Shanghai’s metro is the world’s longest subway system by total track length, yet it’s remarkably intuitive to navigate. Clear English signage, multiple payment options, and a network that reaches virtually every tourist destination make it the backbone of getting around the city.
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Key Facts: Shanghai Metro in Numbers
- Lines: 20 (including several suburban and elevated lines)
- Stations: 508
- Daily ridership: over 12 million trips
- Language: all stations signed in Chinese and English (pinyin), automated announcements in both languages
Fares and Payment
Fare structure
Shanghai Metro uses distance-based pricing:
- ¥3 for the first 6km
- ¥1 per additional 10km
- Maximum fare on a single journey: approximately ¥15 (most tourist trips are ¥3–¥6)
Payment methods
QR Code via Metro大都会 app (Recommended) The official app for Shanghai Metro QR payment:
- Download Metro大都会 (available on App Store/Google Play)
- Register with phone number → link Alipay or WeChat Pay
- Open app at the gate → tap “乘车码” (boarding code) → scan
Also accessible via Alipay: search “Metro大都会” or “上海地铁” in Alipay mini-programs.
Transportation Card (交通卡) Physical smart card works on metro, bus, and ferry:
- Purchase at station service counters: ¥20 deposit + starting balance
- Top up at machines or service windows
- Works in most Yangtze Delta cities (Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing) — convenient for day trips
Single-journey ticket Ticket machine → select destination → pay by card or cash → receive a token (coin) to tap-in and drop in the exit slot.
Essential Lines and Tourist Stops
Line 2 (East–West Spine)
The most important line for tourists:
| Station | What’s there |
|---|---|
| Pudong International Airport (浦东机场) | East terminus; PVG airport |
| Longyang Road (龙阳路) | Transfer to Maglev; Line 7, 16 |
| Century Avenue (世纪大道) | Line 4, 6, 9 hub; Lujiazui area |
| Lujiazui (陆家嘴) | Bund across river; IFC; Oriental Pearl Tower |
| Nanjing East Road (南京东路) | Historic shopping street; near Bund |
| People’s Square (人民广场) | City centre; Shanghai Museum; Line 1, 8 hub |
| Jing’an Temple (静安寺) | Jing’an area; shopping |
| Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站) | West terminus; high-speed trains to all China |
Line 1 (North–South)
- People’s Square: main hub
- Xintiandi (新天地): adjacent to Huangpu station; upmarket dining, bar district
- Shanghai South Station: intercity trains
Line 10 (Jing’an–French Concession)
- Old French Concession area: Shanxi South Road, Jiashan Road, Xujiahui
- China Art Museum (中华艺术宫): one of Asia’s largest art museums
- New International Expo Centre: trade shows
Line 4 (Inner Ring)
Circular line following the Middle Ring Road. Connects to all north–south and east–west lines at major hubs.
Line 11 (Disney Connection)
- Disneyland (迪士尼): eastern terminus — the metro goes directly to the resort entrance
- Journey from People’s Square: ~40 minutes, ¥7
Line 9 (Songjiang / Old Town)
- Dapuqiao (打浦桥): near Tianzifang art/shopping area (short walk)
Maglev: The World’s Fastest Scheduled Train
The Shanghai Maglev runs between Pudong Airport (PVG) and Longyang Road metro station:
- Speed: 431 km/h (top speed); typically cruises at 300 km/h
- Journey time: 8 minutes (fastest scheduled journey of any commercial rail service on earth)
- Fare: ¥50 (standard) / ¥40 (with same-day plane ticket)
- Frequency: every 15–20 minutes, approximately 6:45am–9:30pm
- One catch: Longyang Road is 35km from the city centre. You must transfer to metro from there, adding 30 minutes. Total door-to-door time is similar to the metro alone (¥8–¥10, ~50 minutes but more transfers)
The verdict: The Maglev is worth taking once for the speed sensation. For practical airport connections, the metro Line 2 is easier to navigate.
Hongqiao Station: Arriving by High-Speed Train
Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥站) is the major high-speed train hub at Shanghai’s west end. From here:
- Metro Line 2 (direct to city centre, Bund area, Pudong Airport): ~45 minutes
- Metro Line 10: connects to French Concession and Yuyuan Garden area
The metro platforms at Hongqiao are directly connected to the train station hall via underground walkways — follow the “地铁” (metro) signs.
Useful Station Amenities
Lost and found: contact the station’s customer service window with your trip time and boarding station for items left on trains.
Luggage storage: not available at most Shanghai metro stations. Use luggage storage at Hongqiao or Shanghai Railway Station if arriving by train.
Accessible routes: Shanghai metro has elevators at every station. The accessibility path icon on station maps shows the route to elevators.
Night Bus as Metro Alternative
After the metro closes (~11pm), Shanghai’s night bus network (夜宵公交) covers major routes:
- N1: Zhongshan Park → Lujiazui (east–west along Line 2 route)
- N2: People’s Square → Jing’an Temple → Xujiahui
- Night buses: ¥1–¥3 per ride; runs until 3–4am
DiDi is the most practical option after midnight if you’re unfamiliar with night bus routes.
Navigating the App
The Metro大都会 app (or Amap) provides:
- Real-time route planning with exact platform numbers
- Wait time for next train
- Exit number to use for your destination (numbered exits at each station lead to different streets)
Exit selection tip: each station has multiple numbered exits (A, B, C, D, or numbered). Always check which exit number is closest to your destination before ascending — wrong exit can mean a 5–10 minute walk difference.
Last updated: May 2026 · Shanghai Metro continues to expand. Check Metro大都会 app for current network map.