Nanjing Transportation

Efficient navigation is essential for experiencing Nanjing's blend of history and modernity. Let our experience help you with transport tips for a smooth tour.

Getting to Nanjing

Whether arriving by air, train, or long-distance bus, Nanjing's well-integrated transport hubs offer convenient connections to the city center and major attractions.
By Air: Lukou International Airport

Lukou International Airport (NKG) is Nanjing's main air gateway, serving over 100 domestic routes and international flights to cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok. In recent years, the airport has upgraded its passenger experience, with new facilities and streamlined procedures. Here are key updates for travelers:

• Metro Connection: The Airport Express Line S1 provides the most efficient downtown access, reaching Nanjing South Railway Station in precisely 35 minutes. With trains every 6-8 minutes during peak hours, you'll never wait long. The first train departs at 6:00 AM and the last at 11:00 PM, accommodating even late arrivals.
• Airport Shuttle Buses: Four special routes serve key city areas. These include Nanjing Railway Station and the city's eastern part. Operating from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, these coaches cost ¥20-25 and complete their journeys in 45-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing Services: Official taxis line up outside Terminal 1 and 2 arrivals. They offer fixed prices to downtown. For easier use, we suggest the Didi app (it has English). It shows prices upfront and has different car options. You'll pay about ¥120-150 for downtown trips.

By Train: High-Speed Rail & Conventional Services

 Having coordinated numerous trips between Shanghai and Nanjing, our team unequivocally recommends high-speed rail over flying for this route. The trains take you directly to the city center, eliminating the hassle of airport transfers.

• Nanjing South Railway Station: This ultra-modern station serves as the primary hub for high-speed G and C trains connecting to Shanghai (60-90 minutes), Beijing (3.5-4 hours), Hangzhou, and Hefei. The station seamlessly connects with Metro Lines 1, 3, 6, and S1.
• Nanjing Railway Station: Located conveniently downtown near Xuanwu Lake, this station handles some high-speed trains. It also has regular K, T, and Z trains, and its central location makes it great for accessing historic areas.
• Booking Strategy: We usually book our clients' tickets through reliable platforms like the 12306 APP. It has an English interface and e-ticket options. If your trip plans are complicated, check out our customized Yangtze Delta heritage tours. We take care of all transport details for you.

By Long-Distance Bus: Regional Connections

Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly option for short regional trips to nearby cities not covered by high-speed rail. They're particularly popular with backpackers and budget travelers.

• Main hub: Nanjing South Bus Station, located adjacent to Nanjing South Railway Station for seamless transfers between trains and buses. The station has clear signs in Chinese and English. Staff can help with route questions.
• Key routes: Shanghai (1.5--2hrs, ¥30--50), Hangzhou (2--3hrs, ¥50--80), Suzhou (1.5hrs, ¥40--60). Most buses are air-conditioned and have USB charging ports. Some offer free bottled water.
• Ticketing: Book through Alipay's "Bus Tickets" mini-program or on-site self-service machines. These machines accept Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay. Cash is rarely accepted, so make sure your mobile payment is set up. You can get a refund 24 hours before departure, but there's a 10% service fee.

Getting Around Nanjing

Nanjing's 15-line metro system (2025) serves as the city's transportation backbone, efficiently connecting historic sites with suburban areas through fully operational S2 and S4 intercity corridors.
Metro System: Current Network & Expansion
Nanjing's metro network now comprises 15 lines as of 2025, including urban core Lines 1-10 and expanded suburban S-lines, with the S2 and S4 intercity corridors fully operational. The system remains the most efficient transport option during peak hours, providing direct access to 95% of the city's key attractions.

• Attraction connections: Line 1 (Confucius Temple/Fuzimiao, Xinjiekou commercial district), Line 3 (Presidential Palace, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Xuanwu Lake), Line 10 (Nanjing Station, Olympic Sports Center, Hexi CBD). Most stations near attractions have tourist information brochures in English.
• Payment: Use Alipay or WeChat's "Metro QR Code" (scan to enter or exit---you don't need to pay a deposit). Or buy a Jinlingtong smart card at metro customer service centers. It costs ¥20 (deposit) and gives a 95% discount on rides. It also works for buses and bike-sharing.
• Accessibility: All major stations have elevators, barrier-free access ramps, braille guides on handrails, and English announcements on all lines. Wheelchair users can request assistance from station staff, who are trained in basic English.

Public Buses & Tourist Routes

• Tourist Bus 1: A must for sightseeing, covering Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Linggu Temple, and other eastern scenic spots (¥10 per person, hop-on-hop-off, operating 8:00--17:30). Buses run every 20 mins, and audio guides in 4 languages are available via QR code.
• Payment: Mobile QR codes (Alipay or WeChat's "Bus Code" mini-programs) work everywhere. Cash is not accepted. For international travelers, add your foreign credit card to Alipay or WeChat to turn on the service. Or ask hotel staff for help.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing Services

Taxis and ride-hailing services are ideal for short trips, late nights, or when traveling with luggage.

• Taxis: The initial fee is ¥11 for the first 3km. After that, it's ¥2.4 per km. If you wait more than 5 minutes, it's ¥0.6 per minute. There's a late-night surcharge (11 PM--5 AM) that increases the total fare by 30%. For trips over 20km, you pay 50% more per km. All taxis have meters, and you get a receipt automatically. Keep it if you need to make a complaint (hotline: 96520).
• Ride-hailing: Didi Chuxing and Meituan are the main apps. Didi has a full English interface (turn on through "Settings" > "Language"). Both apps take international credit cards. You can choose pickup and drop-off locations using the maps. No need for Chinese addresses. Look for coupon codes in the app's "Promotions" section if you're a first-time user.

CET's Smart Transportation Tips

• Apps: Use the Nanjing Metro App (it shows live train times, station exits, and crowd levels in English). Google Maps, Gaode Maps or Baidu Maps will all work for all transport directions. They mix metro, bus, taxi, and walking paths with step-by-step English directions.
• Micro-mobility: Hellobike and Mobike are the main bike-sharing brands (¥2 for 30 mins, unlock via app by scanning the QR code). Helmets are required by law (some bikes have built-in helmets; bring your own if not). Park only in designated zones (marked by blue lines) to avoid a ¥20 fine.
• Sustainability: Prioritize metro and buses over taxis to reduce carbon emissions---Nanjing's public transport runs on 80% clean energy. Walkable areas include Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple), Laomendong Ancient Street, and the Xuanwu Lake waterfront, where you can soak up local culture at a leisurely pace.
• CET recommendations: Pair transport with our Nanjing Classic Tour, Yangtze Delta 5-Day Package, or Nanjing Cultural & Food Tour. We'll adjust logistics to fit your needs.

With Nanjing's efficient transport network, exploring the city is remarkably straightforward. For a truly seamless experience, let CET's local experts handle the logistics---from private transfers to tailored itineraries---ensuring your tour is as smooth as it is memorable.