Overview
The Dalian Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Dalian in Liaoning Province, China. The system opened on 1 May 2003 with Line 3 and has since expanded to six operational lines. As a visitor, you can use the metro to reach most major attractions, transport hubs, and districts across the city. The system operates from approximately 05:30 to 23:15, with fares based on distance and a minimum of 2 yuan per trip.
The network
Metro Lines
Dalian Metro consists of six operational lines connecting different parts of the city and surrounding areas:
- Line 1 – Opened in 2015. Connects west and central Dalian with north Dalian, running from Yaojia to Hekou. The line is 28.34 km long with 22 stations, including Dalian North Railway Station, Xinghai Square, and Maritime University. Line 1 is colour-coded green.
- Line 2 – Opened in 2015. Connects east central Dalian with west central Dalian in a C-shaped configuration. The line is 37.97 km long with 29 stations, running from Haizhiyun to Dalian North Railway Station. Key stations include Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, Renmin Square (People's Square), Zhongshan Square, and Donggang (East Port). Line 2 is colour-coded blue.
- Line 3 – Dalian's first metro line, opened on 1 May 2003. Runs from Dalian Railway Station to Golden Pebble Beach (Jinshitan Scenic Area), a national scenic park 50 km from the city center. The line is mostly elevated or at grade with only one tunnel section, and serves the Development Zone and Golden Pebble Beach tourist area. A branch line opened in 2008 connects central Dalian with Jinzhou District. Line 3 is colour-coded magenta.
- Line 5 – Opened on 17 March 2023 and is the newest metro line in Dalian. Runs from Houguan to Hutan Xinqu, passing through Dalian Railway Station. The line includes a 2.31 km subsea tunnel. Key stations include Houyan, Qingniwaqiao (interchange with Line 2), and serves the Tiger Beach area. Line 5 is colour-coded red.
- Line 12 – Opened in 2013. Connects central Dalian with Lüshunkou District, running 40.35 km from Lushun New Port to Hekou with 8 stations. Line 12 is colour-coded according to official signage.
- Line 13 – Runs 43.2 km with 12 stations from Jiuli to Pulandian Zhenxing Street, serving Pulandian and northern districts.
Other Public Transport
Beyond the metro system, Dalian offers several other public transport options:
- Trams (Streetcars) – Three heritage tram routes operate: Route 201 (Railway Station to Shahekou Railway Station), Route 202 (Downtown to Xinghai Scenic Area), and Route 203 (Railway Station through scenic areas with European-style buildings). These routes were built by Japanese colonists in the early 1900s and operate at 20 km/hour.
- Public Buses – Over 150 bus routes operate across the city, typically running from 4:30am–6:30am to 8pm–midnight (hours vary by route). Passengers must have exact change (1–2 yuan). A popular tourist option is Bus 901, which covers most southwest and downtown attractions and operates from 6:00am–8:00pm.
- Ferry Services – Ferry services run from the passenger ferry terminal on the eastern side of Zhongshan District to cities along the Yellow Sea, including a fast ferry to Yantai with journey times of 3, 6, or 12 hours.
Tickets & fares
The Dalian Metro uses a distance-based fare system. The minimum fare is 2 yuan per trip. Fares are approximate and subject to change.
Fare Types and Purchase
You can purchase single journey tickets at ticket machines or staffed booths at metro stations. The system also accepts IC smartcards and mobile payment options through the official app Dalian Transport e-Travel (大连交通e出行). The official customer service number is 968600 for inquiries about fares and services.
Operating Hours
The metro system operates approximately from 05:30 to 23:15, though exact times vary by line.
From the airport
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport is located to the northwest of the city center. The airport is directly served by Line 2 of the metro, which connects to central locations including Zhongshan Square and the harbor area.
Alternative transport options include a regular airport bus that departs after each flight lands and runs to the main train station (it also stops at Shahekou train station, so be careful not to get off too early) and to Renmin Lu. Taxis are also available from the official taxi queue on the east side of the ground floor.
Etiquette & customs
When using Dalian's public transport, observe the following local customs:
- Queue in an orderly fashion when boarding buses and metro trains, particularly during rush hours.
- On escalators, stand on the left side to allow others to pass on the right, as is common practice in China.
- Respect designated priority seating areas for elderly passengers, passengers with disabilities, and pregnant women.
- Avoid eating and drinking on the metro system; this is not permitted. On buses and trams, eating and drinking are generally discouraged.
- During rush hours, expect crowded conditions. Remain courteous and keep belongings secure.
- Be mindful of fellow passengers and avoid loud conversations or phone calls.
- When using taxis, have a clear destination in mind (written in Chinese if possible) before getting in, as drivers typically do not understand basic English.
Survival terms
- Metro/Subway: 地铁 (dìtiě)
- Ticket: 票 (piào)
- Line: 线 (xiàn)
- Entrance: 入口 (rùkǒu)
- Exit: 出口 (chūkǒu)
- Transfer/Interchange: 换乘 (huàn chéng)
- Single fare: 单程票 (dānchéng piào)
- Day pass: 一日票 (yī rì piào)
Download the official Dalian Transport e-Travel app before your visit to check real-time service information and plan your routes using the metro system's interactive map.