Guide to Shanghai Metro: Map, Tickets, Stations & Hours

Master Shanghai metro system! Check my guide to maps, fares, stations & schedules. Everything you need for easy subway travel in Shanghai 👇

Shanghai Metro Map 2026

Source from Wikipedia

As one of the world's largest subway networks, Shanghai Metro covers pretty much everywhere you'd want to go in the city.

With over 800 kilometers of track and more than 500 stations as of mid 2024, it handles a mind-boggling 10 million rides on an average weekday.

It's clean, fast, and super cheap, with fares between 3-10 yuan (from about 0.4 USD) depending on how far you're going.

While it can get pretty packed during rush hours (avoid 7-10 AM and 5-8 PM if you can!), it's still your best bet for zipping around the city.

List of Shanghai Metro Lines & Stations

Shanghai Subway Line 14 Yuyuan Station (from ArchDaily)

Shanghai metro system has 20 lines as of 2024, each marked with its own distinct color on maps and signs( 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18). The network includes Lines 1-18, plus the Pujiang and Jinshan lines. Most lines in central Shanghai run underground, while suburban sections often run on elevated tracks.

Major Lines You'll Use Most

• Line 1 (Red) - The main north-south artery running through downtown Shanghai. Key stops: People's Square (shopping/museums), Xintiandi (entertainment), South Shaanxi Road (French Concession).
• Line 2 (Green) - The crucial east-west line connecting both airports. Must-visit stops: Nanjing Road East (shopping/Bund), Lujiazui (skyscrapers), Jing'an Temple.
• Line 4 (Purple) - Circles the city center, perfect for reaching different parts of downtown without transferring through busy central stations.

Major Shanghai Metro Stations

• People's Square is our busiest station - it's where Lines 1, 2, and 8 meet. Think of it as Shanghai's Times Square! From here, you can visit People's Park, the Shanghai Museum, and tons of shopping malls.
• Xujiahui (Lines 1, 9, and 11) is another major hub. It's surrounded by huge shopping malls and electronics markets. If you're looking for gadgets or want to experience modern Shanghai, this is your stop.
• For culture lovers, get off at Yuyuan Garden station (Line 10) to see Old Shanghai, or Jing'an Temple (Lines 2/7) for one of the city's most famous temples surrounded by luxury malls.
• Take Line 2 to Lujiazui. This is where you'll find the Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and the World Financial Center - basically, all those buildings you see in Shanghai postcards!
• Pro tip: If you're heading to Shanghai Disneyland, take Line 11 to the Disney Resort station. It's a direct ride and the stations are even decorated with Disney themes!

How to Use Shanghai Metro

As someone who rides it daily, I'll share all the details you need to know about taking Shanghai Metro, from entering the station to reaching your destination.

Source from Wikipedia

Entering Metro Station

When you first spot the red and white metro logo, you're at the right place! Each station has multiple entrances marked with letters and numbers. Don't worry about getting lost - there are clear signs in both Chinese and English everywhere. If you're carrying heavy bags, look for the elevator signs - most stations have them near the main entrance.

Security Check

Everyone goes through security - it's quick and painless! Put your bags through the X-ray machine (just like at the airport but faster), and walk through the security gate. Keep your water bottle handy as they might want to check it. The security staff are friendly, and some even speak basic English. There's a luggage size limit (about the size of a regular suitcase).

Source from ENGLISH.GOV.CN

Getting Metro Ticket

Here's where many visitors get confused. For Mobile Payment Users, the easiest way is using Alipay (支付宝). Just open your Alipay app, find the "Metro" icon on the homepage, link your payment card, and you'll get a QR code to scan at the gates. Another great option is the official Shanghai Metro DADUHUI (大都会) App - it works the same way, generating a QR code for you to scan at the turnstiles.

If you prefer physical tickets, you have two options. You can buy them from the ticket office counter (售票处) where staff can help you, or use the self-service ticket machines. The machines have an English option, and here's how they work: First, select your destination station on the touch screen map. The machine will show you the fare. Choose how many tickets you want (up to 9 at once), then pay with cash or card. The machines accept both notes and coins, and they give change.

If you need help, there's always station staff around, and many at major stations speak some English.

Getting to the Platform

After security, you'll reach the ticket gates. If you're using Alipay, just scan your QR code. For physical tickets, insert them into the slot (don't forget to take it out!). Follow the colored signs to your platform - each line has its own color, making it super easy to navigate. The electronic boards show waiting times and train directions in both Chinese and English.

Source from Wikipedia

Waiting and Boarding

Stand behind the yellow safety line and wait in the marked queues. Trains come every 2-3 minutes during busy times and 5-7 minutes in quieter periods. When the train arrives, let people get off first (it's a strict rule here!), then hop on. Inside, you'll find priority seats marked in orange - these are for elderly, pregnant women, or people who need them more than you do.

Source from Wikimedia Commons

During Your Ride

The screens inside the train show the next station in Chinese and English, and there are announcements too. Keep an eye on the station count - it's easy to get caught up in your phone and miss your stop! The trains are super clean and usually have great air conditioning (a blessing in Shanghai summers!).

Time to Exit

When you reach your station, head to the exit gates. Use your ticket or scan your QR code again. Now comes the tricky part - choosing the right exit! Each station has multiple exits (some big stations have over 20!). Look at the exit guides - they list nearby landmarks for each exit. Pro tip: if you're meeting friends, always specify which exit number you'll use.

Shanghai Metro Tips

• Avoid rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) if you can. The metro runs from about 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Most stations have clean bathrooms and convenience stores.
• Lost something? Each station has a lost and found office. Need help? Look for staff in blue uniforms

Shanghai Metro Transfer Guide

Source from NYUAD Design

Let me tell you about changing lines on Shanghai Metro - it's something I do every day! Most transfers are pretty simple: when you get off your train, just follow the colored signs to your next line. You don't need to swipe your ticket or QR code again. Take People's Square for example - you can switch between Lines 1, 2, and 8 by just following the signs through the underground passages.

Regular transfers

The most common type where you follow connecting corridors to change lines. Like at People's Square or Century Avenue, you'll walk through underground passages following clear signs. These can take 5-15 minutes depending on the station.

Same-platform transfers

The most convenient type! At stations like Hongqiao Railway Station (Lines 2/10) and Yili Road (Lines 2/13), you can just get off your train and wait on the same platform for your connecting line. No walking required - just make sure you're heading in the right direction!

Virtual transfers

These require you to exit one station and enter another, even though they share the same name. Examples include Shanghai Railway Station (between Lines 1 and 3/4) and South Shaanxi Road (Lines 1/10 to Line 12). You'll need a new ticket unless you're using Alipay or a transport card.

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How to Pay for Shanghai Metro: Ticket, Metro Card & QR Code

Most Shanghai locals now use their phones to ride the metro - it's super convenient! You've got some main options:

a) Single Journey Tickets

Where to Buy:

• • Automated Machines (available at every station).
  • Service Counters (staffed, ideal for complex routes or assistance).

If you're just taking one or two rides, single journey tickets might be your best bet. Every station has ticket machines with English options. Here's how they work:

The screen shows a map of the metro system. Just tap where you want to go, and it'll show you the fare (usually between 3-10 yuan depending on distance). You can pay with cash (the machines accept 1, 5, 10, and 20 yuan notes) or cards. Some machines even accept international credit cards now - look for the Visa/Mastercard logos!

Pro tip: Keep your ticket flat (no bending!)—it’s a magnetic card you’ll need to insert at exits.

b) Shanghai Pass

This handy prepaid card is your ticket to easy travel in Shanghai—use it on subways, buses, taxis, ferries, and even the high-speed Maglev train. But it’s not just for transport! You can also pay for top attractions (like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Huangpu River cruises), shop at convenience stores, and dine at select restaurants. The card can be picked up right at Pudong or Hongqiao Airport. No registration needed—just top up and go!

Source from viajeroslowcosteros

c) Mobile Payments

• Alipay Digital Metro Card

The easiest way to ride Shanghai Metro is using Alipay's digital transport card, especially for international visitors.

Just download Alipay, go to the "Transport" section on the homepage, and select "Transport. Shanghai." You will find many transport options: metro, bus, bike taxi.

Link your international credit card to top up, and you'll get a QR code to scan at station gates. The same code works for entering and exiting.

• Metro大都会 (Metro Man) App:
• 1. Download the app (English available).
  2. Link Alipay, WeChat Pay(not recommend), or a foreign card (Visa/MasterCard supported).
  3. Generate a QR code and scan it at turnstiles.

👉 Pro Tip for Foreigners: Some machines don’t accept foreign cards. Use service counters or mobile apps for payments.

Shanghai Metro Ticket Price

Shanghai’s metro system follows a distance-based fare structure.

Standard Metro Ticket Cost

Discounts & Special Passes

Shanghai Metro Hours & Schedule

Source from Wikipedia

Most lines run from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, but schedules vary by line and day.

General Metro Hours

• Weekdays: 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM (varies by line).
• Weekends/Holidays: Some lines extend service (e.g., Lines 1, 2, 10 until midnight).

Airport Metro Hours

• Pudong Airport (Line 2/Maglev):
• • Maglev: 6:45 AM – 9:40 PM from Longyang Road.
  • Line 2: 5:28 AM – 10:30 PM.
• Hongqiao Airport (Line 2/10):
• • Line 2: 5:28 AM – 10:30 PM.
  • Line 10: 5:25 AM – 10:30 PM.

Key Lines & Schedules

Note: Use the Shanghai Metro Guide App for real-time updates and offline maps

How to Get to Shanghai Attractions by Metro (Disney/Yu Garden etc.)

1. How to Get to Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden) by Metro

Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden in central Shanghai, is easily accessible by metro. Here’s how:

Line 10: Yuyuan Garden Station (豫园站), Exit 1 or 3.

👉 Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple) and the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar for souvenirs and snacks!

2. How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland by Metro

Shanghai Disneyland, the magical kingdom in Pudong, is conveniently connected by metro. Here’s your route:

Line 11: Disney Resort Station (迪士尼站).

• First Train to Disney: Line 11 starts running at 5:25 AM, so you can arrive early for rope drop!
• Last Train from Disney: The last train departs at 10:00 PM, perfect for catching the fireworks show.

3. How to Get to Other Popular Attractions by Metro

The Bund (Waitan)

• Nearest Station: East Nanjing Road Station (Line 2/10), Exit 7.
• Directions: Walk 10 minutes east along Nanjing Road to reach the Bund.

Oriental Pearl Tower (Lujiazui)

• Nearest Station: Lujiazui Station (Line 2), Exit 1.
• Directions: Walk 5 minutes to the tower.

Shanghai Museum (People’s Square)

• Nearest Station: People’s Square Station (Line 1/2/8), Exit 1.
• Directions: Walk 5 minutes to the museum.

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