Nanjing Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Nanjing, the historic capital of Jiangsu province in eastern China, is served by one major international airport located well outside the city center, with a smaller, older airport handling limited domestic routes. As with many Chinese cities, air travel is concentrated at a single modern facility, but awareness of the secondary airport is important for certain flights. This guide explains both airports and their connections to the city.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)

Overview: Nanjing Lukou International Airport (IATA: NKG) is the primary airport serving the Nanjing metropolitan area. It is located approximately 35 km (22 miles) south of downtown Nanjing’s Xinjiekou area. It is a major airport for eastern China, serving as a focus city for China Eastern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines, with a comprehensive network of domestic and international flights.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The older terminal, primarily used for domestic flights.
• Terminal 2 (T2): A much larger, modern terminal that handles all international flights and the majority of domestic flights. The two terminals are connected by a free, frequent shuttle bus that runs landside (outside security).

Getting to and from Lukou Airport (NKG):

• Nanjing Metro (Airport Line S1):
  The fastest and most reliable public transport. The S1 Metro Line (Airport Line) connects Terminal 1 & 2 of the airport directly to Nanjing South Railway Station (高铁南京南站) in about 35-40 minutes. From Nanjing South Station, you can transfer to Metro Lines 1, 3, or S3 to reach various parts of the city (e.g., Line 1 to Xinjiekou city center takes another 15 mins). This is the recommended method to avoid road traffic.
• Airport Shuttle Bus:
  Several official airport bus lines connect NKG to key locations in the city, including Nanjing Railway Station, Zhonghuamen, and Dongshan. They are affordable and comfortable but subject to road traffic. Buses depart from outside both terminals.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Didi):
  Taxis are available at designated ranks outside both terminals. The fare to downtown (e.g., Xinjiekou) is approximately 120-150 RMB and takes 45-75 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic. Ride-hailing services like Didi (China’s Uber) are widely used; follow the app’s instructions for the designated pickup zone.
• Intercity High-Speed Rail (to Nanjing South Station):
  While not a direct airport train, this is a key connection for travelers to other cities. From NKG, take the Metro S1 line to Nanjing South Station (南京南站), which is one of China’s largest high-speed rail hubs, for connections across the country.

Best for: All international travelers and the vast majority of domestic travelers.

Nanjing Ma’an International Airport (Older Facility)

Overview: The former Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport, located much closer to the city center, is now officially known as Nanjing Ma’an International Airport but handles no scheduled commercial passenger flights. It is used for general aviation, flight training, and government/military purposes. Travelers should not expect to use this airport.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Nanjing?

For all practical purposes, Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is the only airport you will use for scheduled passenger travel to Nanjing.

There are no alternative commercial airports serving Nanjing. For high-speed rail connections, arriving at Nanjing South Railway Station via train from Shanghai, Beijing, or elsewhere is a very common and efficient alternative to flying.

Getting to Key Areas from Lukou Airport (NKG)

Using the Metro S1 line is strongly advised to bypass traffic.

• To Xinjiekou (City Center):
  Take Metro S1 to Nanjing South Station → Transfer to Metro Line 1 (towards Maigaoqiao) → Alight at Xinjiekou Station. Total time: 55-65 minutes.
• To Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) / Qinhuai River Area:
  Take Metro S1 to Nanjing South Station → Transfer to Metro Line 3 (towwards Linchang) → Alight at Fuzimiao Station. Total time: 50-60 minutes.
• To Nanjing Railway Station (for conventional trains):
  Take the Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1 directly, or take Metro S1 to Nanjing South Station → Transfer to Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Nanjing Station. Bus is more direct but subject to traffic.
• To Xuanwu Lake / Zhongyangmen Area:
  Take Metro S1 to Nanjing South Station → Transfer to Metro Line 1 or Line 3.

Essential Travel Tips for NKG:

• Metro is Best: The S1 Airport Line is efficient, cheap (under 10 RMB), and avoids the unpredictable Nanjing traffic. Purchase a single-journey token or use a transportation QR code (Alipay/WeChat Pay).
• Terminal Transfer: If you need to transfer between T1 and T2 (e.g., for a connecting flight on a different airline), allow at least 60-90 minutes as you must collect baggage, take the landside shuttle bus, and re-check in.
• Currency & Payments: Have Chinese Yuan (RMB) for the Metro or taxi. While mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) are ubiquitous, having some cash is a safe backup. International credit cards are not widely accepted for small transport purchases.
• Language: English signage is good at the airport and on the Metro, but minimal outside. Have your destination written in Chinese characters to show a taxi driver.
• International Arrivals: The process is standard. Have your passport and China entry card (if required) ready.
• Return to Airport: For domestic flights, arriving 2 hours before departure at NKG is sufficient. For international flights, 3 hours is recommended. The Metro S1 line is reliable for your return journey to the airport.

Bottom line: You will fly into Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG). The most efficient and stress-free way to reach the city center is via the Nanjing Metro S1 Airport Line to Nanjing South Station, followed by a transfer to your final destination’s metro line. Pre-book a Didi or take a taxi if you have excessive luggage, but be prepared for potential traffic delays.