Shanghai Metro Guide
Navigate Shanghai's subway system with ease. Find routes, stations, and travel tips for an eficient journey.
Operating Hours
5:30 AM - 11:30 PM daily. First trains around 5:30 AM, last trains around 11:30 PM.
Ticket Prices
Β₯3-Β₯8 per trip (distance-based). Children under 1.3m travel free with paying adult.
Transit Card
Shanghai Public Transport Card (Β₯20 refundable deposit). Use Alipay/WeChat Pay QR.
Mobile Payment
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes at gates. Visa/Mastercard contactless also accepted.
Major Metro Lines
Line 1
Fujin Road β Xinzhuang | 28 stations | North-south backbone
Line 2
East Xujing β Pudong Airport Terminal 2 | 30 stations | Cross-river link
Line 10
Hangzhen Road β Jilong Road | 37 stations | Scenic line
Line 11
Disney Resort β North Jiading | 40 stations | To Disney
Popular Attractions & Nearest Stations
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line | Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Bund | East Nanjing Road | Line 2 / 10 | Exit 2/3 | 5 min |
| Yu Garden | Yuyuan Garden | Line 10 | Exit 1 | 2 min |
| Oriental Pearl Tower | Lujiazui | Line 2 | Exit 1 | 3 min |
| Shanghai Museum | People's Square | Line 1 / 2 / 8 | Exit 1 | 2 min |
| Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) | PVG Airport Terminal 1/2 | Line 2 (Terminal 2 only) | Exit 1/2 | Direct access |
| Yu Garden (Yuyuan) | Line 10/14 | Yuyuan Garden (Exit 1) | 5 min | Classic Chinese garden + street food (Xiao Long Bao!) |
| The Bund | Line 2/10 | East Nanjing Rd (Exit 2-4) | 10 min walk | Iconic skyline view, best at night |
| Zhujiajiao Water Town | Line 17 | Zhujiajiao (Exit 1) | 15 min | Ancient water town, 1 hour from downtown |
| Tianzifang | Line 9 | Dapuqiao (Exit 1) | 5 min | Artsy alleyways with boutiques and cafes |
| Shanghai Tower | Line 2 | Lujiazui (Exit 6) | 5 min | Highest building in China, glass-bottom observation deck |
Travel Tips for Foreigners
Avoid Rush Hour
Rush hours are 7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM. Trains can be extremely crowded.
Use Transit Card
Get a Shanghai Public Transport Card for seamless travel across all lines.
Download Apps
Use Shanghai Subway or Baidu Maps for real-time route planning and station navigation.
Know Your Exit
Station platforms mark where each exit is. Check the map to find the best exit.
- During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), transfers can be very crowded
- Some stations have multiple transfer passages - follow signs carefully
- If lost, ask station staff for help (many speak basic English)
How to Buy Tickets
Option 1: Single Journey Ticket
Purchase at ticket vending machines (available in English) or staffed counters at any station. Cash and mobile payments accepted.
Option 2: Rechargeable Card (Recommended)
Buy a Shanghai Public Transport Card at any station for a refundable deposit (Β₯20). Top up at machines or counters. Offers convenience and avoids ticket queues.
Option 3: Mobile Payment
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes to enter and exit stations. Look for the QR code scanner at gates.
Option 4: Contactless Bank Card
Some stations accept Visa/Mastercard contactless cards or Apple Pay/Google Pay at designated gates.
Ready to Explore Shanghai?
Download our comprehensive metro guide and start planning your Shanghai adventure today.