For getting around the Shenzhen metro and buses, the handiest option isn't buying a ticket — it's using a mobile ride code: scan on entry, and the fare is deducted automatically on exit, just as convenient as Hong Kong's Octopus card. For Hong Kong travellers, the simplest way is to activate the Shenzhen ride code using WeChat Pay HK or AlipayHK, which are already on your phone. According to Shenzhen Metro's official figures, smart travel now accounts for nearly 80% of Shenzhen Metro journeys, with passengers mainly entering stations via ride codes, the national transit card, financial IC cards, and facial recognition; and since the international bank card tap-to-enter service launched, overseas travellers can also use bank cards issued in multiple countries and regions across all stations on the network.
Method 1: Activate the Shenzhen ride code with WeChat
- Open WeChat → "Me" → "Services" (or "Pay");
- Tap "Transport" → choose "Metro" / "Bus";
- Select Shenzhen as the region → activate the "Shenzhen Tong ride code";
- Confirm payment with WeChat Pay HK;
- On entry / boarding, aim at the scanner — once you hear the beep, you're through.
Method 2: Activate with Alipay
- Open Alipay (either AlipayHK or the mainland version works) → tap "Transport" on the home page;
- Choose "Shenzhen" as the city → activate "Shenzhen Tong" or the "ride code";
- Follow the prompts to complete identity verification (AlipayHK uses your Hong Kong ID, the mainland version uses your Home Return Permit);
- Scan on exit, and the fare is automatically deducted from your linked credit card / balance.
Fares and discounts
Shenzhen Metro single-journey tickets start at ¥2 and increase with distance travelled; the ride code costs the same as a physical ticket. Shenzhen Metro itself has a "cumulative discount" mechanism (a discount once you've spent a certain amount each month) — check Shenzhen Tong / Shenzhen Metro's official announcements for details; Alipay / WeChat also frequently run ride discount coupon promotions, so keep an eye on in-app offers after activating.
Recommended stops along the lines: Luohu Station on Line 1 (Luohu Commercial City, KK Mall), Convention & Exhibition Center Station on Line 4 (Shopping Park, Shenzhen Book City CBD Store), Houhai Station on Line 13 (Coastal City, Shenzhen Bay MixC); if you want to relax, take the metro to Lianhuashan Park or Shenzhen Library (Children's Palace Station).
Three border crossings tested
Luohu Port (Luohu Station, Line 1)
Once you clear customs you're right at Exit A of Luohu Station on Line 1, and all the gates already support scanning; queues are long at peak times, so it's best to have your ride code activated before you cross the border.
Futian Port (Futian Checkpoint Station, Line 4)
Futian Checkpoint Station on Line 4 connects directly to the Futian Port above it; after scanning through the gates, it's two stops to Shopping Park Station (Galaxy COCO Park) and the Convention & Exhibition Center Station area.
Shenzhen Bay Port (Shenzhen Bay Port Station, Line 13)
Shenzhen Bay Port Station on Line 13 is a new line, and its gates support both scanning and card tapping; it's the smoothest route to Nanshan Coastal City and Shenzhen Bay MixC.
FAQ for Hong Kong travellers
Can I activate a ride code without a mainland phone number?
To activate a ride code with WeChat Pay HK / AlipayHK, you don't necessarily need a mainland phone number — registering with a Hong Kong number works too. But some features (such as mainland WeChat Pay) do require a mainland number.
What should I do if the exit deduction fails?
If the network is unstable when you exit and the fare can't be deducted from your account, the ride code may get "locked". The fix: find "supplementary registration" or "trip records" in the app to manually settle the fare, or go to the metro station's customer service centre. Remember to keep your network stable and check regularly for any unfinished trips.
How do I take the bus? How many times do I scan?
Some bus routes require you to "scan once when boarding and again when alighting" (distance-based fares). If you forget to scan when getting off, you may be charged for the full route.
Can a family share one ride code?
No. The ride code is tied to a personal account, so family members travelling together must each activate it on their own phone, or add a "family code" within the same app (if available).
Shenzhen Tong physical card vs mobile ride code
| Item | Mobile ride code | Shenzhen Tong physical card |
|---|---|---|
| Activation | Activate in the WeChat / Alipay app, ready to use immediately | Buy at a metro station customer service centre or convenience store |
| Payment | Link WeChat Pay HK / AlipayHK or a mainland wallet | Top up first (cash or scan), then tap the card |
| Best for | Frequent travellers north who don't want to carry an extra card | A backup when your phone is dead; seniors who prefer a physical card |
Fares are basically the same for both — the only difference is "convenience" versus "backup". Phone users should go with the ride code; if you don't want to rely entirely on your phone, buy a Shenzhen Tong card and keep it in your wallet as a backup. Shenzhen also offers ride concessions for seniors and children (for example, seniors aged 60 or above with valid ID, and children under 1.2 metres travel free), but the exact age thresholds, ID requirements and scope of application are subject to Shenzhen Metro / Shenzhen Tong's official announcements — it's best to check before heading to Shenzhen with seniors or children.
What else should I watch out for?
Can one ride code let several people through?
No. Entry requires "one code per person", so family members travelling together must each activate their own; the exit deduction relies on the same code to charge the correct fare.
Can I pay only when I exit?
No. Shenzhen Metro works on "scan once on entry, scan once on exit", and both scans must use the same code — so switching apps or cards midway will cause problems.
Can I tap an international bank card?
Some Shenzhen Metro stations support tapping overseas-issued bank cards to enter, but coverage is still expanding and it isn't available across the whole network; the reliable option is still the mobile ride code.
Roughly how much is the fare?
Shenzhen Metro single-journey tickets start at ¥2 (first 4 km), then increase with distance; from a border crossing to a city-centre attraction it's usually ¥2–6, and only longer cross-district trips cost more. Actual fares are subject to Shenzhen Metro's announcements.
Tips
- Activate in advance before you set off — don't fiddle around at the gate;
- Make sure your phone has network coverage before entering (enable roaming or buy a mainland data card);
- One ride code can be used many times a day — no need to buy tickets;
- If your phone is dead, consider buying a Shenzhen Tong physical card or a single-journey ticket as a backup.
Additional FAQ
Are there concessions for children and seniors?
Shenzhen offers ride concessions for children and seniors; the exact age thresholds, height limits and ID requirements are subject to Shenzhen Metro / Shenzhen Tong's official announcements.
Do buses and the metro use the same code?
Yes — the same "Shenzhen Tong" ride code works on both the metro and buses; some buses charge by distance, so you need to scan once when boarding and once when alighting.
— Compiled by the HKSZ Life editorial team, your guide to living in Shenzhen; fares, discounts and supported payment methods are subject to Shenzhen Metro / Shenzhen Tong's latest official announcements.
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