Shenzhen Metro Made Easy: Lines, Fares & How to Pay as a Tourist

Shenzhen's metro is one of the newest and cleanest in the world — and genuinely easy for English speakers. Every station has English signs and announcements. Here's the full lowdown.

🗺️ The network at a glance

Shenzhen Metro has more than 15 lines covering the whole city. As a visitor you'll mostly use:

• Line 1 — Luohu (border) to Bao'an, through the city centre.
• Line 2/8 — east-west through Futian, Nanshan and to Yantian (beach & Dameisha).
• Line 3 — to Longgang in the east.
• Line 4 — Futian Checkpoint (Lok Ma Chau border) north to Longhua.
• Line 11 — airport express, from Futian to Bao'an Airport.

Metro maps are bilingual in stations and on trains; the app Amap or Apple Maps will plan your route with exits.

💳 How to pay — 3 options

1. Alipay / WeChat QR code (easiest, recommended)

Open the transport code inside Alipay (search "metro" / 地铁) or WeChat mini-program, scan at the gate, and it charges your linked card. Works at every station. Set it up once and you're done for the whole trip.

2. Shenzhen Tong transport card

Buy a Shenzhen Tong (深圳通) card at station counters or convenience stores; tap on and off. Cards cost a small deposit and are handy if you prefer not to use phone pay. Note: HK's Octopus does NOT work on Shenzhen Metro.

3. Single-trip ticket machine

Ticket machines take cash (small notes) and some accept Alipay QR. Screens have an English mode — tap the flag/language button. Machines near the border are busy; allow extra time.

💰 Fares

Metro fares are cheap: roughly ¥2-9 depending on distance (a cross-city ride is usually under ¥8). Children under a height threshold ride free with an adult. Stations are air-conditioned and spotless.

🚇 Practical metro tips

• Security screening: bags go through an X-ray at every station entrance — it's quick, no need to remove liquids.
• Eating & drinking are banned on Shenzhen metro trains (fines apply) — finish that bubble tea before you tap in.
• Last trains usually run until around 23:00; check the final departure for your line. After that, use Didi.
• Peak hours (08:00-09:30, 17:30-19:30) can be packed — avoid with luggage.
• Airport: Line 11 goes direct to Bao'an Airport terminals. Follow the airport signs from the station.

Need a ride instead? Read our Didi & taxi guide.