Nanjing Lukou International Airport Guide for Travelers

Hello! I’m Alex Chen, a passionate traveler who loves exploring the hidden corners of the world. Over the years, I’ve developed a knack for budget-friendly travel, especially across China, and I enjoy sharing practical tips for independent travelers. Today, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about Nanjing Lukou International Airport. As a major gateway to Jiangsu Province and beyond, this airport serves as the starting point for your adventures in Nanjing and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a frequent traveler, this guide will provide you with essential and practical information.

---

---

Overview of Nanjing Lukou International Airport

• Airport Code: NKG
• Address: Lukou Subdistrict, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
• Distance from Downtown: 35.8 km
• Terminal Information:
  • Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily handles domestic flights, covering an area of 160,000 square meters. It has been operational since 1997.
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Serves both domestic and international flights, with a larger area of 260,000 square meters. It opened in 2014.

---

4 Best Ways from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown Nanjing

1. How to Take the Metro from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown?

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Metro Line: Metro Line S1
• Location: Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, take the elevator to the Transportation Center on the basement level (B1).
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:42 PM
• Cost: 7 RMB
• Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

How to Buy Tickets:

• Purchase a single-ride ticket at the ticket counter or from the self-service machines. Payment options include cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
• Use QR codes via the Alipay or WeChat Metro Travel feature for convenient access.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Metro Line: Metro Line S1
• Location: Same as T2 – between the terminals at the Transportation Center (B1).
• Additional Info: Same details as T2.

---

2. How to Take an Airport Shuttle Bus from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown?

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: First floor, Gate 1
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Popular Shuttle Bus Routes:

• Airport Shuttle Line 1 (East City Line):
  • Route: Nanjing Lukou Airport → Cuiping Mountain Hotel → Yuhua Square → Nanjing Railway Station
  • Operating Hours: Starts at 8:05 AM; the last shuttle departs after the final flight arrival.
  • Frequency: Every hour
  • Cost: 20 RMB
• Airport Shuttle Line 2 (West City Line):
  • Route: Nanjing Lukou Airport → Nanjing South Station → Zhonghua Gate → Hanzhong Gate → Wanda Plaza
  • Operating Hours: 9:35 AM – 9:35 PM
  • Frequency: Every hour
  • Cost: 20 RMB

How to Buy Tickets:

• Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter or from self-service machines, with payment options including cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
• You can also book tickets via the airport’s official WeChat public account.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: First floor, Gate 3
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Popular Shuttle Bus Routes:

• Airport Shuttle Line 1 (East City Line):
  • Same as the T2 route details.
• Airport Shuttle Line 2 (West City Line):
  • Same as the T2 route details.

How to Buy Tickets:

• Same as T2 instructions.

---

3. How to Take a Taxi from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown?

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: First floor, Gate 3
• Cost: Around 130 RMB (extra charges may apply at night).
• Duration: Approximately 35 minutes

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: Same as T2
• Cost: Same as T2
• Duration: Same as T2

Tip: Taxis are a fast and convenient option, especially if you’re carrying heavy luggage.

---

4. How to Take a Ride-Hailing Service from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Downtown?

Ride-hailing platforms such as Alipay and Didi Chuxing are widely used and reliable in Nanjing.

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: B1-level Ride-Hailing Pickup Point
• Cost: Around 100 RMB (nighttime rates may apply).
• Duration: Approximately 35 minutes

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: P1 Parking Lot
• Cost: Same as T2
• Duration: Same as T2

---

3 Best Ways from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

From Terminal 2 (T2)

1. Metro

• Metro Route: Take Metro Line S1 from Terminal 2 to Nanjing South Station, transfer to Line 3, and then switch to Line 2 at Daxinggong Station. Get off at Muxuyuan Station, which is the closest metro stop to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. From there, you can either walk or take an electric shuttle within the scenic area to reach the site.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Cost: Around 10 RMB

2. Taxi

• Location: Taxi pickup is available at Gate 3 on the first floor of Terminal 2.
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Cost: Around 160 RMB (additional fees may apply during nighttime hours).

3. Ride-Hailing Services

• Location: Ride-hailing pickup point is located on the B1 level of Terminal 2.
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Cost: Around 150 RMB, depending on the platform and traffic conditions.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

1. Metro

• Metro Route: From Terminal 1, take Metro Line S1 to Nanjing South Station, transfer to Line 3, and then switch to Line 2 at Daxinggong Station. Get off at Muxuyuan Station, the closest metro stop to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Walk or take an electric shuttle to the site.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Cost: Around 10 RMB

2. Taxi

• Location: Taxi pickup is available at Gate 3 on the first floor of Terminal 1.
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Cost: Around 160 RMB (additional fees may apply during nighttime hours).

3. Ride-Hailing Services

• Location: Ride-hailing pickup is located at the P1 parking lot near Terminal 1.
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Cost: Around 150 RMB, depending on the platform and traffic conditions.

---

4 Best Ways from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Nanjing Railway Station

From Terminal 2 (T2)

1. Metro

• Metro Route: Take Metro Line S1 from Terminal 2 to Nanjing South Station, then transfer to Line 1, which will take you directly to Nanjing Railway Station.
• Duration: About 1 hour
• Cost: Around 7 RMB

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

• Location: First floor, Gate 1 of Terminal 2
• Route: Take the Airport Shuttle Line 1 (East City Line), which goes directly to Nanjing Railway Station.
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
• Cost: 20 RMB
• Operating Hours: Starts at 8:05 AM and runs until the last flight arrives.

3. Taxi

• Location: Taxi pickup is available at Gate 3 on the first floor of Terminal 2.
• Duration: Around 35 minutes
• Cost: Approximately 130 RMB (nighttime rates may apply).

4. Ride-Hailing Services

• Location: Ride-hailing pickup point is located on the B1 level of Terminal 2.
• Duration: Around 35 minutes
• Cost: Around 100 RMB, depending on traffic conditions.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

1. Metro

• Metro Route: From Terminal 1, take Metro Line S1 to Nanjing South Station, then transfer to Line 1, which goes directly to Nanjing Railway Station.
• Duration: About 1 hour
• Cost: Around 7 RMB

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

• Location: First floor, Gate 3 of Terminal 1
• Route: Take the Airport Shuttle Line 1 (East City Line), which goes directly to Nanjing Railway Station.
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
• Cost: 20 RMB
• Operating Hours: Starts at 8:00 AM and runs until the last flight arrives.

3. Taxi

• Location: Taxi pickup is available at Gate 3 on the first floor of Terminal 1.
• Duration: Around 35 minutes
• Cost: Approximately 130 RMB (nighttime rates may apply).

4. Ride-Hailing Services

• Location: Ride-hailing pickup is located at the P1 parking lot near Terminal 1.
• Duration: Around 35 minutes
• Cost: Around 100 RMB, depending on traffic conditions.

---

International to Domestic Flight Transfer

Transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight at Nanjing Lukou International Airport is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to plan ahead. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transfer experience:

1. Immigration Check

• Upon arrival, proceed to the immigration checkpoint for passport and visa verification.
• Make sure to have your passport, visa, and arrival card (if required) ready for inspection.

2. Baggage Claim and Customs Check

• Collect your checked luggage at the baggage claim area.
• Go through customs:
  • Use the red channel if you have items to declare.
  • Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare.

3. Recheck Your Luggage

• After clearing customs, follow the signs to the domestic flight check-in counters.
• Drop off your luggage at the designated counter and verify the baggage tags to ensure your luggage reaches your destination.

4. Security Check and Boarding

• Once your baggage is rechecked, proceed to the security checkpoint.
• After passing security, head to your boarding gate as indicated on your boarding pass.

Tip: Allocate at least 3 hours for your transfer to account for possible delays and queuing times.

---

Domestic to International Flight Transfer

Transferring from a domestic flight to an international flight at Nanjing Lukou International Airport requires completing customs and security procedures. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Baggage Claim and Recheck

• Upon landing, collect your checked luggage at the baggage claim area.
• Proceed to the international flight check-in counter to recheck your baggage for your outbound flight.

2. Customs and Immigration

• Head to the immigration checkpoint with your passport, ticket, and visa (if required).
• Complete the required passport verification and border control procedures.

3. Security Check and Boarding

• After clearing immigration, proceed to the international security checkpoint.
• Once through security, follow the signs to your designated boarding gate.

4. Wait and Board

• At the gate, confirm your flight details and wait for the boarding announcement.
• Present your passport and boarding pass to board your flight.

Tip: Reserve at least 3 hours for the transfer to ensure you have enough time for all procedures, especially during peak travel periods.

---

Guide to Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Tax Refund

Eligibility for Tax Refund

• Purchases made at the same tax-free shop by a single foreign traveler on the same day must amount to at least 500 RMB.
• The date of departure must be within 90 days of the purchase date.

Refund Amount

• The refund rate is 11% of the invoice amount, including VAT. Of this, 9% is refunded to the traveler.

Refund Process

1. Before Security Check:
   1. Head to the customs verification counter, as indicated by airport signs, located to the right of the first security checkpoint.
   2. Customs officers will verify and stamp your tax-free receipts.
2. After Security Check:
   • Proceed to the tax refund window, which is located to the left after passing through security. Look for the tax refund signs for easy navigation.

---

Inter-Terminal Transportation: From T2 to T1 and T1 to T2

• Terminals T1 and T2 are conveniently close to each other.
• Follow the signage, and you can walk between them in just 5 minutes.

---

Dining Options and Operating Hours at Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Dining Options After Security in T2

• Longxing Noodles
  • Location: Inside the security area of T2
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Specialty: Beef noodles
• Subway
  • Location: Inside the security area of T2
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Specialty: Sandwiches and other light bites

Dining Options After Security in T1

• Longxing Noodles
  • Location: Inside the security area of T1
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Specialty: Beef noodles
• Dicos
  • Location: Inside the security area of T1
  • Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Specialty: Burgers

---

Duty-Free Shopping and Operating Hours

T2 Duty-Free Store

• Store: CNSC Duty-Free
  • Location: Near gates 6–10 in the international departure area of T2
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM until the last international flight departure
  • Products Available: Cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics

---

Luggage Storage

• Locations:
  • T2 Terminal: Across from Gate 3 in the arrivals hall at the Passenger Service Center Counter.
  • T1 Terminal: Across from Gate 3 in the arrivals hall at the Luggage Storage Counter.
• Cost:
  • 15 RMB per item for up to 4 hours
  • 25 RMB per item for over 4 hours (maximum 25 RMB per day)
• Operating Hours: 6:30 AM until the last flight arrival of the day

---

Currency Exchange

• Service Provider: Tongjilong Currency Exchange (Travelex)
• Locations:
  • Inside the restricted area of T2, near Gate 9 (next to the Medical Emergency Center).
  • T2 arrivals hall, near Gate 2 on the first floor.
• Operating Hours: 5:30 AM until the last flight arrival of the day

---

Free Wi-Fi at Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Travelers can connect to free Wi-Fi through the Airport-FreeWiFi-NanJing network. Two login methods are available:

1. Mobile Number: Enter your phone number to receive a verification code via SMS and log in.
2. Self-Service Machines: Use airport kiosks to generate a temporary login number.

Note: Accessing websites like Google may require a VPN connection due to internet restrictions in China.

---

Can You Stay Overnight at Nanjing Lukou International Airport?

Yes, the airport provides a free overnight rest area for travelers in transit. Amenities include:

• Massage chairs
• Charging stations
• Drinking water stations
• Nearby restrooms

Location: Behind Area A of T2 Terminal’s transit zone.