Quick Facts
- Opened
- 28 May 1993
- Operator
- Shanghai Shentong Metro Group
- Stations
- 508
- Lines
- 20
- Daily riders
- ~11.0 million
- Network
- 831 km (world's longest)
- Airports
- PVG (Line 2) + SHA/Hongqiao (Lines 2, 10, 17)
- Payment
- Shanghai Transit Card, Alipay, WeChat, bank card
The Shanghai Metro is the world's longest metro system by track length and the second largest by station count. Opened on 28 May 1993 with Line 1, it has grown to 508 stations across 20 lines and over 831 km of track — a feat of engineering that took just 30 years.
The metro is operated by Shanghai Shentong Metro Group (上海申通地铁集团) and integrates with Maglev trains, Pudong Airport Express bus, and all city buses. The comprehensive network covers all of Shanghai's districts and both major airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao Airport/Railway Station (SHA/HGH).
Shanghai's metro is highly efficient, clean, and easy to navigate for visitors. All station signs, maps, and in-train announcements are in Chinese and English. The system operates with screen doors at every platform, air conditioning throughout, and trains running every 3–6 minutes during peak hours.
Pudong Airport is served by Line 2 directly — about 60 minutes to People's Square. The famous Shanghai Maglev (Transrapid) runs separately from the metro, connecting Pudong Airport to Longyang Road station (Line 2) in 7 minutes at up to 430 km/h, making it the world's fastest commercial train.
The Shanghai Public Transportation Card (上海公共交通卡, SPTC) is the standard payment — a rechargeable IC card that works on metro, buses, ferries, and taxis. Alipay and WeChat Pay Metro Code are widely accepted at turnstiles. Apple Pay with UnionPay also works at most gates.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Shanghai Transit Card (SPTC) · Alipay Metro Code · WeChat Pay Metro Code · UnionPay contactless · Paper ticket.
💡 Use Alipay (Metro Code in the Shanghai Metro mini-program) — scan the QR at the turnstile, no card needed. The Shanghai Transit Card (¥20 deposit) is the physical card option, also accepted on buses and taxis.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge — distance-based flat fares at all times — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Shanghai Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Shanghai Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Shanghai Transit Card (SPTC), Alipay Metro Code, WeChat Pay Metro Code, UnionPay contactless, Paper ticket.
💡 Use Alipay (Metro Code in the Shanghai Metro mini-program) — scan the QR at the turnstile, no card needed. The Shanghai Transit Card (¥20 deposit) is the physical card option, also accepted on buses and taxis.
| Journey | Off-Peak (CNY) | Peak (CNY) |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare (0–6 km) | ¥3 | ¥3 |
| 6–16 km | ¥4 | ¥4 |
| 16–26 km | ¥5 | ¥5 |
| 26–36 km | ¥6 | ¥6 |
| Maglev (one way) | ¥50 | ¥50 |
| Maglev (same-day trip) | ¥80 | ¥80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai city?
Two options: (1) Line 2 metro directly — about 60 minutes to People's Square, ¥7–¥9 depending on destination. (2) Maglev to Longyang Road in 7 minutes (¥50), then change to Line 2. The Maglev is faster but not worth it if you're going beyond Longyang Road.
How do I get from Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to the city?
Hongqiao Airport is on Lines 2 and 10 directly — no extra supplement. To People's Square is about 30 minutes on Line 2, or 25 minutes to the city on Line 10. Hongqiao Railway Station (high-speed trains) is also connected by Lines 2, 10, and 17.
Is the Shanghai Maglev worth taking?
For the experience, yes — 430 km/h in 7 minutes is extraordinary. Practically, it only saves time if you're heading to/near Longyang Road. The ¥50 fare vs ¥7 metro makes it a tourist attraction more than a commuter option. The metro Line 2 goes directly to the city centre without changing.
What is the best way to pay on Shanghai Metro in 2026?
Alipay Metro Code is the easiest for most visitors — open Alipay, go to Metro Ride, scan at turnstile. If you have a Chinese SIM or WeChat Pay, use the WeChat Metro mini-program. A Shanghai Transit Card (¥20 deposit) is the physical card alternative, refundable at service centres.
What time does the Shanghai Metro close?
Most lines run 05:30–23:00. Line 2 to Pudong Airport runs slightly later. Check the Shmetro app for exact last-train times by station, as they vary.
Which station is closest to The Bund?
East Nanjing Road station (Lines 2, 10) is about a 10-minute walk to The Bund waterfront. Alternatively, Nanjing Road (E) on Line 2 or Yuyuan Garden on Line 10 give good access to the Old Town area.
Is the Shanghai Metro accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes — Shanghai Metro has lifts at all stations, tactile paths, and accessible gates. Newer lines are fully accessible; older sections of Lines 1 and 3 may require station staff assistance at some exits.
Does Shanghai Metro have Wi-Fi?
Yes — free Wi-Fi (China Mobile) is available at all Shanghai Metro stations and on many trains. Coverage is generally good on platforms. You may need a Chinese phone number to register for some Wi-Fi providers.
Source: Shanghai Shentong Metro Group and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.