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Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Gateway to Historic Nanjing

Airport in China

Nanjing (36 km)

90 destinations

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Nanjing Lukou International Airport serves as a major gateway in eastern China, handling millions of passengers each year. Located about 25 kilometers from the city center, it connects travelers to destinations across Asia and beyond. The airport features modern terminals with efficient security lines and clear signage for smooth navigation. With ongoing expansions, it supports growing air traffic while maintaining reliable flight schedules. Its role in regional trade and tourism makes it a key hub for both business and leisure travelers exploring Nanjing’s history and culture.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Nanjing Airport Summary

Nanjing Lukou International Airport is an airport near Nanjing in China. It currently offers regular passenger service to 90 destinations operated by 37 airlines.

Top airlines

China Eastern Airlines (MU)

700 flights per week

Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)

287 flights per week

China Southern Airlines (CZ)

273 flights per week

Top destinations

CAN Guangzhou

SZX Shenzhen

CKG Chongqing

Cheapest destinations

CSX Changsha

YNJ Yanji

CKG Chongqing

Best destinations

SIN Singapore

CDG Paris

HKG Hong Kong

China – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I Type A: Type I: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary.

Chinese New Year (January/February)	Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations
National Day (1 October)	National holiday with parades and festivities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	DiDi, Uber
Other:	China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport is a relatively new international gateway, having opened its doors in 2014. It handles around 30 million passengers annually, making it one of the key airports in eastern China. The airport strives to provide modern facilities and smooth transit experience, though some travelers have noted that the luggage claiming process can sometimes be slow.

The terminals are spacious and clean, with fair facilities by Chinese domestic standards. However, it is worth knowing that service staff English skills vary, so some communication hurdles might arise for international travelers. The airport ranks as a 3-star regional hub and could improve in both comfort and customer service to meet higher international benchmarks.

Transportation options from the airport are abundant: metro line S1 connects to the city center and major railway stations, shuttle buses are frequent and affordable and taxis or ride-hailing services offer more direct but pricier alternatives. While travel to downtown Nanjing typically takes around 35 to 50 minutes, traffic at peak times can slow things down. Prices for transit remain reasonable, making it mostly hassle-free to reach the city.

Inside the airport, business lounges provide comfortable rest areas with food, drinks, Wi-Fi and quiet zones for travelers needing work or relaxation before flights. The Pullman Hotel, conveniently located within the terminal, offers easy access for overnight stays, especially useful for connecting passengers or those with early flights. Travelers should be prepared for typical large airport crowds during holidays and plan accordingly.

Helpful tips for Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Arrive at least two hours early for international flights.
Use the free airport shuttle to reach Nanjing city center within 30 minutes, avoiding traffic congestion.
Check visa requirements and carry a photocopy of your passport; immigration staff may request it during security checks.
The airport’s Chinese cultural exhibition showcases local art; visit the lounge for free tea before departure.

Available airport lounges

China Southern First/Business Class Lounge

Located in Domestic Terminal 1 opposite Gate 115, offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, Wi-Fi, and beverages. Access is generally for China Southern business and first-class passengers or Priority Pass holders.

International First Class Lounge

Terminal 2 International, available for first-class passengers on international flights, featuring luxurious seating, gourmet dining, and shower facilities.

China Eastern Airlines Lounge #3

Situated in Terminal 2 Domestic near Gate 12, this lounge provides a quiet atmosphere, buffet food options, Wi-Fi, and workspaces. Available to China Eastern premium passengers and eligible guests.

CIP Lounge #9

In Domestic Terminal 1, offering private seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi, accessible to domestic premium travellers and select credit card holders.

China Southern VIP Lounge

Domestic Terminal 1 near Gate 115, provides premium seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and business services for VIP customers.

Shenzhen Airlines King Lounge

Terminal 2 Domestic near Gates 14-15, equipped with modern amenities, snack bars, and relaxation zones, accessible to eligible passengers.

CIP Lounge V6

Terminal 2 Domestic, opposite Gate 12, with comfortable seating and refreshments for qualifying travellers.

China Southern Sky Pearl VIP Club

Near Gates 14-15 in Terminal 2 Domestic, offering calm environment, food, beverages, and internet access for VIP travellers.

Where to stay near Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Most travelers stay in the Pullman Nanjing Lukou Airport hotel located right inside the terminal – perfect for convenience and comfort. For those heading into the city, Nanjing offers a broad range of accommodations from economical guesthouses to upscale hotels, making it easy to find a fit for any travel style.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Pullman Nanjing Lukou Airport Hotel

9.1

Fliport Garden Hotel Nanjing

9.2

Atour Hotel Nanjing Lukou Airport

9.7

Novotel Nanjing Airport

8.7

Nanjing Lukou Qiudu Hotel

6.9

Wyndham Garden Nanjing Airport

8.8

Lakehome Hotel Konggang

8.0

Green Tree Inn Express Nanjing Lukou Airport

7.2

Hanting Hotel Nanjing Lukou Airport

10.0

Thank Inn Hotel Jiangsu Nanjing Jiangning District Lukou Airport Tongling Road

Explore more accommodations

How to get from Nanjing Airport to popular destinations

To Nanjing city centre:
The best way to reach downtown Nanjing is via Metro Line S1 from the airport to Nanjing South Railway Station, then transfer to Line 1 to reach central stops. The whole metro trip takes about an hour and costs around CN¥7 (£0.79). Airport shuttle buses run frequently and cost about CN¥20 (£2.25) with a trip duration of approximately 45 minutes. Taxi rides take about 35-50 minutes depending on traffic and cost roughly CN¥130 (£14.61). Ride-hailing apps like Didi are also widely used, generally costing about CN¥100 (£11.24), though prices may vary with traffic.

To Nanjing South Railway Station:
Directly reachable by Metro Line S1 from the airport in roughly 30 minutes for around CN¥7 (£0.79). Shuttle buses also connect the airport with the train station with frequent service costing CN¥20 (£2.25). Taxis are a faster but more expensive choice.

To Nearby cities:
Long-distance airport buses connect Nanjing Lukou to nearby cities such as Wuxi, Changzhou, and Yangzhou with scheduled departures throughout the day. Taxis and car hire provide additional flexibility but at higher costs.