Nanjing Metro Guide: Maps, Fares & Apps

How to get around Nanjing, one of the most important historic cities of ancient China. Nanjing boasts a modern metro system, which can take you to and from Nanjing Airport (NKG) and navigate the city.

In fact, you don't have to worry about not understanding the metro signs, since they're all clearly written in both Chinese & English.

Find practical information in this guide. I'll talk about its running hours, metro lines, nearby attractions, and how to use it with the recommended local apps.

Nanjing Metro Running Hours

✔️6:00 AM - 11:00 PM DAILY

Most of the lines will open around 5:30-6:00 am in the morning and end around 11:00 pm. Some of the lines start 30 minutes earlier, such as line 1 (which closes around 11:30 pm) and line 3.

Make sure you get the accurate time using Amap or the Nanjing Metro official site.

Nanjing Metro | Source from Wikipedia

Notes:

• Peak hours: 7:30–9:00 am and 5:30–7:00 pm, can be crowded, much like the Washington Metro or NYC Subway during rush hour.
• Unlike some U.S. systems, Nanjing Metro does not run 24 hours.

Nanjing Metro Tickets & Payment Methods

In China, most people use QR-code ticketing system via Alipay or WeChat. Although seniors or students here use a traditional rechargeable metro card for discounts and convenience.

• Option 1: Single-ride card – You can purchase it from ticket machines or counters.
• Option 2: Rechargeable Metro Card (Jinlingtong) – It works on all metro lines and some buses.
• Option 3: Mobile Payment Apps – Alipay or WeChat Pay can easily generate QR codes.

How to use Alipay to take metro in Nanjing

• You should install it first and add a payment card.
• Open it and tap "Transport'.
• Choos the city you're in (e.g., Nanjing)
• You'll get a QR code then.
• After that, you can scan it at the fare gate.
• When exiting, scan it again.
• The fare then is charged automatically in Alipay!

✨To link a U.S. card in Alipay, sign up with your phone number, go to Me → Bank Cards → Add Card, enter your Visa/Mastercard/Discover, and complete the verification.

Tips:

• If you visit Nanjing for a layover stay, a single-ride card is fast to operate!
• If you plan to stay for more days, a rechargeable metro card will save you more!
• By the way, using mobile payment apps is always the smartest way to get around Nanjing!

You can also buy a digital transport card on your Apple Wallet... but there's an extra card fee and you need to charge it to a certain amount at first.

Map of Nanjing Metro Lines

Nanjing metro map | Source from YoMetro

Nanjing Metro currently operates 12 lines, covering the city’s urban core and suburban districts.

You can expect these on the train:

• Modern trains with air conditioning
• Digital screens and audio announcements in both Chinese and English
• Safety measures such as surveillance cameras and emergency call points

Popular lines for tourists include:

• Line 1 – Ideal for visiting Confucius Temple, city center shops, and restaurants.
• Line 2 – Connects Nanjing South Railway Station to the business district and museums.
• S1 (Airport Line) – Perfect for travelers flying in or out.

How to Take the Nanjing Metro?

Nanjing metro carriage | Source from X.com

• Step 1: Plan your route in advance! Use Amap or Apple Maps to check your starting and ending stations.
• Step 2: Purchase a physical card at the station or use mobile QR codes.
• Step 3: Pass the security check. (If you have water bottles, please hold it in your hand in advance.
• Step 4: Scan the QR code and enter the fare gate.
• Step 5: Find the right direction and wait behind the safety line.
• Step 6: After arrival, exit by scanning your QR code again!

Nanjing Metro Fares & Pricing

Most trips are very affordable compared with metro systems in the United States.

Typical fares include:

• Short trips (3–6 km): about $0.30–$0.60
• Medium trips (10–20 km): about $0.60–$1.00
• Longer trips across the city: about $1.00–$1.40

For example, a ride from downtown Nanjing to the airport via the S1 line can cost around $1.20–$1.40.

What Apps to Use When Taking Nanjing Metro?

Apps are widely used in China, especially in shoping and taking public transportation. Download these apps before you go. (Better learn how to use them first at home!)

• Baidu Maps: This is a Chinese navigating app, which provides walking, driving, and public transit directions. It works with features like real-time traffic updates, street views, POI ratings, offline maps, and more.
• Amap - The most popular Chinese navigation app particularly strong in real-time public transit planning and urban mobility.
• DiDi – Useful for rideshare connections when metro stations aren’t close to your final destination.

All of these apps have English versions! Do not worry you can not find your way.

Attractions Around Nanjing Metro

The metro conveniently connects visitors to Nanjing’s top attractions:

Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) – Line 1

Fuzimiao, Nanjing

Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) is one of Nanjing’s most famous cultural and historical districts along Metro Line 1. The area combines ancient architecture with a lively commercial atmosphere.

Visitors can walk through traditional-style streets filled with souvenir shops, local handicrafts, and authentic Nanjing snacks. At night, the illuminated Qinhuai River adds a unique charm, offering river cruises and scenic views of historical buildings.

It is an ideal place to experience traditional Chinese culture while enjoying modern shopping and dining.

Xuanwu Lake – Line 1

Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing | From Unsplash

Xuanwu Lake is a large scenic park located near Metro Line 1 and is considered one of the most beautiful urban lakes in eastern China. It offers a peaceful escape from the city’s busy environment.

The lake area features walking paths, cycling routes, and boating activities. Visitors can explore five connected islands, each with gardens, pagodas, and seasonal flowers. It is especially popular during spring and autumn when the scenery is at its best.

Whether for exercise, photography, or relaxation, Xuanwu Lake is a must-visit natural attraction in Nanjing. Some interesting spots like bookstores are scaterred in the park, waiting for you to discover.

Nanjing Museum – Line 2

Nanjing Museum

Located near Metro Line 2, Nanjing Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in China. It showcases over 400,000 cultural relics spanning ancient to modern Chinese history.

The museum includes exhibitions on ancient ceramics, paintings, jade artifacts, and historical documents. It also features modern interactive displays that help visitors better understand China’s long cultural heritage.

For anyone interested in Chinese history and art, this museum provides a comprehensive and educational experience.

Wrap Up

The Nanjing Metro is the lifeline of this historic city, offering efficient, safe, and modern transportation for both locals and visitors.

For U.S. travelers, the bilingual signage, QR-code entry, metro cards, and supportive apps make navigating Nanjing intuitive and stress-free!