Xiamen Metro Lines Guide: Routes, Stations, Fares & Tips (2026)

Xiamen Metro Lines Guide

The Xiamen Metro is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to explore the city. As of 2026, Xiamen has three metro lines (Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3) that connect airports, railway stations, major attractions, and commercial areas. This article provides detailed information on each line’s route, transfer stations, operating hours, ticket prices, and how to use the metro.

Xiamen Metro Lines Overview

Xiamen Rail Transit Group operates the Xiamen Metro. The currently operating lines are:

Line 1: A north‑south backbone line, from Yannei Station (Xiamen North Station) to Zhenhai Road Station (near Zhongshan Road).
Line 2: An east‑west backbone line, from Wuyuanwan Station to Tianzhushan Station, passing through Haicang District.
Line 3: From Xiamen Railway Station to Caicuo Station (Xiang’an District). Some extensions are still under construction.

The three lines intersect at Lücuo Station for transfers. More lines, such as Line 4 and Line 6, will open in the future.

Line 1: Connecting Xiamen North Station, Xiamen Station, and Downtown

Line 1 is the most frequently used line by tourists because it connects Xiamen North Station (high‑speed rail), Xiamen Station (downtown railway station), and popular attractions.

Major stations (from north to south):

Xiamen North Station: High‑speed rail station, connecting to long‑distance trains.
Jimei School Village Station: Walk to Jimei University, Dragon Boat Pond, and Jiageng Park.
Gaoqi Station: Near Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (requires a shuttle bus transfer).
Lücuo Station: Transfer to Lines 2 and 3.
Xiamen Station: Downtown railway station.
Zhongshan Park Station: Near Zhongshan Park and Huaxin Road old villa area.
Zhenhai Road Station: Terminus. Walk to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street and Lundu Ferry Terminal (night ferry to Gulangyu).

Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM (trains depart from both terminals).
Frequency: About 5 minutes during weekday peak hours, 7–8 minutes during off‑peak hours.

Line 2: Connecting Haicang, Cruise Center, and Wuyuanwan

Line 2 runs east‑west across Xiamen Island and extends to Haicang District. This line is very important for tourists going to Gulangyu.

Major stations (from west to east):

Tianzhushan Station: Near Tianzhushan Forest Park.
Haicang Business Center Station: Center of Haicang District.
Cruise Center Station: Key station. Take Exit 2 and walk 5 minutes to Xiagu Ferry Terminal (the tourist ferry terminal for Gulangyu).
Lücuo Station: Transfer to Lines 1 and 3.
Software Park Phase II Station: Xiamen’s IT industry hub.
Wuyuanwan Station: Wuyuanwan Wetland Park and sailing departure point.

Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
Frequency: Similar to Line 1.

Line 3: Connecting Xiamen Station, Huli, and Xiang’an

Line 3 mainly serves eastern Xiamen Island and Xiang’an District. It connects the city center with the new Xiang’an Airport (under construction).

Major stations (from southwest to northeast):

Xiamen Railway Station: Transfer to Line 1 (exit the station – about a 5‑minute walk between the two stations).
Huli Park Station: Near the creative park in the old Huli industrial area.
Wuyuanwan Station: Transfer to Line 2.
Caicuo Station: Current terminus, near Dadeng Island in Xiang’an (take a bus from here to Dadeng Duty‑Free Market).

Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
Note: Line 3 currently does not directly connect to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. To reach the airport, still take Line 1 to Gaoqi Station and then transfer to the shuttle bus.

Key Transfer Station: Lücuo Station

Lücuo Station is the only three‑line transfer station (Lines 1, 2, and 3) in Xiamen Metro. The station is large, and the walking distance for transfers inside the station is about 5–8 minutes. Follow the station signs (in both Chinese and English) when transferring.

How to Use the Xiamen Metro

Buying Tickets

Single‑journey token: Buy from self‑service ticket machines at the station (accept 1 RMB coins, 5 or 10 RMB notes; some machines accept WeChat / Alipay). Select your destination, pay, and take the red round token.
Transport card (e‑Tong Card): Buy at the metro station service center or at convenience stores. Tap the card when entering and exiting – the fare is deducted automatically. Deposit: 20 RMB (refundable).
Mobile QR code: Search for “Xiamen Metro QR Code” in Alipay or WeChat, activate it, and scan the code to pass through the gates. You can link an international credit card through Alipay/WeChat.

Entering and Exiting

Tap your token/card / QR code on the gate to enter. When exiting, tap again (for a single‑journey token, insert it into the slot). Keep your token safe during the ride.

Riding Etiquette

Let passengers exit first before boarding. Queue up while waiting.
No eating or drinking inside the train cars.
The dark blue “priority seats” should be left for the elderly, pregnant women, and passengers with children.

Fares

Fares are based on distance. The starting fare is 2 RMB (for up to 4 km). For 4–12 km, add 1 RMB for every 4 km. For 12–32 km, add 1 RMB for every 5 km. The maximum fare is about 8 RMB. Example: Xiamen North Station to Zhenhai Road Station costs about 7 RMB.

Metro Connections to Airport and Railway Stations

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport: The metro does not directly enter the airport terminals. Take Line 1 to Gaoqi Station, exit, and take the free airport shuttle bus (about 5 minutes) to Terminal 3 or Terminal 4. The shuttle bus operating hours are roughly aligned with the metro.
Xiamen Station: Both Line 1 and Line 3 reach Xiamen Station. For Line 1, “Xiamen Station” exit leads directly to the station’s south square. For Line 3, “Xiamen Railway Station” exit is about a 5‑minute walk to the railway station entrance.
Xiamen North Station: The terminus of Line 1 is “Yannei Station”, which is actually underground at Xiamen North Station. After exiting, you are directly in the arrival hall of the high‑speed rail station.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does the Xiamen Metro have English announcements and signs?
A: Yes. Both the trains and stations have bilingual (Chinese and English) announcements, and directional signs are also in Chinese and English. However, some self‑service ticket machines have only Chinese interfaces – it is recommended to use mobile QR code payment or ask staff for help.

Q: Can foreign tourists use a foreign credit card to buy a single‑journey token?
A: Self‑service ticket machines generally accept only Chinese bank cards, cash, or local mobile payment. It is recommended to use Alipay or WeChat (linked to an international credit card) to scan QR codes, or buy tickets with cash at the service center.

Q: How do I get from Cruise Center Station to Gulangyu?
A: Take Exit 2 from Cruise Center Station and walk about 5 minutes to Xiagu Ferry Terminal. You need to buy a ferry ticket in advance (WeChat mini‑program “Xiamen Ferry Plus”) and take the ferry to Gulangyu with your passport.

Q: When is the last metro train?
A: The last trains on most lines depart from the two terminal stations around 11:00 PM. They reach the opposite end around 11:40 PM. Use a maps app (e.g., Baidu Maps, Gaode Maps) to check real‑time last train times.

Q: Can I bring a suitcase on the metro?
A: Yes. Xiamen Metro allows suitcases up to 30 inches in size. It is recommended to avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM) to prevent crowding.

Q: Will new metro lines open in Xiamen in the future?
A: Yes. Line 4 (connecting Xiamen North Station and Xiang’an Airport) and Line 6 (connecting Haicang and Jimei) are under construction and are expected to open gradually between 2026 and 2027. Follow official announcements from Xiamen Metro.

Q: What should I do if I lose an item on the Xiamen Metro?
A: Contact station staff or call the Xiamen Metro service hotline (English and Chinese service): 0592-2506666. You can also register lost property on the “Xiamen Metro” app.