π Shenzhen Metro Guide
Navigate Shenzhen like a local - complete subway guide for international visitors
Operating Hours
6:30 AM - 23:00 PM
Some lines extended to 23:30
Ticket Prices
Β₯2 - Β₯8 per trip
Distance-based fare system
Payment Methods
Shenzhen Tong Card, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Single-ride tickets available
Recommended App
Shenzhen Metro App
Official app with English support
Shenzhen Metro Map
High-resolution official English metro map. Click to zoom or download for offline use.
Essential Metro Information
π Operating Hours
Most Shenzhen metro lines operate from 6:30 AM to 23:00 PM daily. First trains typically depart around 6:30 AM, and last trains depart around 23:00 PM.
β οΈ Note: Operating hours may vary by line and station. Check station notices for specific timetables.
π° Ticket Prices
Metro fares are distance-based, typically ranging from Β₯2 to Β₯8 per trip:
- 0-6 km: Β₯2
- 6-12 km: Β₯3
- 12-22 km: Β₯4
- 22-32 km: Β₯5
- Over 32 km: Β₯6+ (additional Β₯1 per 20 km)
Children under 1.3 meters travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
π« How to Buy Tickets
Option 1: Single Journey Ticket
Purchase at ticket vending machines (available in English) or staffed counters at any station. Cash and mobile payments accepted.
Option 2: Rechargeable Card (Recommended)
Buy a transit card at any station for a refundable deposit (usually Β₯20). Top up at machines or counters. Offers convenience and avoids ticket queues.
Option 3: Mobile Payment
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes to enter and exit stations. Look for the QR code scanner at gates.
π Riding Rules
- Queue up and let passengers exit before boarding
- Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left
- No eating or drinking on trains or in stations
- Keep your ticket/card until you exit (you'll need it to leave the station)
- Priority seating is reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with young children
- No smoking anywhere in the station or on trains
Top Attractions & Nearest Stations
Quick reference for foreign tourists: attraction name, nearest metro station, line, exit, and walking time.
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line | Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window of the World | Window of the World | Line 1 / Line 2 | Exit J | 1 min |
| OCT East | Yantian Road | Line 8 | Exit A | 10 min (or take shuttle) |
| Shenzhen Bay Park | Shenzhen Bay Park | Line 9 | Exit D2 | 2 min |
| Dameisha Beach | Dameisha | Line 8 | Exit A | 5 min |
| Shenzhen North Railway Station | Shenzhen North | Line 4 / Line 5 / Line 6 | Various | Direct access |
Line Guide & Transfer Tips
Shenzhen Metro Line 1 (Green Line)
Route: Luohu β Airport East
Operating Hours: 6:30 AM - 23:00 PM
Major Attractions: Window of the World, Huaqiang Road, Shenzhen University
Key Transfer Stations:
- Science Museum (Transfer to Line 6)
- Huaqiang Road (Transfer to Line 2)
- Qianhai (Transfer to Line 5)
How to Transfer Between Lines
- Follow the signs: Look for transfer signs with line colors and arrows
- Allow extra time: Transfers can take 5-15 minutes depending on station size
- Keep your ticket: You don't need to exit and re-enter; just follow transfer paths
- Use navigation apps: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps show transfer routes
π‘ Pro Tips:
- During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), transfers can be very crowded
- Some stations have multiple transfer passages - follow signs carefully
- If lost, ask station staff for help (many speak basic English)
Travel Tips for Foreigners
π± Essential Apps
- Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps: For route planning and real-time navigation
- Alipay / WeChat: For mobile payments (set up before your trip)
- Google Translate: Download offline Chinese package before traveling
- Shenzhen Metro App: For metro maps and planning
π£οΈ Language Barriers
Most metro signs are in both Chinese and English. However:
- Announcements are primarily in Chinese (some lines have English announcements)
- Station staff may not speak English - use translation apps
- Keep your destination written in Chinese characters as a backup
- Metro maps in English are available at information counters
π³ Payment Methods
Recommended: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip (requires Chinese bank account or international card binding).
Alternative: Buy a rechargeable transit card (Β₯20 refundable deposit + fare balance). Available at any station.
Emergency Option: Single journey tickets can be purchased with cash at vending machines (English interface available).
β° Rush Hour Avoidance
Avoid traveling during peak hours if possible:
- Morning Rush: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Trains can be extremely crowded, and you may need to wait for several trains to board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Shenzhen Airport by metro?
Take Metro Line 11 (Airport Express) directly to Airport Station. The journey from Shenzhen North Station takes about 25 minutes, or about 50 minutes from Luohu Station. Line 1 also connects to Airport East Station but with more stops. The airport metro station is open from 6:30 AM until the last flight arrives, typically around midnight.
Can I take the metro to Hong Kong from Shenzhen?
Not directly. To go to Hong Kong from Shenzhen, you can take the Metro to Luohu Station (Line 1) or Futian Checkpoint (Line 4) and cross the border on foot to Hong Kong's MTR stations. Alternatively, take the high-speed train from Shenzhen North Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (19 minutes, Β₯75-100).
How do I get to Window of the World?
Take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 to Window of the World Station (Exit J). The theme park is directly adjacent to the station. This station is also a transfer point between Lines 1 and 2, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city.
Is Shenzhen Metro English-friendly?
Shenzhen is quite international and most metro signage is bilingual. The Shenzhen Metro app has full English support. Ticket machines offer English interface. Station staff near tourist areas like Window of the World and Huaqiang Road often have basic English. Mobile payments via Alipay/WeChat are widely accepted.
How do I reach the beaches (Dameisha, Xiaomeisha)?
Take Metro Line 8 to Dameisha Station (Exit A) for Dameisha Beach or continue to Xiaomeisha Station for the next beach area. From Dameisha station, it's about a 5-minute walk to the beach. Note that Line 8 can get extremely crowded on summer weekends and holidays.