Overview
Guangzhou Metro is a rapid transit system serving Guangdong's capital city. As of June 2025, it operates 19 lines across 399 stations and 779.9 km of track, making it the world's third-busiest metro system. Daily ridership averages over 7 million passengers. The network connects the urban core to surrounding suburbs, with some lines designed for high-speed operation at up to 160 kilometres per hour.
To ride the metro as a visitor, you purchase a ticket or use a stored-value smartcard, pass through the barriers at the entrance, follow bilingual signage and trilingual announcements (Mandarin, Cantonese, and English), and exit at your destination. Most places of interest in Guangzhou are within walking distance of a metro stop, and signs throughout the system are in both Chinese and English.
The network
Guangzhou Metro comprises 19 lines operated by the state-owned Guangzhou Metro Corporation:
- Line 1 – runs from Xilang to Guangzhou East Railway Station
- Line 2 – connects Jiahewanggang to Guangzhou South Railway Station
- Line 3 – runs from Tianhe Coach Terminal to Panyu Square; includes a north extension serving Baiyun International Airport
- Line 4 – serves the southern areas with a terminus at Nansha Port
- Line 5 – connects Wanggang to Guangzhou East Railway Station
- Line 6 – serves central Guangzhou
- Line 7 – links Guangzhou South Railway Station to Higher Education Mega Center South
- Line 8 – runs from Wanshengwei to Fenghuang Xincun
- Line 9 – connects Guangzhou North Railway Station; serves northern areas
- Line 10 – part of the expanding network
- Line 11 – extends south to Canton Tower
- Line 12 – connects Jiaoxin to Zhangjiang
- Line 13 – runs from Gacong to Shixi Intercity; serves eastern districts
- Line 14 – part of the suburban network
- Line 18 – one of the fastest metro lines in China, regularly running at 160 km/h with stations far apart
- Line 21 – serves the expanding network
- Line 22 – one of the fastest metro lines in China; planned extension to Baiyun Airport is in progress
- Guangfo Line (廣佛線) – the first inter-city metro line in China, connecting Guangzhou and Foshan
- Zhujiang New Town APM (珠江新城APM) – automated people mover serving the central business district
The metro operates daily from 6:00 am, with the last trains departing between 10:45 pm and 12:07 am depending on the line and direction. Air-conditioned trains run with English signage throughout.
Tickets & fares
Fares are distance-based, ranging from approximately ¥2 to ¥20 per trip. You can purchase single-journey tickets at station ticketing machines, which accept cash and cards, or use a stored-value smartcard.
For longer stays, the Yang Cheng Tong (岭南通-羊城通) card is recommended. This multi-purpose Lingnan Pass stored-value card costs ¥50 (including an ¥18 deposit and ¥32 starting balance) and can be used across most metro systems in Guangdong province. The card works not only for the metro but also for buses, parking meters, some taxis, public phones, and designated shops and vending machines. Cards are available for purchase and recharge at metro customer service counters, 7-Eleven stores, and other retail points. The best locations for card returns and refunds at the end of your stay are service centres near Gongyuanqian Exit J, Tiyu Xi Exit G, and East Railway Station exit HJ.
Note that the Yang Cheng Tong card cannot be used in Shenzhen's metro system.
From the airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, located 28 km north of the city, is served by the metro system. Line 3 North Extension serves both terminals, making the metro the most convenient public-transport option into the city centre. The airport is directly accessible by metro, with operating hours generally from 6:00 am to around 11:15 pm on the airport branch, though hours vary by direction.
Alternatively, taxi is available and competitive for airport transfers, and cross-boundary buses operate from the airport to Guangzhou and other Guangdong cities, though these require passing through Hong Kong immigration if you are coming via Hong Kong International Airport.
Etiquette & customs
When riding Guangzhou Metro, observe these local customs:
- Queuing – queue in an orderly manner when boarding trains and waiting at ticket counters
- Escalators – stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to walk past on the left
- Priority seating – respect designated priority seats for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and passengers with young children; offer your seat if needed
- Eating and drinking – eating and drinking are generally discouraged on the metro; water is often acceptable but other beverages and food are best avoided
- Noise and behaviour – keep conversation at reasonable volumes and avoid loud music or phone calls; during rush hours, expect crowded conditions and be patient with others
Official links
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 fare / single-journey ticket
- 日票 (Rì piào) – day pass
Download the official Guangzhou Metro App or save a metro map to your phone before your journey to help navigate the system offline and check real-time schedules.