Getting Around Nanjing: A Practical Guide
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in East China, is a major transportation hub well-equipped with multiple transit options. Whether you're arriving by plane, train, or bus, the city offers a range of ways to move around—from modern metro lines to taxis, buses, and trams.
Arriving at Lukou International Airport
Lukou International Airport is located approximately 35 kilometers from the city center and serves most Chinese cities plus select international flights. You have several options for reaching downtown Nanjing:
- Metro (S1 line): A subway connection links the airport directly to Nanjing South Railway Station, taking about half an hour and costing ¥6. Note that there is a lengthy walk between the interchange with Line 1 at South Station, so budget extra time if transferring to other metro lines.
- Taxi: A taxi to downtown takes roughly the same time as the metro but costs around ¥100. Remember to insist the driver use the meter from the start of your journey.
- Express bus: Two express-bus routes depart from outside the arrivals hall, one heading to North Railway Station and one to South Railway Station. Services run every 30 minutes, take more than an hour to reach North Station, and cost ¥20 for a one-way ticket. These buses connect with the subway and local city buses at their terminals.
The Metro Network
The Nanjing Metro is clean, safe, fast, and affordable. The system comprises urban and suburban lines, with more under construction, covering most of the central city and linking both major railway stations plus the airport.
Main lines include:
- Line 1 runs north–south from Maigaoqiao in the north to the China Pharmaceutical University in the south, passing through Nanjing Railway Station and Nanjing South Railway Station. It offers three interchanges: to Line 2 at Xinjiekou in the city center, to Line 10 at Andemen Station, and to Line S1 at Nanjing South Railway Station. Trains run every 3 minutes.
- Line 2 runs east–west from the Olympic New Town area westward through the city center toward the Purple Mountain scenic area. It connects to Line 1 at Xinjiekou and Line 10 at Yuantong station. Trains run every 6 to 8 minutes.
- Line 3 runs roughly parallel to Line 1, connecting North Railway Station, Fuzimiao, and South Railway Station with interchanges at those stations.
- Line 4 runs east–west across the city.
- Line 10 crosses the Yangtze River west from Andemen through the Olympic Sports Centre area, with interchanges to Lines 1 and 2.
- Line S1 (Airport Line) connects Nanjing South Railway Station to Lukou International Airport, with trains every 10 minutes.
- Lines S3 and S7 serve suburban areas to the west and south.
Buses and Trams
City buses and tram services connect throughout Nanjing and are economical options for getting around. Buses are particularly useful for reaching destinations not yet covered by the metro network. Service is frequent and widespread across the city.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful and convenient for short trips, with most fares costing less than ¥25. All meters begin at ¥9 plus a ¥2 service fee, and drivers must start the meter when you enter the cab. Request a printed receipt showing the cab number, kilometers, time, and fare. Avoid hailing taxis during morning and afternoon rush hours, when demand is high and drivers often change shifts.
Important reminders: drivers rarely speak English, so carry your hotel's business card and have staff write your destination in Chinese before departure. Tipping is not expected in Nanjing taxis. There is also an additional ¥2 gas tax fee collected separately.
Walkability and Getting a Transit Card
Nanjing is reasonably walkable in its central areas, particularly around major attractions and transit hubs. For visitors staying more than a few days, the Jinlingtong card (also called IC-tong) is a worthwhile investment. These cards cost ¥75 (containing ¥25 refundable deposit and ¥50 credit) and can be purchased at any metro station, most bus terminals, or Huaxia Bank branches. The card works on the subway, city buses, cross-river ferries, and some taxis, and can be topped up at the same locations.
Arriving by Train
Nanjing has two main railway stations—Nanjing Station (on the north shore of Xuanwu Lake, also called Nanjing North) and Nanjing South Station—both served by metro lines. Nanjing South is the primary hub for long-haul high-speed trains to Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and other distant cities. Nanjing Station handles shorter regional routes to nearby destinations like Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Wuxi, Suzhou, and Kunshan. Both stations have metro connections, making onward travel into the city straightforward.
Other Transport Options
Nanjing is situated on the Yangtze River, and scheduled ferry services operate both downstream to Shanghai and upstream to Wuhan. Frequent cross-river ferries also connect the city to Pukou, particularly from Zhongshan Wharf near the former Nanjing West Railway Station.