Nanjing is a convenient city for travelers, with an efficient metro system, affordable taxis, ride-hailing services, and good connections to major cities in China.
Whether you are arriving from Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, or another international gateway, this Nanjing Transportation Guide explains how to get to Nanjing and how to travel around the city smoothly.
This guide covers:
How to get to Nanjing
Nanjing airport and railway transportation
Metro, buses, taxis, and Didi
Transportation costs
The best ways to travel around Nanjing
How to Get to Nanjing
Most international travelers reach Nanjing through major transportation hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing, or nearby cities before continuing to Nanjing.
Arriving in Nanjing by High-Speed Train
High-speed trains are one of the most popular ways to reach Nanjing because the city is well connected with China's major destinations.
| Departure City | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | About 1–1.5 hours |
| Hangzhou | About 1.5–2 hours |
| Beijing | About 3.5–5 hours |
Arriving from Nanjing Lukou International Airport
Nanjing Lukou International Airport is the city's main airport. Travelers can reach downtown by metro, taxi, or airport transfer.
| Option | Estimated Cost | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | About ¥6–10 | About 50–70 minutes |
| Taxi / Didi | About ¥100–150 | About 40–60 minutes |
| Private Transfer | Higher cost | More comfortable |
Getting Around Nanjing City
For most tourists, getting around Nanjing is easy. The city center is well connected, and many major attractions can be reached by metro.
Nanjing Metro
The metro is the most convenient transportation option for most visitors.
Affordable prices
Clear signs
Connects major tourist areas
Avoids traffic congestion
Average cost:¥2–7 per trip
Taxi and Didi
Taxi and Didi are good choices when traveling with luggage, visiting places with limited metro access, or traveling with family.
Typical costs:
Short trips: ¥15–30
Longer city trips: ¥40–80
Airport to downtown: Around ¥100–150
Public Bus
Public buses are the cheapest transportation option in Nanjing and cover areas that may not be directly connected by metro.
Average cost:¥1–2 per trip
Walking and Cycling
Some areas of Nanjing are best explored on foot, especially historic districts and scenic areas.
Walking is recommended for:
Confucius Temple area
Qinhuai River area
City Wall area
Transportation Costs in Nanjing
Nanjing is an affordable city for transportation. Most travelers can explore the city comfortably without spending much on getting around.
| Transportation | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Metro | ¥2–7 per trip |
| Bus | ¥1–2 per trip |
| Didi / Taxi Short Distance | ¥15–30 |
| Daily Transportation Budget | About ¥20–50/day |
Best Transportation Choice for Different Travelers
| Traveler Type | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| First-time Visitors | Metro + Didi combination |
| Budget Travelers | Metro and buses |
| Families with Children | Didi or taxi |
| Travelers with Heavy Luggage | Taxi or private transfer |
| Sightseeing Travelers | Walking + Metro |
How to Travel Between Popular Attractions in Nanjing
| Route | Recommended Transportation |
|---|---|
| Nanjing Railway Station → Xinjiekou | Metro Line 1 or Taxi |
| Xinjiekou → Presidential Palace | Metro or Walking |
| Confucius Temple → Qinhuai River | Walking |
| Xinjiekou → Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum | Metro + Short Transfer |
Tips for Using Transportation in Nanjing
Use Metro for major attractions:Most popular tourist sites are easy to reach by subway.
Use Didi when saving time matters:It is especially useful at night, with luggage, or for families.
Stay near metro stations:Choosing accommodation near a metro line makes sightseeing much easier.
Prepare mobile payment:Apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used in China.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nanjing Transportation
Is Nanjing easy to get around?
Yes. Nanjing has a convenient metro system and affordable taxis, making it easy for international travelers to explore the city.
What is the best way to travel around Nanjing?
For most visitors, the best combination is metro for major routes and Didi for convenience.
How much does transportation cost in Nanjing?
Most travelers spend around ¥20–50 per day on local transportation.
Can I use Didi in Nanjing?
Yes. Didi is widely available and is one of the easiest options for tourists.
Plan Your Nanjing Trip
Understanding transportation makes your Nanjing trip easier and more efficient. Explore our other guides to plan attractions, itineraries, and travel budgets.
简体中文
English
