If you’ve got a layover in Nanjing, don’t let it go to waste sitting at NKG. The city, in China, is within easy reach — roughly 120 minutes by Nanjing Metro Line S1. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of NKG:
- Can you legally enter China? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 120-minute journey each way by Nanjing Metro Line S1, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CNY. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Nanjing
From NKG, the Nanjing Metro Line S1 gets you to Nanjing in around 120 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 140 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Nanjing Metro Line S1 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Nanjing:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $9 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $24 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Nanjing, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At NKG, you’ll find bag storage at Luggage storage services are generally available near arrival halls or information desks within the terminal buildings..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
How to Spend Your Time in Nanjing
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Nanjing, two standouts are:
- Confucius Temple – Qinhuai River Scenic Area — Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look.
- Presidential Palace — A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside NKG, you can spend time at NKG Airport VIP Lounge or try NKG Duty-Free & Souvenir Shops. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Nanjing Layover
- In the city: Nanjing Da Pai Dang (Confucius Temple Branch) and Grandma’s Home (Waipojia, Xinjiekou Branch) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Nanjing.
- At the airport: Nanjing Local Snacks (Terminal 2) and KFC / McDonald’s (Terminal 2) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at NKG.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and NKG is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Nanjing and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Nanjing is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Nanjing.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.