🚇 Shenzhen Metro Guide
Navigate Shenzhen like a local - complete subway guide for international visitors
Operating Hours
6:30 AM - 23:00 PM
Some lines extended to 23:30
Ticket Prices
¥2 - ¥8 per trip
Distance-based fare system
Payment Methods
Shenzhen Tong Card, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Single-ride tickets available
Recommended App
Shenzhen Metro App
Official app with English support
Shenzhen Metro Map
High-resolution official English metro map. Click to zoom or download for offline use.
Essential Metro Information
🕐 Operating Hours
Most Shenzhen metro lines operate from 6:30 AM to 23:00 PM daily. First trains typically depart around 6:30 AM, and last trains depart around 23:00 PM.
⚠️ Note: Operating hours may vary by line and station. Check station notices for specific timetables.
💰 Ticket Prices
Metro fares are distance-based, typically ranging from ¥2 to ¥8 per trip:
- 0-6 km: ¥2
- 6-12 km: ¥3
- 12-22 km: ¥4
- 22-32 km: ¥5
- Over 32 km: ¥6+ (additional ¥1 per 20 km)
Children under 1.3 meters travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
🎫 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 transit card at any station for a refundable deposit (usually ¥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.
🚇 Riding Rules
- Queue up and let passengers exit before boarding
- Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left
- No eating or drinking on trains or in stations
- Keep your ticket/card until you exit (you'll need it to leave the station)
- Priority seating is reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with young children
- No smoking anywhere in the station or on trains
Top Attractions & Nearest Stations
Quick reference for foreign tourists: attraction name, nearest metro station, line, exit, and walking time.
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line | Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window of the World | Window of the World | Line 1 / Line 2 | Exit J | 1 min |
| OCT East | Yantian Road | Line 8 | Exit A | 10 min (or take shuttle) |
| Shenzhen Bay Park | Shenzhen Bay Park | Line 9 | Exit D2 | 2 min |
| Dameisha Beach | Dameisha | Line 8 | Exit A | 5 min |
| Shenzhen North Railway Station | Shenzhen North | Line 4 / Line 5 / Line 6 | Various | Direct access |
| Huaqiangbei Electronics Market | Line 2/7 | Huaqiang North (Exit A) | 3 min | World's largest electronics market - 1 sq km of gadgets |
| Dongmen Pedestrian Street | Line 1/3 | Laojie (Exit A) | 5 min | Shenzhen's oldest shopping district |
| Shenzhen Bay Park | Line 9 | Shenzhen Bay Park (Exit D) | 2 min | Seaside promenade, perfect for cycling |
| OCT East (East Overseas Chinese Town) | Line 8 | Yantian Rd (Exit C) | 15 min + shuttle | Theme park + eco-tourism area |
| Shenzhen North Station (High-Speed Rail) | Line 4/5/6 | Shenzhen North (Exit A) | Direct | Connects to Guangzhou (35 min), Hong Kong (15 min) |
Line Guide & Transfer Tips
Shenzhen Metro Line 1 (Green Line)
Route: Luohu → Airport East
Operating Hours: 6:30 AM - 23:00 PM
Major Attractions: Window of the World, Huaqiang Road, Shenzhen University
Key Transfer Stations:
- Science Museum (Transfer to Line 6)
- Huaqiang Road (Transfer to Line 2)
- Qianhai (Transfer to Line 5)
How to Transfer Between Lines
- Follow the signs: Look for transfer signs with line colors and arrows
- Allow extra time: Transfers can take 5-15 minutes depending on station size
- Keep your ticket: You don't need to exit and re-enter; just follow transfer paths
- Use navigation apps: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps show transfer routes
💡 Pro Tips:
- 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)
Travel Tips for Foreigners
📱 Essential Apps
- Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps: For route planning and real-time navigation
- Alipay / WeChat: For mobile payments (set up before your trip)
- Google Translate: Download offline Chinese package before traveling
- Shenzhen Metro App: For metro maps and planning
🗣️ Language Barriers
Most metro signs are in both Chinese and English. However:
- Announcements are primarily in Chinese (some lines have English announcements)
- Station staff may not speak English - use translation apps
- Keep your destination written in Chinese characters as a backup
- Metro maps in English are available at information counters
💳 Payment Methods
Recommended: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip (requires Chinese bank account or international card binding).
Alternative: Buy a rechargeable transit card (¥20 refundable deposit + fare balance). Available at any station.
Emergency Option: Single journey tickets can be purchased with cash at vending machines (English interface available).
⏰ Rush Hour Avoidance
Avoid traveling during peak hours if possible:
- Morning Rush: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Trains can be extremely crowded, and you may need to wait for several trains to board.