Guangzhou Metro Guide: Map, Hours, How to Ride & Pay

Guide to using the Guangzhou Metro. Includes instructions on routes, security checks, payment methods like WeChat and Alipay, maps, lines, operating hours, and comparisons with other transportation options.

Guangzhou Metro Map

Credit: Wikipedia

The metro network covers the entire urban area of Guangzhou and connects directly into the neighboring city of Foshan via the Guangfo Line.

To plan routes, view real-time train arrivals, and find the most convenient exit letters for your destination, it is recommended to use local digital map applications such as Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图) during your journey.

Guangzhou Metro Lines and Stations

The Guangzhou Metro operates more than 16 lines, identified by numbers, colors, and distinct endpoints.

Guangzhou Metro Operating Hours

Most lines open at about 06:00 AM, but last-train times vary by line — roughly 22:45 to 00:07. Check the last train for your specific line before you travel.

• Peak Hours: 07:30 AM – 09:30 AM and 05:30 PM – 07:30 PM. Trains during these hours arrive every 2 to 3 minutes, and stations experience heavy crowds.
• Off-Peak Hours: Train arrival intervals range from 5 to 10 minutes depending on the specific line.

How to Ride Guangzhou Metro: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Find Your Route

Open a digital map application such as Amap. Input your starting point and destination station, then select the public transit option. The application will display the shortest path, required transfer stations, and target exits. Select "Start Navigation" (开始导航) to get walking directions to the nearest station entrance.

Step 2: Obtain a Ride Ticket or Code

You must use either digital transit codes or cash to clear the entry gates. You can configure electronic payment through mobile applications before passing the turnstiles.

Step 3: Pass Through Security Inspection

• Place all items, including backpacks and luggage, onto the X-ray inspection conveyor belt.
• If you carry drinks or bottled water, security staff will request that you take a sip to verify the contents.
• Do not carry aerosol items like sunscreen spray, hairspray, or air fresheners if they exceed 120ml.
• Do not carry nail polish or hair dye that exceeds 20ml.
• Cooperate fully with the security personnel for manual checks. If you carry necessary prescription medications, mark them clearly to explain their purpose during inspection.

Step 4: Wait for the Train, Board, and Transfer

1. Queue up on the platform behind the yellow safety line and stand along the marked arrows. Wait for arriving passengers to step off the train completely before boarding.
2. During your trip, watch the electronic displays above the doors or listen to the audio announcements (available in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English) to track your location.
3. Transferring between lines does not require exiting the station gates. Follow the overhead directional transfer arrows (换乘) inside the station hall to reach your next platform line.

Step 5: Exit the Station

After stepping off the train, follow the arrows up to the main station hall. Look at the exit indicators to find the correct exit letter (e.g., Exit A, Exit B) closest to your final destination. Choosing the wrong exit can increase your walking distance significantly outside. Tap your smartphone transit code or insert your single-use token into the turnstile slot to exit the gate.

Note: Pay close attention to your final destination to avoid traveling in the wrong direction or boarding the wrong line. Monitor the station announcements inside the carriage closely. If you need assistance, contact station personnel at the Customer Service Center or use the automated self-service help kiosks.

How to Buy Guangzhou Metro Ticket & Payment Methods

Fares are calculated based on travel distance. Base fares start at 2.00 CNY for the first 4 km, then rise by 1.00 CNY for every additional 4 km, up to a network maximum of 20.00 CNY for the longest journeys. A cross-city trip such as Baiyun Airport to the Canton Fair typically costs around 8.00 CNY.

Method 1: WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay)

International travelers can set up WeChat Pay in two primary steps:

1. Download WeChat: Download or update the WeChat app on your phone, then register or sign in using your mobile number.
2. Add a Bank Card: Tap the "+" icon on the top right corner and choose "Scan" to scan the bank card registration code. Alternatively, go to "Me" > "Pay and Services" > "Wallet" > "Bank Cards" and input your card details. Main international cards like Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are accepted.
3. Activate the Transit Code: Open WeChat, tap "+", select "Scan" to scan the Guangzhou Metro activation code, follow the on-screen steps to generate your personalized ride QR code, and present this code to the scanning window at the gate.

Method 2: Alipay

Open the Alipay application, select the "Transport" menu, choose Guangzhou as your current city, link your regular payment card, and open the transport code to scan through the gates.

Tip: The Guangzhou Metro Card option in Alipay only appears once you are physically in the city and requires passport and phone verification, so set up your ride code after arrival rather than before departure.

Method 3: Cash & Single-Use Tokens

Go directly to the automated ticket vending machines or the physical Customer Service Center inside the station hall. Select your destination on the touchscreen display, select the quantity, and insert local banknotes or coins. The machine provides a round plastic token. Tap it at the entrance gate and drop it into the slot when exiting.

Comparing Guangzhou Metro with Other Transportation Methods

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