By Plane

Nanjing Airport (NKG)

Name: Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Distance to city: 35 km from city center

To city center: Metro Line S1 (40 min, ¥6), airport shuttle bus (¥20, 60 min), taxi (¥100-150, 45 min)

Direct Flights From

Beijing

2h Multiple daily

Shanghai

1h Multiple daily

Guangzhou

2.5h Daily

Shenzhen

2.5h Daily

Tip: Nanjing Airport has good connections. High-speed train from Shanghai takes only 59 minutes - often faster than flying. Metro Line S1 connects airport directly to city center.

By High-Speed Train

Nanjing South Railway Station

Location: Major high-speed rail hub, 15 km from city center

One of Asia's largest stations. Metro Line 1, S1, S3 connect to city center.

Popular Routes

From	Duration	Price	Notes
Shanghai	59min-2.5h	¥90-150	✅ Verified: 256 G-trains daily, fastest 59 minutes! One of China's busiest routes!
Beijing	3.5-5h	¥450-750	Multiple daily G-trains on Beijing-Shanghai line
Hangzhou	1-1.5h	¥120-200	Frequent G-trains, perfect for West Lake combo trip
Suzhou	1h-1.5h	¥100-180	Convenient connection to famous gardens

Tip: ✅ Data verified via 12306 on 2026-05-26. IMPORTANT: Shanghai-Nanjing is one of China's busiest high-speed rail routes with 256 daily G-trains! Fastest takes only 59 minutes. Nanjing is perfectly positioned between Shanghai and Beijing, making it an excellent stop on the Beijing-Shanghai line.

By Long-Distance Bus

Nanjing Long-distance Bus Station

Location: City center

Routes: Routes to Shanghai, Hangzhou, nearby cities

Tip: Bus to Shanghai: 3h, ¥80. Train is much faster (59 min). Bus useful for smaller towns without rail connections.

By Car

From Shanghai

Distance: 300 km

Duration: 3h

Route: G42 Hurong Expressway

From Hangzhou

Distance: 280 km

Duration: 3h

Route: G25 Changshen Expressway

From Beijing

Distance: 1,000 km

Duration: 10h

Route: G2 Jinghu Expressway

Parking: Parking available throughout city (¥5-15/hour). Metro is best for city exploration.

Getting Around Nanjing

Public Transport

Metro has 10+ lines, covers major areas (¥2-7). Bus network extensive. Metro is fastest.

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

Taxies affordable (starting ¥9, ¥2.4/km). Didi app works. Metro is often faster during rush hour.

Bike Rental

Bike sharing available. Good for exploring city wall and parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get to Nanjing from Shanghai?

✅ Verified: High-speed train is incredibly fast - 256 daily G-trains, fastest takes only 59 minutes! Tickets ¥90-150. Trains run every few minutes. Perfect day trip from Shanghai.

Can I visit Nanjing as a day trip from Shanghai?

YES! Shanghai-Nanjing is only 59 min by high-speed train. Take early train, see city wall, Confucius Temple, and Presidential Palace, return evening. Many travelers do this. Or stay 1 night for more relaxed pace.

What makes Nanjing special?

Nanjing was capital of 6 dynasties and Republic of China: (1) City Wall - longest ancient city wall in world, 35 km; (2) Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum - father of modern China; (3) Presidential Palace - ROC government seat; (4) Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) - Qinhuai River night scene; (5) Purple Mountain - nature, Ming tombs; (6) Nanjing Massacre Memorial - WWII history.

How long should I spend in Nanjing?

Minimum 2 days: City Wall + Confucius Temple + Qinhuai River (1 day), Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum + Presidential Palace (1 day). 3 days allows relaxed pace and Purple Mountain exploration. Nanjing is an excellent Shanghai day trip or Beijing-Shanghai stopover.

What is the best way to explore Nanjing's city wall?

Walk or cycle on top! The wall is 35 km total. Most popular section: Jiming Temple to Xuanwu Gate (2-3 km, 1-2 hours). Rent bike on the wall (¥45, 3 hours). Views of city, Xuanwu Lake, and mountains. Best at sunrise or sunset.

How much does a train ticket to Nanjing cost?

From Shanghai: ¥90-150 (59 min-2.5h). From Beijing: ¥450-750 (3.5-5h). From Hangzhou: ¥120-200 (1-1.5h). Book on 12306.cn or Ctrip. Shanghai-Nanjing is one of the most frequent routes in China.