Overview
The Nanjing Metro is a rapid transit system serving the urban and suburban districts of Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province. It currently operates 15 lines across 625.73 km (388.81 mi) of track with 258 stations, and is operated by the Nanjing Metro Group Company. As a visitor, you can use the system to reach most major attractions, both railway stations, and the airport. The network runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily—note that some lines, including Line 1, start 30 minutes earlier and close around 11:30 PM. Fares are distance-based or flat-rate depending on the line, and you can pay using cash, rechargeable cards, or mobile payment apps.
The network
Metro lines
Nanjing's rapid transit system comprises 15 lines split into urban and suburban services:
- Line 1 – Runs north–south from Maigaoqiao in the north to China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) in the south, passing through Nanjing Railway Station and Nanjing South Railway Station. Services run every 3 minutes. Interchanges are available to Line 2 at Xinjiekou, to Line 10 at Andemen Station, and to Line S1 at Nanjing South Railway Station.
- Line 2 – Runs east–west from the Olympic New Town area in the west, following Hanzhong Lu and Zhongshan Donglu to the east, terminating near the Purple Mountain scenic area. Trains run every 6 to 8 minutes. Interchanges connect to Line 1 at Xinjiekou and to Line 10 at Yuantong station.
- Line 3 – Runs roughly parallel to Line 1 in a north–south direction from Linchang to Mozhou Lu, passing through Nanjing Railway Station, Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple), and Nanjing South Railway Station. Interchanges include Line 1 at both railway stations and Line 2 at Daxinggong.
- Line 4 – Runs east–west across the city.
- Line 5 – Urban line running 37.4 km from Wenjing Road to Jiyin Avenue.
- Line 7 – Urban line running 35.5 km from Xishanqiao to Xianxin Road.
- Line 10 – Runs from Andemen via the Olympic Sports Centre area, crossing the Yangtze River to Yushanlu station in the Pukou area. Interchanges connect to Line 2 at Yuantong station and to Line 1 at Andemen.
- Line S1 (Airport Line) – Runs from Nanjing South Railway Station to Nanjing Lukou International Airport, approximately 37.3 km. Trains run every 10 minutes and interchange with Line 1 at Nanjing South Railway Station.
- Line S3 (Ninghe Line) – Suburban line approximately 38 km, crossing the Yangtze River on a bridge and running from South Railway Station to Gaojiachong.
- Line S6 – Suburban line running 43.7 km from Maqun to Jurong.
- Line S7 – Suburban line approximately 31 km serving the south suburbs.
- Line S8 (Jiangning Line) – Intercity suburban line running approximately 47.27 km from Changjiang Daqiao North to Jinniu Lake.
- Line S9 (Ninggao Line) – Suburban line running 52 km from Xiangyulunan to Gaochun via 6 stations.
The system features bilingual signage in Chinese and English, air-conditioned trains, digital screens, and audio announcements in both languages at major stations.
Buses and ferries
Nanjing is well served by city buses, and many routes are accessible via your Jinlingtong transportation card. Cross-river ferry services also operate, particularly from Zhongshan Wharf (near the former Nanjing West Railway Station) to Pukou; these ferries are also included on the Jinlingtong card.
Tickets & fares
Ticket types and purchase
You can buy single-ride tickets or invest in a reusable card. Single tickets are available from ticket vending machines (TVMs) at all stations—select your destination on the touch screen, then pay by cash (banknotes and coins) or by scanning a QR code via UnionPay or Alipay. The machines will dispense your ticket and change automatically.
For stays of several days or longer, the Jinlingtong (also known as IC-tong) card is worth purchasing. It costs ¥75, which includes ¥25 refundable deposit and ¥50 credit, and is available at any metro station, most bus termini, and any branch of Huaxia Bank. The card works on the metro, all city buses (though not all suburban buses), cross-river ferries, and in some Suguo convenience stores. You can top it up at the same locations where you buy it.
Mobile and digital payment
Alternatively, you can pay directly via mobile payment without buying a card. Use the Nanjing Metro official app, Alipay (via Civic Center, selecting Nanjing location), UnionPay (selecting Nanjing in the Travel app), or Suning Finance app (via Payment Code > Transport Code > Nanjing). Simply open your chosen app, display your transport QR code, and scan it at entry and exit gates; the fare is charged automatically.
Fares
Fares are distance-based on most lines and charged automatically as you exit:
- ¥2: 0–10 km
- ¥3: 10–16 km
- ¥4: 16–22 km
- ¥5: 22–30 km
- ¥6: 30–38 km
- ¥7: 38–48 km
- ¥8: 48–58 km
- ¥9: 58–70 km
- Over 70 km: Additional ¥1 per approximately 14 km
Some lines offer flat fares for the entire journey: Line 1 and Line 2 charge ¥6 for any journey on that line, Line 3 charges ¥7, Line 10 and S1 charge ¥4, Line S3 charges ¥6, and Line S8 charges ¥7. Children under 1.3 metres (approximately 4 feet) in height travel free on all lines.
From the airport
Nanjing Lukou International Airport is located approximately 35 km (22 miles) from the city centre. The most convenient public-transport option is the S1 line (Airport Line), which connects the airport directly to Nanjing South Railway Station in about 30 minutes and costs ¥6. Be aware that the interchange between Line S1 and Line 1 at South Station involves a rather long walk. Trains on the S1 line run every 10 minutes.
Alternatively, two express-bus routes serve the airport: one terminates at North Railway Station and the other at South Railway Station, each connecting with the metro and city buses. These services run at 30-minute intervals; the journey to North Railway Station takes over an hour and costs ¥20 for a one-way ticket, which you can purchase from the kiosk outside the arrivals hall. A taxi ride to downtown will take approximately the same time as the metro but cost around ¥100.
Etiquette & customs
The Nanjing Metro is clean, safe, and efficient. When using the system, queue in an orderly fashion before boarding and respect priority seating, which is designated for elderly passengers, those with disabilities, and pregnant women. Keep noise levels low, and do not eat or drink on trains—this is a general custom on Chinese public transport. During rush hours (typically 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM), trains can be crowded; remain calm and patient. Avoid standing on the left side of escalators if you wish to allow others to pass; instead, stand on the right side. English-speaking staff are not always available, so consider writing your destination in Chinese or showing your hotel's business card to staff or security personnel if you need assistance.
Official links
Survival terms
- 地铁 (dìtiě) – Subway/Metro
- 车票 (chēpiào) – Ticket
- 线路 (xiànlù) – Line
- 入口 (rùkǒu) – Entrance
- 出口 (chūkǒu) – Exit
- 换乘 (huàn chéng) – Transfer
- 单次票 (dāncì piào) – Single fare/ticket
- 日票 (rì piào) – Day pass
Keep your hotel's business card or the address of your destination written in Chinese with you at all times, as it will greatly assist you when asking for directions or communicating with taxi drivers and station staff.