Guangzhou Metro

Guangzhou Metro owns 16 lines in operation with a length of 621 km (386 mi) and 302 stations. Its mileage is the 3rd in China and listed in the top 10 in the world. The reliability of the metro's operation was No. 1 and the on-schedule rate was No. 3 in the world. Hereunder are the details including Guangzhou metro operating hours and metro stations:


 Lines in Operation

See more Guangzhou Metro Maps


 Line 1: Guangzhou metro line 1 is made up of 16 stations. It is a very important vehicle to go to the local  East Railway Station. 
Operating Hours: 06:00-00:00

 Line 2: There are 24 stations along the metro line 2. This line running from north to south could take you to the Railway Station and the South Railway Station quickly.
Operating Hours: 06:00-00:23 next day

 Line 3: The line 3 is formed with one north-south main rail and a northeastward branch. This line has reached Guangzhou Baiyun Airport from downtown area directly.
Operating Hours: 06:00-00:08 next day

 Line 4: Starting from Huangcun in the north to Nansha Passenger Port in the south, Line 4 boasts 24 stations in total, one of which is under construction – Guanqiao station.
Operating Hours: 06:00-00:21 next day

 Line 5: The Guangzhou metro line 5 is an artery connecting the eastern and western parts of the city and passing the Railway Station. It covers some major business and residential districts.
Operating Hours: 06:00-00:10 next day

 Line 6: Guangzhou metro line 6 is U-shaped, running between Xunfenggang and Xiangxue.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:56

 Line 7: Metro line 7 connects Meidi Avenue in Foshan and Higher Education Mega Center South via South Railway Station.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:57

 Line 8: Firstly opened in 2010, Guangzhou subway line 8 serves in the shape of "L", linking Jiaoxin, Shayuan and Wanshengwei. Its north extension began to be constructed in 2023.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:54

 Line 9: This metro line runs through Huadu District from Fei'eling to Gaozeng.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:38

 Line 10: Running in northeast - southwest direction, Line 10 links 19 stations in total such as South China Normal University, Shipaiqiao, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shixi and Dongxiaonan. It is expected to be available in 2024.

 Line 11: This is the first loop line of Guangzhou metro system, linking 31 stations such as Fangcun, Shachong, Pazhou, Yuancun and South China Normal University. It will be available at the end of 2023 at the earliest.

 Line 12: This is one of the diagonals of Guangzhou metro system, stretching from northwest to southeast area. 25 stations include Xinshixu, Baiyun Culture Square, Yunxi Ecological Park, Ersha Island and Lingnan Square. Line 12 will be put into use in 2024.

 Line 13: This line runs from Yuzhu to Xinsha via 11 stations. It covers 27 km (17 mi) through Huangpu and Zengcheng Districts, and it is planned to cover Baiyun, Liwan, Yuexiu, and Tianhe Districts as the line 13 stretches westward to Chaoyang.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:44

 Line 14: The main line connects Jiahewanggang and Dongfeng. The Knowledge City branch line of line 14 links Xinhe and Zhenlong via 10 stations.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:37

 Line 18: The main section of metro line 18 runs between East Railway Station and Wanqingsha via other seven stations such as Xiancun, Longtan, Shaxi, Nancun Wanbo and Panyu Square. The section between East Railway Station and Xiancun can be expected in 2024.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:51

 Guangzhou-Foshan Line: GuangFo Line is the first intercity underground rail in China, connecting Guangzhou City and Foshan City.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:56

 Line 21: 61.6km long (38.3mi) Line 21 runs between Yuancun and Zengcheng Square. Major stations along it include Tianhe Park, Huangcun, Suyuan, Zhongxin, Kengbei, Fenggang, Zhucun and Shantian.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:55

 Line 22: It connects Chentougang and Panyu Square in north - south direction, passing by South Railway Station and Shiguang Road.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:25

 Automated People Mover System (APM): Zhujiang New Town Automated People Mover System (APM) is only 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in length, which is the world's first underground and unmanned rail.
Operating Hours: 07:00-23:38

Passengers are waiting for subway train.
Passengers Waiting for Metro Train
Purchase Ticket from Self-service Ticket Machine
Purchase Ticket from Self-service Machine

Ticket Fare:

Except of the APM's ticket of CNY2, the metro utilizes a stage fare system. The longer the journey the more you pay. 
1. For the first 4 kilometers (2 miles), the ticket fare is CNY2. 
2. During 4 kilometers (2 miles) to 12 kilometers (7 miles), passengers pay CNY1 for each additional 4 kilometers (2 miles). 
3. During 12 kilometers (7 miles) to 24 kilometers (15 miles), CNY1 is paid for each additional 6 kilometers (4 miles). 
4. When more than 24 kilometers (15 miles), CNY1 is paid for each additional 8 kilometers (5 miles).
 

Ticket Types:

The common ticket types include single-trip ticket, deposit ticket and Guangzhou Transportation Smart  Card (called Yang Cheng Tong in Chinese). The deposit ticket and the Transportation Smart Card holders can enjoy a 5% discount when they take it.

Entrance of Guangzhou Subway StationSingle-trip ticket is often used by tourists. It is only valid on the day when you purchase it. You can return a single-trip ticket within 30 minutes after you buy it. Hereunder is several steps to teach you how to purchase a single-trip ticket:
a).Find the TVM (Ticket Vendor Machine) according to the signs in the Guangzhou metro station;
b).Choose the station you're going to reach on the machine's screen;
c).Make sure how many tickets you want to buy;
d).Pay for the ticket according to the amount of the money shown on the screen;
e).Get the ticket and the change.

 Remark: The machine only accepts CNY5, CNY10 and the coins of CNY0.5 (5 Jiao) and CNY1 (1 Yuan).

The day pass and three-day pass are also popular, which can be purchased at any station of the Guangzhou Metro. Passengers with the one-day pass can take the subway unlimitedly within 24 hours after the first entry of a station, CNY20 (USD 2.8) per ticket. With a three-day pass, you can take Guangzhou metro for any number of times, distance and line within 72 hours after the first entry, which takes CNY50 (USD6.9) per ticket.
 

Guangzhou Transportation Smart Card

The card is widely used on bus, ferryboat, metro, telecom business and many other places in the city. The area where this kind of card can be used has been spread from city downtown area to Zengcheng, Huadu, Panyu and many other suburban areas of the city.

The most suitable type for tourists is Guangzhou Metro Deposit Card. The card costs CNY20 and then you can add value to it. The leftover value in the card is not refundable. If you want to recharge your card, you can go to the customer service centers in the following Guangzhou metro stations in the city: Yangji, Dongshankou, Martyr's Cemetery, Peasant Movement Institute, Gongyuanqian, Railway Station, Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Academy, Changshou Road, Huangsha, Ximenkou, East Railway Station, Tianhe Sports Center, and West Tiyu Road. Otherwise, you can buy the top-up coupons in the chain stores of Family Mart, and then recharge your card on the self-service machines in metro stations.

- Last updated on Jul. 10, 2023 by Nancy He -
Questions & Answers on Guangzhou Metro
Asked by hom from SG | Jul. 20, 2023 20:46Reply
Metro day Pass
Is any bus ride indluded in Metro day pass in GZ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Thomas | Jul. 21, 2023 01:29
00Reply


No, it can only be used in metro.
Asked by Teo from GREECE | Jul. 09, 2023 23:54Reply
Tickets in English
The ticket machines for metro use the English language?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lisa | Jul. 10, 2023 02:26
00Reply


I'm not very clear. If it does not have English service, you may buy one from the counter.
Asked by Daniel from CANADA | May. 26, 2023 22:13Reply
Update on cash situation
As of 2023, I've been told that cash is now a problem for paying such items as taxi, buses, metro, restaurants etc. Can you still pay cash or does one have to use AliPay or WeChat MyWallet and if so how does one get such a card as a foreigner? We will be in Guangzhou for 12 days and in Tibet and Shanghai for 3 more weeks. Thanks.
Answers (1)
Answered by Frank | May. 29, 2023 00:05
00Reply


Don't worry, it is still fine to use cash. However, it is true that e-payment is more common used in China. Foreigners can also use Alipay or Wechat pay by registering a new account and adding a foreign bank card.
Asked by Mahdi from IRAN | May. 25, 2023 07:54Reply
Metro card
How much is the Guangzhou Metro Card?
Answers (1)
Answered by Helen | May. 25, 2023 23:08
00Reply


An one-day ticket costs CNY 20 and a 3-day ticket costs CNY50. For a long-term one, the card value is CNY 20 (not refundable) and you can top it up based on your needs.
Asked by Raaj from INDIA | Mar. 16, 2023 23:18Reply
How to reach Poly world trading Centre from Airport Terminal 2
I am arriving in Guangzhou on Terminal 2 & wish to reach Poly World Trading Centre Building
Can you guide me with the metro route.

Thank you in advance.
Answers (1)
Answered by Scott | Mar. 19, 2023 19:20
00Reply


You need to make two transfers. First, take metro line 3 to West Tiyu Road, then change to line 3 to Kecun, then take line 8 to Pazhou Station, get out from Exit C and walk for about 300 meters to your destination.
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