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Shanghai Public Transportation Card

It will be more convenient and pleasant if you use a Shanghai Public Transportation Card when you travel around the city. Like the MetroCard in New York City and the Oyster Card in London, it is a kind of stored value smart card used in the public transportation of the city.

Shanghai Public Transportation Card Service Center

The card is issued and managed by Public Transportation Card Co., Ltd. (SPTCC).

Public Transportation Card Service Center

The service center is set up by SPTCC to serve the public on consultation, card issue, return and repair as well as value recharge, transfer and return.

Address: No. 609, Jiujiang Road (near the intersection with Zhejiang Road)
Office Hours: 09:30 - 18:30 (from Monday to Friday); 09:30 - 16:30 (Saturday, Sunday)
Information Line: 021-63611100
Sales Hotline: 021-63601952

Card Types

There are mainly three types of Public Transportation Cards - ordinary, souvenir and transformed cards.

1. Ordinary cards are categorized into system running test cards issued in 1999 and other ordinary cards.

2. Souvenir cards are made to commemorate some important events, festivals and Chinese cultural heritage. You can choose from cards with various topics and patterns on the city's transportation history, famous attractions, Tourism Festival, as well as Shaoxing Opera, Chinese zodiacal animals ...

3. Transformed cards have many forms, including constellation cards, lover cards, Christmas cards and mini cards. The most special transformed ones are the watch cards with cards inside various stylish watches.

Scope of Use

The application scope of Public Transportation Card extends to many transportation means in that city, including taxis, buses, long-distance buses, metro lines, maglev trains and ferries. Also the card can be used at some parking lots, gas stations and toll highways.

Taking Shanghai Bus

Taking Shanghai Metro

Directions for Use

Here we give detailed instructions for the issuance and use of Public Transportation Card, showing you how to: → Buy a Card → Value Recharge → Value Transfer → Refund → Maintenance

- Last updated on Nov. 08, 2024 by Gabby Li -

Questions & Answers on Shanghai Public Transportation Card

Asked by T from HONG KONG | Nov. 13, 2024 18:23

Three Day Pass - Purchase at Shanghai Railway Station?

We are arriving in Shanghai on a train to the main train station. Can we buy the three-day pass there? Or where do we need to go to buy the pass?

Answers (1)

Answered by Janice | Nov. 14, 2024 19:22

Yes, you can buy at the service center of the metro station. You bilingual boards at the train station will lead you to the metro station.

Asked by Ricardo from NEW ZEALAND | Nov. 10, 2024 20:16

VISA Card usage in Shanghai

Can I buy public transport tickets with my credit card? How widely used are credit cards in Shanghai? Is there a 3 day public transport card? Can I buy that at any subway station? Thanks

Answers (3)

Answered by Emily | Nov. 11, 2024 18:17

You can buy Shanghai metro one day, three days and seven days pass at service centers of all metro stations with Visa, Master, JCB, Discover Card. And you can also download Shanghai Maas App for public transportation and even directions in Shanghai to take buses, ferries, metro with QR code.

Answered by Ricardo | Nov. 12, 2024 09:53

Thankyou. Are CC widely used in Shanghai or does it pay to carry cash?

Answered by Rita | Nov. 12, 2024 21:39

It's widely used but online payment like Alipay and WeChat Pay is even more popular. People seldom use cash.

Asked by M.Devadasan from MALAYSIA | Nov. 04, 2024 19:10

7 Days Shanghai Metro pass

Is there any 7 days pass for Shanghai Metro? What age is considered as adult ticket?

Answers (3)

Answered by Keith | Nov. 05, 2024 18:10

Yes, there is 7 day pass. But sorry that there is no discounted pass for minors and seniors, only full-price pass.

Answered by DEVADASAN MANICKAM | Nov. 06, 2024 21:16

Thank you for the reply. May I know where to get it as I will arrive at the Pudong International Airport. Thanks.

Answered by Rita | Nov. 07, 2024 19:22

You can buy it at the service center of Pudong Airport metro station.

Asked by Diego from SPAIN | Sep. 23, 2024 15:56

Two travelers on one card

I have a transportation card with more balance than I will be able to use. Can my friend use the same card as me, on the same journey?

Answers (1)

Answered by Lori | Sep. 23, 2024 22:59

No, it can only be used for one person on the same journey.

Asked by Debbie Leong from MALAYSIA | Sep. 01, 2024 22:07

One day pass

If i buy a one day pass but start to use at 1300pm will it expire on that day at midnight or next day at 12noon?
Can this pass be used for metro,bus and ferry?
How much is the one day pass and is the balance refundable when i leave?

Answers (3)

Answered by Keith | Sep. 02, 2024 18:52

No, it expires 24 hours after, that is, 13:00 the next day. It can be only used for metro.
One day pass costs CNY 18 and no refund.

Answered by Debbie | Sep. 02, 2024 22:44

Thank you. Can top up or card expired cannot be used

Answered by Daniel | Sep. 03, 2024 21:01

One day pass cannot be topped up and once it expires, it cannot be used.