Buying a ticket
Ticket machines have English options; many accept cash or cards, but mobile QR is faster. You can also use a transit card or the city’s metro mini-program in Alipay/WeChat. Keep your ticket/QR until you exit.
Security and crowds
Bags go through a scanner; allow extra time at big stations. Rush hours (7:30–9:30, 17:30–19:30) are crowded; avoid luggage then. Stand on the right of escalators, let passengers off first, and don’t eat or drink on trains.
Navigation
Station names and signs are in Chinese and English. Check the line direction and the exit number — exits can be far apart at street level. Save your hotel’s nearest station/exit in Chinese.
Reality check
The metro is easy until you hit a station with 15 exits; check the exit letter before surfacing.
Local tip: Save the station and exit number in Chinese.
Step by step
- Find the nearest station/exit.
- Buy a ticket or open the metro QR.
- Go through security.
- Check line direction and platform.
- Keep ticket/QR for exit.
- Use the correct exit and navigate above ground.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Single ride | US$0.3–1.5 |
| Transit card | Deposit + top-up |
| Airport express | US$3–10 |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Payment app/cash
- Station/exit in Chinese
Common mistakes
- Wrong direction
- Losing the ticket
- Rush hour with luggage
- Wrong exit
If things go wrong
- If you take the wrong direction, get off at the next station and change platforms.
- If you lose your ticket, go to the service desk; do not jump the gate.
FAQ
Is the metro safe?
Yes, with normal city precautions. Watch for pickpockets in crowds.
Can I pay with a foreign card?
Some machines accept cards; mobile QR or cash is more reliable.
Getting around: the field guide
China’s transport is fast and punctual, but the stations are huge. The main skill is leaving enough time and knowing exactly which station, terminal or exit you need.
Book the right mode
For city pairs under 4–5 hours, high-speed rail usually beats flying door-to-door. For long distances or routes without direct rail, fly. Overnight trains save a hotel night but are slower; book a sleeper, not a hard seat.
Stations and airports
Check the station name in Chinese, not just the city. Shanghai has several stations; Beijing’s airports are far apart. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for rail and 2 hours for domestic flights. Keep your passport with you; it is your ticket on many rail routes.
Local trips
Use the metro for predictable journeys and DiDi for door-to-door trips with luggage or at night. Avoid unlicensed touts. At big stations, follow the numbered exits; the wrong exit can add a 15-minute walk. For bikes, use designated lanes and park legally.
Quick checks
- Station/terminal name in Chinese
- Ticket or e-ticket saved offline
- Arrival buffer built in
- Metro exit number noted
- Official taxi/DiDi only
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Payment app/cash
- Station/exit in Chinese
- Find the nearest station/exit.
- Buy a ticket or open the metro QR.
- Go through security.
- Check line direction and platform.
- Keep ticket/QR for exit.
- Use the correct exit and navigate above ground.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.