Where do incoming students go once they land in China? As you start booking your tickets to Nanjing this fall, you should consider the following travel options:
Getting from the Nanjing Airport to the Center
Nanjing Lukou International Airport is about 40 km outside of Nanjing city.
1) Taxi: A metered taxi from the airport to the Center takes 45 minutes and costs about RMB 150, including one freeway toll (RMB 20).
2) Shuttle bus: The airport shuttle bus into the city takes about one hour and costs RMB 25. This bus, which is located outside the domestic arrivals exit, does not have a specific name or number. Unfortunately, the shuttle bus terminals in Nanjing are a substantial distance from the Center and require that you take a taxi or a combination of a subway ride and a 10-minute walk to get to your destination. The taxi service is your best choice for your initial trip to the Center.
Getting from Shanghai to the Center
Another option is to fly directly to Shanghai’s Pudong Airport and then take the train or bus to Nanjing.
1) Train: The train from Shanghai takes from a little over an hour to nearly three hours, depending on the type of train. Trains with numbers preceded by “G” are high-speed trains. “D” trains are next-fastest. Don’t buy a ticket for a train that will take longer than three hours. Train tickets may be purchased at the Shanghai train station and cost about $25 one-way, depending on the type of train and class of seat. Nanjing has two train stations: the Nanjing Station and the Nanjing South Station. Both are reasonable distances from the Center, so it doesn’t matter which one you arrive at.
From the Nanjing Station, you may take a bus, taxi, or subway to the Center: If you’re hauling heavy or bulky luggage, your best choice is probably to wait in the taxi line and pay the RMB 20 to get a ride directly to the Center.
o Bus: The Number 13 bus costs RMB 2 and takes about 40 minutes to reach the Center bus stop.
o Taxi: From the Nanjing train station taxi stand, it’s a 20 minute/RMB 20 taxi ride to the Center. Be aware that the “taxi drivers” who approach you within the station are generally unlicensed and charge exorbitant rates. Stay in the taxi queue.
o Subway: There is an entrance to the subway on your right as soon as you pass through the ticket gates (before you exit the train station). The subway ride to the station nearest the Center will cost RMB 2. Take subway Line 1 south to Gulou Station (鼓楼站).
From the Nanjing South Station, you may take a taxi or subway to the Center. If you’re hauling heavy or bulky luggage, your best choice is probably to wait in the taxi line and pay the RMB 35 to get a ride directly to the Center.
o Taxi: From the Nanjing South Station taxi stand, it’s a 35 minute/RMB 35 taxi ride to the Center. Be aware that the “taxi drivers” who approach you within the station are generally unlicensed and charge exorbitant rates. Stay in the taxi queue.
o Subway: There is an entrance to the subway in the station. The subway ride to the station nearest the Center will cost RMB 2. Take subway Line 1 north to Gulou Station (鼓楼站).
2) Bus: Buses run frequently between Shanghai and Nanjing and the trip averages about three and a half hours. A long-distance bus station is located near the train station, at 270 Heng(2) Feng(1) Lu. Buses leave hourly from 6:30am to 5:30pm, with additional buses on the half hour during peak travel times (mid-morning and early afternoon).
Please check your orientation handbook for even more details on how to get to the Center!
