Train vs flight
Chengdu to Nanjing
成都 → 南京
Fly
The train takes 6h 5m longer.
🚄 High-speed train
9h 50m
Typical run time 9h 30m + 20 min at the station
- From
- Chengdu East Railway Station 成都东站~8 km from centre
- To
- Nanjing South Railway Station 南京南站~9 km from centre
✈ Flight
Fastest3h 45m
Typical flight 2h 45m + 60 min at the airport
- From
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)~55 km from centre
- To
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)~38 km from centre
How we count: station-to-station (or airport-to-airport) only — median scheduled time plus 20 min for trains or 60 min for flights. We don’t guess how long it takes to reach the station from your hotel. Estimate — verification pending
What the journey is like
| 🚄 Train | ✈ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage | No weigh-in; you lift bags onto the rack yourself. Large suitcases go at the end of the carriage. | Domestic economy usually includes ~20 kg checked; power banks must be carry-on. |
| Signal & Wi-Fi | Mobile signal most of the way; some trains have Wi-Fi. | Phone off at take-off; Wi-Fi rare on domestic flights. |
| Work on a laptop | Yes — tray tables and sockets on most high-speed trains. | Only in the air, briefly. |
| ID checks | Your passport is your ticket. Many stations have e-gates that read foreign passports; otherwise use the staffed lane. | Passport at check-in and security; arrive 1.5–2h early. |
| Delays | Very punctual. | Air-traffic delays are common, especially in summer storms. |
How to book
Book trains on Trip.com (English, small fee) or the official 12306 app (English, no fee, passport registration needed). Tickets open about 15 days ahead and sell out around holidays. Flights: Trip.com or the airline’s own app.
FAQ
How long is the train from Chengdu to Nanjing?
About 9h 30m on a typical high-speed train. Allow ~9h 50m including getting through the station.
Which station does the Chengdu–Nanjing train leave from?
Most trains leave from Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站) and arrive at Nanjing South Railway Station (南京南站). Always check the station name on your ticket.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Chengdu to Nanjing?
Fly. The train takes 6h 5m longer.