Using the Alipay Transport Code for Buses and Metros

ByRui Yu Transport Guide
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Open Alipay. Tap the transport icon. A QR code appears. Scan it at the metro turnstile. That is the whole process. Here is how to set it up.

Alipay Transport Code

The ticket machine queue at Beijing metro stations during morning rush hour can be 5 to 10 minutes. The Ant Group transit code skips it entirely. can be 5 minutes long. The Alipay transit QR takes 5 seconds. Open Alipay, tap the transport icon, scan the code at the gate, walk through. Done. This is the right way to use the metro in China. Metro context: China Metro Guide.

Key Takeaways

  • Works in 100+ cities including all major metro and bus systems.
  • Auto-detects your city. No manual setup per city.
  • Requires Alipay set up with identity verification and linked card. Setup guide.
  • Also works for city buses. Scan at the front door reader on boarding.
  • Maximum brightness and steady scan = reliable gate opening.
  • Backup: single-journey token machines with cash if QR fails.

Setup: Step by Step

  1. Confirm your Alipay account has completed identity verification and has a linked card. Alipay guide if not.
  2. Open Alipay on your phone.
  3. On the home screen, scroll down or look for the transport icon (交通出行, jiāotōng chūxíng).
  4. Tap it. Alipay detects your location and generates the transit QR code.
  5. At the metro entrance: hold your phone screen (with the QR displayed) to the scan pad on the turnstile.
  6. Hold steady for 1 to 2 seconds. The gate opens.
  7. At exit: scan the exit gate in the same way. Fare is calculated and deducted automatically.

For Buses

Most city buses in China have a QR reader near the driver at the front door. Generate the Alipay transit code before boarding. Scan on entry. Bus fares are flat (typically ¥2) and there is no tap-out required. If the bus reader shows an error, have ¥2 cash ready as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

It works in over 100 Chinese cities including all major metro systems (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, and more). Alipay auto-detects your city and generates the correct code. The same code works for buses as well as metro in most cities.

You need Alipay set up with identity verification and a linked foreign card first. Once Alipay is verified, the transit feature activates automatically. Open Alipay, scroll the home screen to find the transport icon (交通出行), tap it, and your transit QR generates. Full Alipay setup: Alipay guide.

Yes. In most cities the same QR code that works on the metro also works on city buses. Scan the reader at the front of the bus when boarding. No tapping out on buses; the fare is flat.

Ensure your phone brightness is at maximum. Hold the code steady 5 to 10 cm from the reader for 2 seconds. If it still fails, use the adjacent machine to buy a single-journey token with cash. Then resolve the Alipay issue outside the turnstile area.

Some cities offer a 10% fare discount for using Alipay or WeChat Pay on public transport. This varies by city. Physical transit cards (like Beijing’s Yikatong) also typically offer a 10% discount. Check the local metro app or the Alipay transit page for your specific city.

For the full metro guide: China Metro Guide. For Alipay setup: Alipay for Foreigners.

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