What is the cheapest way from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city centre?

Metro Line S1 (Airport Line) to Nanjing South Railway Station, transferring to Line 1 to Xinjiekou — a single CNY7 fare covers both legs and takes about 60 minutes.

Where is the metro station at Nanjing Lukou Airport?

On B1 of the Ground Transport Center between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — about 150m from T2 arrivals; from T1, take the free inter-terminal shuttle first.

Do I need to buy a second ticket when I transfer at Nanjing South Railway Station?

No — stay inside the paid area and follow the Line 1 transfer signs; the CNY7 fare already covers the whole trip to Xinjiekou.

Is there a risk of taxi scams at Nanjing Lukou Airport?

Yes — unlicensed drivers near arrivals sometimes claim the metro or bus won't get you there in time and quote CNY150+ upfront. Use the marked taxi queue or a ride-hailing app instead.

What time does the last airport metro train run?

The last S1 train leaves Lukou Airport Station at about 22:42 and the first departs around 06:00 — check same-day times before relying on it late at night.

How much is a taxi from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to the city?

A regular metered taxi to the centre runs about CNY120–150, versus CNY7 on the metro. Unlicensed touts near arrivals quote CNY150 or more upfront — use the marked taxi queue or a ride-hailing app like Didi instead.

How do you get from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to downtown Nanjing (Xinjiekou) — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) into central Nanjing is the Metro S1 Airport Line to Nanjing South Railway Station, then a same-fare transfer to Line 1 straight to Xinjiekou: a single through-ticket costs CNY7 (about $1) and the ride takes around 60 minutes. Buy the ticket at the machine in the airport's B1 Ground Transport Center or just scan a QR code — no need to buy a second ticket at the transfer. Ignore anyone near arrivals pushing an unlicensed taxi by claiming you'll miss your connection; a regular metered taxi to the centre runs about CNY120–150 if you'd rather skip the transfer.

How to find it

AIRPORTNanjing Lukou International Airport
01From arrivals at either terminal, follow the 'Metro / 地铁' signs down to B1 of the Ground Transport Center to reach Lukou Airport Station — about 150m from Terminal 2; from Terminal 1, take the free inter-terminal shuttle to T2 first.
02Buy a CNY7 through-ticket to Xinjiekou at the machine, or just scan your Alipay/WeChat ride code at the gate, then board an S1 train toward Nanjing South Railway Station.
03Ride the S1 line about seven stops (roughly 35 minutes) to Nanjing South Railway Station. Stay inside the paid area and follow the orange 'Line 1 / 1号线' transfer signs — you don't exit or buy anything new.
04Transfer to Line 1 toward Maigaoqiao and ride about eight stops (roughly 25 minutes) to Xinjiekou Station, right in the heart of central Nanjing.
CITY CENTRENanjing

Ticket

Nanjing Metro single-journey ticket, S1 Airport Line + Line 1 through-fare to Xinjiekou

Where to buy: Ticket vending machines at Lukou Airport Station on B1 of the Ground Transport Center, between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; or scan in with the Alipay '乘车码' (Ride Code) or WeChat '与宁同行' mini-program — no separate machine ticket needed.

How to pay: Machines take cash and Chinese bank cards; the QR-code apps deduct the fare automatically when you tap the reader at the gate. No separate validation is needed at the Line 1 transfer — stay inside the paid area.

Local's trick: Buy (or scan) the through-ticket straight to Xinjiekou instead of a separate South Station ticket — it's one continuous CNY7 fare covering both the S1 and Line 1 legs without exiting the gates. Trains run roughly every 10 minutes, with the last airport departure around 22:42.

Trap to avoid: Ignore anyone near arrivals or the bus counter who claims the metro or bus 'won't make it in time' and tries to steer you to an unlicensed 'black cab' — these unmetered drivers often quote CNY150 or more upfront. Use the marked taxi queue or a ride-hailing app like Didi instead if you want a metered taxi, for around CNY120–150.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city centre?: Metro Line S1 (Airport Line) to Nanjing South Railway Station, transferring to Line 1 to Xinjiekou — a single CNY7 fare covers both legs and takes about 60 minutes.
Where is the metro station at Nanjing Lukou Airport?: On B1 of the Ground Transport Center between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — about 150m from T2 arrivals; from T1, take the free inter-terminal shuttle first.
Do I need to buy a second ticket when I transfer at Nanjing South Railway Station?: No — stay inside the paid area and follow the Line 1 transfer signs; the CNY7 fare already covers the whole trip to Xinjiekou.
Is there a risk of taxi scams at Nanjing Lukou Airport?: Yes — unlicensed drivers near arrivals sometimes claim the metro or bus won't get you there in time and quote CNY150+ upfront. Use the marked taxi queue or a ride-hailing app instead.
What time does the last airport metro train run?: The last S1 train leaves Lukou Airport Station at about 22:42 and the first departs around 06:00 — check same-day times before relying on it late at night.
What is the best way from NKG to downtown Nanjing?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest: the Metro S1 Airport Line to Nanjing South Railway Station, then Line 1 to Xinjiekou on a single CNY7 through-ticket, about 60 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to the city?: A regular metered taxi to the centre runs about CNY120–150, versus CNY7 on the metro. Unlicensed touts near arrivals quote CNY150 or more upfront — use the marked taxi queue or a ride-hailing app like Didi instead.

Last verified: Jul 2, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.