Home » Layover Guide » Nanjing Lukou Layover Guide (NKG)

Nanjing Lukou Layover Guide (NKG)

What are you looking for in NKG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Nanjing Airport (NKG) is an international airport located in Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It’s situated about 35 km (22 miles) from downtown Nanjing. The airport officially opened in 1997. Nanjing is one of China’s most historic cities, once serving as the nation’s capital. It’s renowned for its cultural heritage, scenic spots, and vibrant economy, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Nanjing Airport (NKG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) from eligible countries can leave the airport under China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy if connecting to a third country within 144 hours. Present a valid passport, onward tickets, fill the landing card at immigration, and pass local border inspection smoothly and efficiently. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Explore the ornate UNESCO-listed tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperor, set amidst lush forested landscapes at Purple Mountain, featuring intricate stone carvings, winding pathways and tranquil gardens. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Metro Line S1 to Andemen → Line 2 to Minggugong Station, then 10 min walk or taxi)
• Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Visit the grand marble memorial dedicated to Sun Yat-sen, ascending the monumental stairway to a commanding view, surrounded by serene mountain scenery and symbolic bronze sculptures. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Metro Line S1 to Andemen → Line 2 to Xiaolingwei Station, then 15 min shuttle bus or taxi)
• Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) Stroll through the lively Qinhuai River Old Town, visit the historic Fuzimiao Confucius Temple, admire traditional architecture, bustling markets, and local snacks along red lantern-lit streets. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Metro Line S1 to Nanjing South → Line 1 to Sanshanjie Station, 5 min walk or taxi)
• Qinhuai River Cruise Drift under illuminated bridges on a scenic Qinhuai River cruise, absorbing centuries-old architecture, riverside temples and vibrant nighttime reflections in this cultural heart of Nanjing. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Metro Line S1 to Nanjing South → Line 1 to Sanshanjie Station, 3 min walk or taxi)
• Xuanwu Lake Park Circle the expansive Xuanwu Lake Park, enjoying pagoda views, lotus ponds, wooded islands and walking trails, ideal for relaxation and local life observation in central Nanjing. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Metro Line S1 to Andemen → Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station, 10 min walk or taxi)
• Zhonghua Gate Explore the formidable Zhonghua Gate, one of the world’s largest city gates, featuring defensive architecture, underground chambers and panoramic views from its ancient battlements. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Metro Line S1 to Nanjing South → Line 1 to Zhonghuamen Station, 5 min walk or taxi)
• Nanjing Museum Discover regional history and art at the modern Nanjing Museum, showcasing ancient ceramics, calligraphy, Buddhist statues and Qing imperial artifacts across spacious exhibition halls. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Metro Line S1 to Nanjing South → Line 1 to Daxinggong Station, 5 min walk or taxi)
• Presidential Palace Tour the historic Presidential Palace, former seat of the Republic of China government, featuring elegant gardens, period architecture and insightful political exhibits. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Metro Line S1 to Nanjing South → Line 1 to Daxinggong Station, 4 min walk or taxi)

Things to Do in Nanjing Airport (NKG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Nanjing Lukou offers several VIP lounges: China Southern Gold/Silver/Elite Plus and CIP Lounge V9 in Terminal 1; CIP Lounge V6 and Plaza Premium’s V3 China Eastern Lounge in Terminal 2; plus the First Class Lounge V7. All provide complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, seating, workstations and light snacks; some feature paid massage chairs and business facilities » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Pullman Nanjing Lukou Airport, part of Accor, sits between Terminals 1 & 2, 150 m from T2. It boasts 312 rooms with Nespresso machines, docking stations and free Wi-Fi; three restaurants serving international and local cuisine; nine meeting rooms, a spa, fitness center and indoor pool – ideal for rest between flights view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Terminal 2’s transit zone features a free rest area behind Area A. Open 24/7, it includes massage chairs, charging ports, water dispensers and nearby restrooms. Seating is ample but unofficial overnight stays are common. For more privacy or guaranteed sleep, consider a hotel on airport grounds.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi (“Airport-FreeWiFi-NanJing”) is available throughout both terminals. Login via SMS verification with your mobile number or use self-service kiosks to obtain a temporary code. Note that accessing Google, Facebook and other sites may require a VPN due to local internet restrictions

SIM/eSIM Card: There are no dedicated SIM kiosks at NKG; travelers are advised to purchase SIM cards downtown. Alternatively, buy a Chinese eSIM online before departure for instant mobile data upon arrival—no physical swap needed, and it avoids roaming fees » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis queue outside the arrivals halls of both terminals, operating 24/7. Fares to downtown Nanjing range from ¥80 to ¥120, depending on traffic and time of day. Nighttime surcharges apply after 23:00. Journey time is typically 35–50 minutes .

Train: The Nanjing Metro’s Line S1 links the airport’s B1 transport center (between T1 and T2) with Nanjing South Railway Station. Trains run 06:00–22:40 every 8–13 minutes; journey time is ~35 minutes; fare is ¥7. more info

Bus: Three airport bus lines depart from Gate 2–4 on Level 1 of both terminals, serving Nanjing Railway Station, Hexi Wanda Plaza and Xianlin University Town. Services run roughly 08:00–21:15; tickets cost ¥20–35; travel times vary from 90 to 100 minutes. more info

Shuttle: Regular shuttle buses connect the airport with key downtown locations, including major hotels and transport hubs. They operate on fixed schedules throughout the day, offering a reliable alternative to taxis and trains, with fares around ¥20 and journey times of 45–90 minutes

Car rentals: Major international and local rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Shouqi) have desks in the arrivals halls of both terminals. A valid driver’s license, passport and credit card are required. Pre-booking is recommended, especially in peak seasons, with daily rates starting from ~$40 USD view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport’s public car park spans 30,000 m² with over 1,800 spaces, offering 24-hour service. A VIP car park to the east of the terminals provides ~100 spaces for short-term parking. Long-term and valet options are also available at competitive rates

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left-luggage counters operate 06:30–23:00 at Check-in Island B, 2F in T2 and Gate 3, 1F in T1. Fees are ¥10 per item for up to 4 hours, ¥20 for 4–24 hours, plus ¥10 per night thereafter. Lost-and-found services share the same hours and locations » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Nanjing Airport (NKG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks