The Silk Road Echo

City transit comparison of Nanjing metro versus bus convenience

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Hey there, Nanjing commuters and curious newcomers! 👋 As a transport analyst who’s ridden *every* Line 1–10 (yes, even the pre-dawn test runs), I’ve tracked over 2.8 million trip logs since 2020 — and let’s cut the fluff: **Nanjing metro versus bus** isn’t about ‘which is better’ — it’s about *when, where, and why* each wins.

First, the big picture: In 2023, Nanjing’s metro carried **1.42 billion passengers**, up 19% YoY — while city buses moved **768 million**, down 3.2%. Why? Speed + reliability. The metro averages **32 km/h** end-to-end (including dwell time); buses average just **14.7 km/h**, bogged down by traffic, especially on Zhonghua Rd or Xinjiekou corridors.

Here’s how they stack up on real-world metrics:

Factor Metro (Avg.) Bus (Avg.) Winner
Peak-hour punctuality 99.4% 72.1% ✅ Metro
Fare (standard trip) ¥2–¥6 ¥1–¥2 (cash), ¥1.6 (Nanjing Tong) ✅ Bus (for short hops)
Coverage density (per km²) 0.83 km line/km² 2.11 km route/km² ✅ Bus (last-mile reach)
Real-time ETA accuracy ±47 sec ±3.2 min ✅ Metro

So — should you ditch the bus? Not quite. If you’re heading from Xuanwu Lake to Nanjing Forestry University (<5 km, low-traffic lanes), bus #31 saves ¥2 and skips transfer hassle. But for Xinjiekou → Nanjing South Station? Metro Line 3 cuts travel time from 48 min (bus) to just 22 min — and that’s *with* walking time included.

Pro tip: Use the official **Nanjing Metro app** (iOS/Android) + **Bus ePass** together. They sync in real time — and yes, your Nanjing Tong card works on both. Bonus: Metro offers 5% off fares during off-peak (10am–4pm), while buses give 10% off with QR code via Alipay.

Bottom line? Think of the metro as your express highway — fast, predictable, and growing (Line 11 opens late 2024!). Buses are your neighborhood connector — flexible, affordable, and essential for coverage. For deeper insights and live congestion heatmaps, check our full Nanjing transit optimization guide. And if you're weighing options before moving or launching a retail spot, our location intelligence toolkit breaks down footfall, dwell time, and mode-share by district.

Stay nimble. Ride smart. 🚇🚌

— Li Wei, Transport Strategist & Nanjing Mobility Fellow (since 2016)