NKG Airport Travel Guide: Metro to Downtown & Authentic Jiangsu Flavors

Hi there! I’m Dalia Xu, a 30-year-old female travel enthusiast with over a decade of globetrotting experience. Nature landscapes and hotel reviews are my passions—through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m excited to share this all-inclusive guide to Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG), covering intra-city transfers, flight connections, and in-terminal services. Whether you’re heading to Nanjing’s ancient downtown, Confucius Temple, or neighboring cities like Suzhou and Wuxi, this guide will help you navigate smoothly amid the “City of Empires” charm.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport Overview

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (IATA code: NKG) is Jiangsu Province’s core aviation hub, located in Lukou Street, Jiangning District—approximately 35 km south of downtown Nanjing. As a gateway to the Yangtze River Delta, it offers convenient access to key destinations with these distance benchmarks:

• 35 km from Nanjing Downtown (Xinjiekou CBD, 40–60 minutes by car)
• 42 km from Confucius Temple (50–70 minutes by car)
• 25 km from Nanjing South Railway Station (30–45 minutes by car)
• 10 km from Nanjing Lukou High-Speed Rail Station (15–20 minutes by shuttle)

The airport operates two main terminals with clear functional division:

• Terminal T2: Main terminal, handling domestic and international flights of most airlines, including Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and international carriers like Singapore Airlines, Korean Air.
• Terminal T1: Former international terminal, now serving regional domestic flights and charter flights (connected to T2 via free shuttle).

Core transportation hubs within the airport include the Airport Metro Station (Line S1), Airport Bus Station, High-Speed Rail Station (Nanjing-Hangzhou Intercity Railway), and dedicated taxi/ride-hailing zones.

4 Best Ways from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown

How to Take the Metro from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown

Metro Line S1 (Airport Line) is the most cost-effective and traffic-proof option, connecting the airport directly to downtown’s core transit network—ideal for budget travelers and daily commuters.

Key Information:

• Route: Lukou Airport Station → Konggang New Town Station →Zhengfangzhong Road Station→ Jiyin Avenue Station→ Nanjing South Railway Station → transfer to Line 1/3 to downtown
• Station Location: T2 Terminal B1 floor (direct access via elevator); T1 Terminal: Take free shuttle to T2, then head to B1 floor
• Operating Hours: 06:00–23:00 (last train departs airport at 22:40)
• Departure Interval: 4–6 minutes during peak hours (07:30–09:30, 17:30–19:30), 8–10 minutes during off-peak periods

Ticketing & Fare Details:

Fare Type	Price (USD)	Ticketing Channels
Single Ride (Airport to Nanjing South Railway Station)	$1.71	Self-service machines, Alipay/WeChat mini-program “Nanjing Metro”, Nanjing Public Transport Card
Airport to Xinjiekou (with transfer)	$2.40	Same as above

Policy Notes: Children under 1.2 meters ride for free; those between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters pay half fare; seniors over 65 with valid ID enjoy free rides.

Fare & Time Reference:

Destination	One-Way Fare (USD)	Estimated Travel Time
Nanjing South Railway Station	$1.71	30 mins
Xinjiekou CBD (Line 1 transfer)	$2.40	50 mins
Confucius Temple (Line 3 transfer)	$2.54	60 mins
Xuanwu Lake (Line 1 transfer)	$2.40	55 mins

How to Take the Airport Express Bus from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown

The airport express bus network covers key districts and scenic spots, offering direct routes with ample luggage space—suitable for travelers heading to specific areas without transfers.

Route	Terminus	Departure Time (T2/T1)	One-Way Fare (USD)	Passing Stations	Boarding Point
Line 1	Xinjiekou CBD	06:30–23:00 (15 mins/shift)	$3.53	Nanjing South Railway Station, Zhujiang Road	T2 Exit 3; T1 Exit 1
Line 2	Confucius Temple	07:00–22:00 (20 mins/shift)	$3.08	Jiangning University, Chaotiangong	T2 Exit 3; T1 Exit 1
Line 3	Nanjing Railway Station	07:30–21:30 (30 mins/shift)	$4.24	Xuanwu Lake, Hunan Road	T2 Exit 5; T1 Exit 2
Night Line N1	Xinjiekou CBD	23:00–05:30 (45 mins/shift)	$4.24	Nanjing South Railway Station	T2 Exit 3

Ticketing Tips: Tickets can be purchased on-site via cash, Alipay, or WeChat QR codes. Intercity routes (to Suzhou, Wuxi) support advance booking via the official WeChat account “Nanjing Airport Bus”.

How to Take a Taxi from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown

Taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door service, making them a convenient choice for families with children, travelers with large luggage, or late-night arrivals.

Waiting Points: Official taxi queues are at T2 Terminal Arrival Hall Exit A/B and T1 Terminal Arrival Hall Exit 1—avoid unlicensed drivers to prevent overcharging.

Pricing Structure:

Fare Type	Details
Starting Fare (Daytime: 06:00–23:00)	$2.40 (3 km)
Subsequent Fare (Daytime)	$0.35/km (3–15 km), $0.53/km (over 15 km)
Nighttime Surcharge (23:00–06:00)	30% increase on all daytime rates
Additional Fees	$0.21/min waiting fee (speed < 12 km/h); $1.41 airport expressway toll (one-way if applicable)

Fare Reference: To Xinjiekou CBD: $24.73–$31.08 (daytime), ~45 mins; night fare: $29.67–$37.70.

How to Use Ride-Hailing Apps from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown

Ride-hailing services offer flexible booking and transparent pricing, with English interface support for international travelers.

Recommended Platforms: DiDi Chuxing (English available), Amap Dache, Alipay Dache.

Pickup Guidelines:

• Designated pickup zones: T2 Terminal P3 Parking Lot Zone 2; T1 Terminal P1 Parking Lot Zone A (follow app navigation)
• Book 20–30 minutes in advance, select “Airport Pickup” and bind flight number to sync delay info
• Surge pricing may apply during rush hours (07:30–09:30, 17:30–19:30)—choose “ride pooling” to save costs

Fare Reference:

Destination	Ride-Hailing Fare Range (USD)	Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak)
Xinjiekou CBD	$18.98–$25.44	40 mins
Nanjing South Railway Station	$14.13–$18.98	25 mins
Confucius Temple	$21.19–$28.26	50 mins

4 Best Ways to Get from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Nanjing South Railway Station

Nanjing South Railway Station is the hub for high-speed rail trips to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, and other major cities. Below are the top transfer options:

From T2 Terminal

Option	Travel Mode	One-Way Fare (USD)	Estimated Travel Time	Key Advantage
1	Metro Line S1	$1.71	~30 mins	Cost-effective, no traffic
2	Ride-Hailing	$14.13–$18.98	~25 mins	Door-to-door convenience
3	Taxi	$18.98–$24.73	~25 mins	24/7 availability
4	Airport Express Bus Line 1	$3.53	~35 mins	Direct route, ample luggage space

From T1 Terminal

Option	Travel Mode	One-Way Fare (USD)	Estimated Travel Time	Key Advantage
1	Free Shuttle + Metro Line S1	$1.71	~40 mins	Budget-friendly, stable schedule
2	Ride-Hailing	$15.54–$21.19	~30 mins	Flexible, transparent pricing
3	Taxi	$18.98–$24.73	~30 mins	No transfers
4	Free Shuttle + Airport Express Bus Line 1	$3.53	~45 mins	Reliable, no navigation hassle

International to Domestic Flight Transfer at Nanjing Lukou International Airport

1. Process: After landing at T2 Terminal, complete customs clearance and collect checked luggage (if not through-checked). Follow “Domestic Transfer” signs to the transfer counter on T2 3F, print domestic boarding pass, pass through transfer security, and proceed to domestic departure hall (T1/T2).
2. Time Requirement: Allow 1.5–2 hours (2.5 hours during peak seasons like Spring Festival).
3. Luggage Tip: Confirm with the airline if luggage is through-checked to avoid rechecking.

Domestic to International Flight Transfer at Nanjing Lukou International Airport

1. Process: Arrive at T1/T2, follow “International Transfer” signs. Take free shuttle (if arriving at T1) to T2, verify passport/visa at T2 4F international transfer counter, pass security and immigration, and enter international departure hall.
2. Time Requirement: Allocate 2 hours (extra 30 mins for visa checks).
3. Shuttle Info: T1-T2 shuttle runs 24/7, 10-minute intervals, 5-minute travel time.

Guide to Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Tax Refund Services

• Location: T2 Terminal International Departure Hall (after security, Counter 10)
• Process: Present passport, tax refund form, and goods (within 90 days of purchase). Refund via Alipay/credit card (11% tax rate, no handling fee).

Buying SIM Cards

• Location: T2 Terminal B1 floor, T1 Terminal 1F (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom booths)
• Required Document: Passport (foreign travelers)
• Plan Options: 30-day data plans (50GB): $7.07–$10.60 (supports 5G, covers Yangtze River Delta regions)

Inter-Terminal Transfers: T1 to T2 and T2 to T1

• Free Shuttle Bus: 24/7 operation, departs T1 Exit 1 and T2 Exit 6, 10-minute intervals, 5-minute travel time.
• Walking: No direct pedestrian corridor—shuttle bus is the only convenient option.

Dining Options and Hours

• Core Areas: T2 Departure Hall 3F/4F, T1 Departure Hall 2F.
• Cuisine: Local specialties (salted duck: $7.07, duck blood vermicelli soup: $2.12), international fast food, Jiangsu-style pastries.
• Hours: 06:00–23:30 (24-hour convenience stores in arrival halls).

Duty-Free Shopping Hours

• Location: T2 Terminal International Departure Hall (after security)
• Hours: 06:00–22:30
• Offerings: Cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, local specialties (Yuhua stone carvings, Longjing tea, Nanjing silk). Tax-free limit: $5,000/person.

Luggage Storage

• Locations: T2 B1 floor, T1 1F.
• Pricing:Luggage Size4-Hour Rate (USD)Daily Rate (USD)Small$0.71$2.12Medium$1.06$2.83Large$1.41$3.53
• Service Hours: 24/7, secure storage with valuables option ($1.41/day).

Currency Exchange

• Locations: T2 International Arrival/Departure Halls, T1 1F.
• Supported Currencies: USD, EUR, JPY, HKD, GBP, AUD, etc.
• Hours: 08:00–22:00 (self-service machines 24/7 for major currencies).

Free Wi-Fi

• Network Name: “NKG-Free-WiFi”
• Login: Verify via Chinese/foreign mobile number (code) or passport.
• Speed: 50Mbps, unlimited usage, supports multiple devices.

Overnight at the Airport

• Free Areas: T2 B1 (reclining chairs with charging sockets), T2 Departure Hall 3F (waiting lounges).
• Paid Options: T2 VIP Lounge ($28.26/4hrs, includes snacks, drinks, shower, business center).
• Tip: Airport temperature 21–24°C at night—bring a thin jacket.

Check-In Deadlines

• Domestic Flights: Counter closes 45 mins pre-departure; self-service check-in 1 hour pre-departure.
• International Flights: Counter closes 60 mins pre-departure; check-in starts 2 hours pre-departure.