In China, Shanghai is the third city opening metro and its first metro line started operation on May 28, 1993, the southern section of Shanghai Metro Line 1 from Jinjiang Amusement Park to Xujiahui Station began trial operation, making it the first metro line in Shanghai and Shanghai the third city in China to have a metro after Beijing and Tianjin
Forming the vast majority of the broader, multi-operator Shanghai rail transit network, the Shanghai Metro system is the world's second longest metro system by route length, totaling 826 kilometres (513 mi).and the second largest system by number of stations, with 508 stations across 20 lines.It also ranks first in the world by annual ridership, with 3.88 billion rides delivered in 2019.The last daily ridership record was set on 9 March 2024, at 13.39 million rides.Post-pandemic, ridership still routinely stands at over 10 million on an average workday, accounting for 73% of trips on public transport in the city.
Shanghai Metro Network Map 2024
How to take metro in Shanghai?
1. Get Enter Metro Station:
You will see the guide sign of metro station within the boundary of 200-500 meters from the station.
Each metro station has more than two entrances and exits. Each entrance or exit has its own number, showing the symbol of metro station, the number of Metro Line, the name of station and the number of entrance and exit in two languages: Chinese and English.
Service center: Shanghai metro provide various services to passengers, such as consulting service, ticket business service, money exchange and repair of damaged public transportation card. Friendly reminder: Some staff members may not be fluent in English. We suggest that you install the app in advance or purchase a prepaid transportation card such as a China T union card to avoid delaying your trip.
2. Security Check:
In China, Passengers shall accept the security check according to the relevant regulations before entering the subway stations. Please accept security check before you enter the metro station. Please give your belongings to security staffs, security check equipment and police dogs for examination.
You are not allowed to bring the following objects into the metro station:
(1) Explosive
Explosives, fireworks, firecrackers, guns (including imitation guns), ammunitions and detonators;
(2) Compressed gas and liquefied gas
Carbon monoxide, petroleum gas, Freon, hydrogen, oxygen, liquefied petroleum gas, coal gas and compressed gas;
(3) Inflammable liquid
Gasoline, diesel fuel, alcohol (ethanol), acetone, propane, paint, benzene, methanol, solvent oil, turpentine, banana oil, kerosene and printing ink;
(4) Inflammable solid, spontaneously combustible objects and inflammable objects under wet conditions
Phosphorus, sodium, sulfuric acid, potassium, aluminum powder and zinc powder
(5) Oxidizing agent and organic peroxide
Sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate and potassium chlorate
(6) Toxic objects and infectious materials
Cyanide, arsenate, organophosphorus pesticide and mercury compounds
(7) Radioactive objects
Noctilucent powder, monazite and zircon
(8) Corrosive objects
Hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid
(9) Other dangerous objects
Other objects that would endanger the safety of passengers and facilities in metro stations, such as balloon, hoe, carrying pole, iron saw, iron rod and controlled knife;
About the security check, you can get more infomation here.
3.Ticket Purchase
You could find out the ticket office under the guidance of the guide signs in the station.
Single ticket:
You can take Metro Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 7, Line 8, Line 9, Line 10, Line 11, Line 12, Line 13,Line 14, Line 15, Line 16, Line 17,Line 18 and Pujiang Line with this ticket.
Public transportation card:
You can take Metro Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 7, Line 8, Line 9, Line 10, Line 11, Line 12, Line 13, Line 14,Line 15, Line 16, Line 17,Line 18 and Pujiang Line with this ticket. You could also use it on the maglev train, bus routes and taxi.
Souvenir ticket for tourists:
You can take Metro Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 7, Line 8, Line 9, Line 10, Line 11, Line 12, Line 13, Line 14,Line 15, Line 16, Line 17,Line 18 and Pujiang Line with this ticket.
(1) The type of tickets and rules for using them in metro stations:
- Single Ticket:
When you enter the station, place the ticket above the circular “card reader” on the surface of the ticket gate. When you leave the station, insert the ticket into the slot on the ticket machine. The ticket will be taken back by the metro station.
The ticket is valid on the date of purchase. You can return it to us on the date of purchase without reason as long as you have not used it.
- Public Transportation Card:
When you enter or leave the station, place the card above the circular “card reader” on the surface of the ticket gate. You should keep your card after leaving the station.
How to buy：You can purchase at the service center in the station, but you may be required to present your passport for real name authentication. You can also purchase at home online before departure, which may incur additional shipping costs and exchange rate losses. There are different types of transportation cards, and I recommend using the China T Union Card, which can be used on public transportation in the vast majority of cities
Deposit: 20 yuan for each card;The deposit is difficult to refund. So this transit card is suitable for multiple uses.
Topup：When you want to top up the card, you should pay at least 10 yuan each time;You can also top up online.
- Souvenir Ticket and One Day & Three Day Pass:
These kind of tickets are not very commonly used. Generally speaking, it is possible to enter and exit the subway station multiple times within the specified time(excluding the maglev train) .When you enter or leave the station, place the ticket above the circular “card reader” on the surface of the ticket gate. You can keep the ticket after leaving the station.
- Coupon ticket for the maglev train and metro:
When you enter or leave the station, place the ticket above the circular “card reader” on the surface of the ticket gate. You should keep the ticket after leaving the station.
Price: 55 yuan for a single-journey maglev ticket; 85 yuan for a round-trip ticket;
(2) How to purchase the tickets
Ticket price calculation: The ticket price will be calculated based on a segmentation system focusing on mileage: 3 yuan for 0-6 kilometers (including 6 kilometers); 4 yuan for 6-16 kilometers (including 6 kilometers); for passengers traveling above 16 kilometers, they will pay 1 yuan for traveling every 10 kilometers;
- Artificial ticket-selling service: The ticket prices for all stations will be printed on the ticket price table. Before buying tickets, you could look for the price on this table or inquiry about the ticket price from the staffs.
- How to use the automatic ticket machine in the station:
1. Click the name of the metro line that you need and choose your destination station on the metro line;
2. Click the number of tickets that you want to purchase (each person could purchase 9 tickets only each time;)
3. Insert bank notes or coins into the machine (one-yuan bank note will not be accepted);
4. Take the changes and tickets.
- Concession policy for interchange between Shanghai Metro and bus routes:
Passengers with a Shanghai Public Transportation Card could have a concession price of 1 yuan if they transfer to other bus routes within 120 minutes after leaving the metro station;
- Concession policy for passengers who have spent 70 yuan in Shanghai Metro in one calendar month:
Passengers with a Shanghai Public Transportation Card could have a ten percent off of their ticket prices if they have spent 70 yuan in Shanghai Metro in one calendar month. The total amount of ticket price being spent will be recalculated in the next calendar month.
(4) Interchange outside the station
- Passengers with a Shanghai Public Transportation Card could transfer to other metro lines within 30 minutes after leaving the station. The ticket price will be calculated in succession;
- Passengers with a single ticket should buy a new ticket to enter a new station after going out of the station. They can not get a concession price for interchange outside the station.
Tips:
1) The passenger may take the train without further charge with one or two children not taller than 1.3 meters (inclusive), and shall buy tickets for excessive children in case of more than two. The preschool child, unattended by an adult, shall not take the train alone.
2) Other auxiliary equipment: Inquiry machine for Shanghai Public Transportation Card, self-service bank, bulletin board, etc.
4.Ticket Checking at the Ticket Gates (Enter the Station)
- Triple-pole ticket gate, or tripod turnstile gate
1) There are two marker lamps in front of the ticket gate. If the “green arrow” lamp lights up, it means that the equipment is under normal operation, and you will see “Please insert the ticket” on the screen of the panel. If the “red” lamp lights up, it means that the equipment is not working, and you will see “Temporarily out of service” on the screen.
2) If you bring luggage with you, the weight of the luggage should be less than 23 kilograms; its volume should be less than 0.2 cubic meters; its length should be less than 1.7 meters. Oversized luggage would affect other passengers in the train.
3) Please keep your ticket clean and undamaged. Do not fold it. If the ticket is damaged, you should bear the loss by yourself.
4) If you have any problem on the ticket or the ticket checker breaks down, do not knock on the machine. Please contact our staffs for help.
Hold the public transportation card or ticket in your right hand, and place it above the circular “card reader” on the surface of the ticket gate for a moment;
The ticket-checking has been finished when you see the remaining balance of the card or the ticket on the screen;
Push the triple-pole in front of you and enter the station.
- Gate-type ticket checker with broad passage
If you bring a large luggage or a baby carriage with you, please check your ticket via a gate-type ticket checker with broad passage;
Please stand behind the yellow line when you swipe your ticket or public transportation card on the ticket checker. Move forward after the gate is opened;
Do not stay for a long time in the ticket gate passage or walk to and fro in the passage;
- Ticket gate for passengers with mobile wallet or Public Transportation Card of the Elderly
- Barrier-free passage
The passenger entitled to the zero-fare concession under eligible provisions of the State or the Municipality may take rail transit (except maglev lines) of this Municipality after the rail transit authorities’ verify his or her valid certificates.
The passenger may take the train without further charge with one or two children not taller than 1.3 meters (inclusive), and shall buy tickets for excessive children in case of more than two. The preschool child, unattended by an adult, shall not take the train alone.
5.Take the Train
Tips: If you drop out your personal belongings into the tunnel, do not jump off the station and pick your belongings up in the tunnel. Please contact our staffs for help.
The following behaviors are prohibited in metro stations and trains:
Whoever enters the station or takes the train shall not commit any of the following:
(i) Intercepting the train;
(ii) Unauthorized entry into tracks, tunnels and other prohibited zones;
(iii) Climbing or striding over trains, bounding walls, fences, turnstiles or platform doors;
(iv) Getting off or on by force, opening doors by force, or blocking doors;
(v) Smoking; igniting fires or flames; spitting on ground, urinating or defecating, spitting out gum residues, or throwing peels, paper scraps or other sundries at random;
(vi) Doodling or scribbling, carving or drawing, or hanging or posting articles, without permission;
(vii) Unauthorized stalls, vehicle parking, stacking of things, performing, distribution of brochures or pamphlets or engaging in marketing or promotions, or talking or laughing loudly or making noise, or turning to the loudspeaker mode when using an electronic device;
(viii) Begging, lying down or collecting or picking up wasted or used articles;
(ix) Carrying live poultry or cats, dogs (except guide dogs and police dogs) or other animals;
(x) Carrying bicycles (including folding bicycles), using balance cars, skateboards, scooters, roller skates and other mobility scooters (except disabled wheelchairs and baby strollers);
(xi) Carrying flammable, explosive, poisonous, harmful, radioactive, corrosive and other dangerous articles liable to jeopardize the personal and property safety ; carrying items of seriously unpleasant odors or pungent smells or fragile or sharp items without safety packaging; or carrying inflation balloons;
(xii) Operating buttons, or switching devices, with warning signs, without permission, or using emergency or security devices under non-emergency circumstances;
(xiii) Damaging trains, platform doors, automatic ticket selling or checking machines or other devices, interfering communications signals, video surveillance devices and other systems;
(xiv) Throwing articles towards rail transit lines, trains or other facilities;
(xv) Damaging, moving or covering security signs, monitoring facilities and safety protection equipment;
(xvi) Going in wrong directions, pushing or shoving, or playing or fighting noisily on the escalator; or
(xvii) Other acts affecting operation security or disturbing passengers.
-The caution lights above the train gates will light up before the train leaves the station. The buzzer will also sound regularly (for 6-7 times in general) to remind passengers that the doors will be closed. Passengers are not allowed to get on the train at this moment. Please stand behind the safety line.
-The trains will arrive at the stations with different intervals at different times. If the train leaves the station on time, the following trains will also arrive at the station on time, and all metro lines will be under normal operation. If the train gets crowded at rush hour and passengers can not get on the train, do not hold the train doors with your hands. You should cooperate with our staffs and let the train leave the station on time.
Tips:
Do not panic if your companions, such as family members and friends didn’t get on the same train with you. You could ask our staffs for help or wait for your companions at the next station.
6.Get off the Train and leave the station:
1) You will be informed of the name of the next station via the station announcement or on the screens in the train. Please get ready to get off the train.
2) Please do not leave your luggage and personal belongings in the train.
3) The time for trains to stop at the station depends on the passenger flow. In general, the train will stop at the station for 30-40 seconds. Please get ready to get off the train. Otherwise, if the train is crowded and many passengers get on the train at the same time, you’ll be difficult to get off the train.
Ticket checking at the ticket gates (get out of the station):
- Single ticket
The “right hand principle” also applies when passengers check their tickets at the exit. The only thing different is that when passengers check out, they should insert the single ticket into the slot on the ticket checking equipment. Your ticket will be taken back by the equipment if there is no mistake. You’ll see “Please get out of the station” on the screens of the ticket gates and you could get out of the station via the ticket gates.
If your ticket pops up at the top of the ticket checking equipment, and you see “Please go to the service center” on the screen, you should take your ticket out and ask our staffs for help, and then check the ticket again on the machine and get out of the station.
- Souvenir Tickets for Tourists
The “right hand principle” also applies when passengers check their tickets at the exit. The rules of ticket checking at the exit are the same with those rules at the entrance. You’ll see “Please get out of the station” on the screens of the ticket gates and you could get out of the station via the ticket gates. Passengers could keep the tickets as souvenirs.
Tips:
If you have some problems and can not get in or get out of the station normally, please contact our staffs at the service center.
Tips:
Please pay attention to the block map on the platform. You can find out information on roads, symbolic buildings and bus routes nearby the metro station.
