Nanjing to Shanghai Distance
189 miles•304 km•4.4 hours
Driving distance and route information from Nanjing, Chinato Shanghai, China. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.
⭐
FASTEST ROUTE
188.92 mi
(304.03 km)
⏱️4h 23m
Via G42 → AH5 → G4221 → G1503
G42 → AH5
💰 Tolls
📏
SHORTEST ROUTE
183.6 mi
(295.48 km)
⏱️4h 9m
Via G42 → AH5 → G2
G42 → AH5
💰 Tolls
📏 Straight-line distance: 168 miles (270 km)
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Complete Driving Guide: Nanjing to Shanghai
Essential Route Information
TOTAL DISTANCE
189 mi
304 kilometers
DRIVING TIME
4.4 hours
264 minutes
FUEL ESTIMATE
25 L
$38 cost
📍 Route Overview
Starting PointNanjing, Jiangsu Province
DestinationShanghai, China
Route Options2 available routes
Countries Crossed1 country
Time Zone ChangesCheck local times
🚗 Driving Details
Average Speed69 km/h
Straight-line Distance270 km
Route Efficiency89%
Toll RoadsYes - Budget required
Ferry CrossingsNo ferries
Compare All Routes from Nanjing to Shanghai
| Route Type | Distance | Drive Time | Avg Speed | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fastest Route | 189 mi (304 km) | 4.4 hours | 69 km/h | ✅ Yes |
| Alternative 1 | 184 mi (295 km) | 4.1 hours | 71 km/h | ✅ Yes |
Complete Journey Overview: Nanjing to Shanghai
The road journey from Nanjing to Shanghai spans approximately 189 miles (304 kilometers), making it a medium-distance drive that typically requires 4.4 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.
This route connects Jiangsu Province, China withChina, traversing through various regions within China. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.
The fastest driving route from Nanjing to Shanghai follows the G42 → AH5 → G4221 → G1503 corridor, maintaining an average speed of approximately 69 km/h. This corridor uses toll roads — budget for tolls along the way.
🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials
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Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 8 gallons (25 liters) of fuel for this 189 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.
✓
Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 5.1 hours.
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Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.
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Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.
💰 Cost Estimation Guide
Fuel Cost (approximate)$26
Toll Costs$9
Vehicle Wear & Tear (total, ~$0.25/mi)$47
Total Trip Cost$83
* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.
Alternative Transportation Options
🚗
By Car
4.4 hours
189 miles
✈️
By Plane
0.3 hours flight
270 km direct
🚌
By Bus
5.7 hours
Multiple stops
Nanjing to Shanghai - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the driving distance from Nanjing to Shanghai?
The driving distance from Nanjing to Shanghai is 189 miles (304 km) by the fastest route, which follows G42 → AH5 → G4221 → G1503. The straight-line ("as the crow flies") distance is 270 km — driving distances are typically 20-40% longer than straight-line because roads must navigate around terrain and built environment.
How long does it take to drive from Nanjing to Shanghai?
The drive from Nanjing to Shanghai takes approximately 4h 23m of continuous driving at an average speed of 69 km/h. With a 15-minute rest stop every two hours, plan on roughly 5.1 hours of total trip time. Add additional time for traffic, weather, or border crossings.
What is the fastest route from Nanjing to Shanghai?
The fastest driving route from Nanjing to Shanghai is 189 miles (304 km) via G42 → AH5 → G4221 → G1503, taking about 4h 23m. This corridor follows the major highway connection between the two cities and is optimized for travel time.
Are there alternative routes from Nanjing to Shanghai?
Yes — alongside the fastest route, a shorter alternative covers 183.6 miles (295 km) in about 4h 9m. The shortest path saves 5.400000000000006 miles but takes longer overall because it uses smaller roads.
Does the route from Nanjing to Shanghai include tolls?
Yes, the fastest driving route from Nanjing to Shanghai includes toll roads along G42 → AH5 → G4221 → G1503. Toll costs vary by vehicle class and exact path; check the route summary cards above for toll-road indicators on each route option.
How much fuel does it take to drive from Nanjing to Shanghai?
A standard car at 30 mpg uses approximately 6 gallons (25 liters) of fuel for the 189-mile (304-km) drive from Nanjing to Shanghai. At $3.50 per gallon that is roughly $21 in fuel cost; less efficient vehicles or higher local fuel prices will increase this proportionally.
How do I navigate from Nanjing to Shanghai?
Use the "Open this route in your nav app" buttons above the journey guide to launch turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Each link pre-fills Nanjing as the origin and Shanghai as the destination, so navigation begins as soon as the app opens.