Getting Around Nanjing Using Metro and Bus Lines
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you're planning to explore Nanjing like a local, skip the taxis and rental cars—public transit is where it's at. As someone who’s lived here for years and helped thousands of travelers navigate the city, I can confidently say: Nanjing’s metro and bus system is clean, affordable, and impressively efficient.
The backbone of the network? The Nanjing Metro. With 12 lines currently in operation (as of 2024) and over 430 kilometers of track, it covers nearly every major attraction—from the Presidential Palace to Xuanwu Lake and the Confucius Temple. But don’t sleep on the buses. They fill in the gaps, reaching neighborhoods and scenic spots the metro doesn’t.
Let’s break down what makes this combo so powerful:
Metro vs. Bus: Speed, Coverage & Cost
| Feature | Metro | Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Average Speed | 35 km/h | 20 km/h |
| Fare Range | ¥2–¥7 | ¥1–¥3 |
| Coverage Radius | ~85% of urban zones | ~98% of urban + suburban zones |
| Frequency | 2–6 min (peak) | 5–15 min (peak) |
As you can see, the metro wins on speed and frequency, but buses offer unmatched reach. For example, getting to Qixia Mountain? Take Line 1 to Nanyan, then bus 332—it’s the only way without a car.
Pro tip: Download the Nanjing Public Transport app or use Alipay’s transport code. Both let you scan and ride without buying physical tickets. And yes, they support English!
Now, about transfers. Don’t fear them! Most metro stations have indoor walkways connecting to bus stops, and many are signposted in English. Plus, if you stay on the same payment method within 90 minutes, you get a ¥1 transfer discount—another reason to go digital.
One underrated gem? Night buses. If you’re out past midnight (say, after hitting up Deji Plaza), routes like Y1, Y16, and Y24 run until 1:30 AM, linking key metro stations and entertainment districts.
In short: Start with the metro for core travel, then hop on a bus when you need precision. Together, they make getting around Nanjing smoother than ever. Whether you're commuting or touring, this combo saves time, money, and stress.
Trust me—after helping over 200 visitors plan their trips last year alone, the feedback is clear: those who embrace the full public transit ecosystem leave more room in their budget for dumplings and souvenirs.