Shanghai has the world’s longest metro network by track length, per the Shanghai Metro Authority. 21 lines. 508 stations. It runs from one airport to the other on a single line. As a tourist, you will use approximately three of those 21 lines for almost everything you want to do. This guide focuses on those three. For the broader China metro context: China Metro Guide.
The Three Lines Tourists Actually Use
| Line | Direction | Key Tourist Stations |
| Line 2 (green) | East-west axis. Pudong Airport to Hongqiao. | Pudong Airport, Lujiazui (Pudong towers), People’s Square, Nanjing Road (W), Jing’an Temple, Hongqiao. |
| Line 10 (purple) | Southeast arc through French Concession. | Laoximen (Yu Garden), Xintiandi, Dapuqiao (Tianzifang), Jiaotong University, Jing’an Temple. |
| Line 1 (red) | North-south. Xujiahui to Shanghai Railway Station. | Shanghai Railway Station, People’s Square, Huangpi South Road (near Bund), Xujiahui. |
Key Journeys for Tourists
| Journey | Route | Time | Cost |
| Pudong Airport to The Bund area | Line 2 to People’s Square, walk | 55 to 60 min | ¥8 |
| Hongqiao (HSR/airport) to city center | Line 2 east to People’s Square | 30 to 40 min | ¥6 |
| The Bund to French Concession | Walk (20 min) or Line 10 south | 15 to 25 min | ¥3 |
| People’s Square to Tianzifang | Line 10 to Dapuqiao | 10 min | ¥3 |
| City center to Hangzhou (day trip) | Line 2 to Hongqiao, G-train | 45 min G-train + 30 min metro | ¥73 + ¥6 |
| Pudong Airport to Maglev connection | Follow signs in arrivals hall | 8 min Maglev to Longyang Road | ¥50 |
People’s Square: The Interchange
People’s Square station is where Lines 1, 2, and 8 converge. It is the busiest station in the Shanghai metro. At rush hour, the transfers between lines involve long corridors and large crowds. When possible, avoid People’s Square during 7:30 to 9:30am and 5:30 to 7:30pm. The station has English signs throughout.
How to Pay
Alipay transit QR code: fastest and most convenient. Open Alipay, tap the Transport icon, your QR code appears. Hold it to the scanner at the turnstile. Walk through. Same at exit: scan again and the correct fare deducts. Full setup: Alipay Transit Code Guide. Metro card: ¥20 refundable deposit, top up at service windows. 10% discount on all fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Alipay transit setup: Alipay Transit Code Guide. For full China metro guide: China Metro Guide. For Shanghai overview: Shanghai Travel Guide.