How to Get to Nantong. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Nantong

Main Airport

Nantong Xingdong International Airport (NTG) serves the city, mainly for domestic routes.

Airline & Routes

Domestic airlines: China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, Spring Airlines.
Connects to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an.
Direct international flights from major global hubs are limited or absent.

International Entry Points

Most international travelers fly into larger Chinese airports and then connect to Nantong.

Common Hubs

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG).

Airport Facilities

NTG has shops, restaurants, baggage claim, information desks.

Car Rental

Agencies operate at NTG; a Chinese driving license is mandatory.

Taxi & Shuttle

Taxis readily available; airport shuttle buses connect into the city's core.

Transfer Options from NTG

Public Transfers

Airport Shuttle Bus: Convenient, economical into the city's core, railway station.
Taxi: Available outside terminal; use meter or confirm price via DiDi.
DiDi (Ride-Sharing): Book via app for price estimate and journey record.
Hotel Transfers: Some higher-end hotels arrange airport services.

Flight Booking Advice

Book long before peak travel times (Chinese New Year, Labor Day).
Flight prices fluctuate by season and demand.
Low seasons (winter, peak summer) generally offer lower fares.
Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Airport Departure Guidelines

Domestic Flights

Arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure for check-in and security.

International Flights

Arrive 2.5-3 hours before for international procedures (if direct flight).

No Exit Fees

Exit fees or taxes are typically included in airfare.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Nantong Railway Station is the main hub, integrated into China's high-speed rail network.

High-Speed Connections

Shanghai: Approximately 1-1.5 hours.
Nanjing: Approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Purchase tickets online (Trip.com, 12306.cn) or at stations with passport.

Bus Services

Nantong Bus Station connects to cities throughout Jiangsu and neighboring regions.

Bus Travel Benefits

Affordable for certain routes or smaller towns.
Modern long-distance buses generally comfortable.
Purchase tickets at bus station or via applications for mobile devices.

Driving in Nantong

Self-driving for tourists has challenges.

Driving Requirements

International Driving Permit (IDP) NOT valid in mainland China.
A temporary Chinese driving license is required, complex for tourists.
Rental companies like DiscoverCars.com or China Auto Rental mandate someone From china license.

Road Conditions & Safety

Understand local driving conditions and habits.

Driving Environment

Major highways generally in good condition.
Urban traffic can be heavy, especially peak hours.
Local driving habits are not the same as Western norms; caution recommended.

Sea/River Transport

Nantong a major cargo port on the Yangtze River.
Passenger ferry services for tourism are limited.
No major international cruise port or regular passenger ferry connections to other cities.

Local river crossings or scenic excursions on the Hao River (leisure, not transport).
International cruise ships typically dock in Shanghai, not Nantong.
Immigration procedures at seaports not applicable for tourism to Nantong.

Departure Logistics

Airport Departure

Departing from Nantong Xingdong International Airport (NTG).

Check-in Times

Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours prior for check-in and security.
International Flights: Arrive 2.5-3 hours prior for international procedures.
Exit Fees: Generally included in airfare, no separate payment.

Train Departure

Departing from Nantong Railway Station.

Station Protocols

Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure for navigation, security, platform finding.
Chinese train stations can be large and busy.
Station facilities include waiting rooms, restrooms, food/beverage options.

Departure Checklist

Reconfirm flight/train schedule a day or two before departure.

Transport to Airport/Station

Use DiDi to make a reservation transport, ensure punctual arrival.

Baggage Services

NTG airport has standard baggage claim and lost-and-found services.

Local Transport & Rentals

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing offer convenient point-to-point transport.

Booking & Safety

Licensed taxis are blue or green, metered, accept cash/mobile payment.
DiDi Chuxing is the dominant ride-sharing app; local phone number required.
Always confirm license plate and driver photo match app details for DiDi.

Bike & Scooter Rentals

Electric scooters and bicycles popular for short-term rental via apps.

Rental Usage

Bike sharing via Meituan, HelloBike, DiDi Bike apps; requires local phone/mobile payment.
Electric scooters/bicycles suitable for parks or neighborhoods.
Motorcycle/gas scooter rentals require a Chinese person license, challenging for tourists.

Walking & Cycling Routes

Hao River Area

Kilometers of scenic pathways, historical bridges, green spaces, ideal for strolling.

Wenfeng Park

A beautiful city park with the Wenfeng Pagoda, pleasant gardens, walking paths.

Bike Lanes

Some dedicated bike lanes in newer city parts and along major roads.

Departure Tip

Always reconfirm your flight or train schedule a day or two before departure. Use a ride-sharing app like DiDi to reserve your transport to the airport or transportation hub, arriving punctually.

How to Get to Nantong