Getting around Suzhou by metro is easy, affordable, and surprisingly stress-free. The lines cover most major attractions, business areas, and neighborhoods, so you can reach almost anywhere without much effort. Stations have clear bilingual signs, making it simple to find your way or transfer between lines. You can tap in with a transit card or use mobile payment, which most people find quickest.
Trains come often, especially during busy hours, so you rarely wait long. Many stations connect to buses, bike-share points, and taxi stands, making onward travel simple. This guide helps you understand the system at a glance, saving you time and helping you explore Suzhou with confidence.
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Suzhou Metro Map
Sources from Wikipedia, Suzhou Metro Map
See for more information on timetables, stations, fares, and maps. Discover the Suzhou Metro system! See for more information on timetables, stations, fares, and maps. Take pleasure in Suzhou 👇!
In 2024, the Suzhou Metro expanded to a network of seven lines, covering over 350 km with more than 220 stations and an average daily weekday ridership exceeding 1.5 million passengers (Suzhou Metro Official).
The metro provides convenient and affordable transportation, with fares starting at approximately ¥2 (around USD 0.30 per kilometer) (Travel China Guide).
Visitors to popular attractions such as Mudu Ancient Town and the Seven-Mile Pond Scenic Spot are advised to pay attention to subway travel guidelines, ensuring smooth and efficient journeys throughout the city.
How to Use Suzhou Metro?
The entrance to Suzhou Station features an ink painting of an appealing Jiangnan design. To access the "Ride Code" if you are traveling to Suzhou, please search for it in WeChat and follow the instructions. Avoiding the morning peak (7:30–9:00) and the evening peak (17:00–19:00) Staggering travel is advised because some lines (like line 1 and line 2) are congested.
Suzhou, a city that combines modern design with historic charm, has many beautiful sights to see, and taking the metro is a convenient way to get there! Bookmark this page and visit Suzhou—we've put together a list of the top sights along each of the city's metro lines today!
Sources from anjianji, People on Suzhou Metro
How Do I Get on the Subway?
1. Select Destination
Select Start-Destination first, then Bus or Metro to display full route maps, transfer routes, and anticipated arrival times for practical planning.
2. Get the code ready
The ticket vending machine next to the station entrance is where you can purchase a ticket before the security check if you are in a location where scanning the code to ride is not possible.
To enter the station, the majority of them can scan the code. Grab "Ride Code" by opening "zfb" or "WeChat" beforehand, then grab the code and open it to use.
Open "Transport" （出行）on Alipay to Take the Metro
3. Examining for security
Luggage must be checked by security; however, people without luggage can proceed straight into the station. Items that are not transportable, such as control knives, lighters, hairspray, and 120 ml spray
4. Entering the station via a code scan
Simply swipe the code at the lane with the green sign and follow the sign into the station! If you can't swipe the code at the red sign, don't worry, you can ask the staff next to you for help!
5. Holding out for the train to arrive
To find the end of the platform you wish to travel to after entering the station, look up at the line sign (you'll likely be going in the incorrect direction).
Wait for other people to finish walking before heading up the stairs when you're waiting for the subway.
6. When you get to the station, move ahead of time to a spot close to the entrance so that disembarking is simple.
Entering the station does not require swiping the code again; simply follow the transfer indication.
7. Please select the exit closest to your location when you swipe the code to leave the station.
- There are ABCDEF exit signs.
- You can swipe the code to exit the station if you need to do so before leaving. Select the exit with the green arrow.
- Items that are prohibited on the subway include air fresheners and 120 ml sprays.
- More than two lighters
- Bulk alcohol and controlled knives
What to Visit by Taking the Suzhou Metro?
Suzhou Metro Line 5
Suzhou is a city that combines vintage beauty with contemporary flair, concealing a wealth of intriguing sights that are well worth seeing. Taking the train is also really easy! If you are planning a vacation to Suzhou, make sure to bookmark our list of the top attractions along each of the city's metro lines!
| Metro Line | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|
Line 1 | Traditional gardens (Yiyuan) · Modern cityscapes (Jinji Lake Scenic Spot, Gate of the Orient, Suzhou Center) · Cultural sites (Hanshan Temple, Pingjiang Road) |
Line 2 | Water-town scenery (Shantang Street) · Religious sites (Xiyuan Temple) · Classical gardens (Liouyuan Garden) · Parks (Dushu Lake Egret Island / Egret Garden) |
Line 3 | Cultural streets (Huaihai Street) · Historical structures (Wenchang Pavilion) · Natural scenery (Shangfangshan National Forest Park) · Major landmarks (Gate of the Orient, Suzhou Center) |
Line 4 | Ancient towns (Tongli Ancient Town) · Historic ruins (Beishi Pagoda, Panmen) · Cultural venues (Suzhou Library, Imperial Kiln Gold Brick Museum) |
Line 5 | Theme parks (Huayi Brothers Movie World) · Ancient towns (Mudu) · Natural landscapes (Lingyan Mountain, Dome Mountain) · Leisure resorts (Yangcheng Lake Peninsula) |
Line 6 | Famous gardens (Tiger Hill, Master of the Nets Garden, Humble Administrator’s Garden) · Museums (Suzhou Museum, China Kunqu Museum) |
Line 7 | Art venues (Suzhou Museum of Fine Arts) · Historic bridges (Baodai Bridge) · Cultural museums (Wu Culture Museum) · City parks (Central Park) |
Line 8 | Parks & wetlands (Huqiu Wetland Park) · Memorial sites (Sun Wu Memorial Park) · Art galleries (Museum of Contemporary Art, Suzhou) · Leisure areas (Jinji Lake Scenic Spot) |
Sources from szsmk, Suzhou T-Union Card
How to Use Suzhou E-Transit?
Suzhou e-Transit can be applied for directly on the “Travel” page in Alipay. Just use your phone’s NFC function to access the “Jiangsu Transportation One Card” 👇.
If you prefer, you can also open the “Jiangsu Transportation One Card – Suzhou” from your phone’s digital wallet. This method costs 9.9 RMB to activate. It’s a good option for travelers who take buses often, as it still provides transportation discounts.
Using the Metro
To ride the metro, you can simply download the “Su e 行” app and scan the QR code at the gate.
You can also use the NFC-enabled Jiangsu Transportation Card – Suzhou or buy paper tickets at the station (though this is less convenient).
Alipay’s scan-to-ride function works as well.
Frequently Used Apps 👇
Note: The Alipay WeChat sweep code can be used to ride a shared bike, and the Su e line can be used to check the subway.
What about the Suzhou Metro Main Lines?
Suzhou Metro Line | Operating hours | Terminal |
Metro Line 1 | Mudu (05:40-22:35) | Zhongnan Street (06:00-22:35) |
Metro Line 2 | Qihe (05:40-23:06) | Sangtian Island (05:15-22:30) |
Metro Line 3 | Suzhou New District Railway (05:40-22:20) | Weiting (05:40-22:20) |
Metro Line 4 | Longdobang (05:40-22:25) | Tongli (05:40-22:15) |
Metro Line 5 | Taihu Xiangshan (05:40-22:20) | Yangcheng Lake South (05:40-22:20) |
Metro Line 6 | Suzhou New District Railwayn (05:40-22:20) | Sangtian Island (05:42-22:22) |
Metro Line 7 | Changlou (05:50-22:25) | Muli (05:40-22:15) |
Metro Line 8 | Xijin Bridge (05:40-22:20) | Chebang (05:40-22:20) |
Metro Line 11 | Weiting (06:00-22:30) | Huaqiao (05:40-22:30) |
Are There Any Useful Tips for Taking the Suzhou Metro?
Important Travel Items
- ID card, driver’s license, or student card (student cards can get discounts at attractions).
Money-Saving Tips
- Have your ride code ready in advance.
- You can tap directly with the Suzhou Metro App’s “Su e 行” linked to Alipay for convenience and discounts.
Flying in
- Suzhou does not have its own airport.
- Nearby airports:
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport (limited/no direct flights)
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
- From these airports, take high-speed rail to reach Suzhou quickly and easily.
Train Stations & High-Speed Rail
- Suzhou Station
- Located in the heart of Suzhou.
- Metro access: Lines 2 and 4 just outside the station.
- Suzhou North High-Speed Railway Station
- Located farther from the city center.
- Take Line 2 to reach Suzhou New District Railway Station or transfer to Line 3 for Park Railway Station.
⚠️ It’s generally recommended to check train numbers and schedules before traveling.
FAQs about Suzhou Metro
How many lines does Suzhou Metro have now?
As of 2025, the network comprises 9 lines: Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11.What is the total network size and daily usage?
The metro covers roughly 346–350 km of track with about 275–280 stations. Daily weekday ridership averages around 1.8 million trips.How affordable is the metro?
Fares are budget-friendly, starting at around $0.30 USD for short trips and typically under $1.50 for most rides.How can passengers pay and access the metro?
Riders can use mobile payments via apps linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay, contactless transit cards, or buy tickets at station machines. Bilingual signage in Chinese and English makes navigation easy.Is the metro system tourist-friendly?
Yes — with extensive coverage of major attractions, transport hubs, and clear bilingual signs, the Suzhou Metro is convenient for both domestic and international travelers.