Here IsNanjing
Plan

Getting Around

Nanjing's metro system is excellent. Here's how to use it (and everything else) without speaking Chinese.

Metro (Subway) — Your Best Friend

Nanjing's metro system is clean, fast, affordable, and signs are in both Chinese and English. It's the easiest way to get to almost every major attraction.

How to Pay:

  • WeChat/Alipay: Scan the QR code at the gate (easiest)
  • Single-ride ticket: Buy from machines at every station (English available)
  • Nanjing Transit Card: Reusable card for frequent riders

Key Metro Lines for Tourists:

Line 1Nanjing Railway Station, Xinjiekou (city center), Sanshanjie (Confucius Temple)
Line 2Minggugong (Nanjing Museum), Muxuyuan (Purple Mountain), Yunjinlu (Memorial Hall)
Line 3Nanjing Railway Station, Jiming Temple, Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple), Daxinggong (Presidential Palace)
Line S1Direct connection to Lukou International Airport

Pro tip: Download the "Metro Nanjing" app or just use Baidu Maps (works in English) to plan metro routes. Fares are 2-9 RMB ($0.30-1.30) depending on distance.

Didi — China's Uber

Didi is China's ride-hailing app and works exactly like Uber. It's cheap, convenient, and drivers are generally honest. Most rides within the city center cost 15-40 RMB ($2-6).

How to Use Didi:

  1. Download the Didi app (English version available: "Didi - Greater China")
  2. Sign up with your foreign phone number
  3. Link a credit card or use cash
  4. Enter your destination (English works for most places)
  5. Choose "Express" for regular cars or "Premier" for nicer vehicles

High-Speed Rail

Nanjing is perfectly positioned for day trips by high-speed rail. The main stations are Nanjing Railway Station (metro Line 1/3) and Nanjing South Railway Station (metro Line 1/S1/S3).

Shanghai
1-1.5 hours · ~65-140 RMB ($9-20)
Hangzhou
1-1.5 hours · ~80-120 RMB ($11-17)
Suzhou
30-45 minutes · ~40-65 RMB ($6-9)
Beijing
3.5-4.5 hours · ~260-450 RMB ($36-63)

Book tickets on Trip.com (English) or at the station with your passport.

From the Airport

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is about 35km from the city center.

  • Metro S1: Cheapest option. Connects to Line 1 at Nanjing South Railway Station. Takes ~45 minutes to city center. Cost: ~7 RMB ($1).
  • Airport Bus: Runs to several city locations. ~20 RMB ($3). Good if you have lots of luggage.
  • Didi/Taxi: Most convenient. ~100-150 RMB ($14-21) to city center. Takes 40-60 minutes depending on traffic.