Tianjin Metro

Tianjin Metro Information

Only the second Chinese city to have a metro system as part of its public transport network, the first line of the Tianjin metro opened in 1976. Originally just four kilometres long, it was extended to more than seven kilometres in 1984 before services were suspended at the turn of the century for reconstruction work as passenger traffic had become too much for the system to handle.

Since then, the Tianjin metro network has undergone massive expansion and renovation. At present, the network consists of four different lines – Line 1, Line 2, Line 3 and Line 9. Construction is underway on Lines 4 and 5, while plans are in place for the other metro lines that will soon be built around the city of Tianjin. The Tianjin Metro carries 41.8 million passengers per year.

The Tianjin Metro map provides essential details for the everyday traveller. The metro handles a significant number of passengers per day, approximately 41,100, and operates during certain hours, from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer a 24-hour service, nor does it allow passengers to walk between platforms. Another notable detail is that the trains are not driverless. On the plus side, all trains have air conditioning for passenger comfort, and platform doors ensure safety on all platforms.

Fare details are administered at the entrance and exit gates, with the basic fare starting at CNY2. The metro system is operated by the Tianjin Metro General Corp.

In summary, the Tianjin Metro is a comprehensive and user-friendly transport system that meets the needs of its many daily commuters.

The Tianjin Metro map shows the city’s public transport system, which accommodates approximately 41,100 passengers per day. Access to the system is controlled by entry and exit gates. While the service doesn’t operate on a 24-hour schedule or offer driverless trains, it does offer air conditioning, a notable feature for passenger comfort. However, passengers cannot walk between platforms.

A unique feature of the Tianjin Metro is the use of platform gate doors rather than the standard screen doors. The service is managed by the Tianjin Metro General Corp. and operates daily, including holidays, from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The fare for the metro is 2 Chinese Yuan.

Tianjin Metro Map

Map of Tianjin Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Tianjin Metro map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Tianjin Metro system consists of four lines serving a total of 86 stations over a distance of 136.9 kilometres. There’s also a tram line. Lines 2 and 3 are the newest, having been in operation since 2012. The system has an annual ridership of nearly 42 million passengers.

Line 1

Line 1 is 26.2 kilometres long and serves 24 stations from Liuyuan to Shuanglin. These stations include eight elevated stations, 13 underground stations and one surface station. Construction of Line 1, the first line of the Tianjin Metro, began in 1970. The project was delayed by an earthquake. The 5.3 km section from Xinanjiao to Xinhua Road was completed in August 1980. The extension from West Railway Station to Xinanjiao Station added another 2.2 km to the line in December 1984. The line was closed in October 2001 for improvements, renovations and extensions and didn’t reopen until June 2006.

Stations on Line 1 include Shuanglin, Caijindaxue (Tianjin University of Finance & Economics), Huashanli, Fuxingmen, Chentangzhuang, Tucheng, Nanlou, Xiawafang, Xiaobailou, Yingkoudao, Anshandao, Haiguangsi, Erweilu, Xi’nanjiao, Xibeijiao, Xizhan (Tianjin West Railway Station), Honghuli, Qinjiandao, Benxilu, Guojiuchang, Xihengdi, Liuyuan.

Line 2

Line 2 traverses Tianjin from east to west. It covers a distance of 23.5 km and serves 19 stations, connecting six districts in the city: Xiqing, Nankai, Heping, Hebei, Hedong, and Lidong.

Stations on Line 2 include: Caozhuang, Bianxing, Jieyuanxidao (West Jieyuan Avenue), Xianyanglu (Xianyang Road), Changhonggongyuan (Changhong Park), Guangkaisimalu (Guangkai 4th Road), Xi’nanjiao, Gulou, Dongnanjiao, Jianguodao (Jianguo Road), Tianjinzhan (Tianjin Railway Station), Yuanyangguojizhongxin (Yuanyang International Center), Shunchiqiao, Jingjianglu (Jingjiang Road), Cuifuxincun, Yudongcheng, Dengzhoulu (Dengzhou Road), Guoshanlu (Guoshan Road), Konggangjingjiqu (Airport Economic Area), Binhaiguojijichang (Binhai International Airport).

Line 3

Line 3 runs from the northeast to the southeast of the city. It spans a length of 34 km and serves 26 stations. It provides connections with all other lines (1, 2 and 9) at the Tianjin Railway Station. The line was developed in several stages: in 2012, the section from Xiaodian to Gaoxinqu station opened, and in December 2013, the extension from Nanzhanto to Gaoxinqu station (South Railway Station) was completed.

Stations on Line 3 include: Nanzhan (Tianjin South Railway Station), Yangwuzhuang, Xuefugonguequ (Xuefu Industrial Zone), Gaoxinqu (Hi-tech Industrial Development Area), Daxuecheng (University Town), Huayuan, Wangdingdi, Hongqinanlu (South Hongqi Road), Zhoudengji’nianguan (Zhou Enlai & Deng Yingchao Memorial Hall), Tianta (Tianjin Radio & Television Tower), Wujiayao, Xikanglu (Xikang Road), Yingkoudao (Yingkou Road), Hepinglu (Heping Road), Jinwan’guangchang (Jinwan Square), Tianjinzhan (Tianjin Railway Station), Jinshiqiao, Zhongshanlu (Zhongshan Road), Beizhen (Tianjin North Railway Station), Tiedonglu (Tiedong Road), Zhangxingzhuang, Yixingfu, Tianshili, Huabeijituan (Huabei Group), Fengchanhe (Fengchan River), Xiaodian.

Line 9

Also known as the Binhai Line, Line 9 is nearly 53 km long and serves 19 stations, providing a connection between Tianjin and Binhai. A full journey from one end of the line to the other takes about 1 hour. The line also connects with the TEDA tram line.

Stations on Line 9 include: Tianjin Railway Station, Dawangzhuang, Shiyijing Road, Zhigu, Dongxing Road, Zhongshanmen, Yihaoqiao, Erhaoqiao, Zhangguizhuang, Xinli, Dongli Economic Development Area, Xiaodongzhuang, Junliangcheng, Tianjin Pipe Corp, Zhongxicun, Hujiayuan, Tanggu, TEDA, Citizen Plaza, Binhai University, Convention and Exhibition Center, Donghai Road.

TEDA Modern Guided Rail Tram

The TEDA Modern Guided Rail Tram is a light rail system serving the Tianjin Economic Development Area (TEDA), the part of the city that has seen the most growth over the past 25 years. However, transporting large masses of people between the central areas of the city and TEDA has been very complicated.

Opened in 2007, the TEDA Modern Guided Rail Tram is the only tram system in the city that moves on wheels. It is a type of Translohr system guided by a central monorail. The tram system has a total length of 8 km and serves 14 stations.

Stations along the TEDA Modern Guided Rail Tram include TEDA, First Avenue, Second Avenue, Third Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Sixth Avenue, Seventh Avenue, Ninth Avenue, Tenth Avenue, Eleventh Avenue, International Joint Academy, College District and North of College District.

Future Extensions

New lines are under construction. Line 5 will run north-south, connecting Shuangjie Street with Liyuantou. Line 6 will run from northeast to southeast, connecting Dabizhuang to Shuanggang station.

There are also four proposed lines. Line 4, a northwest-east line, will run from Xiaojie Street to the Civil Aviation University of China. Line 7, a northeast to southwest line, will run from Dabizhuang to Liyuantou. Line 8, which runs from north to south, will extend from Xiaodian to Zhangjiawo bullet train station. Line 10, which runs from west to east, will extend from Xinhua Road to Erjing Road.

Schedules and Frequencies

Line 1

Starts at 6:00 and ends at 22:15. Trains run every 5-7 minutes during peak periods Monday to Friday (6.30-8.30am and 4.30-6.30pm). At off-peak times trains run every 8-10 minutes. On Saturdays and Sundays trains run every 8-10 minutes throughout the day.

Line 2

The first train departs at 6:00 am in both directions from Caozhuang and Binhai Airport. The last train departs at 22:12 and 22:05 respectively. Trains run every 6-8 minutes during peak hours from Monday to Friday (6:30-8:30am and 4:30-6:30pm). At off-peak times trains run every 8-10 minutes. On Saturdays and Sundays trains run every 8-10 minutes throughout the day.

Line 3

The first train departs at 6:00 am from Xiaodian Station to Hi-Tech Industrial Zone and vice versa. Trains run every 5-7 minutes during peak hours from Monday to Friday (6:30-8:30am and 4:30-6:30pm). At off-peak times, trains run every 8-10 minutes. On Saturdays and Sundays trains run every 8-10 minutes throughout the day.

Line 9

The first train leaves Central Railway Station at 6am and the last at 10pm. From Donghai, the first and last trains leave at 7:03am and 11:03pm respectively. The total journey time is 62 minutes. Trains run every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and every 10-12 minutes during off-peak hours, including weekends.

Tickets and Fares

In the Tianjin Metro, fares are calculated according to the distance travelled and range from 2 to 5 yuan. Specifically

CNY 2 for 1-5 stops
3 CNY for 6-10 stops
5 CNY for 17 or more stops

Tickets for the Metro and Line 9 can be purchased from ticket offices at all stations or from ticket machines. Each ticket is valid for three hours. Once validated, the passenger has three hours to leave the station. Children less than 1.10 metres tall can travel free when accompanied by an adult.

Discounts are available for students and senior citizens. You can also use the City Card and the Common Stored Value Ticket to travel on the Tianjin Metro.