Lysander C.
Google
Lukou International Airport serves as the gateway to the historic city of Nanjing. It was a generally pleasant experience travelling in and out of their well-organised, spotless international terminal.
The airport provided a seamless immigration process, with attentive, English-speaking staff who were more than willing to assist. During both arrival and departure, we could feel that everyone was doing their utmost to ensure a smooth experience. Notably, there were plenty of open counters for foreign passport holders—a convenience that isn’t always guaranteed at second-tier city airports.
When it comes to shopping and dining, the airport offers a decent selection. Duty-free shops featured Chinese liquor, local sweets, perfumes, and a wide variety of souvenirs. These were spread across several locations, making it easy to make a quick stop before boarding. However, I must point out that the dining options in the airside area were noticeably limited compared to those in the check-in zone. Although the Niuroumian restaurant was enjoyable, I recommend having a meal before passing through TSA.
Located approximately 40 km south of Nanjing’s city centre and CBD, the airport is around a 40-minute taxi ride away. In addition to taxis, there’s a 50-minute airport bus to Xihuamen and a 35-minute metro ride to Nanjing South Station. That said, I found the taxi more comfortable, thanks to the dedicated highway that makes road travel considerably efficient.
Overall, Lukou International Airport stands proudly as the southern capital’s primary gateway for international visitors. It delivers a swift and polished passenger experience, complete with highlights like quality duty-free shops, convenient city access, and spotless facilities. I’m pleased to give NKG Airport a well-earned five stars—with just a bit of room left for improvement.
