Shanghai Metro Rolls Out QR-code Paper Tickets at More Stations

Credit: Zhu Qing / Shanghai Daily

Caption: A QR-code single-journey paper ticket purchased at the Zhongtan Road Station

Shanghai Metro is rolling out of its QR-code single-journey paper tickets, with Oriental Sports Center and Zhongtan Road stations among the latest to launch the updated ticketing machines.

The ticket is a paper slip printed with a QR code. Passengers scan it to enter and exit stations, and can keep it as a souvenir instead of returning it at the gate.

This ticket format is not new to the city. Shanghai first piloted the QR-code tickets at People's Square Station back in June 2023, and has since been gradually adding the machines to more stations across the vast subway network.

Caption: Shot by Zhu Qing. Reported by Zhu Qing.

A quick look at how to purchase the new QR-code paper ticket from the vending machine at Zhongtan Road Station.

The machine features a bilingual interface and supports both mobile payment and cash.

Purchasing a ticket is straightforward: The screen shows estimated travel time and transfer information before printing the paper slip. Passengers then scan the QR code to enter and exit the station, with no need to insert or return any card.

"It's convenient, and you can take the ticket home," said one passenger after using the machine.

Some riders noted that the station map on the touchscreen is dense and may take a moment to get used to on first use.

According to Shanghai Metro, the paper ticket can be used across the network, except the maglev line, and is valid for one trip on the day of purchase. It cannot be used to re-enter the system after exiting.

The operator added that moving away from reusable plastic IC cards helps reduce cleaning and reissuance logistics, while offering occasional riders and visitors a keepsake of their trip.