Overview
Zhengzhou Metro is a rapid transit rail network operated by the state-owned Zhengzhou Metro Group. As of December 2024, the system has 13 operational lines spanning 450 km with 217 stations, making it the first metro system in Henan province and the 18th in mainland China. The network opened on 28 December 2013 and serves urban and suburban districts of Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province.
To ride the metro end-to-end as a visitor, you purchase a ticket at vending machines (which support English) or use a contactless smart card. Enter the station through the turnstile with your ticket or card, travel to your destination, and exit by inserting your single-journey ticket into a slot or tapping your card. Fares are calculated by distance, starting at ¥2 for journeys within 6 km and increasing incrementally for longer trips.
The network
Metro lines
Zhengzhou Metro operates 13 lines across the city. The main lines include:
- Line 1 (east–west): Runs 41.2 km from Henan University of Technology to the New Campus of Henan University. It connects important locations including Zhengzhou Station, Zhengdong New Area, Zhengzhou East Station, and the Longzihu College Area. It interchanges with Line 2 at Zijingshan station.
- Line 2 (north–south): A 21 km line running from Liuzhuang to Nansihuan, with through services to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport via the Chengjiao line. You can transfer to Line 1 at Zijingshan station.
- Line 3: An L-shaped line connecting northwest to southeast, running south from Henan Sports Center then turning east to reach Erqi Square before continuing to Henan Orthopaedics Hospital.
- Line 4: Another L-shaped line running northwest to southeast, beginning at Laoyachen, intersecting with Line 3 at Henan Sports Center, then continuing east to Dragon Lake before turning south toward Langzhuang.
- Line 5: Functions as a loop line around the city center, spanning 41 km.
- Line 10 and Line 12: Additional lines serving the expanding network.
- Line 14: Serves the CBD area to the west of the city.
- Chengjiao Line (郑州地铁城郊线): A 32 km suburban metro line connecting Nansihuan to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, with through services via Line 2. First and last trains depart at 06:30 and 20:00 respectively.
Operating hours
Most lines operate from 06:00 to approximately 23:00. However, the Chengjiao line stops running at 22:00, and Line 14 operates from 08:00 to 20:00.
Tickets & fares
Fare structure
Fares are calculated by distance traveled. As of the latest information, fares range as follows (approximate, subject to change):
- ¥2: within 6 km
- ¥3: 6–13 km
- ¥4: 13–21 km
- ¥1 additional: for every 9 km beyond 21 km
Children under 130 cm may ride for free when accompanied by an adult.
Ticket types and purchase
- Single-journey tickets: Available from ticket vending machines at every station, which offer English-language support. You tap the ticket on the sensor at the entry gate and insert it into a slot at the exit gate, where it is reclaimed.
- Lü Cheng Tong (绿城通, "Green City Pass"): A rechargeable contactless smart card usable on metro and buses throughout Zhengzhou. It offers a 5% discount compared to single-journey tickets. The card is available at nine subway stations (Xisanhuan, Bishagang, Erqi Square, Lücheng Square, Renmin Road, Convention & Exhibition Center, South Nongye Road, South Dongfeng Road) and at specified China Mobile offices and branches of Bank of Zhengzhou, ICBC, Construction Bank, and Bank of Communications.
- Mobile payment: You can use QR codes via Alipay or WeChat through the "Zhengzhou Metro Ride Code" for contactless payment at gates.
From the airport
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, located approximately 30 km outside the city, is served by multiple public-transport options:
- Metro (Chengjiao line): The airport is now served by the Zhengzhou Metro Line 2's Chengjiao extension. First and last trains depart at 06:30 and 20:00 respectively. This is the most convenient and economical option.
- Airport shuttle bus: An airport shuttle bus departs from Zhengzhou Hotel in the city centre and costs ¥15.
- Public bus: A public bus service runs from the airport to the Aviation Hotel (民航酒店, Mínháng Jiǔdiàn) on Jinshui Road (金水路, Jīnshuǐ Lù), costing ¥25.
- Taxi: Taxis to the airport cost approximately ¥120–140 for the round-trip charge, though the distance alone would suggest a lower fare.
- Mainline rail service: Additionally, mainline railway connections link the airport to Zhengzhou and Kaifeng, primarily to Zhengzhou East Station, with intervals of approximately 30–60 minutes.
Etiquette & customs
When using Zhengzhou Metro, observe these local riding customs:
- Queuing: Queue orderly when boarding and alighting. Allow passengers to exit before boarding.
- Escalators: Stand on the left side of escalators to allow others to walk past on the right.
- Priority seating: Priority seats are reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, young children, and those with disabilities. Offer your seat if you see someone in need.
- Eating and drinking: Avoid eating and drinking on the metro except for water.
- Noise levels: Keep conversations quiet and avoid loud phone calls.
- Rush-hour behaviour: During peak hours (typically morning and evening), trains are crowded. Be prepared for congestion and follow the flow of passenger movement without pushing.
Survival terms
- 地铁 (Dìtiě) – Metro/subway
- 票 (Piào) – Ticket
- 线 (Xiàn) – Line
- 入口 (Rùkǒu) – Entrance
- 出口 (Chūkǒu) – Exit
- 换乘 (Huàn chéng) – Transfer
- 单程票 (Dānchéng piào) – Single fare/single-journey ticket
- 日票 (Rì piào) – Day pass
Download the official Zhengzhou Metro app or use Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps for journey planning, and link your Alipay or WeChat Pay account to your mobile phone upon arrival so you can tap-to-ride or scan QR codes at ticket gates.