How to Pay and Use the Subway in China

How to Pay and use the Subway in China

As of 2019, 33 cities in China have subway lines. Shanghai and Beijing are famous for being among the biggest and most busy in the world. You will find a list of cities here.

For a country as large as China, the transportation system is incredibly efficient. They are cheap, fast and easily accessible by even those that don’t know how to speak Chinese. You will find 4 exits on each subway to get you closer to your destination. Train lines and everything inside normally have English written alongside the Chinese.

How much do they cost?

For cost, prices generally range from 3 Yuan (0.43 USD) for short trips, to 9 Yuan (1.28 USD) for longer journeys on one line. However, if you are getting the airport express line might cost you around 25-45 Yuan (3.55-4.55 USD).

How do I make payment?

As a visitor to China, we would recommend getting a payment card. These cards are normally available to buy at a customer service counter located within the subway. Signs will be written in both Chinese and English therefore there is no need to speak Chinese. You just need to use 100 yuan to get the card and it can be used to get through the gates. You will be able to get it back with your money at the end of your trip.

But as you will be staying in China for a while, we recommend getting the Beijing Municipal Administration & Communication Card more commonly known as the Yikatong (similar to an Oyster card). You will be able to top up and use as a contactless smart card. They can be bought at most ticket counters for 10 Yuan (1.42 USD) and can be refilled in units of 10 each time. 

Using your Phone as a Subway Card

As of 2019, you are now able to use your phone instead of a card to pay for your transportation throughout most of the country.