German and Chinese architecture, and, of course, its most well-known export: Tsingtao beer.