I just got to Nanjing and want to know how to get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center. You’re not by yourself. Many people who have never been to this historic Chinese city before find it hard to figure out how to get around, especially after a long trip. Whether you’re in Nanjing for business, to learn about the city’s Ming history, or to enjoy its lively food scene, getting to the city center quickly and easily is your first concern.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the middle of the city. I’ll talk about common ways to get to your hotel, as well as the fastest and most comfortable choices. If you want to skip all the trouble, I’ll even suggest a private transfer service.

How to Get From Nanjing Lukou Airport to the City Center

The Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is about 35 km south of the city center. The trip takes between 40 and 60 minutes on a good day with no traffic. It depends on how you get there. The airport is new and works well, and it handles both domestic and foreign flights.

How do I get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the middle of the city? What you should do depends on your income, schedule, and personal comfort needs. Nanjing is lucky because it has a lot of different transfer choices for all types of travelers.

If you arrive late at night or have a lot of luggage, you might want to avoid taking the bus or train and instead take a cab or private transfer. But the metro and airport buses are quick and cheap if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a little adventure.

Let’s look at the most popular ways to transfer money and help you choose the best one for you.

Common Ways to Get From Nanjing Lukou Airport

Choice 1: Metro (Line S1 + Line 1)

The train is the easiest and least expensive way to get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center. How it works:

In order to get from the airport to Nanjing South Railway Station, take Metro Line S1. The ride takes about 35 minutes.
Once you get to Nanjing South, change to Metro Line 1, which goes straight to downtown places like Xinjiekou, Gulou, and Xuanwumen.

The whole trip costs about CNY 7 (USD 1), and it can take anywhere from 60 to 80 minutes, based on how long it takes to get to your next stop. Clean and safe, the trains run from 6 AM to 10 PM most of the time.

Tip: You’ll have an easy time getting to Xinjiekou or Gulou if you stay near those areas. They are two of the most central neighborhoods.

Choice 2: Take the Airport Shuttle Bus

The airport shuttle bus is another easy choice. Nanjing Lukou Airport is connected to the city center by a number of lines that stop at major hotels and transportation hubs.

The Line 1 shuttle is the most famous. It goes from the airport to Nanjing Railway Station and stops at Xinjiekou and other places along the way.
Buses run about every 30 minutes, and tickets cost about CNY 20 (USD 3).
It takes between 70 and 90 minutes, but it depends on traffic.

Pros: ● You don’t have to move ● There are comfortable seats and places to store your bags

Cons: ● Less often at night ● More slowly during rush hours

Choice 3: Taxis or Ride-Hailing Apps (like Didi)

If you want to save time, a cab or Didi (China’s version of Uber) might be the best option for you. A licensed cab is easy to find at the airport taxi stand, or you can use the English-language Didi app to book a ride.

Taxis from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center usually cost between CNY 130 and 180 (USD 18–25), based on where you’re going and how busy the roads are.
Most of the time, the ride lasts between 40 and 50 minutes.

Tip: Always write down your hotel address in Chinese, since most cab drivers don’t speak English very well.

Choice 4: Private Transportation to and From the Airport

Want to skip the line, avoid confusion, and go straight to your hotel in a clean car with air conditioning? The best thing to do then is to book a private airport service. It works especially well if you have a lot of luggage, kids, or senior family members with you.

Orange Mr. – Private Ride From Nanjing Lukou Airport to the City Center

There is a great private transfer service in town called Mr. Orange that can take you from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center without any problems. A lot of people who are traveling from other countries and want an English-speaking experience and personal care use this service.

Why Should You Pick Mr. Orange?

Door-to-door service: The driver will wait for you inside the airport with your name written on a sign.
Tracking flights in real time: If there are delays, your driver will change the time of the pick-up.
Rates that stay the same: There will be no secret costs; you’ll know the price ahead of time.
Vehicles that are comfortable: Depending on how many people are in your group, you can choose from sedans, minivans, and bigger cars.
24/7 customer service: No matter what time your flight gets there, you won’t be stuck.

How to Book:

It’s easy to make a reservation on their website or through WeChat. Just type in your flight number, the time you expect to arrive, and the address of your hotel. You can pay ahead of time online.

Tel:+8613910694045

Email: orangetransfer@aliyun.com

Wechat ID:GloryandhonorbetoGOD

Whatsapp: +8613910694045

How Much:

Who Needs This Service?

First-time tourists who don’t know how to use Chinese public transportation
Busy business travelers
Families with young children or elderly people
Tourists who value comfort and speed

Mr. Orange makes it easy to get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center. You don’t have to figure out how to get from one train stop to another, carry your bags around, or speak Mandarin. When you get to your location, you’ll be tired but ready to explore.

Why You Need a Private Nanjing Airport Transfer Service

You may still be wondering why someone would pay more for a private transfer when the metro or shuttle buses are cheaper choices. You make a good point, and the answer relies on what kind of trip you want to take.

There’s nothing better than having a private driver wait for you at Nanjing airport when you land for the first time and just want everything to go smoothly. Especially if you’re going from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center and there aren’t many signs. You don’t want to get lost or get ripped off by a cab.

It’s easy to relax when you use a private car service. Someone is already following your flight and ready to help you as soon as you land. You won’t have to buy metro tickets, carry your bags through train stops, or deal with language barriers. The trip into the city center is easy and quick.

1.There Won’t Be Any Trouble With the Things Below If You Use Mr. Orange Transfer Service

Let’s get specific. Why would you want a private service to get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center instead of taking normal public transportation?

How to Use Metro Transfers: The metro is cheap, but it’s not fun to carry heavy bags up and down stairs or platforms, especially during rush hour. When you use Mr. Orange, your bags go right into the car, and you can sit back and relax.

Problems With Language: Most cab drivers in the area don’t speak English, and it can be stressful to try to tell them where your hotel is. When you book a Mr. Orange ride ahead of time, you tell the driver where you want to go. Not a single mistake or confusion.

Getting Around Late at Night: If your flight arrives after 10 PM, the metro probably doesn’t run anymore. You won’t have to wait in long cab lines or hope to find a Didi because your private driver will be there for you, even if your flight is late.

Surprises With Prices: Have you ever been hit with a “surge charge” on a ride-hailing app or fought with a cab driver over the time? The price you see is the price you pay for a private travel with a flat rate.

One of the last things you want to do on your way from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center is feel stressed. Mr. Orange makes the change easy, so you can focus on the fun that’s coming up.

2.What Should I Do If My Flight Is Late?

All the time, flights are late, but Mr. Orange is protected against that by design.

They keep an eye on your flight at all times, so you don’t have to call or email anyone to let them know. If your flight arrives later than planned, your driver will still be ready for you. There will be no questions asked, and there will be no extra charges for reasonable delays.

This helps a lot on long-haul trips or flights with connections where you don’t have much control over the time. Even if your flight time changes, you won’t have to worry about getting from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center.

3.What Would Happen If My Flight Got There Early or Late?

Flights sometimes arrive earlier than planned. That’s another time when private moving services really shine. Most public transportation systems stick to strict dates, but private drivers can change their plans.

Your Mr. Orange driver will already be following your plane if you land early. They’ll make the necessary changes and be ready for you with a personalized sign in the arrivals hall. Not having to worry about where to look or figure out how to use the airport Wi-Fi to call someone.

What if you’re late? Still locked up. You’ll never be left behind with our 24/7 service and flexible pick-up times. When you’re ready, the bus from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center will be there.

4.What Should I Do If My Visa for China Runs Out?

This is a rare but very bad case. You might not have paid attention to the dates on your visa or your plans changed without warning. Don’t worry if you get to China and find that your visa has ended.

To begin, it’s important to stay at the airport and not try to leave until the problem is fixed. The drivers and staff at Mr. Orange can help by getting you straight to the city’s nearest Exit-Entry Administration Bureau to start the process of extending or resolving your visa.

Having a driver who knows the area well can save your life here. They know their way around Nanjing and can quickly get you to the right government office. For those who need to get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center quickly and easily, a private transfer can make things a lot easier.

Well-Known Places to Visit From Nanjing Lukou Airport

The fun really starts when you get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center. Nanjing is a beautiful place with a lot of history and culture. Here are some must-see places that are easy to get to from your city hotel:

Temple of Confucius (Fuzimiao)

This lively area has old churches, busy shopping streets for people on foot, and lantern-lit canals. You can enjoy the local vibe, eat some street food, or take a boat ride along the Qinhuai River.

Park on Xuanwu Lake

A large lake park that is loved by many in Nanjing is a great place to go for a walk or a lunch. You can rent bikes, go on a paddleboat ride, or just sit back and watch the skyline of the city move by in the water.

Mausoleum for Sun Yat-sen

This huge monument is on Purple Mountain and is for the man who started modern China. It’s worth going up the stone stairs just to see the view. A short ride from the city center brings you to this famous spot.

Memorial Hall for the Nanjing Massacre

This museum honors the people who died in the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. It is a sad but important stop. People who want to learn about China’s modern past should go see these exhibits because they are powerful and educational.

FAQ on Nanjing Lukou Airport to the City Center

Got last-minute questions before your trip? You’re not alone. Here’s a round-up of the most frequently asked questions from travelers navigating the journey from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center, especially those considering private transfer options or visiting Nanjing for the first time.

I’m Traveling with Kids. Is a Car Seat Available?

Absolutely. Many private transfer providers offer car seats for infants or toddlers upon request. Just make sure to mention it during booking. If you’re traveling with family, the convenience of a private ride from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center really makes a difference.

What If I Need to Make a Quick Stop Before Reaching My Hotel?

If you need to stop for currency exchange, SIM card purchase, or a snack, some drivers are flexible—as long as it’s within a short distance and doesn’t disrupt their schedule. Just be polite and ask. You might be able to request it in advance during booking.

Can I Use the Same Service to Get Back to the Airport?

Definitely. Most private transfer companies offer round-trip booking. You can reserve your return ride when booking your arrival service or schedule it later once your itinerary is finalized.

How Much Time Should I Allow to Travel Back to the Airport?

Plan for at least 90 minutes if you’re using a private transfer or taxi, especially during rush hour. For metro or shuttle services, allow up to 2 hours. It’s always better to be early—Nanjing traffic can be unpredictable during peak hours.

Do I Need a Chinese SIM Card to Book or Contact My Driver?

Not necessarily. Many private transfer companies provide driver details in advance via email or WeChat. If you don’t have local data, consider getting a pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM before your trip, so you can stay connected from the moment you land at Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city center.

Can I Customize My Transfer Route?

Most services will take you directly to your hotel or Airbnb, but if you’d like to stop at a scenic spot or have multiple drop-offs, you’ll need to arrange that ahead of time. Extra stops may incur additional fees, so it’s best to confirm with the provider before booking.