Guangzhou Metro

Guangzhou Metro owns 14 lines in operation with a length of 478 km (192 mi) and 297 stations. Its mileage is the 3rd in China and the 10th in the world. In 2016, the reliability of the metro's operation was No. 1 and the on-schedule rate was No. 3 in the world. Hereunder are the details including Guangzhou metro operating hours and metro stations:

See more Guangzhou Metro Maps

 Line 1: Guangzhou metro line 1 is made up of 16 stations. It is a very important vehicle to go to the local  East Railway Station. 
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:10

 Line 2: There are 24 stations along the metro line 2. This line running from north to south could take you to the Railway Station and the South Railway Station quickly.
Operating Hours: 06:00-00:02 next day

 Line 3: The line 3 is formed with one north-south-ward main rail and a northeastward branch. This line has reached Guangzhou Baiyun Airport from downtown area directly.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:48

 Line 4: Starting from Huangcun in the north to Jinzhou in the south, Line 4 boasts 18 stations in total, two of which are under construction – Guanqiao and Qingsheng stations.
Operating Hours: 06:00-00:21 next day

 Line 5: The Guangzhou MTR line 5 is an artery connecting the eastern and western parts of the city and passing the Railway Station. It covers some major business and residential districts.
Operating Hours: 06:00-00:04 next day

 Line 6: Guangzhou metro line 6 is U-shaped, running between Xunfenggang and Xiangxue.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:56

 Line 7: Metro line 7 connects South Railway Station and Higher Education Mega Center South via Chimelong Tourist Resort.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:30

 Line 8: Opened in 2010, Guangzhou subway line 8 serves at the south bank of the Pearl River from west to east, linking Fenghuang Xincun and Wanshengwei. Its phase two and north extension will open in the end of 2018.
Operating Hours: 06:15-00:02 next day

 Line 9: This metro line runs through Huadu District from Fei'eling to Gaozeng.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:15

 Line 10: Running in northeast - southwest direction, Line 10 links 19 stations in total such as South China Normal University, Shipaiqiao, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shixi and Dongxiaonan. It is expected to be available in 2023.

 Line 11: This is the first loop line of Guangzhou metro system, linking 32 stations such as Fangcun, Shachong, Pazhou, Yuancun and South China Normal University. It will be available at the end of 2022.

 Line 12: This is one of the diagonals of Guangzhou metro system, stretching from northwest to southeast area. 25 stations include Xinshixu, Baiyun Culture Square, Yunxi Ecological Park, Ersha Island and Lingnan Square. Line 12 will be put into use in 2023.

 Line 13: This line runs from Yuzhu to Xinsha via 11 stations. It covers 27 km (17 mi) through Baiyun, Liwan, Yuexiu, Tianhe, Huangpu and Zengcheng Districts.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:19

 Line 14: The main line connects Jiahewanggang and Dongfeng. The Knowledge City branch line of line 14 links Xinhe and Zhenlong via 10 stations.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:37

 Line 18: The main section of metro line 18 runs between East Railway Station and Wanqingsha via other seven stations such as Xiancun, Longtan, Shaxi, Nancun Wanbo and Panyu Square. It will be be service in June, 2021.

 Guangzhou-Foshan Line: GuangFo Line is the first intercity underground rail in China, connecting Guangzhou City and Foshan City.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:27

 Line 21: 26km long (16mi) Line 21 runs between Zhenlong West and Zengcheng Square. Major stations along it include Zhongxin, Kengbei, Fenggang, Zhucun and Shantian.
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:19

 Line 22: It connects Fangcun and Wanqingsha in north - south direction, passing by South Railway Station, Panyu Square, etc. Line 22 will be available in 2021.

 Automated People Mover System (APM): Zhujiang New Town Automated People Mover System (APM) is only 8 kilometers (5 miles) in length, which is the world's first underground and unmanned rail.
Operating Hours: 07:00-23:38

Passengers Waiting for Metro Train

Purchase Ticket from Self-service Machine

Except of the APM's ticket of CNY2, the metro utilizes a stage fare system. The longer the journey the more you pay. 
1. For the first 4 kilometers (2 miles), the ticket fare is CNY2. 
2. During 4 kilometers (2 miles) to 12 kilometers (7 miles), passengers pay CNY1 for each additional 4 kilometers (2 miles). 
3. During  12 kilometers (7 miles) to 24 kilometers (15 miles), CNY1 is paid for each additional 6 kilometers (4 miles). 
4. When more than 24 kilometers (15 miles), CNY1 is paid for each additional 8 kilometers (5 miles).
 

The common ticket types include single-trip ticket, deposit ticket and Guangzhou Transportation Smart  Card (called Yang Cheng Tong in Chinese). The deposit ticket and the Transportation Smart  Card holders can enjoy a 5% discount when they take it.

Single-trip ticket is often used by tourists. It is only valid on the day when you purchase it. You can return a single-trip ticket within 30 minutes after you buy it. Hereunder is several steps to teach you how to purchase a single-trip ticket:
a).Find the TVM (Ticket Vendor Machine) according to the signs in the Guangzhou metro station;
b).Choose the station on the machine's screen;
c).Make sure how many tickets you want to buy;
d).Pay for the ticket according to the amount of the money shown on the screen;
e).Get the ticket and the change.

 Remark: The machine only accepts CNY5, CNY10 and the coins of CNY0.5 (5 Jiao) and CNY1 (1 Yuan).
 

The card is widely used on bus, ferryboat, metro, telecom business and many other places in the city. The area where this kind of card can be used has been spread from city downtown area to Zengcheng, Huadu, Panyu and many other suburban areas of the city.

The most suitable type for tourists is Guangzhou Metro Deposit Card. The card costs CNY20 and then you can add value to it. The leftover value in the card is not refundable. If you want to recharge your card, you can go to the following customer service centers in the Guangzhou metro stations in the city:
 No.466, North Renmin Road, Yuexiu District
 Exit J of Gongyuanqian Station (i.e. the transfer station between the Lines 1 and 2)
 Exit G of Tiyu West Road Station (the transfer station between Line 1 and Line 3)