Overview
The Changsha Metro (官方名称 长沙轨道交通; chángshā guǐdào jiāotōng, commonly called 长沙地铁; chángshā dìtiě) is a rapid transit system serving Changsha and Xiangtan in Hunan Province. The first operational line, Line 2, opened on April 29, 2014, making Changsha the 18th city in mainland China to launch a metro system. As a visitor, you can use the metro to reach major attractions, transport hubs, and neighborhoods across the city. Payment is straightforward: you can scan a QR code, use a contactless transit card, or buy a single-trip paper ticket at station machines. Simply tap or scan when you enter at the origin station and again when you exit at your destination—the fare is then deducted automatically.
The network
Metro lines
Changsha Metro currently operates five lines, identified by color on official maps:
- Line 1 (red on maps) – opened June 28, 2016, running north–south. The line is 33.43 kilometres long with 25 stations (3 elevated, 22 underground). A 9.9-kilometre extension opened in 2024. Major stops include connections to cultural attractions in the north.
- Line 2 (light blue on maps) – the first operational line, opened April 29, 2014, and extended in December 2015. Running west to east, it is 26.6 kilometres long with 23 stations. It connects Changsha Railway Station, Changsha South Railway Station, and West Bus Station (at Wangchengpo).
- Line 3 (yellow-green on maps) – opened June 28, 2020, with a southern extension added June 28, 2023. The line is 53.69 kilometres long with 33 stations, connecting Xiangtan North railway station and Guangsheng station. It passes through Yuelu District, Tianxin District, Kaifu District, Furong District, Yuhua District, and Changsha County.
- Line 4 (purple on maps) – opened May 26, 2019, running northwest to southeast. It is 33.5 kilometres long with 25 stations, connecting Guanziling station and Dujiaping station. The line serves three major scenic spots including Han Dynasty Tomb Relics Park, Yuelu Mountain, and Moon Island, as well as major universities.
- Line 5 (yellow on maps) – opened June 28, 2020, running north–south. It is 22.5 kilometres long with 18 stations, connecting Maozhutang station and Shuiduhe station.
- Line 6 (dark blue on maps) – opened June 28, 2022, running east–west to connect the airport with downtown. It is approximately 47.99 kilometres long with 34 stations (spread across western, middle, and eastern sections), running between Xiejiaqiao station and Huanghua Airport T1 and T2 station.
Other rapid transit
The Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan Intercity Railway provides service between nearby cities and connects with Changsha Metro Line 3 through a seamless west-ring transfer.
Buses
Public buses cover all city areas and suburbs. Ordinary buses cost ¥1 per trip, while air-conditioned or cross-city buses cost ¥2. Three special tourist bus lines operate from 06:00 to 22:00, charging ¥1 for a single trip or ¥3 for a round trip, with routes covering East–West, North–South, and Circle Line options connecting major attractions.
Maglev train
A maglev rail line connects Huanghua International Airport to Changsha South Railway Station, covering 18.5 kilometres in 19.5 minutes. It operates at a maximum speed of 100 km/h with trains departing every 11 minutes 40 seconds.
Tickets & fares
Payment methods
Changsha Metro accepts four main payment methods:
- QR code (mobile payment) – The system supports Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, the Changsha Metro app, and several other apps. Scan the QR code when entering the fare gate at your origin station and again when exiting at your destination; the fare is deducted automatically. Keep your QR code ready for quick processing at the gate.
- Transport card (TU card) – Passengers can use China T-union (TU) contactless cards. Swipe your card on the fare gate when entering and exiting.
- Single-trip ticket – Buy a paper ticket from ticket machines in metro stations using cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay.
Fares
Fares for the metro are distance-based and vary depending on the number of stations traveled. The source material does not provide a detailed fare table with current prices. You should check the ticket machine or your chosen payment app for the exact fare between your origin and destination stations.
Free and discounted travel
Seniors aged 65 and above and children under 14 ride free with valid identification. Free-ride passengers should use the green channel entrance to board.
From the airport
Huanghua International Airport (CSX) is the main air gateway to Changsha. You have several public-transport options to reach the city center:
- Metro Line 6 – The metro connects directly to the airport at Huanghua Airport T1 and T2 station. This is often the most convenient option for reaching downtown areas via other metro lines.
- Maglev train – The maglev rail line runs from the airport to Changsha South Railway Station in 19.5 minutes (distance: 18.5 km). Fares are metered, ranging approximately ¥10–20. Trains depart every 11 minutes 40 seconds. From Changsha South Railway Station, you can board Metro Line 2 or other services to reach your destination.
- Airport buses – Buses operate between the airport and downtown Changsha from 06:00 to 22:00. The standard fare is ¥16.5. Buses arrive at and depart from the CAAC Aviation Hotel on Wuyi Dadao (五一大道), one block west of the central train station. Shuttle buses also serve Changsha South Railway Station and the South Bus Station.
- Taxi – Taxis wait in the arrivals area. A 45-minute drive on the expressway reaches the city center. Daytime fares start at ¥8 for the first 2 kilometres, then ¥2 per 0.6 kilometres for distances of 2–13 kilometres. Nighttime (22:00–05:30) fares start at ¥10, then ¥2.40 per 0.6 kilometres for the same distance band.
Etiquette & customs
- Queuing – Queue in an orderly fashion at metro entrances and ticket machines. During peak hours and holidays, temporary passenger flow control may be in place at busy stations.
- Escalators – The source material does not specify a convention for which side to stand on escalators in Changsha, so follow the lead of other passengers or the station staff's guidance.
- Security and baggage – All luggage is subject to security checks at metro stations. If you are carrying large bags, use elevators rather than escalators for safety.
- Free-ride access – Seniors aged 65+ and children under 14 with valid ID should use the green channel for entry.
- Rush-hour behavior – During holidays and peak travel times (October 1–8, for example), some metro lines operate special "short route + long route" modes during peak hours, and additional trains are deployed to manage passenger demand. Expect crowded conditions and be prepared to wait.
- Eating and drinking – The source material does not specify rules on eating or drinking on metro vehicles, so observe what other passengers do and respect the cleanliness of the transit system.
Survival terms
- 地铁 (dìtiě) – metro/subway
- 车票 (chēpiào) – ticket
- 线路 (xiànlù) – line
- 入口 (rùkǒu) – entrance
- 出口 (chūkǒu) – exit
- 换乘 (huàn chéng) – transfer
- 单程票 (dānchéng piào) – single-trip fare/ticket
- 日票 (rì piào) – day pass
Keep a small amount of cash (¥5–10) for backup in case your mobile payment is unavailable, and allow extra time at stations during holiday periods when temporary passenger flow controls are in effect.