Shenzhen leads China's megacities in commuting efficiency
By Chen Hong in Shenzhen, Guangdong | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-01-20 15:48
Shenzhen in Guangdong province has emerged as the leader in commuting efficiency among the nation's megacities, according to a report on commuting in major Chinese cities in 2025.
Conducted by the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, the report reveals that an impressive 81 percent of Shenzhen's commuters complete their one-way journeys in under 45 minutes, making it the first and only megacity in the country to exceed the 80 percent threshold.
Shenzhen scored high in several commuting satisfaction indicators, including commute time, distance, and public transport service capacity.
The average one-way commute in the city is approximately 33 minutes, covering an average distance of about 7.9 kilometers. This suggests a trend toward shorter travel times and a more compact urban spatial structure.
Only about 11 percent of commuters spend more than 60 minutes on a single trip, the lowest proportion among all megacities in China.
A clear contributor to Shenzhen's commuting efficiency is its rail transit system. The survey found that 39 percent of commuters live within 800 meters of a metro station, also leading the nation's megacities.
By the end of 2025, Shenzhen had established 18 metro lines, spanning over 600 kilometers and serving more than 400 stations.
The city's bus network also plays a crucial role in commuting efficiency. Approximately 60 percent of commuters can complete their trips within 45 minutes by bus, another leading figure.
Cheng Jiayi contributed to the story.
