Nanjing Airport: Transport, Services and Travel Tips

If you are planning to explore eastern China, Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is a worthwhile stop on your journey. The city's main airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG), is located around 35 km (22 miles) south of the city centre, unlike some Chinese airports that are much closer to their urban areas.

Arriving at a new airport can sometimes feel confusing: which terminal should you use, how can you reach the city centre quickly, what are the entry requirements for China, and what facilities are available at the airport?

Don't worry! To help you prepare for your arrival or departure, Trip.com has created a detailed guide to Nanjing Lukou International Airport, covering everything you need to know for a smoother journey.

Essential information about Nanjing Airport (NKG)

Opened in 1997, Nanjing Lukou International Airport underwent a major expansion in 2014, including the opening of Terminal 2 ahead of the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games. Today, it is one of China's major airports, handling around 31.4 million passengers in 2025.

The airport is an important gateway to Jiangsu Province and the Yangtze River Delta region. It also plays a key role in air cargo operations, particularly within the networks of China Post and China Postal Airlines.

• Location: Around 35 km south of central Nanjing, in Jiangning District.
• Terminals: Two active terminals, T1 and T2, connected by the airport transport hub.
• Runways: Two parallel 3,600-metre runways, suitable for large aircraft.
• Airline base: The main operating base for China Eastern Airlines Jiangsu and also a base for Shenzhen Airlines Jiangsu.

Nanjing Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2: Which one should you use?

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) has two passenger terminals, and many travellers are still unsure which one to use. Some outdated information says that “Terminal 1 is closed and all flights operate from Terminal 2”, but this was only true during the renovation period from 2014 to 2020. Terminal 1 reopened in July 2020 and is now fully operational.

Here is a simple overview of the two terminals:

🚨 Important: There are currently no regular direct flights from London to Nanjing, and most journeys require a connection.
If you are travelling from London to Nanjing, you will arrive at Terminal 2 when taking the China Eastern Airlines service, as all international arrivals and departures use T2.
For connecting flights, always check your airline and flight details in advance, as some domestic connections may use Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 depending on the carrier.

How to transfer between T1 and T2 at Nanjing Airport

The two terminals are located close to each other, only a few hundred metres apart. Passengers can:

• Take the free shuttle bus on the public side (around 06:30–22:30).
• Walk between the terminals in around 10 minutes.

If you are transferring from an international flight at T2 to a domestic flight at T1, allow enough time for:

• Collecting your checked baggage
• Leaving the arrival area
• Moving to the other terminal
• Checking in again and passing security

A transfer time of at least 60–90 minutes is recommended.

Transport to and from Nanjing Airport

As mentioned, Nanjing Lukou International Airport is located some distance from the city centre. Depending on your chosen transport option and the time of day, the journey usually takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour. Here are the main ways to travel between the airport and Nanjing:

Prices are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, demand and exchange rates.

🚨 Important metro tip: The S1 Airport Line does not take you directly to central Nanjing. It connects Nanjing Airport with Nanjing South Railway Station, where you need to transfer to Metro Line 1 or Line 3 depending on your destination. Allow around 50–60 minutes in total to reach Xinjiekou, the city centre.

Nanjing Airport arrivals and departures: practical tips

On arrival

• Immigration: Foreign travellers should follow the dedicated immigration lanes and complete an arrival form, which is often provided during the flight.
• Baggage claim: For international flights, baggage carousels are located on the ground floor of Terminal 2.
• Customs: Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel if you do. Customs checks on fresh food products and large amounts of cash can be strict.
• Leaving the airport: Follow the signs downstairs to access the metro and ride-hailing services, head to Gate 3 for taxis, or use the airport shuttle between terminals.

On departure

• Check-in: For international flights, check-in usually opens 3 hours before departure and closes around 60 minutes before take-off. For domestic flights, arrive around 2 hours early, as check-in normally closes 40 minutes before departure.
• Security checks: Allow extra time in the morning and late afternoon, when queues can be longer.
• Travel documents: Keep your passport easily accessible, as it may be checked several times, even on domestic flights.

Arrival requirements in Nanjing: visa and regulations

The good news is that entry requirements for Nanjing are now much simpler, just like the rest of mainland China. Since late 2023, China has introduced easier entry policies for many European travellers, and the current arrangement is available until 31 December 2026.

• Visa-free entry for 30 days: British citizens and most EU citizens can enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days per entry. This applies to travel for tourism, business, family visits and transit, with no need to apply in advance.
• 240-hour visa-free transit: Nanjing is included in the 240-hour visa-free transit programme. However, most EU travellers will not need to use this option, as the 30-day visa-free entry policy offers more flexibility.

Entry requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Your stay must not exceed 30 days per entry. The 30-day period starts again each time you make a new entry into mainland China.
• Your travel purpose must be permitted, such as tourism, business, family visits or transit. Work and study are not covered.

Services and facilities at Nanjing Airport

Since its renovation, Nanjing Lukou International Airport has become a modern and well-maintained airport with everything you need for a comfortable wait. Most facilities are located in Terminal 2, the larger of the two terminals.

• Free Wi-Fi: Connect to the “Airport-FreeWiFi-NanJing” network using your phone number or a self-service kiosk.
• Lounges: Both terminals offer paid lounges, as well as airline lounges for eligible passengers.
• Food and drinks: Try local Nanjing specialities before leaving the airport, including salted duck (yanshuiya) and the famous duck blood vermicelli soup.
• Shopping: International travellers can visit duty-free shops, while local souvenirs include Yuhua tea, Yunjin brocade and beautiful Yuhua rain stones.

Airport lounges and premium lounges at Nanjing Airport

Restaurants and duty-free shops at Nanjing Airport

What to do in Nanjing after landing?

Nanjing is worth more than just a short stopover. As the former capital of several Chinese dynasties, the city combines imperial history, impressive ancient walls and lively riverside neighbourhoods. Its famous local cuisine, especially Nanjing salted duck, is also well worth trying.

• Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) and Qinhuai River: The lively centre of Nanjing's old town, with traditional streets, local street food and beautiful evening lights. It is easily accessible by Metro Line 3.
• Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: Located on Purple Mountain, with Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow around half a day to explore the area.
• Ming City Wall and Zhonghua Gate: Among the largest ancient fortifications in the world, offering a fascinating glimpse into Nanjing's past.
• Xuanwu Lake: A peaceful lakeside park next to the city walls, perfect for a relaxing break.
• Presidential Palace: A historic site that offers insight into China's political history during the 20th century.
• Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall: A solemn place of remembrance that helps visitors understand one of the darkest chapters in the city's history.

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