Shanghai Metro, the Largest in the World

Shanghai Metro is an urban rail transit system in Shanghai, operating urban and suburban transit services to the 14 districts of Shanghai. You might not have known this, but our metro network also extends all the way out to our neighboring city, Kunshan in Jiangsu Province. Shanghai's metro network is also a member of the Community of Metros (also known as CoMET, an international consortium of large metro systems that collaborates to share best practices, conduct benchmarking studies, and improve operational performance.)

With the commencement of operations of Shanghai Metro Line 1 in 1993, Shanghai became the third city in China to open an urban rail transit system, after Beijing (1969) and Tianjin (1984).

As of March 2024, the overall length of the Shanghai Metro network, has reached 831 kilometers,with 508 stations across 20 lines making it the largest metro system in the world.

On March 8 of 2024, the Shanghai Metro's passenger volume reached 13.39 million, setting a record for the highest daily ridership in history. In 2023, the annual passenger volume of the Shanghai Metro was 3.661 billion rides.

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Highlights of Metro lines

Navigating the sprawling metropolis of Shanghai is a breeze thanks to its extensive and efficient Metro Network, seamlessly connecting passengers to key destinations including the city's two major international airports, bustling transport hubs, and iconic scenic spots. Here are a few highlights:

Connection to transportation hubs:

For those touching down at Pudong International Airport, Metro Line 2 is your gateway to the city's vibrant core. Meanwhile, travelers arriving at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have the luxury of direct access via Metro Lines 2 and 10.

Excitingly, Shanghai is on the verge of unveiling the Shanghai Airport Link Line. This ambitious project, spanning from Hongqiao Station to Pudong Airport Station, promises to slash the inter-airport travel time to a mere 40 minutes – a significant leap from the current 90-minute trek on Metro Line 2.

Where it all started:

A little bit of nostalgia: Metro Line 1 holds the distinction of being Shanghai's inaugural metro line. It meanders through key districts – Minhang, Xuhui, Huangpu, Jing'an, and Baoshan – making pivotal stops at transportation hubs like Shanghai Railway Station and People's Square.

Shanghai has a light rail line connected to the metro network:

Not to be outdone, Metro Line 5 boasts the title of China's first light rail line, stretching from Xinzhuang, the terminus of Metro Line 1, to Fengxian Xincheng, and cutting through the Minhang Development Zone.

Shanghai's futuristic "world's first" achievement:

For a touch of futuristic travel, hop on the Shanghai Maglev Train Line, the world's first elevated commercial maglev line. It rockets between Longyang Road Station on Metro Line 2 and Pudong International Airport over a distance of 29.863 kilometers in just 8 minutes – an exhilarating experience with only two stops along the way.

Shanghai's metro heartbeat:

Central Shanghai's pulse beats at People's Square Station, a pivotal interchange for Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8, with a labyrinth of 18 exits leading you to the heart of the city.

Shanghai's direct access to Micky's Kingdom:

For a sprinkle of magic, Metro Line 11 is your ticket to the Shanghai Disney Resort. With frequent trains whisking you away, alight at the Disney Resort Terminal Station. Here, you're just steps from Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, and a short shuttle ride from the enchanting Resort hotels.

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Offline ticket purchase

Passengers can easily purchase metro tickets at any station through ticket-vending machines or the Service Center. These facilities accept both cash and a variety of mobile payment methods, including WeChat Pay, Alipay, and the UnionPay app.

For expat commuters, here's a handy tip: all metro stations are equipped with POS machines that accept foreign bank cards, making it a breeze to buy your tickets and get moving.

Zhang Chaoyan

Types of tickets you can purchase:

When it comes to navigating Shanghai via the metro, there are several types of paper tickets designed to cater to different needs:

Single Journey Ticket

• Details: Purchase a ticket based on the fare between your starting and ending points for a onetime ride. These are valid only on the day of purchase and must be collected upon exiting the station.
  
• Limitations: No virtual transfers are allowed (you can't exit and re-enter the station to transfer).
  

One-Day Pass

• Details: From your first entry, enjoy unlimited rides on all Shanghai Metro lines (excluding the maglev) for the next 24 hours.
  
• Price: 18 yuan
  
• Limitations: Virtual transfers allowed; ticket is not collected upon exiting the station.
  

Three-Day Pass

• Details: From your first entry, enjoy unlimited rides on all Shanghai Metro lines (excluding the maglev) for the next 72 hours.
  
• Price: 45 yuan
  
• Limitations: Virtual transfers allowed; ticket is not collected upon exiting the station.
  

Shanghai Public Transportation Card

• Details: This refillable card, issued by Shanghai Public Transportation Card Co, Ltd, can be used on the maglev, metro, buses, taxis, ferries, and even in Suzhou. The card itself costs a refundable 20 yuan.
  
• Convenience: Add money at service points across the city or at add-value machines inside metro stations. The card is not collected upon exiting the station.
  

Maglev & Metro Pass

• Convenience: Ideal for those who need to travel both by maglev and metro in the same day.
  

Types and Prices:

1. Maglev Single Trip + Metro One-day Pass: Enjoy a single maglev trip (economy class) and unlimited metro rides within 24 hours for 55 yuan.
   
2. Maglev Round Trip + Metro One-day Pass: Includes a round-trip on the maglev (economy class) and unlimited metro rides within 24 hours for 85 yuan.
   

Payment Options

Offline Purchases: Tickets can be bought at ticket-vending machines or Service Centers using cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and the UnionPay app.

For Expats: All metro stations are equipped with POS machines accepting foreign bank cards, ensuring seamless ticket purchases.

Whether you're in Shanghai for a quick visit or planning an extended stay, these ticket options offer flexibility and convenience, making your travel across the city smooth and hassle-free.

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  Five types of paper tickets for the Shanghai Metro

  Ti Gong

Navigating Shanghai's metro system just got a whole lot easier, thanks to a suite of mobile payment apps that link up with WeChat Pay, Alipay, and the UnionPay app. If you've already connected your overseas cards to these services, you're just a slick one-click away from activating mobile payment for metro tickets. Here's the lowdown on the best apps to keep you moving in style:

Metro大都会 (Shanghai Metro DADUHUI)

Overview: This is the official Metro app of Shanghai, and yes, you can switch it to English. Foreign visitors can use valid documents like passports or mainland travel permits for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents to register. Once you're in, just link your overseas card via Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay app, and voila, a QR code for digital payment is activated. Scan it at the gate and off you go.

Payment Channels:

• Alipay
  
• WeChat Pay (including options for MasterCard and Diners Club under "International Cards")
  
• UnionPay app
  

SH MaaS APP (Suishenxing)

Overview: Think of SH MaaS as your all-in-one green commuting companion in Shanghai. This app not only provides tickets for unlimited rides on subways, buses, and ferries but also offers an English version for international visitors. You can get one day (19.8 yuan), three day (47.8 yuan), and seven day (85.8 yuan) passes in the form of QR codes. Plus, you can activate and scan codes for up to two companions, making it perfect for family outings or group adventures.

Payment Channels:

• Alipay
  
• WeChat Pay
  
• UnionPay app
  

WeChat

Overview: For those who prefer to keep things streamlined, WeChat's got your back. With Tencent Transit QR Code now available for overseas visitors, you can handle all your public transport needs in Shanghai directly through the WeChat app.

Payment Sources:

• International Bank Card
  
• Local Chinese Bank Card
• WeChat Wallet (an in-app held balance, similar to PayPal's balance feature)

Alipay

Overview: Alipay also supports QR code payment for the Shanghai Metro. Once you've linked your international bank card, switch Alipay to its English version, then select "Transport," set your location to Shanghai, and then hit "Metro." Choose to acquire a metro card or activate the riding code. After completing the authorization and enabling password-free payment, you're ready to ride.

Payment Channels:

• International Bank Card
  
• Local Chinese Bank Card
  
• Alipay Balance (like WeChat Wallet, it is an in-app held balance)

Ti Gong

Payment Methods in Shanghai: A Guide for Newcomers

So, you've just landed in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai and you're wondering how to navigate daily expenses, particularly transportation fees. Fear not! The city offers a plethora of payment methods to suit your needs, whether you're grabbing a quick ride on the metro or paying for your morning coffee. Here's a handy guide to help you get started.

Cash Payments

Good old cash is still a viable option. You can withdraw RMB from ATMs at airports and ports using international bank cards. Exchange services and self-service machines are also available for currency exchange. In the city, ATMs are plentiful and ready to dispense your much-needed RMB.

Metro Ticket Purchase with Cash

Head to any Shanghai Metro station and you'll find ticket vending machines and service centers that accept cash. These machines handle 20-yuan, 10-yuan, and 5-yuan banknotes, as well as 1-yuan coins. Just feed in your money and grab your ticket – it's that simple.

Mobile Payments

Shanghai is a tech-savvy city, and mobile payments are king here. You can link your international bank cards to popular mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay, Alipay, and UnionPay. These apps accept major international cards, including VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, Diners Club, and JCB.

Metro Ticket Purchase with Mobile Payments

1. Apps to Download: Install the Metro大都会 or SH MaaS app, which integrates with WeChat Pay, Alipay, and UnionPay. Once your foreign bank card is linked to any of these apps, you can easily buy metro tickets through the app.
2. QR Code Payments: Use the QR code payment functionality on the WeChat or Alipay apps directly at ticket vending machines and service centers in all metro stations. These apps make it a breeze to purchase single-trip, one-day, or three-day metro tickets, as well as maglev train tickets. Note that public transportation cards can only be purchased using Alipay.

POS Machines for International Bank Cards

As of April 15, all service centers in Shanghai Metro stations are equipped with POS machines that accept a wide range of international bank cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, and China's UnionPay. You can use these cards to buy single-trip tickets, one-day passes, three-day passes, and maglev tickets.

Zhang Chaoyan