Suzhou Metro, formerly known as Suzhou Rail Transit, is the rapid transit system serving Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, China. The system opened on April 28, 2012 with Line 1, added Line 2 on December 28, 2013, and has grown into a major city transport network with urban routes, intercity connections, and direct links toward Shanghai via Line 11. Source figures list nine operating lines, up to 285 stations, and a total network length of 345 km (214 mi). Fares are distance-based, starting at ¥2 (about $0.28) for trips under 6 km (3.7 mi), with a highest listed fare of ¥8 (about $1.10).
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System name | Suzhou Metro, previously known as Suzhou Rail Transit |
| City | Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China |
| Opened | April 28, 2012 |
| Operating lines | 9 lines in the latest source figures |
| Stations | Up to 285 stations in the latest source figures; another 2024 figure lists 277 stations |
| System length | 345 km (214 mi) |
| Base fare | ¥2 (about $0.28) for journeys under 6 km (3.7 mi) |
| Highest listed fare | ¥8 (about $1.10) |
| Transit card | Suzhou Tong card users receive a 5% discount on each journey |
| Main role | Public transport for central Suzhou, railway stations, industrial districts, suburban corridors, and Kunshan |
Map of Suzhou Rail Transit
Map of Suzhou Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Suzhou Metro map in PDF format.
Suzhou Rail Transit Lines and Stations
Suzhou Rail Transit covers the main urban districts, railway hubs, Suzhou Industrial Park, newer residential areas, and Kunshan. The route plan includes Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11, with several busy interchange stations helping passengers move across the system without long detours.
Line 1 runs east-west from Mudu to Zhongnan Jie. Line 2 links Qihe and Sangtiandao. Line 3 runs from Suzhou Xinqu Railway Station to Weiting, while Line 4 connects Longdaobang and Tongli. Line 5 serves Taihu Xiangshan to Yangchenghu South, Line 6 links Suzhou Xinqu Railway Station and Sangtiandao, Line 7 runs from Changlou to Muli, Line 8 runs from Xijinqiao to Chefang, and Line 11 connects Weiting with Huaqiao.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Guangji Nan Lu | Interchange for Line 1 and Line 2 |
| Shizishan | Interchange for Line 1 and Line 3 |
| Dongfangzhimen | Interchange for Line 1 and Line 3 |
| Leqiao | Interchange for Line 1 and Line 4 |
| Xingtang Jie | Interchange for Line 1 and Line 5 |
| Panlilu | Interchange for Line 2 and Line 3 |
| Suzhou Railway Station | Interchange for Line 2 and Line 4, with rail connections |
| Shihudonglu | Interchange for Line 2 and Line 4 |
| Laodonglu | Interchange for Line 2 and Line 5 |
| Baodailu | Interchange for Line 3 and Line 4 |
| Suoshanqiao West | Interchange for Line 3 and Line 5 |
| Jinsheqiao | Interchange for Line 3 and Line 5 |
| Fengtingdadao | Interchange for Line 3 and Line 5 |
| Weiting | Interchange for Line 3 and Line 11 |
| Nanmen | Interchange for Line 4 and Line 5 |
| Hongzhuang | Interchange for Line 4 and the Line 4 Branch Line |
| Huaqiao | Interchange for Line 11 and Shanghai Metro Line 11 |
The stations list below gives a practical view of selected stops on each line. It also works as a quick stations map companion when checking where transfers are likely to happen.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Line 1 stations | Mudu, Jinfenglu, Xihuanlu, Guangji’nanlu, Leqiao, Lindunlu, Dongfangzhimen, Zhongyanggongyuan, Xinghaiguangchang, Xingtangjie, Zhonnanjie |
| Line 2 stations | Qihe, Suzhoubei Railway Station, Lumu, Suzhou Railway Station, Shilu, Guangji’nanlu, Baodaiqiao South, Yinshanhu, Dushuhu South, Sangtiandao |
| Line 3 stations | Suzhou Xinqu Railway Station, Xijinqiao, Shizishan, Panlilu, Baodailu, Ligongdi West, Dongfangzhimen, Suzhou Yuanqu Railway Station, Weiting |
| Line 4 stations | Longdaobang, Suzhou Railway Station, Beisita, Chayuanchang, Leqiao, Nanmen, Baodailu, Shihudonglu, Tongli |
| Line 5 stations | Taihu Xiangshan, Lingyanshan, Suoshanqiao West, Laodonglu, Nanmen, Jinsheqiao, Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre, Yangchenghu South |
| Line 6 stations | Suzhou Xinqu Railway Station, Baiyangwangongyuan, Huqiu, Sujin, Humble Administrator’s Garden Suzhou Museum, Lindunlu, Ligongdi West, Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre, Sangtiandao |
| Line 7 stations | Changlou, Zhongyanggongyuan, Reyunqiao, Tongyuanlu South, Guoxiang, Hongzhuang, Yuexi, Suzhouwan North, Muli |
| Line 8 stations | Xijinqiao, Baiyangwangongyuan, Huqiushidigongyuan, Yangchenghuzhonglu, Suzhou Yuanqu Railway Station, Shidaiguangchang, Xietang, Songtaojie, Chefang |
| Line 11 stations | Weiting, Yangchenghu East, Yushanguangchang, Kunshan Chengshiguangchang, Jinpudaqiao East, Baihetan, Shentongjing, Huaqiao |
Schedule
Suzhou Rail Transit runs daily, but it is not a 24-hour system. Opening hours, closing time, and the last train vary by line and direction, so the train schedule should be checked before travel, especially for late-night trips.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | First train 05:40 / 06:00; last train 22:35 / 23:14 |
| Line 2 | First train 05:40; last train 23:06 / 23:32 |
| Line 3 | First train 05:40; last train 22:20 |
| Line 4 | First train 05:40; last train 22:25 / 23:19 |
| Line 5 | First train 05:40; last train 22:20 / 23:05 |
| Line 6 | First train 05:40 / 05:42; last train 22:20 / 22:55 |
| Line 7 | First train 05:40 / 05:50; last train 22:15 / 22:25 |
| Line 8 | First train 05:40; last train 22:20 |
| Line 11 | First train 05:40 / 06:12; last train 22:30 / 23:40 |
| Peak travel times | Usually 07:30-09:00 and 17:00-20:00 |
The schedule today can change by direction, date, and holiday arrangement. For the most accurate timings today, check the route timetable before entering the station.
Several rail stations are important for passengers transferring between metro and national or intercity rail services.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Suzhou Railway Station | Serves high-speed and regular trains to many major cities |
| Suzhou North Railway Station | Key station on the Beijing-Shanghai High Speed Railway |
| Suzhou New District Railway Station | Mainly serves the Shanghai-Nanjing Intercity High Speed Railway |
Timetable & Operating Hours
Line 1 is shown in the source timetable with a regular starting time of 05:40 from Mudu and 06:00 from Zhongnan Street. The route running time between the two terminals is about 54 minutes. The last train varies by direction and day, with later service shown on Friday to Sunday in some directions.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Mudu | First to Mudu: —; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:40; last to Mudu: —; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:35 / 23:14 |
| Jinfeng Road | First to Mudu: 06:20; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:42; last to Mudu: 23:21 / 23:57; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:37 / 23:16 |
| Fenhu Road | First to Mudu: 06:18; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:44; last to Mudu: 23:19 / 23:55; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:39 / 23:18 |
| Yushan Road | First to Mudu: 06:16; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:46; last to Mudu: 23:17 / 23:53; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:41 / 23:20 |
| Amusement Land | First to Mudu: 06:14; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:48; last to Mudu: 23:14 / 23:50; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:43 / 23:22 |
| Tayuan Road | First to Mudu: 06:12; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:50; last to Mudu: 23:12 / 23:48; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:45 / 23:24 |
| Binhe Road | First to Mudu: 06:10; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:52; last to Mudu: 23:10 / 23:46; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:47 / 23:26 |
| Xihuan Road | First to Mudu: 06:08; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:54; last to Mudu: 23:08 / 23:44; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:49 / 23:28 |
| North Tongjing Road | First to Mudu: 06:06; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:57; last to Mudu: 23:06 / 23:42; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:52 / 23:31 |
| South Guangji Road | First to Mudu: 06:04; first to Zhongnan Street: 05:59; last to Mudu: 23:04 / 23:40; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:54 / 23:33 |
| Yangyu Lane | First to Mudu: 06:01; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:01; last to Mudu: 23:02 / 23:38; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:56 / 23:35 |
| Leqiao | First to Mudu: 06:00; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:03; last to Mudu: 23:00 / 23:36; last to Zhongnan Street: 22:58 / 23:37 |
| Lindun Road | First to Mudu: 06:07; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:05; last to Mudu: 22:58 / 23:34; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:00 / 23:39 |
| Xiangmen | First to Mudu: 06:06; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:07; last to Mudu: 22:56 / 23:32; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:02 / 23:41 |
| Donghuan Road | First to Mudu: 06:03; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:09; last to Mudu: 22:54 / 23:30; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:04 / 23:43 |
| Central Park | First to Mudu: 06:02; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:11; last to Mudu: 22:52 / 23:28; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:06 / 23:45 |
| Xinghai Square | First to Mudu: 06:00; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:13; last to Mudu: 22:50 / 23:26; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:08 / 23:47 |
| Gate of the Orient | First to Mudu: 06:07; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:15; last to Mudu: 22:48 / 23:24; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:10 / 23:49 |
| Culture & Expo Center | First to Mudu: 06:03; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:18; last to Mudu: 22:44 / 23:20; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:13 / 23:52 |
| Times Square | First to Mudu: 06:01; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:20; last to Mudu: 22:42 / 23:18; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:15 / 23:54 |
| Xinghu Street | First to Mudu: 06:00; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:22; last to Mudu: 22:41 / 23:17; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:17 / 23:56 |
| Nanshi Street | First to Mudu: 06:04; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:24; last to Mudu: 22:39 / 23:15; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:19 / 23:58 |
| Xingtang Street | First to Mudu: 06:02; first to Zhongnan Street: 06:27; last to Mudu: 22:37 / 23:13; last to Zhongnan Street: 23:21 / 23:00 |
| Zhongnan Street | First to Mudu: 06:00; first to Zhongnan Street: —; last to Mudu: 22:35 / 23:11; last to Zhongnan Street: — |
| Line 1 peak frequency | Every 5 minutes 20 seconds from 07:30 to 09:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday |
| Line 1 off-peak frequency | Every 6 minutes 30 seconds |
Holiday working hours may be extended. On the day before a holiday, service can run up to 45 minutes later than regular weekdays. During the first six holiday days, operating hours may be extended by up to 75 minutes, and during the last two holiday days, by up to 45 minutes.
To check first and last train timings, use the Su E Xing app, open Trip Planner, select First/Last Train, then choose the line and date.
Connections
Suzhou Metro connects the city center, Suzhou Industrial Park, major railway stations, residential corridors, and outlying districts. For local transport, it is one of the most useful ways to move through Suzhou without relying on road traffic.
Line 11 is the key intercity route. It links Weiting with Huaqiao in Kunshan and connects with Shanghai Metro Line 11. Through service between Suzhou Metro Line 3 and Line 11 has been available since December 23, 2023, and direct service from Suzhou Xinqu Railway Station to Huaqiao has been available since June 29, 2024.
The wider network supports public transport across Suzhou by combining metro lines, railway stations, bus terminals, and regional connections. For many trips, the simplest path is a train-to-train transfer at stations such as Suzhou Railway Station, Guangji Nan Lu, Leqiao, Dongfangzhimen, or Weiting.
Airport Connections
Suzhou does not have its own major international airport. Most travelers use nearby airports in Shanghai or Sunan Shuofang International Airport, then continue by taxi, shuttle bus, metro, or rail.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport: airport taxis take about 2.5 hours to Suzhou. The airport shuttle bus from Pudong Airport Long-distance Passenger Terminal to Suzhou bus terminals takes about 3 hours.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport: this is the most convenient Shanghai airport for Suzhou. A taxi to downtown Suzhou takes about 90 minutes from the pickup point south of Arrival Floor Gate 4, Terminal 2. The airport shuttle bus from Shanghai Long-distance Passenger West Terminal to Suzhou bus terminals takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. Another option is Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to Hongqiao Railway Station, followed by a train to Suzhou in about 40 minutes.
Sunan Shuofang International Airport: taxis from the first floor to Suzhou old town take about 30 minutes, using the external side passage on the first floor of Domestic Arrival Gate 6. The airport shuttle bus from Shuofang Airport Bus Station to Suzhou bus terminals is estimated to take 45 minutes.
Direct coach services run from Suzhou city terminals to Sunan Shuofang International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Suzhou Railway Station North Square City Terminal | 1455 Suzhan Road, Gusu District |
| Suzhou Nanmen Bus Terminal | 601 East Nanhuan Road, Gusu District |
| Suzhou Jinji Lake North Passenger Center Terminal | East Suzhou Avenue of Industrial Park and west of Shuige Road intersection |
Suzhou is also part of a strong rail network. High-speed trains connect the city with Shanghai in about 15 minutes, Nanjing in about 80 minutes, and Beijing in about 5 hours. Intercity trains also serve Zhangjiagang, Taicang, Changshu, and Kunshan.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Suzhou Railway Station | Main rail hub in the city |
| Suzhou North Railway Station | High-speed rail station |
| Suzhou Yuanqu Railway Station | Rail connection serving the industrial park area |
| Suzhou Xinqu Railway Station | Rail connection in the new district |
| Suzhou North Square Bus Terminal | 1455 Suzhan Road, Gusu District |
| Suzhou South Bus Station | 601 East Nanhuan Road, Gusu District |
| Suzhou North Railway Station Bus Terminal | Nantiancheng Road, Xiangcheng District |
Public bicycles are available in Suzhou. Each ride is free within 1 hour, then costs ¥1 (about $0.14) for each additional hour, with any time under 1 hour counted as 1 hour.
History
Suzhou Rail Transit opened as a modern rapid transit system for Suzhou on April 28, 2012, when Line 1 began operation. Line 2 followed on December 28, 2013.
Between 2016 and 2021, three more lines and an extension of Line 2 were completed. Line 11 opened on June 24, 2023, connecting Kunshan, which is under Suzhou’s administration, with the Shanghai Metro. Three additional lines opened in 2024.
Ridership rose as the system expanded. Average daily usage increased from 680,000 in 2017 to 899,000 in 2018 and 995,000 in 2019, while the 2025 average reached 1.935 million. Record ridership also climbed from 1,130,000 on April 30, 2017 to 1,548,000 on May 2, 2019.
As of 2024, one source figure lists nine operating lines with a total length of 345 km (214 mi) and 277 stations.
Future Expansions
Suzhou Rail Transit has approval for the third stage of its 2021-2026 expansion plan. The plan adds 19.58 km (12.17 mi) of new metro lines at a total cost of ¥15.24 billion (about $2.1 billion). Suzhou municipal and district governments are set to contribute ¥5.16 billion (about $710 million).
- Line 2: a 4.72 km (2.93 mi) northern underground extension from Qihe to Aigehaolu, with four stations and an investment of ¥3.26 billion (about $450 million).
- Line 4: a 7.42 km (4.61 mi) northern underground extension from Longdaobang to Guantanglu, with four stations and a budget of ¥4.54 billion (about $625 million).
- Line 7: a 7.44 km (4.62 mi) fully underground extension from Moyang to Chengfenglu, with an investment of ¥5.09 billion (about $700 million).
These projects continue the expansion of Suzhou’s rapid transit system and add more connections across the growing network.
Rules
Suzhou Rail Transit follows the Measures for the Administration of Urban Railway and Passenger Transportation, issued by the Ministry of Transport and effective from April 1, 2020. The rules are meant to keep stations, platforms, and trains safe and orderly.
The Measures list seven types of behavior that may disrupt rail operations, including begging, performing, playing audio out loud, and eating. They also ban ten types of conduct that may create security risks.
- Do not make noise on the subway or play audio out loud.
- Do not bring items with unpleasant or irritating odors into stations or onto trains.
- Do not harass other passengers in stations or on trains.
- Do not eat on the subway, except for babies and ill passengers.
- Do not bring live poultry or pets into stations or onto trains, except guide dogs, police dogs, and military dogs.
Passengers who do not comply will be told to correct their behavior. Those who refuse may be fined between ¥20 and ¥100 (about $2.80 to $14).
Families traveling with children should stay close at ticket gates, use wide gates or ask staff for help with a baby pram, and avoid stopping in the gate area. On escalators, children should not play, and passengers should stay clear of the edges.
At platforms, watch the gap, do not rush when warning chimes sound, and lift baggage, wheelchairs, baby prams, or trolleys when boarding or leaving the train. After boarding, move toward the middle of the carriage and keep away from doors. If a child gets lost, contact station staff immediately.
During holiday travel, Suzhou Metro may extend operating hours and shorten train intervals during peak periods. Check real-time updates through station electronic displays, the official Weibo account, or the Su E Xing app before traveling.
Nearby attractions
Suzhou Railway Station is a convenient starting point for sightseeing. Guanqian Street can be reached from Leqiao Station by taking Metro Line 2 and transferring to Line 1, making it easy to combine shopping, dining, and a central-city walk.
Shantang Street is another popular stop near the Line 2 network. It is known for canal views, evening lights, and a relaxed atmosphere, so it works well for a short visit after arriving by train.
- Humble Administrator’s Garden: one of Suzhou’s best-known classical gardens.
- Suzhou Museum: a cultural attraction combining modern architecture with local history and art.
- Pingjiang Road: a historic canal-side street area with walking routes and local snacks.
- Tiger Hill: a popular scenic site often included in Suzhou sightseeing routes.
- Hanshan Temple: a famous temple visited for its cultural and literary significance.
The Suzhou Railway Station District also has practical transport links to bus routes and metro lines, making it easier to reach nearby attractions and other parts of the city without complicated transfers.