Shanghai Metro Guide: Route Map, Fares, How to Ride & Transport Cards

Shanghai is one of Asia’s most dynamic international metropolises—where vibrant modernity meets rich East-meets-West history. Known as China’s captivating "Magic City," Shanghai is a top destination for travelers from Hong Kong and around the globe. To navigate the city like a local, taking the subway is your best option. Fast, affordable, and highly efficient, the Shanghai Metro directly connects major airports, train stations, and iconic tourist landmarks.

In this ultimate Shanghai Metro guide, Trip.com breaks down everything you need to know—including route maps, ticket fares, payment options, and transit tips—for a seamless, hassle-free self-guided adventure!

Shanghai Metro Lines & Tourist Highlights

The Shanghai Metro is one of the world's largest urban rail networks, operating over 20 lines (including Lines 1 to 18, the Pujiang Line, and the Shanghai Maglev). Spanning across central Shanghai and out into the suburbs, it connects major international airports, high-speed rail hubs, and top attractions effortlessly.

Here are the key metro lines most essential for travelers:

• Line 1 (Red Line) – Shopping & Transit Hubs
• • Route: Xinzhuang ↔ Fujin Road
  • Highlights: Connects major transit hubs like Shanghai Railway Station and South Railway Station with prime shopping districts including Xujiahui, Middle Huaihai Road, and People's Square.
• Line 2 (Green Line) – Airports, Business & Sightseeing
• • Route: East Xujing ↔ Pudong International Airport
  • Highlights: The most essential line for tourists! It directly links Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Pudong International Airport (PVG), passing through top city spots such as Jing'an Temple, People's Square, East Nanjing Road, Lujiazui (Financial District), and Longyang Road.
• Line 10 (Light Blue Line) – Culture, Heritage & Cafes
• • Route: Xinjiangwancheng / Hangzhong Road ↔ Jixiang Road / Hongqiao Railway Station
  • Highlights: Known as the "Sightseeing Line," it is perfect for exploring Shanghai’s cultural gems like Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, South Shaanxi Road (Former French Concession), Wukang Road, and Shanghai Zoo.
• Line 11 (Brown Line) – Direct Access to Disneyland
• • Route: North Jiading / Huaqiao ↔ Disney Resort
  • Highlights: Takes travelers straight to Shanghai Disney Resort (Disney Resort Station). It is also an intercity line connecting Shanghai with Kunshan and Suzhou in Jiangsu Province.

Shanghai Metro Map

Check out the full Shanghai Metro map below:

Image source: Official website of Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd.

Shanghai Metro Fares and Payment Methods

Shanghai Metro Fares & Payment Methods

How Metro Fares Are Calculated

The Shanghai Metro uses a distance-based ticketing system. Fares start at RMB 3 (~HK$3.3) for the first 6 kilometers, increasing incrementally with travel distance. Most single trips within the city center cost between RMB 3 to RMB 6 (~HK$3.3 to HK$6.6), with maximum single-ride fares rarely exceeding RMB 10 to RMB 12 (~HK$11 to HK$13) even for long-distance suburban routes.

Convenient Payment Options

Travelers can choose from several quick and contactless payment options:

• Digital Wallet QR Codes (Most Recommended):
  Scan directly at the turnstiles using AlipayHK, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or the Metro Dadushi (METRO 大都會) App. Hong Kong travelers can simply open their local AlipayHK or WeChat Pay HK app, switch the city to Shanghai, and activate the transit code—no physical ticket or local bank account needed!
• Single-Ride Tickets:
  Purchase touch-screen physical tokens at self-service ticket machines inside any metro station using cash, mobile payments, or bank cards. Great for one-off trips.
• Shanghai Public Transportation Card (SPT Card):
  A traditional reloadable transit card (similar to Hong Kong's Octopus card). Tap to enter turnstiles across the entire Metro system, city buses, ferries, and taxis.

💳 All-in-One Visitor Card: Shanghai Pass

The Shanghai Pass is a multi-purpose, anonymous physical card specifically designed for tourists and foreign visitors. Similar to Hong Kong's Octopus card, it covers not only public transit (Metro, buses, ferries, and taxis) but is also accepted at major tourist attractions, museum ticket booths, and local convenience stores (like FamilyMart and Lawson).

• Where to Pick Up: Book conveniently on Trip.com before you fly, then collect your physical card upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA), or Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).
• How to Top Up: Easily reload your balance at self-service top-up machines or service counters across major metro stations.

How to Ride the Shanghai Metro: Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the Shanghai Metro is straightforward, efficient, and fully accessible in English. Follow these simple steps to ensure a seamless trip from station entrance to destination exit.

1.Prepare Your Payment Method：Choose between contactless mobile pay, physical transit cards, or single tickets。

Before entering the station, ensure your payment method is ready. You can tap your Shanghai Pass / Shanghai Public Transportation Card, scan your transit QR code via AlipayHK, Alipay, or WeChat Pay, or purchase a single-ride ticket at self-service vending machines using cash or electronic payment.

2.Pass Through Security Screening & Turnstiles：Security check takes place BEFORE tapping into the gates。

Place all carry-on backpacks, luggage, and large bags onto the X-ray conveyor belt at the security checkpoint. Once cleared, head to the automated turnstiles. Tap your card on the sensor pad or scan your mobile QR code over the optical scanner (hold your phone about 5–10 cm above the screen) to open the gates.

3.Verify Your Train Direction：Check bilingual platform signs to avoid heading the wrong way。

Look up at the overhead digital screens and wall signs on the platform, which display line numbers, terminal destinations, and next train arrival times in both English and Simplified Chinese. Cross-check your intended destination with navigation apps like Amap (高德地圖) or Baidu Maps before stepping onto the train.

4.Transfer Between Lines seamlessly：Follow color-coded floor markers and overhead directional signs。

When switching lines, exit the train and follow the vibrant, color-coded overhead transfer signs (e.g., green for Line 2, light blue for Line 10). Note: Major interchange hubs like People's Square or Century Avenue involve longer walking distances, so allow an extra 5–10 minutes for transfers.

5.Exit Through the Correct Gate：Check station neighborhood maps to pick the nearest exit letter/number。

Upon arrival at your stop, consult the large neighborhood map on the platform or concourse to select the correct exit (labeled with numbers/letters like Exit 1 or Exit A). Tap your card or scan your transit QR code at the exit gates to complete your journey. If using a single-ride token ticket, insert it directly into the slot on the turnstile to exit.

**Metro Guide**

💡 Pro Tips for Riding the Shanghai Metro

• Avoid Peak Rush Hours: Morning peak (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM) and evening peak (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) on central lines (like Line 1 and Line 2) get extremely crowded. If traveling with heavy luggage, try to avoid these time windows.
• Service Hours: Most metro lines operate from around 5:30 AM until 10:30 PM–11:30 PM. Be sure to check the last train departure time if you are out late!

Metro transportation for Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Shanghai Pudong Airport

Shanghai Metro Day Trip: Recommended Attractions

Shanghai Metro One-Day Itinerary

Here’s a one-day Shanghai itinerary you can follow via the Shanghai Metro, as shown in the table below:

Shanghai Attractions | The Bund

The Bund sits on the west bank of the Huangpu River in central Shanghai and is Shanghai's signature landmark, featuring old docks brimming with artsy charm, the historic Peace Hotel, and a dazzling Bund nightscape. While you're exploring, hop aboard a Huangpu River cruise to soak up Shanghai's vibrant energy.

• Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road in Huangpu District, Shanghai, from the Waibaidu Bridge in the north to the Shiliupu Wharf in the south
• Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station, then you can reach it on foot.
• Hours: Open 24 hours

Shanghai Attraction | Oriental Pearl Tower

Soaring 468 meters, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands in Shanghai's Lujiazui Financial District, facing the Bund across the river and serving as a city landmark. The tower's main structure comprises three inclined cylinders, three vertical cylinders, and eleven spheres of different sizes. Be sure to step onto the all-glass observation corridor at 259 meters to enjoy 360-degree views of Shanghai's captivating skyline and enchanting nightscape; it's a must-visit stop on any one-day trip to the city.

• Address: 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Getting there: Hop on Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, take Exit 1, and it's a short walk.
• Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 (Last admission at 20:30)

Shanghai Attractions | Yu Garden

Yuyuan Garden is one of Shanghai’s five great classical gardens—and the only one located downtown. Once the private retreat of a Ming-dynasty official, it boasts more than 400 years of history, with intricate design and a tranquil ambiance. Inside the garden, you’ll also find hundreds of plaques and stone steles inscribed by renowned masters, along with a stone sculpture gallery housing an extensive collection.

• Address: 168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Getting there: Take Subway Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station, then it's an easy walk.
• Hours: 09:00 - 16:30 (Last entry at 16:00)

Shanghai Attraction | Shanghai Disneyland

Located in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, Shanghai Disney Resort—the first Disney resort in mainland China—covers 410 hectares and is home to eight themed lands at Shanghai Disneyland: Mickey Avenue, Fantasyland, Gardens of Imagination, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, the Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land, and Zootopia, making it a must-visit family-friendly attraction for a one-day trip in Shanghai.

• Address: No. 310, Huangzhao Road, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Getting there: Take Metro Line 11 to Disney Resort Station; it's an easy walk from there.
• Hours: 08:30 – 20:30

Shanghai Attractions | Jing'an Temple

Jing'an Temple sits in the heart of Shanghai's Jing'an commercial district—a renowned ancient temple that's easy to reach. Surrounded by soaring high-rises, its tranquil, contemplative grounds make a striking contrast. The temple's architecture blends Tibetan influences; even before you step through the gate, you'll spot the tall pillars standing out front. On the first level, the east wing on the right houses the Hall of Guanyin, and the Jing'an Pagoda stands at the northwest corner. On the second level is the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, flanked by the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower on the left and right, respectively.

• Address: 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
• Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to Jing'an Temple Station, then walk from there.
• Hours: 07:30 – 17:00

More Popular Attractions in Shanghai

Here are Shanghai's popular attractions and their corresponding Metro stations:

Shanghai Food Recommendations

TASTE OF CHINA Chinese Flavor

"TASTE OF CHINA" is an immersive restaurant nestled within Shanghai's century-old landmark, the "Old Municipal Government Building." It is a panoramic cultural experience space dedicated to Chinese destinations, meticulously crafted by Trip.com Group. Through multi-sensory interactive technology, you can hear the Yellow River waterfalls roaring beside you and watch the misty, verdant landscapes of the Li River wash over your dining table, allowing you to savor the magnificent beauty of the landscape in every bite. Our panda chef, "Cheng Baobao," uses seven signature Chinese dishes as keys to unlock a millennial journey tracing Chinese culture from ancient times to the modern day. By deconstructing travel landscapes through digital art and bridging cultural gaps with the philosophy of flavor, global diners here don't just taste top-tier Chinese cuisine—they embark on a profound journey through China, "from the tip of the tongue to the heart": from tasting China, to understanding China, and finally, falling in love with China.

Hong Kong to Shanghai Transportation Options

Cheap flights from Hong Kong to Shanghai

Shanghai has two major international airports: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai takes about 3 hours.

Hong Kong to Shanghai High-Speed Rail

High-speed trains departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station have become a great option for traveling from Hong Kong to Shanghai, with rail travel time significantly reduced and the journey taking about 8 hours.

Shanghai Hotel Recommendations