MileHacker Logo
Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Jiangsu, China

Air Travel

Nanjing Lukou International Airport NKG

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is the main gateway to the city and a significant aviation hub in East China. It handles both domestic and international flights.

Airlines & Routes:

  • Domestic Flights: Major Chinese airlines (China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, Hainan Airlines) link Nanjing to most major Chinese cities.
  • International Flights: Direct connections to major Asian hubs (Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong). Some direct flights to Europe and North America exist, but may fluctuate.
  • Connecting Flights: Intercontinental travelers often connect through major gateway cities like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), or Guangzhou (CAN).

Airport Transfers & Timing

NKG is a modern facility with two terminals (T1 and T2). Passengers discover a range of services and amenities. For efficient arrivals, have your hotel address written in Chinese characters for taxi drivers or Didi.

Transfer Options:

  • Metro: Line S1 direct to Nanjing South Railway Station. Transfer to Metro Line 3 or 1 for city center. Journey: 45-60 minutes.
  • Airport Shuttle Bus: Lines connect NKG to Xinjiekou (city center), Nanjing Railway Station, Nanjing South Railway Station.
  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Taxis outside terminals. Didi Chuxing (China's dominant ride-sharing platform) recommended. Fares to city center: CNY 150-200.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices fluctuate based on season and Chinese national holidays. Book well in advance for peak periods.

Flight Deals

Consider Dollar Flight Club for discovering good value flights. Compare across platforms like Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

NKG has duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, and Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services:

  • Nanjing is a major high-speed rail hub, connecting seamlessly to cities across China.
  • Nanjing South Railway Station (南京南站): Main high-speed rail hub. Connections to Shanghai (1-1.5 hrs), Beijing (3.5-4 hrs), Hangzhou (1.5-2 hrs), Suzhou (1 hr), etc.
  • Booking: Book online via official China Rail app (Chinese) or reputable international online travel agencies (e.g., Trip.com). Book in advance, especially during peak travel periods.
  • Long-distance Buses: Nanjing has several long-distance bus stations (Central, South). Slower than high-speed rail, but cheaper and serve more remote locations.

Self-driving & Road Conditions:

  • Self-driving: Not recommended for most foreign tourists. A valid Chinese driver's license is mandatory; IDPs are not recognized alone.
  • Road Conditions: Major roads well-maintained. Urban traffic heavy and chaotic. Driving habits differ significantly from Western countries.
  • Challenges: Language barriers for navigation systems and road signs. Parking can be difficult and expensive.
  • Recommendation: Rely on public transport or ride-sharing services for convenience and safety. DiscoverCars.com for car rental if you have the proper license.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Transportation

Nanjing's location on the Yangtze River places it within China's extensive inland waterway system. Some river cruises operate along the Yangtze, occasionally including Nanjing as a scheduled stop. These are typically part of longer, multi-day river journeys.

Ferry Services

Limited local ferry services operate across the Yangtze River within Nanjing for short-distance local transport, mainly for residents. These are not typically used by tourists for intercity arrivals.

Cruise Ports

Major international cruise ships do not dock in Nanjing, an inland river port. Any sea-based international travel involves arrival at coastal ports like Shanghai or Tianjin, followed by land travel to Nanjing.

Departure Information

Departure Fees & Timing

A smooth departure concludes your trip on a positive note. China typically does not levy a separate exit fee or tax for international departures from its airports; these charges are usually included in your airfare.

Airport Departure Timing:

  • International Flights (NKG): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Domestic Flights (NKG): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Timing: Allows for check-in, baggage drop-off, security, and immigration procedures.

Train Station Departures

Nanjing's train stations are large and busy, with security checks and platform access procedures that require time. Finding your correct waiting area and platform can take longer than expected.

Train Departure Timing:

  • High-speed Trains (Nanjing South, Nanjing Railway Station): Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • Check-in: Have passport and tickets ready.
  • Luggage: Be aware of airline/train luggage restrictions.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Amenities:

  • Shops for last-minute souvenirs.
  • Various dining options (restaurants, cafes, fast food).
  • Clean restrooms and generally available Wi-Fi.

Train Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Nanjing's major train stations provide comfortable environments for waiting passengers.

Amenities:

  • Shops for last-minute necessities.
  • Variety of dining choices.
  • Comfortable waiting areas and sometimes lounges.

Important Departure Reminders

  • Double-check your flight or train departure time the day before. Times can sometimes change without much notice.
  • If using mobile payment for last-minute purchases at the airport or station, confirm your WeChat Pay or Alipay account has sufficient funds.
  • Be mindful of luggage restrictions for size, weight, and prohibited items to avoid delays or extra fees.
  • For train travel, booking tickets as far in advance as possible comes highly recommended, especially during Chinese national holidays.
  • Consider arrival location to be the same when departing (ie, flying into NKG and out of NKG).
  • For international visa needs, IVisa or VisaHQ offer consumer services.

Departure Wisdom

Confirm all flight and train departure times the day before. Times can change.