Shenzhen · Subway

Map source: Wahsaw / Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.

First, use the Shenzhen Metro map above to confirm your departure station, destination station, line color, and likely transfer stations.

If you want to confirm how to travel between two stations, keep going to the planner below. After entering “From” and “To”, you can review the recommended line, direction, transfer steps, and an approximate travel time based on distance.

For first-time visitors to Shenzhen, a practical approach is: use the map to build your direction first, then use the planner below to confirm where to transfer.

Shenzhen Metro fares are calculated based on distance traveled. The base fare is typically ¥2 (for trips up to 4 km), with incremental increases for longer distances.

• Short trips within the city center usually cost around ¥2–¥9
• Longer, cross-district routes typically cost around ¥6–¥14
• The final fare is displayed on ticket vending machines, route planning pages, or QR code payment screens after you select your route

There’s no need to memorize fares in advance. Once you’ve selected your destination, the system will display the exact amount you need to pay.

Recommended order (for most international visitors):

1. Supported international contactless card / mobile wallet: This is now the easiest option. Since June 30, 2026, Shenzhen Metro has been trialling tap-to-ride across its network for Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB cards. If your card supports contactless payment, tap the physical card—or the same card in a supported mobile wallet—at a gate displaying the acceptance mark. No app download is required. Use the same physical card, or the same card on the same phone, to enter and exit.
2. Alipay / WeChat metro QR code: If you already have a metro code enabled, you can scan it to enter and exit. See our Alipay Metro Guide and WeChat Metro Guide.
3. Single-journey ticket from a ticket machine: A reliable choice if you do not have a supported card, only expect to ride once or twice, or do not want to set up an app.
4. One-day / three-day pass: Useful for frequent metro travel over one to three days, although physical passes are not sold at every station.
5. Shenzhen Tong transport card: Better for stays longer than three days, especially if you will use both the metro and buses frequently.

For a short visit, tap a supported international card first. If you do not have one, use an already activated metro QR code. If neither is available, a single-journey ticket is the most dependable fallback.

One-Day Pass / Three-Day Pass: Ideal for visitors who plan to use the metro frequently within 1–3 days.

There are two ways to purchase: Digital passes can be bought via the Shenzhen Metro app or the “Shenzhen Metro” mini-program on WeChat; simply scan the generated QR code to enter. Physical passes are typically available only at customer service centers in larger stations—not all stations sell them.

Shenzhen Tong Transport Card: Better suited for visitors staying longer than three days who will frequently use both the metro and buses.

• A deposit of ¥30 is usually required and fully refundable upon card return.
• The minimum initial top-up is typically ¥50; subsequent top-ups are generally in whole-number amounts.
• Card issuance locations include: customer service centers at metro stations, 7-Eleven / FamilyMart convenience stores, and bank branches displaying the “Shenzhen Tong” logo.
• Foreign visitors can usually apply with their passport—subject to on-site requirements.

• International contactless card / mobile wallet: At a gate displaying the Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or JCB acceptance mark, tap your contactless physical card or phone on the reader. Use the same physical card, or the same card on the same phone, to enter and exit. Do not enter with the physical card and try to exit with the phone.
• Alipay / WeChat metro QR code: Scan the QR code when entering and exiting. Open the code before reaching the gate so you do not have to switch networks or payment screens at the last moment.
• Single-journey ticket: Tap the round token on the gate reader when entering, then insert it into the collection slot when exiting; it will not be returned.
• Shenzhen Tong card: Tap the card on the gate reader when entering and exiting, and the fare will be deducted automatically.
• One-day / three-day pass: A virtual pass is normally used by QR code; for a physical pass, follow the instructions on the ticket or from the station service center.

If you are traveling as a group, remember the one-passenger-per-card-or-code rule: international bank cards and mobile wallets, metro QR codes, Shenzhen Tong cards, and one-day / three-day passes each admit one passenger only for one entry and one exit. One bank card, phone, QR code, or transit card cannot be tapped repeatedly to let several people through. Each traveler needs their own card or mobile wallet, QR code, transit card, or single-journey ticket.

If the gate does not open, your bank card or QR code is rejected, or a ticket/card is retained, go to the station service center first.

Who it’s for: First-time visitors to Shenzhen, travelers planning to take the metro only 1–2 times, or those who prefer not to link any app at this time.

You’ll encounter two types of ticket vending machines: Older models accept cash only; newer ones display “QR Code Payment” on-screen and feature a dedicated scanning area nearby.

1. If needed, switch to the English interface first.
2. Select your destination station and the number of tickets required—the fare will be displayed automatically.
3. Before payment, check the instructions printed on the machine body or shown on-screen: Accepted banknote and coin denominations vary by machine and are not standardized across the network.
4. On upgraded machines, you may choose Alipay or WeChat Pay via QR code scanning.
5. Collect your round, single-journey ticket; tap it against the sensor zone to enter the station, and insert it into the collection slot when exiting.

If your banknote is rejected, change is incorrect, or the gate fails to open, head directly to the station’s “Customer Service Center” for the fastest assistance.