At present, eight metro lines serve Shenzhen, covering most of the urban area and all of the airline and railway hubs.
People can use the Shenzhen Metro system to enjoy all the excellent highlights and shopping areas in this city. The subway is also a foreign tourist's friend because it is safe, swift, and easy to use.
Here, we have provided you with the latest Shenzhen Metro map as well as useful information about the operation times, ticket fares, ticket types, major metro lines, and some tips. Bookmark this page!
Operation Times
The first and last Shenzhen Metro trains depart from each station at 06:30 and 23:00, respectively.
Major Shenzhen Metro Lines
Here, we have listed some major Shenzhen Metro lines, which connect transportation hubs, ports, attractions, and shopping malls.
Line 1 (Luobao Line)
Shenzhen Bao'an International AirportAs the main artery in Shenzhen, this line runs between downtown Shenzhen and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.
When arriving at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, you can enter the airport terminal via a corridor without leaving the subway station. You can also take the subway to Luohu Port and then go directly to Hong Kong.
Leave Grand Theater Station via Exit C and you will arrive at East Gate, where there is a traditional shopping area.
In Laojie Station, you can go to the modern shopping mall called COCO Park without leaving the station.
You can take this line to Window of the World.
Check out more information about Shenzhen shopping.
Line 2 (Shekou Line)
Shenzhen Railway StationThis line runs past Shekou Port and Shenzhen Railway Station (in Futian Station).
Line 2 connects the attractions of Window of the World and Shenzhen Grand Theater (with East Gate shopping area near Exit C).
You can also take this line to visit the largest electronic products market of Huaqiang North (also called Huaqiangbei).
Line 3 (Longgang Line)
This line connects Shenzhen East Railway Station in Buji Station and Shenzhen Railway Station in Futian Station.
If you are going to visit Dafen Oil Painting Village, take this line to Dafen Station.
In Laojie Station, you can go to the modern shopping mall called COCO Park without leaving the station.
Line 4 (Longhua Line)
Shenzhen North Railway StationThe line runs on the axial line of the Shenzhen urban area, stretching from Futian Port and connecting Shenzhen North Railway Station.
Line 5
This line connects Shenzhen North Railway Station and Shenzhen East Railway Station (in Buji Station).
Line 7 (Xili Line)
This line connects Huanggang Port (in Huanggang Checkpoint Station).
Line 11
This line starts from Shenzhen Railway Station (in Futian Station) and connects Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.
Ticket Fares
The ticket fares depend on the distance you travel.
- 0–4 kilometers: 2 yuan
- 4–12 kilometers: plus 1 yuan for every 4 kilometers
- 12–24 kilometers: plus 1 yuan for every 6 kilometers
- >24 kilometers: plus 1 yuan for every 8 kilometers
Ticketing
There are many types of metro ticket and many ways to take the metro - you can choose the most suitable one depending on where you are going or how long you are staying in Shenzhen.
Single Journey Ticket
Single Journey TicketSingle-trip tickets are mostly used by tourists. You can buy your ticket from a ticketing office or an automatic vending machine (the machines only accept 5/10/20 yuan notes, 0.5/1 yuan coins, and Chinese payment apps).
Then simply show your ticket at the gate to enter and return it to exit. Be aware that the ticket is only valid on the day you purchase it and the ticket could be easily lost as it's only coin-sized.
Unless you are planning to spend more than just a few days traveling around, simply using single-trip tickets is recommended to avoid the hassle of getting a metro card or setting up a payment account.
Day Pass
A Day Pass costs 20 yuan and you can buy one in any Shenzhen Metro station. A Day Pass allows you unlimited use of Shenzhen Metro within 24 hours from the first time you use it to pass through the gate.
This is a better type of ticket if you are going to use the metro lines a lot within one day.
QR Code for Taking the Shenzhen Metro
Passengers can use the QR code program in WeChat, which is the most popular chatting and payment mobile app in China, to take the metro. Follow these steps to try this modern and popular choice:
- Step 1: Download WeChat from your favorite app store and set up your account.
- Step 2: Use Swapsy to exchange and transfer USD/GBP/CAD from your PayPal/Zelle account into RMB to WeChat.
- Step 3: When you are in one of the metro stations, scan the QR code to get the program.
- Step 4: Use the program to generate a QR code, scan the code at the gate to get on the metro train, and use it again to get off. The fare will be calculated automatically.
Smart Cards
You can get a smart card called the Shenzhen Tong. This is useful if you are staying in Shenzhen for a long time and you can get a travel discount when you use it.
Tips for Using Shenzhen Metro
Shenzhen Metro is crowded during rush hoursCheck the map and signs carefully: Although the signs and announcements are in English, it is still a problem for overseas travelers to get on the right train and get off at the right station. The best idea is to check the map and signs carefully and talk to the English-speaking staff if you are not sure.
Be prepared during rush hours: Nearly 6 million people use Shenzhen Metro every day. During the rush hours of 08:00–09:00 and 17:00–18:00, there is only standing room left.
Notice the time of the last train: The last train on some metro lines departs at about 23:00, so you are advised to finish your visit before this time or use taxis late at night.
Touring Shenzhen with Us
If Shenzhen Metro doesn't sound like the way you would like, visit the city with us in a comfortable private car and with an English-speaking guide. You can save time by not having to manage the route and deal with ticketing issues and can stay away from the crowds.
To create your own Shenzhen experience with our help, simply customize your tour.