About flights from Nanjing (NKG)
Nanjing Lukou Airport doesn't get the same hype as Shanghai or Beijing, but honestly? That's part of the appeal. It's a genuinely well-connected hub — 100 direct destinations across 15 countries — without the chaos of China's mega-airports. I've transited through here twice now, and both times I was struck by how manageable it feels. You're not hiking between terminals for 20 minutes or fighting through crowds just to grab a coffee. Don't sleep on this city either. Former imperial capital, incredible food scene, history that actually makes you stop and think.
Quick stats for NKG
- Direct destinations: 100
- Countries served: 15
- Continents reached: 3 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,664 km
- Longest non-stop: Paris (CDG) — 9,050 km (~11h 19m)
- Shortest non-stop: Shanghai (PVG) — 286 km (~21 min)
- Reach score: 76/99
Why fly to Nanjing?
The reach score here is 76 out of 99, which for a regional Chinese airport is genuinely impressive. You've got 82 domestic routes keeping things well-connected across the country, but the international options are where it gets interesting. Taiwan has three direct routes, Korea has two, and Australia has two — so if you're building an Asia-Pacific itinerary, NKG can anchor a lot of it without forcing you to backconnect through Shanghai. That Paris CDG route deserves a mention. At 9,050 km, it's the longest direct flight out of Lukou — so yes, you can fly straight from eastern China to France. Wild, right? Carriers like Air China and China Southern operate here, which means decent frequent flyer options too.
Longest non-stop flights from NKG
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Nanjing:
- Paris, France (CDG) — 9,050 km, approximately 11h 19m
- Milan, Italy (MXP) — 8,912 km, approximately 11h 8m
- Melbourne, Australia (MEL) — 8,175 km, approximately 10h 13m
- Sydney, Australia (SYD) — 8,048 km, approximately 10h 4m
- Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK) — 4,405 km, approximately 5h 30m
Short-haul flights from NKG
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Nanjing:
- Shanghai, China (PVG) — 286 km, approximately 21 min
- Qingdao, China (TAO) — 527 km, approximately 40 min
- Nanyang, China (NNY) — 603 km, approximately 45 min
- Xiangyang, China (XFN) — 622 km, approximately 47 min
- Fuzhou, China (FOC) — 650 km, approximately 49 min
Top countries by direct connections from NKG
Lu Kou Airport connects to 15 countries. Here are the most served:
- China — 82 destinations (Baoshan, Baotou, Beihai, Beijing and 78 more)
- Taiwan — 3 destinations (Kaohsiung, Shalu, Taipei)
- Republic of Korea — 2 destinations (Jeju, Seoul)
- Australia — 2 destinations (Melbourne, Sydney)
- Thailand — 1 destination (Bangkok)
- Viet Nam — 1 destination (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Hong Kong SAR — 1 destination (Hong Kong)
- Indonesia — 1 destination (Jakarta)
Where to fly from Nanjing
Flights to China
Nanjing has 82 direct routes to China:
- Shanghai (PVG) — 286 km
- Qingdao (TAO) — 527 km
- Nanyang (NNY) — 603 km
- Xiangyang (XFN) — 622 km
- Fuzhou (FOC) — 650 km
- Changsha (CSX) — 672 km
- ...and 76 more destinations
Flights to Taiwan
Nanjing has 3 direct routes to Taiwan:
- Taipei (TPE) — 776 km
- Shalu (RMQ) — 849 km
- Kaohsiung (KHH) — 1,029 km
Flights to Republic of Korea
Nanjing has 2 direct routes to Republic of Korea:
- Jeju (CJU) — 741 km
- Seoul (ICN) — 941 km
Tips for travelers at NKG
The airport sits about 35 km southeast of the city center, but the Lukou Airport Metro Line makes the trip genuinely painless — around 40 minutes into the city for roughly 30 yuan. Way less stressful than a taxi during rush hour, trust me on that one. Get there early for international departures; security can move slowly. If you're flying domestically, the shortest route — Shanghai Pudong at just 286 km — is often faster door-to-door than the high-speed train once you factor in city-center commutes on both ends. Winter fog occasionally causes delays, so check your flight status the night before.
Airlines operating from NKG
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Lu Kou Airport:
3U, 8L, 9C, 9H, A6, AQ, BK, CA, CX, CZ, DR, DZ, EU, FM, G5, GJ, GS, GX, GY, HO, HU, HX, JD, KE, KN, KY, MF, MU, NO, NS, NX, OQ, OZ, PN, QW, RY, SC, TR, TV, UQ, ZH
Frequently asked questions about flying to Nanjing
How do I get from Lukou Airport to Nanjing city center?
You can take the Airport Express bus (about 40-50 minutes, ¥25), grab a taxi (roughly ¥100-120), or use the airport shuttle services available at the terminal. The bus is the most budget-friendly option and drops you at major city locations.
What's the best time to fly from Nanjing?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather and lower prices than summer. If you're flexible, flying mid-week is typically cheaper than weekends.
How many places can I fly to directly from Nanjing?
Lukou Airport serves 100 direct destinations across China and internationally, so you'll have plenty of non-stop options whether you're heading to major cities or regional hubs.
Do I need a visa to enter China through Nanjing?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality—some countries qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival programs, while others need to apply in advance. Check with the Chinese embassy or your airline before booking to confirm your specific requirements.
Any tips for Lukou Airport smoothly?
Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights, and the airport has clear English signage throughout. Download the airport's app or check their website before arrival for real-time flight info and gate changes.
How much should I budget for getting to/from the airport?
Budget around ¥25-30 for the bus, ¥100-120 for a taxi, or ¥10-15 if you use ride-sharing apps like Didi—all are reasonable options depending on your preference and luggage.
Plan your trip from Nanjing
Browse the complete list of 100 destinations below to find your next flight from Lu Kou Airport. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.