How to get to Nanjing

Nanjing is one of the four ancient capitals of China and a bustling modern metropolis located in the picturesque Yangtze River Delta. Before travelling to Nanjing, it is worth exploring the available route options, as the developed infrastructure allows you to easily get here by plane, high-speed train, intercity bus, or car. Whether you are looking for the fastest or the most budget-friendly method, your journey to this historical centre will be comfortable and accessible.

For those who value time and comfort, air travel is the optimal solution. Nanjing has its own major aviation hub — Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG). It receives numerous direct flights from both internal regions of China and a number of foreign countries, ensuring excellent transport accessibility without the need to search for complex routes through neighbouring cities.

The airport is located approximately 35 kilometres from the central part of the metropolis. After landing, getting to your hotel or the attractions is effortless: the terminal is connected to the city by the S1 metro line, allowing you to reach major transfer hubs quickly and without traffic jams. Regular express buses and taxis are also available for travellers.

Nanjing is one of the country's key railway junctions, situated on the main Beijing — Shanghai high-speed line. Thanks to this, getting here by train is often faster and more convenient than by plane, especially if you are travelling from neighbouring megacities.

The main load is carried by modern high-speed trains of the G category (G-trains), capable of speeds up to 350 km/h. A trip from Shanghai will take just about an hour, while the journey from Beijing will last approximately 3.5–4 hours. The high frequency of departures and comfortable carriages make this mode of transport extremely popular among tourists.

Two main passenger terminals operate in the city. Nanjing Railway Station is located in the north, right by the scenic Xuanwu Lake, and serves both regular and some high-speed routes. The newer and larger Nanjing South Railway Station is a giant hub receiving the majority of high-speed trains. Both stations are integrated into the metro system, allowing you to easily reach any point in the city immediately upon arrival.

Bus services serve as an excellent alternative to trains for short trips from neighbouring districts, offering tourists frequent departures and affordable tickets. The journey from historic Zhenjiang takes just about an hour, covering a distance of 70–80 kilometres, while the trip from picturesque Yangzhou takes approximately one and a half hours. Regular connections are also established with the city of Wuhu: buses cover the 100-kilometre route in less than two hours.

Arriving services are usually handled by major transport hubs, such as the Nanjing Central Bus Station or the bus station at the South Railway Station. This ensures convenient logistics: immediately upon arrival, travellers can use the metro and reach their hotel or the metropolis's main attractions without unnecessary transfers.

Travelling to Nanjing by car is a great way to independently explore the region, taking advantage of the developed network of expressways. The drive from Zhenjiang takes just about an hour, covering a distance of 70–80 km, while the road from picturesque Yangzhou, located to the northeast, requires approximately one and a half hours.

The route from the city of Wuhu is no less convenient: the distance of about 100 kilometres can be covered in an hour and a half via modern motorways. Travellers who do not plan to rent a car can use intercity taxi services. The cost of such a trip usually starts from 300–400 yuan, which often proves to be a cost-effective and comfortable solution for small groups or families.

A trip to Nanjing will bring a wealth of positive emotions if you prepare for the local lifestyle and climate in advance. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations to help you organise your trip as comfortably as possible and avoid common mistakes.

1. Clothing and seasonality. Nanjing is known as one of the country's "Three Furnaces" due to its very hot and humid summers, so from June to August, pack only light clothing made from natural fabrics. Winters here are cool and damp, so a warm jacket and waterproof shoes are mandatory. The best times for walking are spring and the golden autumn.
2. Transport. The fastest and most straightforward way to get around is the metro: signage is duplicated in English, and the network covers all major attractions. Taxis are inexpensive, but drivers rarely speak English, so prepare cards with the names of places in Chinese in advance.
3. Finances. China is a leader in digital technology adoption. Cash is not accepted everywhere, and difficulties may arise with Visa or Mastercard cards outside major hotels. The best solution is to install the Alipay app in advance and link your bank card to it for QR code payments.
4. Health and safety. Nanjing is a safe city, but in crowded tourist spots, it is worth keeping an eye on your pockets. Tap water is not suitable for drinking; please buy bottled water. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the green cross sign, but it is better to carry a basic kit of medicines with instructions.
5. Communication. English is not widely spoken among the local population. It is vital to download an offline translator to your smartphone that can recognise text from photos and translate voice. This will significantly simplify communication in shops and restaurants.
6. Local etiquette. Be polite and reserved. When handing over a business card or money, use both hands — this is a sign of respect. Tipping in restaurants and taxis is not customary and may even confuse the staff.
7. What to avoid. Do not plan your trip during national holidays, especially the first week of October ("Golden Week"), when the city is overcrowded with tourists. Also, avoid "touts" inviting you to tea houses in tourist zones — this may turn out to be a trap with vastly inflated prices.
8. Additional tip. Be sure to climb the ancient City Wall of Nanjing. It is not only a historical monument but also the best observation deck, offering a stunning view of Xuanwu Lake and modern skyscrapers.

By following these simple tips, you will feel confident and be able to focus on exploring the city's rich culture and history. Nanjing is very hospitable to those who respect its traditions and are ready for a few digital adventures.