Xiamen Metro Map 2025 – Lines, Schedule & Tourist Guide

As a Malaysian traveller in Xiamen, I was really excited to experience the Xiamen Metro. Just like the MRT in Kuala Lumpur, the metro here is busy yet highly efficient making it one of the best ways to get around the city. What impressed me most was how convenient it is for reaching major shopping areas, local food streets, and scenic attractions, all while avoiding Xiamen’s traffic on the roads. With mobile apps and route planners, navigating the metro system is simple, especially if you have a reliable eSIM for China.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Xiamen Metro: how to buy tickets, key stations to note, the best routes for travellers, peak hours to avoid, and some useful local etiquette tips. Whether you’re travelling from the airport to the city centre or figuring out which line connects to attractions like Zhongshan Road or Xiamen University, this Xiamen Metro guide has everything you need. Let’s get started!

🗺️ Overview of Xiamen Metro & Metro Lines

If you’re a Malaysian traveller familiar with the MRT in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find the Xiamen Metro just as efficient—though on a smaller and more scenic scale. With its modern trains, clean stations, and well-planned routes, the metro makes exploring Xiamen smooth and convenient. This guide will help you navigate the system with confidence and make the most of your journey around this coastal city.

🚆 System at a Glance

The Xiamen Metro currently has 6 operational lines (with more under construction), connecting Xiamen Island with surrounding districts such as Haicang, Jimei, and Xiang’an. It’s fast, affordable, and one of the most convenient ways to reach popular attractions, shopping streets, and local food hubs—without getting stuck in road traffic.

🌈 Key Metro Lines

• Line 1 (Red): The main north–south route linking Xiamen North Railway Station, Jimei School Village, and Zhenhai Road near Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.
• Line 2 (Blue): Runs east–west across the island, connecting Xiamen Island to Haicang District via Haicang Bridge.
• Line 3 (Yellow): Connects Xiang’an District to the city centre, offering easy access to residential and commercial areas.
• Line 6 (Purple): Extends to nearby Zhangzhou, making cross-city travel within the Xiamen–Zhangzhou–Quanzhou metropolitan area possible.

📍 Main Transfer Points & Interchange Stations

1. Lucuo Station: The central interchange connecting Line 1 and Line 2—ideal for travellers moving between the island and mainland districts.
2. Jimei School Village Station: A vibrant area surrounded by local eateries, schools, and cultural attractions, connected via Line 1 and Line 2.
3. Xiamen North Railway Station: A key transport hub for high-speed trains, conveniently linked by Line 1.

🧭 Traveller-Friendly Navigation Tips

The Xiamen Metro is very user-friendly, with bilingual signage in Chinese and English throughout all stations. Ticket machines accept cash and major mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay. For hassle-free travel, download apps like Baidu Maps or the Trip.com app to check metro routes and real-time schedules. Having a reliable eSIM for China also ensures smooth navigation as you explore Xiamen’s beautiful seaside cityscape.

🗺️ How to Buy Tickets, Xiamen Metro Card & Payment Methods

Getting around Xiamen by metro is simple and efficient once you understand the ticketing system. As a Malaysian traveller, I found it very similar to using the MRT in Kuala Lumpur or the MRT in Singapore—easy, fast, and affordable. Here’s a quick guide to help you pay for your metro rides with confidence.

🎟️ Types of Tickets Available

• Single-Trip Token: Ideal for one-way rides. These tokens can be purchased at ticket machines located in every station.
• One-Day Pass: Xiamen offers a 1-day unlimited metro pass, great for travellers who plan to visit multiple attractions in a single day.
• Contactless Bank Cards: Most machines don’t accept foreign cards, so it’s best to use tokens, a metro card, or mobile payments.

🚇 Transit Card

• E通卡 (E-Tong Card): This is Xiamen’s main rechargeable transit card, usable on both the metro and public buses. It’s convenient for frequent travellers—you can simply tap in and out without buying tokens each time.
• Where to Buy: Available at service counters in major metro stations and selected convenience stores across the city.

💸 Fares & Top-Up

• Fare Range: Xiamen Metro fares start from around CNY 2 (≈RM 1.30) for short trips and can go up to about CNY 6 (≈RM 4) depending on distance.
• Top-Up Options: You can reload your E-Tong Card at ticket machines or station counters. The minimum top-up is usually CNY 20 (≈RM 13).

📲 Digital Payment

Mobile Apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most common payment methods in Xiamen, and both support QR code entry for metro rides. For Malaysian travellers, you can link your Malaysian bank card to Alipay or WeChat Pay for easy use. If you prefer not to set up mobile payments, the E-Tong Card is the most convenient option.

✅ Best Option for Travellers

For short visits, getting an E-Tong Card or a 1-Day Metro Pass is the most practical choice. Loading around CNY 50–100 (≈RM 30–65) should be enough for several days of metro travel without having to queue for single-trip tokens.

⚠️ Things to Note

• Rush Hour Crowds: Expect busy trains during peak hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM), especially at Lucuo and Jimei School Village stations.
• Foreign Bank Cards: Ticket machines usually don’t accept them, so carry some cash for top-ups.
• Refund Policy: You can return the E-Tong Card for a deposit refund at service counters, but refund policies may vary by station.

🗺️ Xiamen Metro Stations Near Top Attractions

Exploring Xiamen is so much easier with its modern metro system! As a Malaysian traveller, I found it incredibly convenient to reach the city’s best beaches, shopping streets, and cultural landmarks just by taking the metro. Here are some of the key stations every visitor should know:

🗺️ Xiamen Metro: Operating Hours, Train Frequency & Peak Times

Source: Travel China Guide

As a Malaysian traveller in Xiamen, I found the metro system punctual, comfortable, and easy to plan around. Whether you’re catching an early flight, heading out for a day of sightseeing, or enjoying the city’s coastal nightlife, the Xiamen Metro is one of the most convenient ways to travel around.

🕒 Operating Hours

The Xiamen Metro runs daily from early morning until late at night, making it ideal for both commuters and tourists.

⏱️ Train Frequency

• Peak Hours: Every 3–5 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long even during busy times.
• Off-Peak Hours: Every 7–10 minutes, still reliable for sightseeing or casual travel.

📈 Peak Hours to Avoid

📱 Apps for Real-Time Updates

The Xiamen Metro app provides live train updates and route planning. You can also use Baidu Maps or Trip.com for English-friendly navigation. For smooth access, it’s best to have a reliable eSIM for China, so you can check train times, routes, and transfers anytime.

✅ Travel Tips by Time of Day

• Early Morning Rides (✈️): Great for catching flights from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (Line 1 & Line 3).
• Mid-Morning Calm (📸): Perfect for exploring attractions like Xiamen University or Zhongshan Road when stations are quieter.
• Evening Rides (🌃): Ideal for visiting Zhenhai Road or Haicang Bay Park to enjoy Xiamen’s seaside night views and local snacks.

🗺️ Tips, Etiquette & Local Insights – Xiamen Metro

As a Malaysian traveller in Xiamen, I was impressed by how clean, organised, and punctual the metro system is. Following local habits and etiquette not only helps you blend in but also makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

🚶 Platform & Boarding Etiquette

When waiting for the Xiamen Metro, always stand behind the yellow safety line and queue up properly at the platform. Allow passengers to exit before you board—locals follow this rule quite strictly. If you’re planning to get off soon, stand near the doors but avoid blocking others. Priority seats are well respected in Xiamen, so be sure to offer them to the elderly, pregnant women, or anyone in need.

📵 Etiquette Inside the Train

Keep your phone on silent mode and use earphones if you’re watching videos or listening to music. Conversations should be kept soft and polite. Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the trains, so finish any snacks before boarding. If you have luggage, keep it close to you and avoid placing it in walkways, especially during busy hours.

💡 Local Tips & Tricks

• The most comfortable time to travel is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, outside of rush hours.
• For sightseeing, Line 1 is great for exploring Zhongshan Road, Xiamen University, and Zhenhai Road (for ferries to Gulangyu Island).
• Lucuo Station is a major interchange—plan extra time for transfers as it can get crowded.
• At Zhongshan Park and Xiamen Railway Station, check the station exit maps before leaving; they can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors.

🛑 Common Mistakes by Travellers

• Forgetting to tap out with your metro card, which can cause overcharges.
• Trying to hold train doors open, which is unsafe and not allowed.
• Assuming cash payments are accepted—most transactions require a metro card or mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay).

🧭 Local Habits

Xiamen locals often use Baidu Maps or the official Xiamen Metro app for real-time train schedules and route planning. Many people top up their E-Tong Card (Xiamen’s transit card) during quieter times to avoid queues. What stood out to me most was how orderly and respectful commuters are—people queue patiently, respect personal space, and keep the metro environment peaceful and clean.

🗺️ Navigating Xiamen with Ease

As you get ready to explore Xiamen, remember that the metro is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel around the city. With clean stations, modern trains, and clear English signage, it’s easy to use—even for first-time visitors. The network might seem a bit complex at first, but after one or two rides, you’ll quickly get the hang of it and start moving around like a local. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or on a family holiday, the Xiamen Metro makes getting around smooth and stress-free.

Staying connected is essential when exploring Xiamen. Having a reliable eSIM for China makes everything easier—you can check metro routes, real-time schedules, and even use mobile payments for tickets or top-ups without any hassle.

If you’re planning your journey from the airport, check out our Xiamen airport-to-city guide for a seamless start. Need extra flexibility? Trip.com also offers airport transfers for a comfortable and direct ride to your hotel. Prefer exploring at your own pace? You can easily book car rentals on Trip.com. And if you haven’t decided where to stay yet, browse hotels in Xiamen and discover plenty of things to do—from coastal walks and island tours to cultural landmarks and local eats.

Enjoy your Xiamen adventure!