Qingdao Metro Service Guide

8 Steps to Ride the Metro

Step 1: Enter the Station

• Within 500 meters of the station, there are directional signs guiding you to the station entrance.
• Each entrance has a sign indicating the metro logo, line number, station name, and entrance/exit number.

Step 2: Purchase a Ticket
You can purchase Single-Ride Tickets via:

• Electronic Payment: At Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), scan QR codes via Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, Long Pay, or Digital Yuan. You can also download the Qingdao Metro App and use the Transit QR Code.
• Cash Payment: Use 5-yuan or 10-yuan bills, or 1-yuan coins at TVMs that accept cash.

Step 3: Security Check

• Please cooperate by placing your belongings through the security check equipment.
• Passengers who refuse a security check or carry prohibited items will be denied entry.

Step 4: Pass Through the Gates
(One person, one ticket)

• e-Tickets: Transit QR Code, Companion Code, Day Pass, LuTong Code, etc.
• NFC-HCE Phones or Digital Yuan Hardware Wallets.
• Physical Tickets: Single-Ride Tickets, Day Passes, Commemorative Tickets, Qingdao Tong Card (Qindaotong), or UnionPay Interoperability Card.

Step 5: Wait for the Train

• Follow the directional signs to the platform.
• Choose the correct direction and queue up according to the floor markings.
• Public restrooms are located at one end of the station hall or platform.

Step 6: Board the Train

• Let passengers exit first before boarding. Please be courteous.
• Once on board, move to the middle of the carriage.
• Be mindful of the gap and height difference between the train and the platform.
• When the door chime sounds, do not rush to board or alight to avoid injury.

Step 7: Alight from the Train

• Pay attention to station announcements and prepare your belongings in advance.
• Mind the gap and height difference when exiting.

Step 8: Exit the Station

• Follow the signs to the station hall and check the information board to choose your exit.
• Stand behind the yellow line when tapping out.
• Single-Ride Ticket: Insert into the slot for exit.
• Qingdao Tong / UnionPay Interoperability Card: Tap on the reader.
• QR Code: Scan on the reader.
• If the gate does not open, go to the Service Center or Smart Service Center for assistance.

Riding Reminders & Prohibited Acts

What should I pay attention to when taking the the last train?

To ensure you catch the train, please arrive at the platform early. Ticket sales and validation will stop when the last train arrives. Please plan sufficient time for transfers.

What are the consequences of violating metro rules?

Operators have the right to stop violators. Those who refuse to comply after being warned may be asked to leave the metro premises or denied service. Passengers who cause damage to facilities will be held legally liable.

Can the station help if I get separated from my family?

Yes. Provide the station staff with details such as names, descriptions, and the location where you got separated. You may also call the Qingdao Metro Service Hotline at 0532-5577 0000 for assistance.

What if I lose an item while riding the metro?

Inform station staff, check the Lost & Found section on the Qingdao Metro App, or call the service hotline at 0532-55770000.

Can guide dogs enter the station?

Yes, but passengers must present a visual disability certificate and a guide dog certificate. The guide dog must wear a harness and protective gear to prevent injuries.

What is prohibited in metro stations?

1. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) or lighting an open flame in stations or trains.
2. Eating or drinking in trains (except for infants and the sick).
3. Playing audio without headphones, gathering for speeches, pushing, running, or fighting in stations or trains.
4. Riding bicycles, skateboards, or roller skates in stations or trains.
5. Knocking on the train cab or using flash photography that may distract the driver.
6. Other acts that disrupt safe operation, public order, or hygiene.

For other prohibited acts, refer to the "Urban Rail Transit Passenger Organization and Service Management Measures," "Qingdao Rail Transit Regulations," and the "Qingdao Rail Transit Passenger Code."

Prohibited Items

1. Firearms, ammunition, crossbows, daggers, or other controlled weapons (except for law enforcement with valid permits).
2. Explosive, flammable, radioactive, toxic, or corrosive substances.
3. Items with strong odors or unpackaged fragile items that could stain metro facilities.
4. Inflated balloons, non-foldable bicycles, electric mobility devices (except for disability scooters), or items exceeding 1.8 meters in length/width/height sum or 30 kg in weight.
5. Live poultry or animals such as dogs or cats (except for service dogs with identifying marks).
6. Other items prohibited by laws or regulations.

Other items deemed as potential security risks by the public security authorities are also prohibited.

Ticketing Information

What is the Qingdao Metro fare?

• Fares are distance-based:
• Starting fare: CNY 2 for up to 5 km.
• 5–10 km (inclusive): CNY 3.
• 10–17 km (inclusive): CNY 4.
• 17–27 km (inclusive): CNY 5.
• 27–38 km (inclusive): CNY 6.
• Above 38 km: Add CNY 1 for each additional 20 km.

(For discount policies, please refer to the Qingdao Metro Ticketing Rules.)

Why can't I use someone else's discount transit card?

Discount cards are provided by the government for specific groups and feature the holder's photo. They are not transferable. According to Article 24 of the Qingdao Rail Transit Regulations, those using another person's discounted card will be charged five times the highest fare of the line. Those using forged cards or tickets will be handed over to the public security authorities. Information may be recorded in the personal credit system.

What is the minimum balance required to enter?

1. If your Qingdao Tong Card (including Concession and Senior Cards) or UnionPay Interoperability Card has insufficient funds to cover the minimum fare, you will not be able to enter.
2. If you have an unpaid order in the Qingdao Metro App, you will not be able to enter.

Are there special tickets for short-term travelers?

Yes. Qingdao Metro offers 1-Day Passes and 3-Day Passes in both physical and electronic formats. They are activated upon first use. The 1-Day Pass is valid for 24 hours, and the 3-Day Pass for 72 hours. During validity, you can take unlimited rides for a single person.

Refund Policy

1. Unused Single-Ride Tickets that can be read can be refunded at any station at any time.
2. Unused Day Passes can be refunded at face value during their validity if readable.
3. Commemorative Tickets are non-refundable once sold.
4. Qingdao Tong and UnionPay Interoperability Cards: Managed by the issuer.

Can I buy a Single-Ride Ticket in advance?

Single-Ride Tickets are valid only on the day of purchase and at the station where they were bought.

Can one ticket be shared by multiple people?

No. The metro operates on a one-person-one-ticket basis. One ticket cannot be used by multiple people simultaneously.

What if my ticket is insufficient for my destination?

If your ticket value is less than the fare to your exit station, you will need to pay the difference in cash or via QR code (except when caused by Qingdao Metro).

What if I lose or damage my ticket?

If you lose or damage a metro-specific ticket before exiting, go to the Service Center and pay the highest single-ride fare of the network for the exit station.

Does the metro provide invoices?

1. Single-Ride Ticket holders: Request an invoice at the Service Center before exiting.
2. Qingdao Metro App users: Request an e-invoice through the app or a paper one at the station Service Center.
3. Physical Day Passes and Commemorative Tickets: Invoices are provided at the point of purchase.
4. Qingdao Tong users: Single-ride invoices are not provided by the metro. Qingdao Tong provides invoices upon top-up. For an e-invoice, use the "Qingdao Tong" App or the "Qingdao Tong e-Card" WeChat mini-program. Hotline: 0532-8308 9999.

What if I exceed the time limit?

Each ride is limited to 240 minutes. Passengers exceeding this time must pay the current fare plus the highest single-ride fare of the network for the timeout fee (except when caused by Qingdao Metro).

Concierge Services 

Qingdao Metro provides caring services to make your journey more comfortable.

Nursing Rooms

Baby changing tables are installed in accessible restrooms. Dedicated nursing rooms are available at the following stations:

Transfer Stations: Wangjiagang, Licun, Liaoyang East Road, Taidong, May Fourth Square, Qingdao North Railway Station, Haiboqiao (Haici Medical), Qingdao Railway Station (Line 1 area), Miaoling Road (Line 2 area), People's Hall (Line 4 area), Taishan Road (Line 4 area), Cuobuling (Line 4 area), Zhangcun (Line 4 area), Xintun (Line 6 area).

• Line 1: Liuting, Xianjiazhai (North Coach Station), Xingguo Road, Beiling.
• Line 2: Xiaogang.
• Line 4: Signal Hill (Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital), Changle Road, Xiwujiacun, Hongshanpo (Women and Children's Hospital), Jinsong 3rd Road, Dadong, Keyuanjing 7th Road, Xiaolaoshan, Shakou, Dengying, Dahedong.
• Line 6: Shanwanghe (Fulai Community), Xuejiapozi, Gangtou, West Coast Campus of Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital, Bashan (Binhai College), Huashan, Wangjiagang.
• Line 8: All stations.
• West Coast Express Line: Chaoyang Mountain.

Happy Treasure Box

All station service centers have a "Happy Treasure Box" containing sewing kits, air pumps, reading glasses, etc.

First Aid Supplies

All stations are equipped with first aid items (band-aids, iodine swabs, gauze, etc.), stretchers, and wheelchairs.

Accessible Foldable Ramp

All stations are equipped with accessible ramps to help wheelchair users board and alight. Contact staff for assistance.

Restroom Access for Non-Passengers

If you need to use the station restroom without riding the metro, ask the service center for a "Restroom Access Card" and enter through the side gate for free.

Green Wave Express Service

Transport hub stations offer luggage assistance, optimized transfer routes, and fast security/check-in for seamless transfers.

Simple Packing Service

Stations near transport hubs and markets offer simple packing materials like scissors, leak-proof bags, and tape to help passengers secure their luggage.

Accessible Elevators

• Outside the station: Connect the ground level to the station hall.
• Inside the station: Connect the station hall and platform within the paid area.

Expectant Mother Care

"Expectant Mother Badges" are available at all stations or can be applied for via the Qingdao Metro App. Staff will provide special attention to passengers displaying this badge.

Accessible Pickup Service

Reserve this service by calling the hotline at 0532-5577 0000 or using the "Accessible Pickup" function in the Qingdao Metro App. Inform staff of your route and time, and they will meet you at the designated location for one-on-one assistance.

Temperature-Controlled Carriages

Trains on Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 use a "zoned temperature cooling" system. Passengers can choose a carriage based on their preference, indicated by signs on the platform doors.

AED Equipment

All stations are equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Green Lane

Available for passengers with special needs, operated by station staff.

Accessible Restroom

Located at one end of the station hall or platform, equipped with baby changing tables.

Wheelchair Carriage

In 6-car trains, wheelchair tie-downs are located in the middle 4 carriages, near the middle of the train. In 4-car trains, they are available in all carriages. Passengers requiring these facilities should board at the platform doors marked with the wheelchair symbol.

Accessible Platform Lift

To help passengers with mobility needs, Qingdao Metro has installed accessible platform lifts at entrances/exits or transfer passages where elevators are not yet available.

Wide Gates

All stations are equipped with wide gates for passengers with special needs.

Accessible Ramps

All stations have accessible ramps at entrances for easy access.

Chinese Source：www.qd-metro.com

The English version is for reference only. If there are differences between the English version and the Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.
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