Shanghai Metro’s current base fare is ¥3 for a journey of up to 6 km, then ¥1 more for each additional 10 km. The fare follows the shortest eligible route between the entry and exit stations, not the number of trains used.
That is the rule in force on 30 August 2026. Shanghai is considering its first broad fare-mechanism change since 2005, but the proposals announced in August are part of a public-hearing process, not a new fare already in force. Check an official journey planner or station machine before travel, especially after the hearing period.
The fare formula in force now
| Charged distance | Current fare basis |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 km | ¥3 |
| Beyond 6 km | Add ¥1 for each further 10 km |
The station machine and official journey tools calculate the exact price. A transfer inside the paid area does not start a new journey simply because the line changes. Leaving the paid area and entering again can create a separate charge.
Selected services use different rules. Shanghai’s official visitor guide says suburban railway lines opened in or after 2024 have a separate fare mechanism. The Airport Link Line, for example, is listed separately from the standard metro formula. Do not use a normal metro estimate for a route that includes a separately priced service.
A fare change is proposed, not final
On 20 August 2026, Shanghai’s official English portal described two fare-adjustment proposals and a public hearing scheduled for September. One proposal would keep a ¥3 start but shorten the base distance; the other would raise the start to ¥4 while retaining a 6 km base. Neither proposal should be published as the current price until the city approves and announces an effective rule.
For a trip after a fare-policy announcement:
- Search the exact origin and destination on the official metro channel.
- Read the price shown for that date.
- Treat this article’s formula as dated reference, not a guarantee.
Four practical ways to pay
Shanghai’s current visitor guidance gives several options. Choose one primary method and keep a fallback until the first trip works.
1. Tap an eligible contactless bank card
The city’s August 2026 guide says eligible contactless UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB cards can be used at supported gates, along with eligible e-CNY hardware wallets. A logo on the card does not prove that the issuer, contactless setting or particular card will work, so keep another option.
Use the same card or device to enter and exit. Mixing the entry card with a phone wallet or another card can leave the trip unmatched.
2. Use a metro or city transit QR
Metro Daduhui and supported services inside Alipay or WeChat can generate a QR code for metro entry and exit. The transit code is different from the merchant-payment code. Activate the Shanghai service, accept the operator’s terms and confirm the funding method before reaching the gate.
The Alipay setup guide explains foreign-card linking. Wallet registration does not guarantee that every transit channel will accept every overseas card.
3. Buy a single-journey ticket
Ticket machines sell a ticket for the selected destination. Shanghai’s official guide describes both traditional IC single tickets and paper QR-code tickets. They are valid for the day of purchase and do not support an out-of-station transfer as a single continuous journey.
This is the best fallback when a phone is flat, a wallet cannot activate or a contactless card is declined.
4. Use a Shanghai Public Transportation Card
The stored-value card can be used on the metro and other supported public transport. Physical and eligible virtual versions exist, but deposit, refund, top-up and device requirements should be checked at the current official outlet.
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Do not confuse ticket products
- Standard metro fare: the distance formula described above.
- Maglev: a separate service and fare structure.
- Airport Link Line: a suburban railway with separate pricing.
- Visitor or multi-day products: validity, included modes and eligibility vary. Read the product terms rather than assuming “unlimited metro” covers every rail service.
The older ticket machine shown in the accompanying image documents a legitimate Shanghai Metro payment context, but it is not evidence of the current screen or accepted payment list. Follow the live machine and station signs.
Estimate a trip without inventing a budget
Daily cost depends on the hotel location and whether the itinerary crosses the city. Instead of using a generic “¥15 per day” figure:
- List the day’s origin and destination stations.
- Check each one-way fare in the current planner.
- Add any separate airport or suburban service.
- Compare the total with any current pass terms.
For route planning beyond fares, use the Shanghai city guide to group sights by area and avoid unnecessary cross-city travel. A hotel near the day’s first and last stops can save more time than a pass saves money.
Gate and payment troubleshooting
If entry fails, do not repeatedly scan different cards. Move to the service centre and show the payment method that was attempted. If exit fails, staff can inspect the trip record and apply the operator’s current ticketing rule.
For QR travel, confirm mobile data, screen brightness and the correct Shanghai metro code. A screenshot is not a reliable substitute for a live code. For contactless travel, use the same physical card or device at both ends and avoid presenting a wallet full of cards to the reader.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest Shanghai Metro fare right now?
The fare currently starts at ¥3 for a journey up to 6 km. This was still the official rule on 30 August 2026.
Did Shanghai raise metro fares in August 2026?
No final increase was in force at the verification date. The city had announced proposals and a public-hearing process. Check the latest official notice for travel after that process.
Can a foreign Visa or Mastercard tap at the gate?
Shanghai’s current visitor guidance lists eligible contactless Visa and Mastercard cards, along with several other networks. Eligibility and issuer approval still matter, so carry a backup.
Does the normal fare include the Maglev or Airport Link Line?
Do not assume so. These services have separate fare rules. Price the exact route in the official channel.
Official references and verification note
- Shanghai government: how to take the metro, updated August 2026
- Shanghai government: metro fare-adjustment proposals and hearing
- Shanghai transport commission: foreign bank cards at metro service centres
Current fares and payment methods were checked on 30 August 2026. Recheck the exact journey price and any approved fare change shortly before travel.
Image credits
- Featured image: Shanghai Metro Line 3 near Zhenping Road. Image by A Chinese ID, via Wikimedia Commons. — CC BY-SA 4.0.
- First inline image: Shanghai Metro Line 2 near Yuandong Avenue. Image by A Chinese ID, via Wikimedia Commons. — CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Second inline image: Shanghai Metro ticket machine. Image by FLASHPACKER TRAVELGUIDE, via Wikimedia Commons; shown as historical context, not a current interface. — CC BY-SA 2.0.
