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Shanghai Metro is one of the most extensive and efficient subway systems in the world, serving the needs of locals, tourists and business travelers. With more than 400 stations and 17 lines spanning more than 700 kilometers, the Shanghai Metro is the backbone of Shanghai’s public transportation network.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the Shanghai Metro easily, providing detailed information on ticketing systems, fares, passes, routes, stations, zones, fare cards, and travel times. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned traveler, this guide provides everything you need to know to make traveling on the Shanghai Metro smooth and hassle-free.

Timing: The Shanghai Metro operates from 5:30 am to 11 pm. Some lines have extended hours, but the last train usually departs from the terminal station at 11 pm.

Ticket price

Ticket price for Shanghai Metro Fare starts One-way Ticket: 55 RMB, Round-trip Ticket: 85 RMB, Book tickets on official website. check more information.

Ticket portal

Book tickets son official website.

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Understanding the Shanghai Metro Ticket System

Types of Shanghai Metro Tickets

There are three types of tickets available for the Shanghai Metro: single journey tickets, rechargeable cards, and smart cards. Single journey tickets are valid for one trip on the metro and must be purchased at the ticket vending machines or ticket booths located at every station. Rechargeable and smart cards, on the other hand, can be topped up with credit and used for multiple journeys.

How to Purchase Shanghai Metro Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket vending machines or ticket booths located at every station. The machines and booths have both Chinese and English language options, making it easy for tourists to purchase tickets. Additionally, the vending machines accept both cash and mobile payments.

Refund and Exchange Policy

Single journey tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged. However, rechargeable and smart cards can be refunded or exchanged at any station, with a handling fee of 20% deducted from the total balance.

Fare chart and pricing options

Shanghai Metro Fare Structure

The fare for the Shanghai Metro is based on the distance traveled, with prices ranging from 3 RMB to 15 RMB. The fare chart is divided into 13 distance categories, with each category representing a certain number of kilometers traveled.

Peak and Off-Peak Fares

The Shanghai Metro operates on a peak and off-peak fare system. Peak hours are from 6:30 am to 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm on weekdays. During peak hours, fares are 20% higher than off-peak hours.

Discounts and Promotions

The Shanghai Metro offers discounted fares for children under 1.3 meters tall, as well as senior citizens over 65 years old and disabled passengers. Additionally, the metro occasionally offers promotions, such as discounts for tourists during certain holidays.

Passes for frequent riders

Shanghai Metro Monthly Passes

Frequent riders can purchase monthly passes, which allow for unlimited rides during a calendar month. Monthly passes can be purchased at any station and are valid for all metro lines.

Shanghai Metro Multi-Journey Passes

Multi-journey passes are rechargeable cards that can be used for multiple rides within a certain period of time. The passes are available for 6, 20, 30, and 50 rides, and can be purchased at any station.

Shanghai Metro Smart Cards

Smart cards, also known as IC cards, are rechargeable cards that can be used for multiple rides and can be topped up with credit. Smart cards can be purchased at any station and are valid for all metro lines. The cards can also be used to pay for other modes of transportation in Shanghai, such as buses and taxis.

Navigating the Shanghai Metro route and stations

List of Shanghai Metro Stations on Lines 2023

Line 17:

Fengwei Road
Zhuanqiao
Kangqiao East
Kangxin Highway
Shangnan Road
Century Park
Huamu Road
Zhangjiang Road
Jinke Road
Xiuyan Road
Xiupu Road
Pudong International Airport

Line 20:

Huamu Road
Zhangjiang Road
Guanglan Road
Tangzhen
Gaodong Road
Lingang Avenue
Zhouhai Road
Longyue Road
Xinchang
Sheshan
Songjiang South Station

Line 22:

Minhang Development Zone
Qibao
Jinjing South Road
Hongqiao Railway Station
Zhongshan Park
People’s Square
Lujiazui
Century Avenue
Zhangjiang Road

Line 24:

Zhaoxun Road
Longxi Road
Qilianshan South Road
Nanpu Bridge
Dongchang Road
Xintiandi
Xiaonanmen
Yuyuan Garden
The Bund
Nanjing East Road
Jiangpu Road

Shanghai Metro Route Map

To navigate the Shanghai Metro, it’s important to have a map of the metro route. The Shanghai Metro route map is available at all stations and online. It’s a comprehensive map that shows all the stations, the lines, and the transfer points between lines. You can also download the map on your smartphone or take a printed copy with you.

Shanghai Metro Station Names and Numbers

The Shanghai Metro system has over 300 stations. Each station is assigned a unique number and a name based on its location. The station names are given in both Chinese and English, making it easy for locals and tourists to navigate the system.

Transferring between Lines

The Shanghai Metro has 18 lines and many transfer points between lines to help you reach your destination. To transfer between lines, look for signs that will guide you to the transfer station. The transfer points are marked with a transfer symbol, and the connecting lines are indicated with their respective line colors.

Zoning system for fare calculation

How the Shanghai Metro Zoning System Works

The Shanghai Metro fare system is based on a zoning system that calculates fares based on the distance traveled. There are 14 fare zones, and the fare increases as the distance traveled crosses into a new zone.

Calculating Fares based on Zones

To calculate your fare, you need to know the starting zone and the ending zone of your journey. The Shanghai Metro fare chart provides detailed information on the fares for different zones. You can also calculate your fare using the fare calculator available on the Shanghai Metro website.

Examples of Fares for Different Zones

For example, if you travel from Zone 1 to Zone 2, the fare is 3 RMB. If you travel from Zone 1 to Zone 3, the fare is 4 RMB. If you travel from Zone 1 to Zone 14, the fare is 10 RMB.

Benefits of using a Shanghai Metro fare card

Shanghai Metro Smart Card Benefits

The Shanghai Metro Smart Card, also known as the Shanghai Public Transport Card, is a rechargeable card that can be used for multiple modes of transportation in the city, including the metro, buses, and taxis.

How to Use a Shanghai Metro Smart Card

To use a Shanghai Metro Smart Card, simply tap the card on the card reader at the metro station entrance and exit gates. The fare will automatically be deducted from the card balance.

Where to Top Up a Shanghai Metro Smart Card

You can top up your Shanghai Metro Smart Card at any metro station using cash or a debit/credit card. You can also top up your card at certain convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven.

Detailed Shanghai Metro Lines and Stations

Here is a summary table of all 20 Shanghai Metro lines, schedules and nearby attractions. You can read on to find the suitable route to visit attractions and transfer from airport, railway station to downtown area.

Shanghai Metro Line	Color	From & To	Operating Hours	Main Attractions / Transfer Hubs on the Way
Shanghai Meglev Train (Top Speed: 431 km/h)	White	Longyang Road (龙阳路) ⇄ Pudong International Airport (浦东国际机场)	From Pudong Airport: 07:02~21:42; From Longyang Road: 06:45~21:40	Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Metro Line 1	Red	Xinzhuang (莘庄) ⇄ Fujin Road (富锦路)	05:30~23:50	Shanghai South Railway Station; People’s Square (near Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center); Shanghai Railway Station; Shanghai Circus World; Fujin Road Station: about 11 km, 30 mins’ drive from Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
Metro Line 2	Light Green	East Xujing (徐泾东) ⇄ Pudong International Airport (浦东国际机场)	05:28~22:30	Hongqiao Railway Station; Hongqiao Airport; Zhongshan Park; Jing’an Temple; West/East Nanjing Road; People’s Square; Lujiazui (Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower); Longyang Road (Maglev Train Station) Pudong International Airport
Metro Line 3	Yellow	Shanghai South Railway Station (上海南站) ⇄ North Jiangyang Road (江杨北路)	05:20~22:40	Shanghai South / Shanghai Railway Station; Zhongshan Park
Metro Line 4 (Loop Line)	Purple	YiShan Road (宜山路) ⇄ Zhongshan Park (中山公园) ⇄ YiShan Road (宜山路)	05:25~22:35	Shanghai Railway Station; Zhongshan Park; Pudong Avenue Station: about 2.5 km from Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower
Metro Line 5	Violet	Xinzhuang (莘庄) ⇄ Fengxianxincheng (奉贤新城)	05:28~22:40	Minhang Park
Metro Line 6	Megenta	Gangcheng Road (港城路) ⇄ Oriental Sports Center (东方体育中心)	05:30~22:30	Gangcheng Road Station: 16 km, 30 mins’ drive to Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
Metro Line 7	Orange	Humu Road (花木路) ⇄ Meilan Lake (美兰湖)	05:30~22:30	Jing’an Temple; Longyang Road (Maglev Train)
Metro Line 8	Blue	Shiguang Road (市光路) ⇄ Shendu Highway (沈杜公路)	05:30~22:30	People’s Square (Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Exhibition Center); Oriental Sports Center
Metro Line 9	Light Blue	Caolu (曹路) ⇄ Songjiang South Railway Station (松江南站)	05:30~22:30	Madang Road (Former French Concession)
Metro Line 10	Lilac	Jilong Road (基隆路) ⇄ Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站) / Hangzhong Road (航中路)	05:25~22:30	East Nanjing Road; Yu Garden; Xintiandi (Former French Concession); Hongqiao International Airport; Hongqiao Railway Station; Shanghai Library; Shanghai Zoo
Metro Line 11	Brown	Disney Resort (迪士尼) ⇄ Huaqiao (花桥)/North Jiading (嘉定北)	05:25~22:30	Shanghai Disney Resort; Shanghai West Railway Station; Longhua Temple; Oriental Sports Center
Metro Line 12	Green	Qixin Road (七莘路) ⇄ Jinhai Road (金海路)	05:30~22:30	West Nanjing Road; Longhua Temple; International Cruise Terminal Station (400 km, 7 minutes’ walking to Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal)
Metro Line 13	Pink	Jinyun Road (金运路) ⇄ Zhangjiang Road (张江路)	05:30~22:30	Xintiandi & Madang Road (Former French Concession); West Nanjing Road; Shanghai Natural History Museum;
Metro Line 15	Champaign Gold	Gucun Park (顾村公园) ⇄ Zizhu High-tech Park (紫竹高新区)	05:30~22:30	Shanghai South Railway Station
Metro Line 16	Aqua	Longyang Road (龙阳路) ⇄ Dishui Lake (滴水湖)	05:50~22:30	Longyang Road (Maglev Train)
Metro Line 17	Light Brown	Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站) ⇄ Oriental Land (东方绿洲)	05:40~22:30	Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station; Zhujiaojiao Station (about 1.5 km, 20 mins’ walking to Zhujiajiaoo Water Town)
Metro Line 18	Champagne	Yuqiao (御桥) ⇄ Hangtou (航头)	06:00~22:00	/
Pujiang Metro Line (Loop Line)	Grey	Shendu Highway (沈杜公路) ⇄ Huizhen Road (汇臻路)	05:40~22:42	/

FAQ

How many lines are there on the Shanghai Metro system?

Currently, there are 16 lines on the Shanghai Metro system covering more than 500 km of track. Lines 17 to 20 are currently under construction and will be completed in the next few years.

What are some of the key features of the Shanghai Metro stations?

Shanghai Metro stations are known for their modern and efficient designs. They feature a range of amenities, including escalators and elevators, ticket machines, waiting rooms, and public restrooms. Many stations also have retail stores, restaurants, and other services, making them a convenient hub for daily activities.

How do I purchase a ticket for the Shanghai Metro system?

You can purchase a ticket for the Shanghai Metro system at any station. You can choose to buy a single ticket, which is valid for one trip, or purchase a rechargeable metro card, which allows you to add credit and use it for multiple trips. You can also use mobile payment or QR codes to access the Shanghai Metro system.

What are some tips for riding the Shanghai Metro system?

When riding the Shanghai Metro system, it’s important to follow etiquette rules, such as not eating or drinking on the train and giving up your seat to those who need it. You should also be aware of peak travel times, where trains may be more crowded. It’s also a good idea to plan your route in advance and use apps or other resources to help you navigate the system.