The most direct way from Nanjing Lukou Airport to Nanjing South Railway Station is Metro Line S1 (the airport line). The route between the two stations is about 35 km with 6 intermediate stops and no transfers. Based on the current distance-based fare system, the ticket costs about ¥7. A taxi ride is about 31 km and takes around half an hour without traffic. Starting September 29, 2026, Line S1 will run through-service with the newly opened Line 6, so you can board at the airport and stay on the train all the way to the Ming Palace and Guanghuamen areas, making it much easier to reach downtown than before.
The route distances, stations, and through-service details in this article are based on public information from Nanjing Metro and a report by Yangtze Evening Post on September 29, 2026. Fares are estimated using Nanjing Metro's current distance-based pricing, and distances are measured via the OpenStreetMap road network. Compiled on November 10, 2026. For first and last train times and service intervals, please check the Nanjing Metro app.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions
How many airports does Nanjing have? There is only one airport for commercial passenger flights: Lukou International Airport, located in Lukou Subdistrict, Jiangning District, about 40 km from Xinjiekou. It opened on July 1, 1997. If your flight ticket says "Nanjing," it almost certainly means Lukou. The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, and different airlines check in at different terminals, so check your ticket or airline notice before departure.
How far is the airport from Nanjing South Railway Station and Nanjing Railway Station? By road, the airport is about 31 km from Nanjing South Railway Station and about 40 km from Xinjiekou. Nanjing Railway Station (the older station) is north of Xuanwu Lake and farther away; to get there from the airport, you need to go to Nanjing South Railway Station first and transfer.
What's the fastest way from the airport to the high-speed rail station? Take Line S1 directly to Nanjing South Railway Station. It is Nanjing's largest high-speed rail station, where most trains to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing depart.
Is the metro still running if I arrive late at night? After Line 6 began through-service, the first and last train times were adjusted. Please check the Nanjing Metro app and station notices for the latest schedule. If your flight lands after 10 pm, it's best to have a backup plan ready—a taxi, a ride-hailing car, or a pre-booked airport pickup—so you don't find out after landing that the last train has already left.
Metro Line S1: The main route from the airport to Nanjing South Railway Station
Line S1 opened on July 1, 2014. It runs about 36 km from Nanjing South Railway Station in the north to Konggang Xincheng Jiangning Station in the south, with a design speed of 100 km/h. From Nanjing South Railway Station toward the airport, the stations are Cuipingshan, Hohai University·Focheng West Road, Jiyin Avenue, Zhengfang Middle Road, Xiangyu Road North, Xiangyu Road South, Lukou Airport and Konggang Xincheng Jiangning. The section from Nanjing South Railway Station to Lukou Airport Station is about 34.7 km, with 6 intermediate stops.
Fares on the Nanjing Metro are distance-based: ¥2 for up to 4 km, ¥3 for 4–9 km, ¥4 for 9–14 km, ¥5 for 14–21 km, ¥6 for 21–28 km and ¥7 for 28–37 km. By this scale, Nanjing South Railway Station to Lukou Airport costs about ¥7. You can enter stations by scanning a QR code on your phone, using a transit card or buying a single-journey ticket.
When departing from the airport, follow the metro signs on the arrivals level to Lukou Airport Station. Because the line now runs through with Line 6, most trains show Qixia Mountain as the destination; all trains heading downtown pass Nanjing South Railway Station, so just check the direction before boarding. When riding toward the airport, note that during weekday peak hours some trains terminate at Lukou Airport Station, while at other times most run to Konggang Xincheng Jiangning Station. Both serve the airport, so you won't miss your stop.
How to reach downtown now that Line 6 runs through
Nanjing Metro Line 6 opened on September 29, 2026. It runs about 32 km north from Nanjing South Railway Station to Qixia Mountain Station, with 19 underground stations. It operates through with Line S1, so you can ride nonstop from the airport. There are 6 transfer stations along the route: Nanjing South Railway Station for Lines 1, 3 and S3; Jichang Paodao Jiuzhi (Old Airport Runway) Station for Line 10; Guanghuamen Station for Line 5; Minggugong Station for Line 2; Gangzicun Station for Line 4; and Wanshou Station for Line 7.
To Xinjiekou: Transfer to Line 1 at Nanjing South Railway Station and head north directly to Xinjiekou without leaving the station.
To Confucius Temple and Laomendong: Transfer to Line 3 at Nanjing South Railway Station heading north, and get off at Confucius Temple Station.
To Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: Ride to Ming Palace Station and transfer to Line 2 heading east. Get off at Muxuyuan or Zhonglingjie Station, then walk or take the scenic area shuttle up the hill. Now that the lines are connected, this route is much smoother than transferring twice at Nanjing South Railway Station like before.
To Nanjing Railway Station and Xuanwu Lake: Transfer to Line 1 or Line 3 at Nanjing South Railway Station heading north, and get off at Nanjing Railway Station. Xuanwu Lake is just south of the station.
To Nanjing Museum and the Presidential Palace area: Get off at Ming Palace Station. Nanjing Museum is on Zhongshan East Road within walking distance; for the Presidential Palace, transfer to Line 2 heading west for two stops to Daxinggong.
How to transfer at Nanjing South Railway Station
Nanjing South Railway Station is a large transport hub where high-speed trains, the metro, buses, taxis and airport shuttles all meet. The metro station is in the basement level, where Lines 1, 3, S1 (connected with Line 6) and S3 intersect. You can transfer between them without exiting the gates—just follow the line colors marked on the floor and walls. It takes a bit of walking from the high-speed train exit to the metro gates, so allow about 10 minutes during busy times.
Taxi and ride-hailing pick-up points are signposted inside the station. Many high-speed trains arrive around dusk on holidays, so taxi lines can be long. For places served by the metro like Xinjiekou or Confucius Temple, taking the metro is usually faster than waiting for a cab. The city airport terminal is in the North Square, so it's closer if you exit via the North Exit; from the South Exit, you'll have to cross the entire station.
Airport shuttle bus: Nanjing South Railway Station city terminal
Besides the metro, Nanjing South Railway Station also has airport shuttle buses running to and from the airport, departing from the station's city terminal. According to a June 2025 report by Yangtze Evening Post, the city terminal is on the first floor of the North Square of Nanjing South Railway Station. Exit through the north exit, head west, and follow the "City Terminal" signs to find it. Buses run from 7:10 AM to 8:10 PM, hourly between 12:10 PM and 2:10 PM, and generally every half hour at other times.
The same report notes that passengers holding a paper high-speed rail ticket arriving in Nanjing from outside the city within 24 hours can exchange it for a free bus ticket at the counter, while those departing from Nanjing need to buy one. These offers may change, so check the on-site notices. There are also buses from the airport to other parts of the city, with fares varying by route, roughly ranging from ¥10 to a few dozen yuan. If you have bulky luggage or want to avoid metro transfers, the bus is a good option.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Lukou Airport is about 31 km from Nanjing South Railway Station and 40 km from Xinjiekou. With light traffic, both take around half an hour, but rush hour or rain will add time. Taxis run on the meter, while ride-hailing apps show estimated fares; pick up at the designated areas at the airport. If two or three people are traveling together with luggage straight to a hotel, splitting a taxi isn't expensive.
If it's your first time hailing a ride in China, read How to get a taxi in China first to learn how to register with a foreign phone number and pay. When queuing for a ride at the airport, only take taxis from the official pickup point or cars you've booked in an app—never follow anyone soliciting rides at the arrivals hall.
Traveling with seniors, kids, or lots of luggage: the easier way
Line S1 gets crowded during morning and evening rush hours, especially on weekday mornings heading from the airport into the city. If you have two or three large suitcases or a stroller, avoid 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM, or just take an airport shuttle bus or a taxi instead.
Look for elevators when transferring. The transfer walk at Nanjing South Railway Station is fairly long, and dragging luggage with elderly family members can be exhausting. If your destination requires two metro transfers—like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum—drop your bags at the hotel first and head out light. Once at the scenic area, note that Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area covers a lot of ground, and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum has over 300 steps. Bring comfortable walking shoes for older travelers; if stamina is limited, the sightseeing shuttles inside the scenic area save a lot of walking.
Nanjing South Railway Station to the airport: how much time to allow for the return trip
The Line S1 ride from Nanjing South Railway Station to the airport takes about 40 minutes. Add time for entering the station, waiting, and walking from the metro stop to the check-in counters, and allow at least one hour total. International and regional flights require more lead time—generally arriving at the airport three hours before departure. The metro station is underground at Nanjing South Railway Station; just follow the signs from the high-speed rail exit. Line S1 now runs through with Line 6, so trains toward the airport may be marked Konggang Xincheng Jiangning or Lukou Airport—both go to the airport.
If you're taking a high-speed train from Shanghai or Suzhou to Nanjing to catch a flight, the safest bet is to arrive at least 3.5 hours before departure. High-speed trains are rarely delayed, but heavy fog or rain and snow can cause hold-ups, so extra buffer keeps things stress-free. For schedules and travel times between Nanjing South Railway Station and Shanghai, see How to get from Shanghai to Nanjing.
Many travelers also fly home from Shanghai Pudong Airport after finishing their trip in Nanjing. According to 12306, on November 18 there were over 160 high-speed trains from Nanjing South Railway Station to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, with the fastest taking 1 hour and half the services under 1 hour 40 minutes. From Hongqiao, take the Airport Link Line to Pudong Airport; trains run every 15 minutes or so from Hongqiao Terminal 2 Station, with the first at 5:45 and the last at 22:00. Allow four hours for the whole journey to keep things relaxed. For details on the Pudong Airport leg, see Pudong and Hongqiao airports to downtown Shanghai.
In winter and early spring, heavy fog occasionally blankets Nanjing in the morning, which can affect flights and traffic on the airport expressway. If you're catching an early flight or heading from the airport to a high-speed train, check the weather forecast the night before. If fog is expected, leave early and take the metro.
How to plan your first day after landing in Nanjing
If you land in the morning, take Metro Line S1 and Line 6 to Ming Palace. Drop your bags at your hotel, then visit the Nanjing Museum or Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in the afternoon, and head to the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River area for the evening lights. If you arrive in the afternoon or evening, eat and rest near Xinjiekou that day, then go to Zhongshan Scenic Area early the next morning—there's a lot of walking involved, so it's best tackled when you're fresh and the crowds are thin.
If you visit Nanjing in autumn or winter, the plane tree avenues around Zhongshan and the golden trees near Meiling Palace are well worth seeing. For seasonal weather and packing tips, see Nanjing November Weather & Clothing and Nanjing December Weather & Clothing.
When is an airport pickup worth it?
For one or two travelers with light luggage, Line S1 plus Line 6 is already very convenient. But booking an airport pickup ahead of time makes things easier if: your flight lands late at night after the metro has stopped running; you're traveling as a family with a stroller and several large suitcases and don't want to transfer at Nanjing South Railway Station; it's your first visit and you haven't set up a local SIM card or mobile payments yet; you're heading straight from the airport to Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, or Suzhou and don't want to go into the city just to head back out; or someone in your group has limited mobility.
If you need a car for several consecutive days in Nanjing, or a direct transfer from the airport to your hotel, check out Nanjing private car; if you want someone to explain Nanjing's historical sites in depth, leave your itinerary to customized Nanjing travel.
Jinling Dream 3 Days 2 Nights: Niushou Mountain, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Great Bao'en Temple, Confucius Temple and Museum 3-day tour
Three days to explore Nanjing at a relaxed pace: Great Bao'en Temple, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Niushou Mountain, Confucius Temple, Presidential Palace, Six Dynasties Museum and Laomendong, with the final half day at Nanjing Museum. This private tour includes airport transfers, vehicle, guide, 2 nights' hotel and admission tickets, with an English-speaking guide available.
Nanjing day tour - Nanjing Museum route, no shopping stops
A private day tour centered on the Nanjing Museum, with visits to the Presidential Palace, Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River, and the Great Bao'en Temple. Museum tickets are released seven days in advance; if fully booked, Xuanwu Lake is visited instead. Pickup and drop-off at Nanjing Railway Station. Includes vehicle, guide and admission tickets, with an English-speaking guide available.
Slow travel in Nanjing 4 days 3 nights: Slender West Lake, He Garden, Dongguan Street, Nanjing (Niushou Mountain, Confucius Temple, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Bao'en Temple, outer Qinhuai River cruise, Nanjing Museum)
A 4-day, 3-night private tour starting in Yangzhou and ending in Nanjing: He Garden, Dongguan Street and Slender West Lake, then Niushou Mountain and the Confucius Temple night view in Nanjing; Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Presidential Palace and Laomendong; Nanjing Museum on the last day. Includes transport, guide, 3 nights' hotel and admission tickets. English-speaking guide available.
FAQs
How long does it take to get from Nanjing Airport to Nanjing South Railway Station?
Take Metro Line S1. The distance between the two stations is about 35 km with 6 stops in between, taking around 40 minutes. A taxi covers about 31 km and takes around half an hour without traffic. Taxis take longer during morning and evening rush hours, while metro travel times are more reliable.
How much is the metro from Nanjing Airport to Nanjing South Railway Station?
Based on Nanjing Metro's current distance-based fares, the trip from Nanjing South Railway Station to Lukou Airport costs about ¥7. Continuing on Line 6 to Ming Palace or transferring to Line 1 to Xinjiekou is charged by total distance, adding another ¥1–2.
Will I need to transfer once Lines S1 and 6 are connected?
No. Starting September 29, 2026, Lines 6 and S1 will operate as a through service. You can board at Lukou Airport and ride all the way toward Ming Palace or Qixia Mountain without changing trains. To reach Xinjiekou or Confucius Temple, you'll still need to transfer to Line 1 or Line 3 at Nanjing South Railway Station.
How long does it take to get from Nanjing Airport to downtown?
Taking Lines S1 and 6 to Ming Palace, or transferring to Line 1 at Nanjing South Railway Station for Xinjiekou, usually takes about an hour. A taxi to Xinjiekou covers roughly 40 km and takes around 40 minutes without traffic. Travel times increase significantly during morning and evening rush hours.
When do airport buses run from Nanjing South Railway Station?
According to reports from June 2025, airport shuttles from the city terminal at Nanjing South Railway Station run from 7:10 AM to 8:10 PM. Between 12:10 PM and 2:10 PM they depart hourly; at other times they generally run every 30 minutes. Passengers holding a paper high-speed rail ticket showing arrival in Nanjing from another city within the past 24 hours can exchange it for a free ride. Schedules and promotions are subject to on-site announcements.
How do I get from Nanjing South Railway Station to Nanjing Railway Station?
Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 northbound and get off at Nanjing Station—no need to exit the station to transfer. The two stations are over ten kilometers apart, so allow about half an hour to be safe.