Nanjing Railway Station Guide: Schedule, Facilities & Tickets

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Nanjing Train Station

Nanjing is a major railway hub in Jiangsu, anchored by two key stations: Nanjing South and Nanjing Railway Station. Whether you're looking for a quick high-speed trip or a more traditional journey, these stations have you covered.

  • Located about 7 km from the city center, Nanjing South is one of the world’s largest stations. It’s a major hub handling over 300 high-speed trains daily, whisking you away to cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou.
  • Nanjing Railway Station is tucked away in the Xuanwu District, a bit closer to the city center, and it’s your go-to for both high-speed and regular train services. For a hassle-free experience, you can easily snag your tickets online through platforms like Trip.com, or just head over to the station counters if you prefer the old-school way.

We'll guide you through Nanjing's train stations! If you're planning a trip and need to navigate around or out of the city, this blog will help you book your train tickets with Trip.com's 3% discount, while also providing useful information on station facilities and train schedules.

About Nanjing Train Stations

Nanjing Train Station

Nanjing is a vital railway hub in Jiangsu Province, anchored by its two main gateways: Nanjing South Railway Station and Nanjing Railway Station. Nanjing South Railway Station—the busiest of the two—is located just about 7 kilometers from the city center and serves as a major hub for high-speed rail. Since opening its doors in 2011, it has become one of the world's largest stations by floor area, whisking travelers along major routes with around 324 high-speed trains departing daily​​.

On the other hand, Nanjing Railway Station is tucked away in the Xuanwu District, sitting just about 4 kilometers northeast of downtown. While Nanjing South is all about those high-speed connections, Nanjing Railway Station is your go-to for both high-speed and conventional train services.

【3% Off】How to Book Nanjing Train Tickets?

【3% Off】How to Book Nanjing Train Tickets

You can book your train tickets for travel in Nanjing—and across all of China—either online or in person. Each method offers its own unique perks, so you can choose the one that best fits your travel style and needs.

Online booking

Booking train tickets in Nanjing online is the most efficient method, especially through platforms like Trip.com. This option is particularly convenient for international travelers, as it supports multiple languages and offers 24/7 customer support, eliminating the need to wait in long queues at the station. Plus, Trip.com provides a 3% discount coupon for new users 🎁

To book your ticket online, simply:

  • Sign in to your Trip.com account.
  • Simply enter your departure city, destination, and travel date to start your journey!
  • Select your seat class (second, first, or business class).
  • Fill in your passenger details.
  • Select your preferred payment method—like a credit or debit card, PayPal, WeChat Pay, or Alipay—and you're all set to finalize your transaction!

Once you've purchased your ticket, you can easily access your digital ticket on your phone and use it to check in directly at the station with your passport!

【Tips for Cheap Train Tickets】 👀

Pro Tip

Description

Book in Advance

Book your tickets 12 weeks in advance to save an average of 61%.

Travel Off-Peak

Off-peak tickets are a great way to save, offering cheaper fares during quieter weekday hours and anytime you travel on the weekend.

Rail Passes

Perfect for those complex itineraries with 4 or more journeys, giving you both great savings and the flexibility to explore your way.

Discounts on Trip.com

Stay updated on Trip.com for the latest train ticket promotions and discounts.

Offline booking

If you prefer handling things in person or are already on-site, buying your tickets right at the station is a breeze:

  1. Check out the train station (e.g., Nanjing South Railway Station).
  2. Look for the ticket counters, which are clearly marked.
  3. Just share your travel details with the clerk and pay for your tickets. Most stations are happy to accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and sometimes even mobile payments!
  4. Grab your tickets and any other travel essentials you'll need for the journey ahead.

Looking for the High-Speed Train Schedule for Nanjing Train Station? Here’s your guide!

Nanjing South Railway Station is a bustling hub with extensive train services connecting you to major cities all across China. Ready to explore the schedules? Let’s take a look! 👀

Direct trains to london

Train Types

Duration

Daily Frequency

View details

Nanjing ↔ Shanghai

G/D high-speed trains

~1–3.5 hours

about 150

Nanjing ↔ Beijing

G high-speed trains

~3.5–5 hours

about 30

Nanjing ↔ Suzhou

G/D high-speed trains

45 mins–2 hours

more than 110

Nanjing ↔ Wuhan

G/D high-speed trains

2.5–3.5 hours

around 45

Nanjing ↔ Hangzhou

G/D high-speed trains

1–4 hours

around 80

Nanjing ↔ Ningbo

G/D high-speed trains

2–5 hours

about 30

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What Kinds of Trains Can You Take at Nanjing Railway Station?

Nanjing South Railway Station is your hub for high-speed trains (G and D types), zipping you quickly between major Chinese cities. On the flip side, Nanjing Railway Station offers a bit more variety, handling both those speedy high-speed trains and the more traditional services (Z, T, and K types)—perfect if you're looking for a slower-paced journey with more stops along the way.

Train type

Description

Top speed

Major routes

G (High-speed)

High-speed Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains

Up to 400 km/h

Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou

D (High-speed)

Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains perfect for those long and mid-range journeys

Up to 250 km/h

Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu

Z (Direct Express)

Direct Express service with fewer stops

Up to 160 km/h

Epic long-distance journeys across China

T (Express)

Express service with limited stops

Up to 140 km/h

Major cities across China

K (Fast)

Slower than T-series trains, with more stops along the way

Up to 120 km/h

Mid-sized to major cities throughout China

What Facilities Does Nanjing Railway Station Offer?

Nanjing Railway Station Facilities

Photo credit: China Discovery

Nanjing South Railway Station is a major transportation hub, packed with all the facilities you need to make your journey smooth and comfortable:

Station Layout

The station features a terminal building spanning five levels, including two underground floors. Each level is thoughtfully designed with its own purpose:

  • Basement Levels (B1 & B2): Here you'll find the metro stations for Lines 1, 3, S1, and S3, plus plenty of shops and spots to explore!
  • Ground Floor (1F): This is your hub for ticket offices, arrival and departure gates, and easy access to taxis and buses, plus a few cozy spots to grab a bite or pick up some essentials.
  • Second Floor (2F): This level is all about the railway platforms, but you'll also find a handy self-service ticketing office and convenient taxi drop-off zones.
  • Third Floor (3F): This is where you'll find the main waiting hall, extra luggage lockers, and a whole mix of dining and shopping spots, from quick fast-food bites to traditional eateries.

Station services

  • Transport Connections: The station connects seamlessly with metro, bus, and taxi services, offering easy access to the city center and beyond into Jiangsu Province. You'll also find convenient facilities for long-distance and airport shuttle buses.
  • Luggage Services: Need to lighten your load? We’ve got you covered! You can use our convenient lockers or drop your bags off at our secure left luggage office for a small fee.
  • The station is packed with a variety of dining spots and retail shops, giving passengers plenty of great ways to grab a bite or browse while waiting for their train.

How to Get to Nanjing Railway Station?

How to Get to Nanjing Railway Station

Source: Chinaairlinetravel

Nanjing South Railway Station is the city's busiest transit hub. Since you'll likely be passing through here during your visit, it's helpful to know the best ways to get around. As a central point in Nanjing's transport network, the station is easily accessible via a variety of convenient options, including the metro, taxi, and bus services.

By metro

Nanjing South Railway Station is a major hub that's incredibly easy to reach, thanks to its excellent metro connections. You can hop on Metro Line 1, Line 3, S1, or S3 to get there, making it a breeze to travel directly to key spots across the city, including the downtown area and Nanjing Lukou Airport.

  • Metro Line 1 and 3: These lines zip you straight to the station, offering frequent rides to the city center and other must-see spots.
  • Metro Line S1: A direct link between the station and Nanjing Lukou Airport, making it a breeze for air travelers.
  • Metro Line S3: This line whisks you away towards Gaojiachong, making it even easier to explore further from the station.

The metro kicks off bright and early and keeps running until late at night, so you can easily get around whenever adventure calls. With fares typically ranging from just 2 to 7 CNY (about 0.28 to 0.97 USD), it’s a super budget-friendly way to explore the city!

By taxi

Taxis are a quick and comfy way to get to or from Nanjing South Railway Station, especially if you're lugging around heavy bags or traveling with a group. You'll find designated taxi drop-off and pick-up spots right at the station, making it super easy to get where you need to go:

  • Drop-off areas: You'll find these at the south entrance on the 2nd floor, as well as the north entrance on both the 1st and 2nd floors.
  • Pick-up areas: You'll find these at the west and east exits on the 1st floor.

Here’s how the taxi fare breaks down:

Daytime Fare

Nighttime Fare

11 CNY (1.5 USD) for the first 2.5 km,

then 2.9 CNY/km (0.40 USD)

13 CNY (1.79 USD) for the first 2.5 km,

then 3.5 CNY/km (0.48 USD)

By bus

You'll find several bus routes serving Nanjing South Railway Station, connecting you easily to the city center and beyond. There's even an airport bus that offers a direct ride to Nanjing Airport!

Bus routes serving the station include numbers 19, 84, 129, and the airport bus, among others. You can catch them at the bus station located on the 1st floor of Nanjing South Railway Station.

However, keep in mind that buses can be a bit tricky for international travelers, as most signage and communication are in Chinese, which might present a bit of a language barrier.

Read more about these popular apps in China. Travel like a local!

Which Railway Stations Serve Nanjing Travelers?

Nanjing is a major railway hub in Jiangsu Province, anchored by two key stations: Nanjing South Railway Station and Nanjing Railway Station. Whether you're commuting locally or embarking on a long-distance adventure, these stations are your gateways to exploring China, offering a mix of high-speed and regular train services to get you where you need to go.

Nanjing South Railway Station

A perfect gateway for travelers exploring Jiangsu Province and beyond

Nanjing South Railway Station

General Information: Nanjing South Railway Station—often called Nanjingnan—is your go-to hub for high-speed rail. As the largest high-speed railway station in all of Asia, it connects you to major destinations via key routes like the Beijing-Shanghai and Nanjing-Hangzhou high-speed railways.

Address:

  • Chinese: Nanjing South Railway Station, No. 98 Yulan Road, Yuhuatai District, Nanjing
  • No. 98 Yulan Road, Yuhuatai District, Nanjing City

Distances to Key Spots:

  • Downtown Nanjing (Xinjiekou): 11 km away
  • Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River: Just 9 km away
  • Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre: 14 km away
  • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: 14 km away
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport: 33 km away

Connected Cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Ningbo, Wuxi, Changzhou, Yangzhou, and more.

Hotels near Nanjing South Railway Station

Nanjing Railway Station

A central railway hub in downtown Nanjing

Nanjing Railway Station

General Information: As one of the city's oldest transit hubs, Nanjing Railway Station sits right near the picturesque Xuanwu Lake. It’s a versatile gateway that handles both high-speed and regular train services, connecting you to destinations throughout Jiangsu Province and far beyond.

Address:

  • Chinese: Nanjing Railway Station, No. 111 Longpan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
  • No. 111 Longpan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing City

Distances to Key Spots:

  • Downtown Nanjing (Xinjiekou): 8 km away
  • Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River: Just 11 km away
  • Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre: 13 km away
  • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: 12 km away
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport: 48 km away

Connected Cities: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Ningbo, Wuxi, Yangzhou, Changzhou, and more.

These stations are packed with everything travelers need, including plenty of luggage storage and easy connections to all kinds of public transit.

Hotels near Nanjing Railway Station

12306 vs. Trip.com

When booking train tickets in China, travelers can choose between 12306, the official site of China Railway Corporation, and Trip.com, a reliable international travel agency. While 12306 allows users to book directly, it often experiences technical issues and offers support only in Chinese during limited hours. Conversely, Trip.com provides a user-friendly interface, multilingual 24/7 customer support, and accepts various payment methods, making it cheaper and more accessible for international travelers.

Feature12306Trip.com
Booking SourceOfficial China Railway websiteBest International travel agency
Additional FeesNo extra feesPossible extra fees
Service Hours5 AM to 1 AM (11:30 PM on Thursdays)24/7
Website ReliabilityOccasional errors and crashesStable and user-friendly
Customer ServiceChinese only, limited hoursMultilingual, available 24/7
Payment OptionsLimited to local methodsInternational credit cards, AliPay, WeChat Pay
Additional ServicesNoneHotels, flights, tours

FAQs about Nanjing Train Station

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Zora

Zora

Trip.com Blogger

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Hi, I am Zora from Shanghai, I've explored many spots across China, and also taken me further abroad including Australia, Malaysia, Finland and so on. For me, travel is about connecting deeply with each place. As a true travel enthusiast, I love diving deep into all the travel hacks, from booking secrets and ride-hailing discounts to travel promotions. I'm here to share every trick I know, guaranteed to help you save big and travel smart. Let's explore the world cleverly together!

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Nanjing Train Station