Considering that the tunnel diseases caused by earthquake are different in various depths, shaking table tests for seismic response of tunnels are conducted. Firstly, the programme and similarity ratios of the tests are designed according to similarity principles. And then, the shaking table test under different seismic waves, seismic intensities and depths are done. Test results show that the lining stress caused by earthquake is the largest in shallow buried tunnel; When the buried depth of the tunnel reaches about 40 m, the lining stress significantly declines, subsequently the lining stress remains relatively stable with the buried depth. The relationships between lining stress caused by earthquake and tunnel depth are analogous for various kinds of earthquake waves and various acceleration peaks. The acceleration magnification factor increases with the depth of tunnel decreases. Meanwhile, the cracks in the surround soil around shallow tunnel are found to be more than those in the soil sound around deep tunnel. The research verifies the findings of earthquake disaster and will supply the reliable assurance for seismic design of tunnel.