Riding the Shanghai Metro Like a Local
The Shanghai Metro is the world's largest urban rail network — 19 lines, 409 stations, 816 km — and the fastest, cheapest way to cross the city. Fares start at ¥3; foreign contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) tap in and out at every gate. English signage and bilingual announcements make it genuinely tourist-friendly.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Sun 05:30–23:00 Fri–Sat 05:30–24:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | People's Square station (Lines 1, 2, 8) is the central interchange hub; every district has metro access |
| Time needed | Per trip: 10–45 min depending on distance; allow a full day to explore the network across Puxi and Pudong |
| Best time to go | Weekday mid-morning (09:30–11:30) or early afternoon (13:00–16:00) to avoid peak crush |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
- When should I avoid the metro to dodge rush-hour crowds?
- Peak crush runs 07:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:00 on weekdays, when stations like People's Square and Lujiazui become extremely crowded and you may wait for multiple trains. Traveling between 09:30–11:30 or 13:00–16:00 is significantly more comfortable. Weekend afternoons around shopping hubs are also busy.
- Which metro line should I take from Pudong Airport (PVG) to the city center?
- Line 2 runs directly from Pudong Airport Terminal 1 & 2 to central Shanghai (Nanjing East Road, People's Square, Lujiazui) for around ¥8 — the budget option. The Airport Link Line (opened December 2024) is a faster express service connecting Pudong Airport to Hongqiao in under 40 minutes but requires a separate fare and is not covered by day passes.
- Is there a day pass or tourist pass for unlimited rides?
- Yes. A One-Day Pass (¥18) gives unlimited metro rides for 24 hours from first use; a Three-Day Pass (¥45) covers 72 hours. Both exclude the Maglev and the Airport Link Line. Buy them at service centers in major stations including Pudong Airport, Hongqiao, People's Square, Lujiazui, and Nanjing East Road.
- What are the metro operating hours?
- Most lines run approximately 05:30–23:00 on weekdays and Sundays. On Fridays, Saturdays, and nights before public holidays, major lines (1, 2, 10) often extend service to midnight. There is no overnight service. Always check the last-train time for your specific line on the official site (service.shmetro.com/en) before a late night out.
- How much does a metro ride cost?
- Fares are distance-based and unchanged since 2005: ¥3 for the first 6 km, ¥4 up to 16 km, ¥5 up to 26 km, then ¥1 more per additional 10 km. Most central tourist trips cost ¥3–5; riding Line 2 all the way to Pudong Airport (PVG) costs around ¥8.
- Are there any rules or etiquette I should know before riding?
- Every station has a security X-ray screening — allow a few extra minutes. Queue behind the painted lines on platforms and let passengers exit before boarding. Eating and drinking (except sealed water) is not permitted on trains. Children under 1.3 m (about 4 ft 3 in) ride free when accompanied by an adult. Stand on the right on escalators to let others pass on the left.
- How do I pay for the Shanghai Metro as a foreign tourist?
- Since June 28, 2025, every station gate accepts contactless chip cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB — tap in and tap out. Alternatively, generate a QR ride-code in Alipay or WeChat (link a foreign card) and scan at the turnstile. A physical Shanghai Public Transport Card (¥20 refundable deposit, topped up with cash) is the fallback if you have no smartphone or contactless card.
- Is the metro easy to navigate if I don't speak Chinese?
- Yes. All station signs, platform displays, and in-train announcements are in both Mandarin and English. Ticket vending machines offer an English interface. Line 2 alone links both airports, Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, and the Bund area, covering most tourist needs. Download the official Shanghai Metro app or use Google/Apple Maps for route planning.
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