Nanjing Train Stations: Where and How to Take a Train?

Nanjing is one of the most important railway hubs in East-Central China. Two stations handle the bulk of the traffic: the South Station for high-speed trains, and the Central Station for conventional and long-distance services.

Depending on your destination, you won't be departing from the same place! To help you out, Trip.com has everything you need to know about Nanjing's train stations.

Main Train Stations in Nanjing

📌 Click the itinerary link in the table to book your ticket now!

Here’s everything you need to know about the two main stations to help you plan your trip without any nasty surprises!

Nanjing South Railway Station — 南京南站

Nanjing South Railway Station is truly impressive – it’s easy to get lost in there! Opened in 2011, it covers 458,000 m² and ranks among the largest railway stations in the world.

Its 28 platforms handle around 324 high-speed trains every day, serving routes such as Beijing-Shanghai and Nanjing-Hangzhou, among others. It is located in the Yuhuatai district, 11 km from the city centre (Xinjiekou) and 33 km from Lukou International Airport.

This is the departure point for almost all G-trains: Shanghai in 1 hour, Beijing in under 4 hours, Hangzhou in 1 hour 30 minutes, and Wuhan in 2 hours 30 minutes. If you're travelling by high-speed rail, you'll almost certainly be using Nanjing South Railway Station.

How do I get there?

How to book your tickets?

Three ways to buy your tickets in Nanjing, just like everywhere else in China:

• On Trip.com (recommended ✅): enjoy an interface in English, get your ticket on your phone or collect it at the kiosks with your passport, pay with an international card, and benefit from 24/7 support.
• Via the 12306 app: the official railway ticketing platform. It’s highly functional and comprehensive, though it’s only available in Chinese (English version available for foreign passport holders but requires identity verification first) and is offline after 1 a.m.
• At the on-site ticket counters: head to the 1st or 2nd floor, where you'll find a dedicated counter for international travellers. Just a heads-up: allow a little extra time if you're travelling during peak hours!

How to catch your train?

The procedure is the same at all major Chinese railway stations:

1. Please arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure
2. Security check at the entrance (X-ray screening for luggage, passport verification)
3. If needed, collect your ticket at the self-service kiosks (passport required).
4. Head through the platform turnstiles (ticket + passport)
5. Please wait in the waiting area for your train; the platform gates open 15 minutes before departure.
6. Boarding at the carriage entrance upon presentation of your ticket

Services available at the station

The station is spread across five levels—three above ground and two below—with services conveniently distributed throughout each floor:

• 🍜 Dining: McDonald's, KFC, and Starbucks on the 3rd floor, with local Jiangsu cuisine restaurants and snack bars on the 1st floor.
• 🛍️ Shopping: bookshop, local speciality shops, pharmacy, convenience store on the 1st floor
• 🧳 Luggage storage: 3rd floor (main hall) and 1st floor, ~15–20 CNY/day
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: You'll find cash machines on the 1st and 3rd floors, and international cards are accepted.
• 🔌 Power sockets: available in the large waiting room on the 3rd floor (220V)
• 👶 Family area: baby care room and wheelchair access on every level

The VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

The VIP lounge is located on the 3rd floor, in the main hall. Access is free for First and Business Class passengers upon presentation of their ticket.

Super-comfortable armchairs, self-service drinks, charging points, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more. For other travellers, access is available for a fee of around 100 CNY (~£12.50). It’s a great option if you have a little time to kill before your departure.

Main routes from Nanjing South

Nanjing Railway Station — 南京站

Nanjing Central Station is located in the Xuanwu District, right on the edge of Xuanwu Lake (one of the city's most beautiful natural spots!).

It’s much older and far more modest than the South Station, but it remains a must-use for long-distance classic Z, T, and K trains: overnight services to Xi'an, Harbin, or Urumqi, and connections to cities not yet served by high-speed trains.

It also handles G and D-trains to Shanghai and Beijing, making it a great option if you're staying in the north or north-east of the city (it's 8 km from Xinjiekou), and it's often quicker to get to than the South Station.

How do I get there?

Services available at the station

• 🍜 Dining: Jiangsu cuisine, noodle bars, and snack bars in the lobby and around the station
• 🛍️ Shopping: souvenir shops, pharmacy, newsagent
• 🧳 Luggage storage: 1st floor, west wing (~15 CNY/day)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: Cash machines are available at the main entrance and in the lobby.
• ♿ Accessible: 7 lifts dedicated to guests with reduced mobility

The VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

The VIP lounge is located on the east side of the 1st floor. It’s free to access for First and Business Class passengers. You'll find comfortable armchairs, drinks, power sockets, and Wi-Fi.

For other travellers, access is available for a fee (~40 CNY). It’s a much quieter option than the main waiting area during peak hours.

Main routes from Nanjing (Central Station)

Tips for Taking the Train from Nanjing Stations

💡 Make sure to double-check which station your train departs from

A G-train to Shanghai or Beijing might depart from either the South Station or the Central Station. The station name is always printed on your ticket, so be sure to check it before you hop on the metro. There are 17 km and a 16-minute taxi ride between the two stations. Getting it wrong could cost you your train!

💡 Book early, especially on popular routes

Tickets for the Nanjing–Shanghai route sell out fast during Golden Weeks and Chinese New Year. It’s one of the busiest lines in China, with over 150 trains running every day. Bookings open 30 days before departure on Trip.com.

💡 Give yourself plenty of time when arriving at the South station

With 458,000 m² of concourses, finding your waiting area in this station can take a little time. We recommend arriving 45 to 60 minutes before departure, and be sure to check the platform access gate number displayed on your ticket.

💡 Always keep your passport handy

You'll need it at the station entrance, at the ticket collection kiosks, and at the platform turnstiles. Keep it in an outer pocket, not buried at the bottom of your bag.

💡 G-train or standard train: they don't use the same station

In Nanjing, G-trains depart almost exclusively from the South Station. Long-distance Z, T, and K trains (including overnight services) depart from the Central Station. The letter at the beginning of your train number will point you in the right direction.

💡 Get your connection sorted before you reach the station

Wi-Fi is free in both stations, but it's useless for Western apps without a VPN. A China eSIM gets you connected the moment you step off the plane, with no hassle at all.

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