How to Get from Beijing to Nanjing
Compare high speed trains and flights from Beijing to Nanjing. Find the best prices, travel times, and booking tips for your China trip.
Contents
Leaving behind the imperial grandeur of Beijing for the leafy, historic streets of Nanjing is a journey through the heart of China's development. While Beijing stands as the sturdy northern capital, Nanjing offers a softer, more poetic atmosphere along the Yangtze River. This route is one of the busiest and most efficient corridors in the country, connecting two of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China with remarkable speed and frequency.
Whether you are chasing the efficiency of the world-famous high-speed rail network or looking to hop over the provinces by air, the transition from the dry northern plains to the humid, green landscapes of Jiangsu is seamless. You can easily compare schedules and secure your seats for this journey on GoAsia.cc to ensure a smooth transition between these two historic powerhouses.
Beijing to Nanjing by Train
The train is the most iconic way to travel between these two cities. China's high-speed rail (HSR) has turned this route into a commute that feels much shorter than the distance suggests. On 27 October 2026 more than 60 high-speed G trains ran from Beijing South to Nanjing South, taking from 3 hours 14 minutes to 5 hours 7 minutes; the fastest were the G25, G33 and G49. If you prefer to sleep on the way, several overnight services arrive in Nanjing the next morning after about 9.5 to 15 hours.[1]
High-Speed Services
Second Class seats on the G trains cost 444 to 536 yuan, First Class seats 747 to 857 yuan, and Business Class 1,403 to 1,875 yuan.[1] Business class passengers get a free meal at mealtimes, and large stations in provincial capitals have separate business-class waiting areas.[2] Standing tickets cost the same as a Second Class seat. The high-speed trains depart from Beijing South Railway Station and arrive at Nanjing South, both modern hubs connected to extensive metro networks.
Overnight Trains
The overnight D trains, for example the D5 (21:21 to 06:46) and the D7 (19:18 to 04:52), take about 9.5 hours. A seat costs 249 to 287 yuan, a second-class sleeper berth 350 to 377 yuan and a first-class sleeper berth 473 to 511 yuan. Traditional trains are slower and cheaper: the Z281 takes about 10 hours (Hard Sleeper 244.5 yuan, Soft Sleeper 381.5 yuan), the T109 about 11.5 hours, and the daytime-start train 1461 about 15 hours.[1] Soft Sleepers generally feature four beds in a lockable cabin, while Hard Sleepers are open-plan with six bunks per bay. Hard Seats and Standing tickets exist on the slower trains, but they are recommended only for shorter segments.
Beijing to Nanjing by Flight
While the train is often faster when you count airport transfers and security checks, flying remains an option for those connecting from international arrivals at Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX), or if train tickets are sold out during major public holidays like Golden Week or Lunar New Year. Flights arrive at Nanjing Lukou International Airport, which is linked to Nanjing South Railway Station by Metro Line S1.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (yuan) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Train (Business) | 1,403 to 1,875[1] | 3h 14min to 5h 7min | Luxury |
| High-Speed Train (Second Class) | 444 to 536[1] | 3h 14min to 5h 7min | High |
| Overnight D Train (seat or sleeper) | 249 to 511[1] | About 9h 30min | Moderate |
| Conventional Train (Sleeper) | 236.5 to 398.5[1] | 10h to 15h | Moderate |
Tips for Traveling from Beijing to Nanjing
- Book in Advance: Train tickets in China go on sale 15 days before departure, and from 30 December 2026 the sales window grows to 30 days.[4] For popular high-speed routes like this one, book early for weekends and holidays.
- Station Navigation: Beijing has several major railway stations. The high-speed trains to Nanjing depart from Beijing South (Beijing Nan), but some conventional services leave from Beijing Fengtai, so always check your ticket and arrive early to get through security and ticket checks.
- ID Requirements: You need your passport to buy the ticket, to enter the station and to board the train.[5]
- Food and Drink: High-speed trains offer several meal packages, and conventional trains with a dining car take orders there. China Railway asks passengers not to eat strong-smelling food such as instant noodles on board.[6]
- Nanjing Arrival: Nanjing South Station is massive. Follow the signs carefully for the metro to reach the city center, or for Line S1 to the airport.[3]
Timetable
| Train Beijing - Nanjing $ 26.47–282.76 3h 14m – 14h 57m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Beijing to Nanjing, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest option is a Hard Seat on a conventional train, from about 130 yuan. For a more comfortable but still affordable journey, a Second Class seat on a high-speed train costs 444 to 536 yuan.
The fastest way is by high-speed train, with the quickest services (G25, G33 and G49) completing the journey in 3 hours 14 minutes. Once you count airport transit, the train is also usually faster than flying.
High-speed trains take between 3 hours 14 minutes and 5 hours 7 minutes. Overnight D trains take about 9.5 hours, and the slowest conventional trains take up to 15 hours.
Most high-speed trains to Nanjing depart from Beijing South Railway Station. Some conventional or overnight services leave from Beijing Fengtai, so check your booking confirmation carefully.
Most travelers prefer the high-speed train because it is punctual, runs from city center to city center and offers more legroom than a plane. Flying only makes sense if you are already at the airport for a connecting flight.
Yes, high-speed trains offer meal packages, and conventional trains with a dining car take orders there. Many travelers choose to buy snacks at the station before boarding.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Beijing to Nanjing, 27 October 2026. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): 12306: station and on-board services FAQ. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [3] China Daily (Government Service): Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG). Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [4] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket booking page. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [5] China Railway 12306: FAQ: real-name tickets and foreign passports. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- [6] China Railway (12306): 12306 help: dining on trains. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.