Nanjing Lukou International Airport (南京禄口国际机场, NKG) is south of the central districts. The best transfer depends less on the advertised journey time than on your hotel address, luggage and arrival hour. Save the hotel name and address in Chinese before you land.
Metro: a useful 2026 change
The airport's S1 line now runs through with Nanjing Metro Line 6, which opened initial service in September 2026. A visitor bound for districts on that north-south corridor may no longer need to change trains at Nanjing South. Check the current stop map and last-service time for your actual hotel; a through train still may end in a long walk or another connection. Late flights and large bags can make the final leg the deciding factor.
Taxi or arranged car
Use the airport's marked taxi area or a licensed ride-hailing pickup point shown in the app. Confirm the vehicle and destination before leaving the terminal. An arranged car is useful for a group, a late arrival or travelers who need a predictable meeting point; ask the provider to state the terminal, waiting policy, vehicle size and total inclusions in writing. Road time varies with traffic, so avoid planning a timed attraction directly after landing.
Do not confuse the hubs
Nanjing South (南京南站) is a high-speed rail station, Nanjing Station (南京站) is another railway hub, and Lukou is the airport. They are not interchangeable. If your onward ticket leaves on the arrival day, read its exact station and departure time before choosing transport. Keep a margin for baggage, immigration where applicable and the transfer itself.
For the return journey, ask your hotel to confirm the current route and earliest service for your departure day. Recheck flight terminal and traffic conditions rather than relying on the time your inbound trip took.