Buying subway tickets in China is usually simple, but it can be confusing if you do not speak Chinese.
This page provides useful Chinese phrases for buying tickets, using ticket machines, and asking for help at subway stations.
These phrases will help you travel smoothly in Chinese cities.
🚇 Where can I buy subway tickets?
Chinese: 我在哪里可以买地铁票？
Pinyin: wǒ zài nǎ lǐ kě yǐ mǎi dì tiě piào?
English: Where can I buy subway tickets?
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💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, where can I buy subway tickets?
A: 打扰一下，我在哪里可以买地铁票？
B: You can buy tickets at the ticket vending machines over there.
B: 你可以在那边的自动售票机购票。
💡 Tip:
Use this sentence to ask staff or passengers for ticket buying locations when you first enter the subway station.
🚇 I want one ticket to this station, please.
Chinese: 麻烦给我一张到这个站点的票。
Pinyin: má fan gěi wǒ yì zhāng dào zhè gè zhàn diǎn de piào.
English: I want one ticket to this station, please.
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💬 Example:
A: I want one ticket to this station, please.
A: 麻烦给我一张到这个站点的票。
B: Sure, tap the station name on the screen first.
B: 好的，先在屏幕上点击站点名称。
💡 Tip:
Say this when buying tickets at counters or vending machines; you can point at your destination map while speaking.
🚇 How do I use this ticket vending machine?
Chinese: 这个自动售票机要怎么操作？
Pinyin: zhè gè zì dòng shòu piào jī yào zěn me cāo zuò?
English: How do I use this ticket vending machine?
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💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, how do I use this ticket vending machine?
A: 不好意思，这个自动售票机要怎么操作？
B: Choose your destination and insert cash or scan your phone.
B: 选择目的地，然后投现金或者手机扫码即可。
💡 Tip:
Ask station attendants this sentence when you are confused about operating self-service ticket machines.
🚇 Could you give me a hand? I need help.
Chinese: 能帮我一下吗？我需要帮助。
Pinyin: néng bāng wǒ yí xià ma? wǒ xū yào bāng zhù.
English: Could you give me a hand? I need help.
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💬 Example:
A: Sorry to bother you, I need help.
A: 不好意思打扰你，我需要帮助。
B: What’s the problem? I’ll help you right away.
B: 出什么问题了？我马上帮你。
💡 Tip:
General help-seeking sentence for any subway troubles like broken machines or lost directions.
🚇 Which subway line should I take to get there?
Chinese: 我应该搭乘几号线去那里？
Pinyin: wǒ yīng gāi dā chéng jǐ hào xiàn qù nà lǐ?
English: Which subway line should I take to get there?
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💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, which subway line should I take to the city center?
A: 请问，去市中心要坐几号线？
B: Take Line 2 and transfer at the next stop.
B: 乘坐 2 号线，在下一站换乘。
💡 Tip:
Use this to confirm your required subway route before going through the gate.
🚇 Is this the correct train for my destination?
Chinese: 这趟列车是去往我目的地的吗？
Pinyin: zhè tàng liè chē shì qù wǎng wǒ mù dì de ma?
English: Is this the correct train for my destination?
🔊 Play Audio
💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, is this the correct train for Central Station?
A: 打扰一下，这趟车是开往中心站的吗？
B: No, you need to wait for the train on the opposite platform.
B: 不是，你要去对面站台等车。
💡 Tip:
Check with passengers or staff before boarding to avoid taking the train in the wrong direction.
Travel Tip
Subway stations in China usually have bilingual signs (Chinese and English), but ticket machines may only be in Chinese.
If you are unsure, simply show the Chinese text on your phone to station staff. They are usually very helpful.