City in Jiangsu, China
Getting around Nanjing
How to get around Nanjing
The metro is cheap and extensive. Walk central areas and use DiDi for the Ming Tomb and Purple Mountain. High-speed trains reach Shanghai in about an hour.
Ways to get around Nanjing
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nanjing Metro | 2–9 CNY | Many lines; scan Alipay or WeChat QR at the gate |
| City bus | 2 CNY | Dense network; use Amap to plan |
| DiDi | About 15–25 CNY for short trips | Cheaper than taxis and works in English via Alipay |
| High-speed train | Check 12306 | Nanjing South: Shanghai about 1–1.5 h, Beijing about 3.5–4 h |
Ride-hailing apps in Nanjing
A 5 km ride costs about ¥15–25 ($2.2–3.7).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Works via Alipay; most reliable option |
- Taxis are metered and mostly honest; DiDi is cheaper. Avoid unlicensed drivers at the stations.
Arriving in Nanjing
Nanjing Lukou International (NKG)
About 35 km south. Metro S1 to Nanjing South station, then Line 1 to the center, about 1 h; taxi or DiDi roughly 130–200 CNY.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not rentable for visitors in practice; use metro, bus or DiDi.
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Nanjing?
No. Use DiDi instead.
What's the best way to get around Nanjing?
The metro is cheap and extensive. Walk central areas and use DiDi for the Ming Tomb and Purple Mountain. High-speed trains reach Shanghai in about an hour.
How do I get from the airport to Nanjing?
About 35 km south. Metro S1 to Nanjing South station, then Line 1 to the center, about 1 h; taxi or DiDi roughly 130–200 CNY.
Is Nanjing walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Nanjing
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.