Shanghai Metra/Subway Line Guide

Shanghai Metro (上海地铁), officially known as Shanghai Rail Transit (上海轨道交通), is the largest urban rail transit network in the world by operating mileage. Covering 14 districts across the city and extending into Kunshan (昆山) in neighboring Jiangsu Province (江苏省), the system has become the backbone of transportation for both locals and international travelers.

Since the opening of Line 1 in 1993, the network has rapidly expanded into a modern transportation system with more than 20 operational lines, over 500 stations, and direct access to airports, railway stations, commercial districts, historic neighborhoods, and famous attractions.

For tourists visiting Shanghai (上海), the metro is the fastest, most affordable, and most convenient way to explore iconic destinations such as The Bund (外滩), Lujiazui (陆家嘴), Yu Garden (豫园), Shanghai Disneyland (上海迪士尼度假区), and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街).

Shanghai Metro Lines Overview

Line 1 – The Main North-South Corridor

Line 1 (1号线) is one of the busiest and most important subway lines in Shanghai, connecting major commercial centers, transportation hubs, and downtown districts.

Route

Xinzhuang (莘庄) → Waihuan Road (外环路) → Lianhua Road (莲花路) → Jinjiang Park (锦江乐园) → Shanghai South Railway Station (上海南站) → Caobao Road (漕宝路) → Shanghai Indoor Stadium (上海体育馆) → Xujiahui (徐家汇) → Hengshan Road (衡山路) → Changshu Road (常熟路) → South Shaanxi Road (陕西南路) → South Huangpi Road (黄陂南路) → People's Square (人民广场) → Xinzha Road (新闸路) → Hanzhong Road (汉中路) → Shanghai Railway Station (上海火车站) → Zhongshan North Road (中山北路) → Yanchang Road (延长路) → Shanghai Circus World (上海马戏城) → Wenshui Road (汶水路) → Pengpu Xincun (彭浦新村) → Gongkang Road (共康路) → Tonghe Xincun (通河新村) → Hulan Road (呼兰路) → Gongfu Xincun (共富新村) → Bao'an Highway (宝安公路) → West Youyi Road (友谊西路) → Fujin Road (富锦路)

Highlights

• Direct access to People’s Square (人民广场) and Xujiahui (徐家汇)
• Convenient for Huaihai Road (淮海路) shopping areas
• Connects Shanghai South Railway Station (上海南站) and Shanghai Railway Station (上海火车站)

Line 2 – Shanghai’s Golden East-West Metro Line

Line 2 (2号线) is the most popular metro line for tourists. It links both international airports, major railway stations, business districts, and famous attractions.

Route

Pangxiang Road · National Accounting Institute (蟠祥路·国家会计学院) → East Xujing (徐泾东) → Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站) → Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 (虹桥2号航站楼) → Songhong Road (淞虹路) → Beixinjing (北新泾) → Weining Road (威宁路) → Loushanguan Road (娄山关路) → Zhongshan Park (中山公园) → Jiangsu Road (江苏路) → Jing'an Temple (静安寺) → West Nanjing Road (南京西路) → People's Square (人民广场) → East Nanjing Road (南京东路) → Lujiazui (陆家嘴) → Dongchang Road (东昌路) → Century Avenue (世纪大道) → Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (上海科技馆) → Century Park (世纪公园) → Longyang Road (龙阳路) → Zhangjiang High-Tech Park (张江高科) → Jinke Road (金科路) → Guanglan Road (广兰路) → Tangzhen (唐镇) → Innovation Middle Road (创新中路) → Huaxia East Road (华夏东路) → Chuansha (川沙) → Lingkong Road (凌空路) → Yuandong Avenue (远东大道) → Haitiansan Road (海天三路) → Pudong International Airport (浦东国际机场)

Highlights

• Connects Hongqiao Airport (虹桥机场) and Pudong International Airport (浦东国际机场)
• Direct access to The Bund (外滩), Lujiazui (陆家嘴), and Nanjing Road (南京路)
• Essential line for first-time visitors to Shanghai

Line 3 – Elevated Scenic Metro Line

Route

Shanghai South Railway Station (上海南站) → Shilong Road (石龙路) → Longcao Road (龙漕路) → Caoxi Road (漕溪路) → Yishan Road (宜山路) → Hongqiao Road (虹桥路) → Yan'an West Road (延安西路) → Zhongshan Park (中山公园) → Jinshajiang Road (金沙江路) → Caoyang Road (曹杨路) → Zhenping Road (镇坪路) → Zhongtan Road (中潭路) → Shanghai Railway Station (上海火车站) → Baoshan Road (宝山路) → Dongbaoxing Road (东宝兴路) → Hongkou Football Stadium (虹口足球场) → Chifeng Road (赤峰路) → Dabaishu (大柏树) → Jiangwan Town (江湾镇) → West Yingao Road (殷高西路) → Changjiang South Road (长江南路) → Songfa Road (淞发路) → Zhanghuabang (张华浜) → Songbin Road (淞滨路) → Shuichan Road (水产路) → Baoyang Road (宝杨路) → Youyi Road (友谊路) → Tieli Road (铁力路) → Jiangyang North Road (江杨北路)

Highlights

• Elevated tracks with panoramic city views
• Convenient for northern Shanghai districts
• Shared section with Line 4

Line 4 – Shanghai’s Circular Metro Line

Route (Inner Loop)

Yishan Road (宜山路) → Hongqiao Road (虹桥路) → Yan'an West Road (延安西路) → Zhongshan Park (中山公园) → Jinshajiang Road (金沙江路) → Caoyang Road (曹杨路) → Zhenping Road (镇坪路) → Zhongtan Road (中潭路) → Shanghai Railway Station (上海火车站) → Baoshan Road (宝山路) → Hailun Road (海伦路) → Linping Road (临平路) → Dalian Road (大连路) → Yangshupu Road (杨树浦路) → Pudong Avenue (浦东大道) → Century Avenue (世纪大道) → Pudian Road (浦电路) → Lancun Road (蓝村路) → Tangqiao (塘桥) → Nanpu Bridge (南浦大桥) → South Xizang Road (西藏南路) → Luban Road (鲁班路) → Damuqiao Road (大木桥路) → Dong'an Road (东安路) → Shanghai Indoor Stadium (上海体育馆) → Yishan Road (宜山路)

Highlights

• Shanghai’s only circular subway line
• Excellent for transfers across downtown Shanghai
• Fast access to multiple major districts

Line 5 – Minhang & Fengxian District Line

Main Route

Xinzhuang (莘庄) → Chunshen Road (春申路) → Yindu Road (银都路) → Zhuanqiao (颛桥) → Beiqiao (北桥) → Jianchuan Road (剑川路) → Dongchuan Road (东川路) → Jiangchuan Road (江川路) → Xidu (西渡) → Xiaotang (萧塘) → Fengpu Avenue (奉浦大道) → Huandong Road (环东路) → Wangyuan Road (望园路) → Jinhai Lake (金海湖) → Fengxian Xincheng (奉贤新城)

Branch Line

Dongchuan Road (东川路) → Jinping Road (金平路) → Huaning Road (华宁路) → Wenjing Road (文井路) → Minhang Development Zone (闵行开发区)

Highlights

• Serves suburban districts
• Convenient for university campuses and industrial parks

Line 6 – Pudong Urban Line

Route

Gangcheng Road (港城路) → North Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone (外高桥保税区北) → South Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone (外高桥保税区南) → Zhouhai Road (洲海路) → Hangjin Road (航津路) → West Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone (外高桥保税区西) → Zhangyang North Road (张扬北路) → Jufeng Road (巨峰路) → Wulian Road (五莲路) → Boxing Road (博兴路) → Jinqiao Road (金桥路) → Yunshan Road (云山路) → Deping Road (德平路) → Beiyangjing Road (北洋泾路) → Minsheng Road (民生路) → Yuanshen Sports Center (源深体育中心) → Century Avenue (世纪大道) → Pudian Road (浦电路) → Lancun Road (蓝村路) → Shanghai Children's Medical Center (上海儿童医学中心) → Linyi Xincun (临沂新村) → West Gaoke Road (高科西路) → Dongming Road (东明路) → Gaoqing Road (高青路) → Huaxia West Road (华夏西路) → Oriental Sports Center (东方体育中心)

Highlights

• Core metro line in Pudong (浦东)
• Convenient for financial districts and residential communities

Line 7 – Popular Scenic & Residential Route

Route

Meilan Lake (美兰湖) → Luonan Xincun (罗南新村) → Panguang Road (潘广路) → Liuxing (刘行) → Gucun Park (顾村公园) → Qihua Road (祁华路) → Shanghai University (上海大学) → Nanchen Road (南陈路) → Shangda Road (上大路) → Changzhong Road (场中路) → Dachang Town (大场镇) → Xingzhi Road (行知路) → Dahua Third Road (大华三路) → Xincun Road (新村路) → Langao Road (岚皋路) → Zhenping Road (镇坪路) → Changshou Road (长寿路) → Changping Road (昌平路) → Jing'an Temple (静安寺) → Changshu Road (常熟路) → Zhaojiabang Road (肇嘉浜路) → Dong'an Road (东安路) → Longhua Middle Road (龙华中路) → Houtan (后滩) → Changqing Road (长清路) → Yaohua Road (耀华路) → Yuntai Road (云台路) → West Gaoke Road (高科西路) → South Yanggao Road (杨高南路) → Jinxiu Road (锦绣路) → Fanghua Road (芳华路) → Longyang Road (龙阳路) → Huamu Road (花木路)

Highlights

• Access to Gucun Park (顾村公园) famous for cherry blossoms
• Convenient for Longhua Temple (龙华寺) and Expo areas

Line 8 – Central Cultural Route

Route

Shiguang Road (市光路) → Nenjiang Road (嫩江路) → Xiangyin Road (翔殷路) → Huangxing Park (黄兴公园) → Yanji Middle Road (延吉中路) → Jiangpu Road (江浦路) → Anshan Xincun (鞍山新村) → Siping Road (四平路) → Quyang Road (曲阳路) → Hongkou Football Stadium (虹口足球场) → North Xizang Road (西藏北路) → Zhongxing Road (中兴路) → Qufu Road (曲阜路) → People's Square (人民广场) → Dashijie (大世界) → Laoximen (老西门) → Lujiabang Road (陆家浜路) → South Xizang Road (西藏南路) → China Art Museum (中华艺术宫) → Yaohua Road (耀华路) → Chengshan Road (成山路) → Yangsi (杨思) → Lingyan South Road (灵岩南路) → Lingzhao Xincun (凌兆新村) → Luheng Road (芦恒路) → Pujiang Town (浦江镇) → Jiangyue Road (江月路) → Lianhang Road (联航路) → Shendu Highway (沈杜公路)

Highlights

• Direct access to China Art Museum (中华艺术宫)
• Convenient for downtown sightseeing

Line 9 – Songjiang to Downtown Shanghai

Route

Songjiang South Railway Station (松江南站) → Songjiang University Town (松江大学城) → Dongjing (洞泾) → Sheshan (佘山) → Sijing (泗泾) → Jiuting (九亭) → Zhongchun Road (中春路) → Qibao (七宝) → Xingzhong Road (星中路) → Hechuan Road (合川路) → Caohejing Development Zone (漕河泾开发区) → Guilin Road (桂林路) → Yishan Road (宜山路) → Xujiahui (徐家汇) → Zhaojiabang Road (肇嘉浜路) → Jiashan Road (嘉善路) → Dapuqiao (打浦桥) → Madang Road (马当路) → Lujiabang Road (陆家浜路) → Xiaonanmen (小南门) → Shangcheng Road (商城路) → Century Avenue (世纪大道) → Fangdian Road (芳甸路) → Middle Yanggao Road (杨高中路) → Jinqiao (金桥) → Jinhai Road (金海路) → Gutang Road (顾唐路) → Minlei Road (民雷路) → Caolu (曹路)

Highlights

• Best metro line for Sheshan (佘山) and Qibao Ancient Town (七宝古镇)
• Convenient for Tianzifang (田子坊) and Xujiahui (徐家汇)

Line 10 – Shanghai’s Best Tourist Subway Line

Route

Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站) → Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 (虹桥2号航站楼) → Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 (虹桥1号航站楼) → Shanghai Zoo (上海动物园) → Longxi Road (龙溪路) → Shuicheng Road (水城路) → Yili Road (伊犁路) → Songyuan Road (宋园路) → Hongqiao Road (虹桥路) → Jiaotong University (交通大学) → Shanghai Library (上海图书馆) → South Shaanxi Road (陕西南路) → Xintiandi (新天地) → Laoximen (老西门) → Yu Garden (豫园) → East Nanjing Road (南京东路) → North Sichuan Road (四川北路) → Hailun Road (海伦路) → Youdian Xincun (邮电新村) → Siping Road (四平路) → Jiangwan Stadium (江湾体育场) → Sanmen Road (三门路) → Jiangwan Town (江湾镇) → East Yingao Road (殷高东路) → New Jiangwan City (新江湾城) → Guofan Road (国帆路) → Jilong Road (基隆路)

Highlights

• One of the best lines for tourists
• Direct access to:
  • Yu Garden (豫园)
  • Xintiandi (新天地)
  • Nanjing Road (南京路)
  • Shanghai Zoo (上海动物园)

Line 11 – Shanghai Disneyland & Cross-Province Metro Line

Main Route

Disney Resort (迪士尼度假区) → Kangxin Highway (康新公路) → Xiuyan Road (秀沿路) → Luoshan Road (罗山路) → Yuqiao (御桥) → Pusan Road (浦三路) → Sanlin (三林) → Oriental Sports Center (东方体育中心) → Longwu Road (龙吴路) → Yunjin Road (云锦路) → Shanghai Swimming Center (上海游泳馆) → Xujiahui (徐家汇) → Jiaotong University (交通大学) → Jiangsu Road (江苏路) → Longde Road (隆德路) → Caoyang Road (曹杨路) → Fengqiao Road (枫桥路) → Zhenru (真如) → Shanghai West Railway Station (上海西站) → Liziyuan (李子园) → Qilianshan Road (祁连山路) → Wuwei Road (武威路) → Taopu Xincun (桃浦新村) → Nanxiang (南翔) → Malu (马陆) → Jiading Xincheng (嘉定新城) → Baiyin Road (白银路) → Jiading West (嘉定西) → Jiading North (嘉定北)

Branch Route

Nanxiang (南翔) → Chenxiang Highway (陈翔公路) → Anting (安亭) → Zhaofeng Road (兆丰路) → Guangming Road (光明路) → Huaqiao (花桥)

Highlights

• Direct subway access to Shanghai Disneyland (上海迪士尼度假区)
• China’s first cross-province metro line
• Extends into Kunshan (昆山) in Jiangsu Province (江苏省)

Shanghai Metro Travel Tips for Visitors

Best Metro Lines for Tourists

• Line 2: Airports, The Bund, Lujiazui
• Line 10: Yu Garden, Xintiandi, historic districts
• Line 11: Shanghai Disneyland
• Line 17: Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角古镇)

Most Useful Transfer Stations

People’s Square Station (人民广场站)

Transfer: Line 1 / 2 / 8
Nearby attractions:

• Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
• Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)

Century Avenue Station (世纪大道站)

Transfer: Line 2 / 4 / 6 / 9

Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站)

Transfer:

• Line 2
• Line 10
• Line 17
• Airport Link Line

Longyang Road Station (龙阳路站)

Transfer:

• Line 2
• Line 7
• Line 11
• Line 16
• Maglev Train

How to Pay for the Shanghai Metro

Mobile Payment

Visitors can use:

• Alipay (支付宝)
• WeChat Pay (微信支付)
• Metro Daduhui App (Metro大都会APP)

Tourist Passes

• One-Day Pass
• Three-Day Pass
• Maglev + Metro Combination Ticket

Best Metro Routes to Shanghai Attractions

The Bund (外滩) & Nanjing Road (南京路步行街)

• Line 2 or Line 10
• East Nanjing Road Station (南京东路站)

Lujiazui (陆家嘴)

• Line 2 or Line 14
• Lujiazui Station (陆家嘴站)

Yu Garden (豫园)

• Line 14 preferred
• Yu Garden Station (豫园站)

Shanghai Disneyland (上海迪士尼度假区)

• Line 11 direct access

Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角古镇)

• Line 17
• Zhujiajiao Station (朱家角站)

Shanghai Maglev Train (磁浮列车)

The Shanghai Maglev Train (上海磁浮列车) is the world’s first commercial high-speed magnetic levitation railway.

Route

Longyang Road (龙阳路) → Pudong International Airport (浦东国际机场)

Highlights

• Top speed of 430 km/h
• Airport transfer in about 8 minutes
• One of Shanghai’s most futuristic transportation experiences

Future Expansion of the Shanghai Metro

Shanghai continues to expand its rail transit system rapidly. By 2030, the network is expected to exceed 1,600 kilometers in total operating length, including metro and regional railway services.

Future projects include:

• Line 22 Chongming Line (崇明线) connecting Chongming Island (崇明岛)
• Additional airport rail links
• Expanded suburban and intercity connections

The continuously growing metro network will make traveling across Shanghai (上海) even faster and more convenient for both residents and international visitors.