Nanjing Transport – Airport, Metro, Trains & Taxis
Nanjing Transport – Airport, Metro, Trains & Taxis
Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province and one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, combines 2,500 years of history with modern infrastructure. Known for its ancient city walls, the Yangtze River Bridge, and osmanthus blossoms in autumn. Mandarin spoken; Nanjing Wu dialect local.
Airport Access
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)
- Distance: 35km southeast of city center
- Transfer options:
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 Airport Express Line | 40 min | ¥7 | To Nanjing South Station interchange |
| Airport Bus | 60-90 min | ¥20 | Multiple routes to hotels |
| Taxi | 50-90 min | ¥120-180 | +¥10 surcharge |
| Didi | 50-90 min | ¥100-160 | Cheaper |
S1 Line Connection: From Lukou, take S1 to Nanjing South Station (40 min), then transfer to Lines 1, 3, or the high-speed rail hub.
Metro Overview
Nanjing Metro has 10+ lines with English support. Lines 1, 2, 3 are the main visitor arteries.
Key Lines for Visitors
- Line 1: Maigaoqiao → Xinjiekou → Nanjing South Station
- Line 2: Youfangqiao → Xinjiekou → Jingtianlu
- Line 3: Linchang → Xinjiekou → Jiangning
- Line 4: Xianlinhu → Xinjiekou → Zhonghuamen
- S1 Airport Express: Lukou Airport → Nanjing South Station
Fares & Tickets
- Base fare: ¥2, max ¥12
- Payment: Single tickets, Nanjing Tong, Alipay/WeChat Pay
- English support: Bilingual signage and announcements
High-Speed Train Stations
Nanjing South Station (南京南站) – Main High-Speed Hub
- Asia’s largest high-speed station by total floor area (500,000 m²)
- Destinations: Shanghai (1h), Beijing (4h), Hangzhou (1h 30min), Suzhou (30min), Hefei (1h 30min), Wuhan (3h), Changsha (4h)
- Metro access: Lines 1, 3, S1
Nanjing Station (南京站) – Traditional & Regional
- Traditional K/T trains, some intercity
- Metro access: Line 1, Line 3 (nearby)
- 10-min walk to Xuanwu Lake
Shanghai Day Trip: Nanjing South → Shanghai Hongqiao takes 1 hour on the fastest G-trains.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing Tips
Taxis
- Base fare: ¥11 for first 3km, ¥2.4/km
- Night surcharge: ¥13 base + 20% (11 PM - 5 AM)
- Generally metered and honest
Didi & Ride-Hailing
- Works perfectly in Nanjing
Tourist Hotspot Access
| Attraction | Metro Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xinjiekou (Central Business) | Line 1/2: Xinjiekou | Shopping hub, city center |
| Xuanwu Lake | Line 1: Nanjing Station (10-min walk) | Largest urban lake in China |
| Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum | Bus Y2 from Xinjiekou | 392 steps to top |
| Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) | Line 3: Fuzimiao | Ancient area, food stalls |
| Nanjing Museum | Line 2: Minggugong | Near Dr. Sun’s Mausoleum |
| Old City Wall | Line 1: Zhonghuamen | Walkable sections remain |
| Yangtze River Bridge | Line 1: Beizhan | Iconic 1968 bridge |
Mausoleum Photo Spots: Visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum early morning (before 9 AM) for fewer crowds and better light.
Weather: Nanjing is another of China's "Three Furnaces" — summers are very hot and humid (35-38°C). Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal.
Editorial Note: All facts verified against official metro and railway data. Fare adjustments and line extensions happen periodically. Always verify locally before travel. This article is for travel navigation reference only.