Nanjing Metro Guide 2026: Map, Lines & Fares

This guide is about the Nanjing metro. I will tell you everything you need to know about the Nanjing metro map, ticket prices, payment methods and attractions nearby.

Nanjing Metro Map & Lines

As of 2026, the Nanjing Metro has a big network with 13 lines, including the suburban S-lines, and go to over 200 stations in the city and the areas around it. Each Nanjing Metro line has its colour on the Nanjing metro map, so you can easily see where you are going.

Here is a quick look at the Nanjing Metro lines that're most useful for tourists:

Key Interchange Stations of Nanjing Metro

These busy hubs connect multiple lines and are likely to feature in your travel plans:

• Xinjiekou is like the "Times Square of Nanjing". It is where you can change from Line 1 to Line 2. Xinjiekou is in the middle of the shopping area.
• Nanjing South Railway Station is where you catch the trains. It is also where you can change from Line 1 to Line 3 or to S1 and S3 lines. If you are coming to Nanjing on a train, you will start your trip on the metro here.
• Nanjing Railway Station is older but still important. You can change from Line 1 to Line 3. Nanjing Railway Station is closer to the city centre than the South Station.
• Daxinggong is where you can change from Line 2 to Line 3. Daxinggong is a station to get off if you want to go to the Presidential Palace area.

Nanjing Metro Operating Hours

Wondering what time does the Nanjing metro start and end? Good question – and the answer depends slightly on which line you're taking.

General Operating Hours

Most lines run from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. However, there are some variations:

• Line 1 starts as early as 5:47 AM and ends around 11:27 PM (slightly longer hours than other lines)
• Line 2 runs from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays; 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on other days
• S1 Airport Line operates from roughly 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• S8 and S9 suburban lines tend to finish a bit earlier, around 10:00 PM

Peak Hours to Avoid

• Morning peak: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
• Evening peak: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

During these times, trains come every 2 to 3 minutes. When it is not busy, you will usually wait 4 to 6 minutes between trains.

Nanjing Metro Fares & Pricing

Nanjing uses a distance-based fare system with a "decreasing rate per kilometre" structure. 

Discounts & Special Fares

If you're using a rechargeable metro card (more on that below), you'll enjoy a 5% discount on every ride. 

• Students: 50% discount with a student card.
• Seniors aged 60–69: 50% discount.
• Seniors aged 70+: Free travel during off-peak hours.
• Children under 1.3m: Free (up to 2 children per paying adult).

Nanjing Metro Tickets & Payment Methods

Gone are the days of fumbling with paper tickets. The Nanjing Metro offers several convenient payment options.

Option 1: Single Journey Tickets

Best for: Occasional riders or if your phone dies.

You can buy single-journey tokens from ticket machines at every station

1. Find a ticket vending machine (they have English language options).
2. Select your destination station on the touchscreen.
3. Choose how many tickets you need.
4. Pay with cash (RMB notes and coins) or scan a QR code.
5. Collect your plastic token and receipt.

How to use your token:

• Tap it on the sensor at the entry gate to enter.
• Keep it safe during your journey – you'll need it to exit.
• Insert it into the slot at the exit gate to leave.

Option 2: Alipay / WeChat Pay QR Codes

Best for: Most travellers – quick, convenient, no need to carry cash.

This is the most popular way to pay for the Nanjing Metro among both locals and savvy tourists. If you already have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up on your phone, you're halfway there.

How to set up Alipay for Nanjing Metro:

1. Open your Alipay app.
2. Go to "Transport" or search for "Nanjing Metro".
3. Activate the Nanjing Metro QR code (you may need to verify your account).
4. That's it – your phone is now your metro pass.

How to use it:

• Open the QR code in Alipay.
• Scan it at the entry gate (look for the QR code scanner).
• Scan again at the exit gate.
• The fare is automatically deducted from your Alipay balance.

WeChat Pay alternative: If you prefer WeChat, search for the "城市通" (City Pass) mini-program and activate the Nanjing metro code. The process is very similar.

Option 3: Jinlingtong Card (Rechargeable Metro Card)

Best for: Longer stays or frequent travellers.

The Jinlingtong Card (金陵通) is Nanjing's rechargeable public transport card. Think of it as Nanjing's version of our EZ-Link card. It works on all metro lines, city buses, and even some ferries.

Where to buy:

• Metro station service counters
• Nanjing Lukou Airport
• Some convenience stores across the city

Option 4: Day Passes

Best for: People who want to explore a lot in one day.

The Nanjing Metro has day passes. The passes are available at times, but they usually let you ride as much as you want for 24 hours.

How to Ride the Nanjing Metro?

First time using the Nanjing Metro? Don't worry. It's straightforward once you know the routine.

Step 1: Plan Your Route

Recommended apps for route planning:

• Amap (Gaode Maps): Excellent for China travel, with detailed metro maps and route planning.
• Official Nanjing Metro app: If you can read some Chinese, this is the most authoritative source.

Step 2: Go Through Security

• Put your bags through the X-ray machine.
• Walk through the metal detector.
• If you're carrying a water bottle, you may be asked to take a sip to prove it's not something suspicious.

Step 3: Enter the Station

Tap your card, scan your QR code, or tap your single-ride token at the gate. Wait for the green light and the "click" before walking through.

Step 4: Find Your Platform

Follow the signs to your platform. Each sign shows:

• The line colour and number.
• The direction (indicated by the terminal station name).
• Station names along the route.

Step 5: Board the Train

• Stand behind the yellow safety line on the platform.
• Let people get off the train first before you get on.
• Go inside of the train to give space to people.
• Grab the handrails if the train is starting to move.

Step 6: Exit at Your Station

When you arrive at your destination:

• To get out of the station, follow the signs to the exit.
• When you get to the exit, you will need to tap your card/scan your QR code/insert your token, so you can leave the paid area.
• Take a look at the exit map to figure out which exit is the one.

Top Nanjing Attractions Near Nanjing Metro Stations

The Nanjing Metro is really great because it gets you to all the places in the city.