To get around in Nanjing, you can use a variety of transportation options, including the city's extensive metro system, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, as well as high-speed trains and domestic flights to connect with other cities in China.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Nanjing is a major city in eastern China, and as such, it has a well-developed transportation network that makes it easy to get to and from the city. The main airport serving Nanjing is Nanjing Lukou International Airport, which is located about 35 kilometers south of the city center and offers direct flights to many domestic and international destinations. You can also enter Nanjing by train, with the city's railway station being a major hub on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line. Additionally, there are several bus stations in Nanjing that offer connections to other cities in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou.
If you are traveling to Nanjing from outside of China, you will likely need to fly into one of China's major international airports, such as Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport, and then take a domestic flight or train to Nanjing. There are also several overland entry points into Nanjing, including bus and train stations that connect the city to other parts of China and neighboring countries. However, these options may be more time-consuming and less convenient than flying or taking the train.
Domestic Flights
Nanjing is well-connected to other cities in China by air, with many domestic airlines offering flights to and from the city. Some of the main domestic airlines that operate in Nanjing include China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China, which offer flights to destinations such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. You can book domestic flights online through the airlines' websites or through a travel agency, and prices vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. On average, a one-way domestic flight from Nanjing to Shanghai can cost around $100-$200 USD, while a flight from Nanjing to Beijing can cost around $200-$300 USD.
Trains & Rail
Nanjing has a well-developed rail network, with several train stations in the city offering connections to other parts of China. The city is a major hub on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line, which offers frequent departures to and from these two cities. You can also take trains to other destinations in China, such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Wuxi. The high-speed trains are fast and convenient, with journey times of around 3-4 hours to Shanghai and 4-5 hours to Beijing. You can book train tickets online through the China Railway Corporation's website or at a train station, and prices vary depending on the class of service and how far in advance you book.
Buses & Coaches
There are several bus companies that operate in Nanjing, offering connections to other cities in China. The buses are generally less expensive than trains or flights, but may take longer to reach their destinations. Some of the main bus companies that operate in Nanjing include the Nanjing Bus Company and the Jiangsu Bus Company, which offer routes to destinations such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. You can book bus tickets at a bus station or through a travel agency, and prices vary depending on the route and the class of service.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Subway | Nanjing | $0.50-$1.50 | 4 lines, convenient and efficient |
| City Bus | Nanjing | $0.25-$1.00 | extensive network, affordable |
| Taxi | everywhere | $1.50-$3.00/km | convenient, but may not speak English |
| Ride-Hailing | Nanjing | $3.00-$6.00 | convenient, but may have language barriers |
| Tuk-tuk/Rickshaw | some areas | $1.00-$3.00 | traditional, but not always available |
Driving
- To drive in Nanjing, you will need to have a valid Chinese driver's license or an international driving permit.
- The road conditions in Nanjing are generally good, with well-maintained highways and city streets.
- Fuel costs in Nanjing are relatively low, with gasoline prices around $0.50-$0.75 per liter.
- If you plan to rent a car in Nanjing, it's a good idea to book in advance and choose a reputable rental company.
- Some hazards to watch out for when driving in Nanjing include aggressive drivers, pedestrians and bicycles, and construction zones.
- It's also a good idea to have a GPS or map with you, as street signs may not always be in English.
Transport Tips
- When taking a taxi in Nanjing, make sure to use a licensed taxi and agree on the fare before you start your journey.
- Be aware of scams that target tourists, such as overcharging or taking a longer route than necessary.
- You can use mobile payment apps such as WeChat Pay or Alipay to pay for transportation, food, and other expenses.
- It's a good idea to download transportation apps such as Didi Chuxing or AutoNavi to help you navigate the city.
- Be prepared for language barriers, as not everyone in Nanjing speaks English.
- Consider purchasing a transportation card, which can be used to pay for metro, bus, and taxi fares.
- Be aware of peak travel times, such as rush hour or holidays, when transportation may be more crowded and expensive.