As a Chinese resident in Shanghai, today I'll teach you how to take the subway in this vibrant city. 🚇
On-Site Ticketing
Ticketing Locations
Service centers at all stations
Ticket types
One-way ticket, one-day subway ticket, three-day subway ticket. Some stations also offer one-way and two-way magnetic levitation (Maglev) tickets.
One-way ticket
- Shanghai Metro fares are based on distance, starting at RMB 3 for the first 6KM and adding RMB 1 for every additional 10KM. The shortest path method is used for fare calculation. When multiple transfer paths exist between two stations, the shortest path is chosen.
- The one-way ticket allows a single ride between the starting and ending points, valid on the same day of purchase. It is collected upon exit and does not support re-entry or transfer.
One-day subway ticket
- One ticket for 18 yuan.
- This ticket is valid for unlimited rides on all lines of Shanghai Railway Transportation (except Magnetic Float Line and City Line) during the 24-hour operation period after the first activation.
- The ticket can be used in the same way as in and out.
- The ticket can only be used by one person, one code and one cell phone after activation.
- The ticket cannot be re-entered within 5 minutes at the same station.
- The electronic one-day ticket and three-day ticket cannot be used at the same time with the single-person ticket/companion ticket, which will incur additional travel expenses.
Three-day subway ticket
- One ticket for 45 yuan.
- This ticket is valid for unlimited rides on all lines of Shanghai Railway Transportation (except Magnetic Float Line and City Line) within 72 hours of the first activation.
- The ticket can be used in the same way as in and out.
- The ticket can only be used by one person, one code and one cell phone after activation.
- The ticket cannot be re-entered within 5 minutes at the same station.
- The electronic one-day ticket and three-day ticket cannot be used at the same time with the single-person ticket/companion ticket, which will incur additional travel expenses.
Accepted Bank Cards
- Visa
- Master Card
- Discover Card
- American Express
- Diners Club
- JCB
- 中国银联
Vending Machines for Subway Tickets at Subway Stations
- Selecting Your Destination
- Tap the touch screen to choose the subway line you want to travel on.
- Select your destination station on the chosen line.
- Choosing the Number of Tickets
- Follow the prompts to select the number of tickets you wish to purchase.
- Payment Methods
- Insert the corresponding amount in cash or scan the QR code with your cell phone to pay.
- Some machines provide change.
- Ticket Dispensation
- After the payment is completed, the machine will dispense the corresponding number of one-way ticket cards.
- Types of Vending Machines
- Coin-Only Machines: Accept RMB 1 yuan and 50 cents coins.
- Coin and Note Acceptance Machines: Accept RMB 5, 10, 20, and 50 bills, as well as RMB 1 and 0.5 coins, and can provide change.
Online Payment: Shanghai Metro DADUHUI (App)
How to register
Non-Chinese mainlanders can use passports, Hong Kong and Macao Travel Permits, or Taiwan Compatriot Permits to register on the "Shanghai Metro DADUHUI" App. Bind your payment method, and you can scan the code to pass through the gates.
How to pay
Ride first, pay later. The app will automatically debit the fare.
Subway Station Timetable
Special Subway Station
Shanghai rail transit outbound transfer stations are:
- Shanghai Railway Station Station (Line 1, Line 3/4)
- Nanjing West Road Station (Line 2, Line 12, Line 13)
- Changqing Road Station (Line 7, Line 13)
- Hongqiao Terminal 2 Station (Line 2, Line 10, downtown direction can be station transfer)
- Loushanguan Road (Line 2, Line 15)
- Cao Yang Road (Line 14, Line 3/4, Line 11)
For more tips and detailed guides on getting around Shanghai, check out my homepage where I share both text and video guides for navigating the city, including the Shanghai Metro system. Follow me for more helpful insights!