Shanghai to Nanjing Distance
186 miles•299 km•4.1 hours
Driving distance and route information from Shanghai, Chinato Nanjing, China. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.
⭐
FASTEST ROUTE
185.93 mi
(299.22 km)
⏱️4h 4m
Via G42 → AH5 → G2
G42 → AH5
💰 Tolls
🔄
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
191.98 mi
(308.96 km)
⏱️4h 19m
Via S6 → G15 → G4221 → G42
S6 → G15
💰 Tolls
📏 Straight-line distance: 168 miles (270 km)
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Complete Driving Guide: Shanghai to Nanjing
Essential Route Information
TOTAL DISTANCE
186 mi
299 kilometers
DRIVING TIME
4.1 hours
246 minutes
FUEL ESTIMATE
25 L
$37 cost
📍 Route Overview
Starting PointShanghai, China
DestinationNanjing, Jiangsu Province
Route Options2 available routes
Countries Crossed1 country
Time Zone ChangesCheck local times
🚗 Driving Details
Average Speed73 km/h
Straight-line Distance270 km
Route Efficiency90%
Toll RoadsYes - Budget required
Ferry CrossingsNo ferries
Compare All Routes from Shanghai to Nanjing
| Route Type | Distance | Drive Time | Avg Speed | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fastest Route | 186 mi (299 km) | 4.1 hours | 73 km/h | ✅ Yes |
| Alternative 1 | 192 mi (309 km) | 4.3 hours | 72 km/h | ✅ Yes |
Complete Journey Overview: Shanghai to Nanjing
The road journey from Shanghai to Nanjing spans approximately 186 miles (299 kilometers), making it a medium-distance drive that typically requires 4.1 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.
This route connects China with Jiangsu Province, China, 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 Shanghai to Nanjing follows the G42 → AH5 → G2 corridor, maintaining an average speed of approximately 73 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 7 gallons (25 liters) of fuel for this 186 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.
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Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 4.7 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)$46
Total Trip Cost$82
* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.
Alternative Transportation Options
🚗
By Car
4.1 hours
186 miles
✈️
By Plane
0.3 hours flight
270 km direct
🚌
By Bus
5.3 hours
Multiple stops
More routes from Shanghai
Shanghai to Nanjing - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the driving distance from Shanghai to Nanjing?
The driving distance from Shanghai to Nanjing is 186 miles (299 km) by the fastest route, which follows G42 → AH5 → G2. 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 Shanghai to Nanjing?
The drive from Shanghai to Nanjing takes approximately 4h 4m of continuous driving at an average speed of 73 km/h. With a 15-minute rest stop every two hours, plan on roughly 4.7 hours of total trip time. Add additional time for traffic, weather, or border crossings.
What is the fastest route from Shanghai to Nanjing?
The fastest driving route from Shanghai to Nanjing is 186 miles (299 km) via G42 → AH5 → G2, taking about 4h 4m. This corridor follows the major highway connection between the two cities and is optimized for travel time.
Are there alternative routes from Shanghai to Nanjing?
Yes, 2 routing options exist between Shanghai and Nanjing. Alternatives have similar total distance but use different road segments — useful if the primary corridor has heavy traffic or construction.
Does the route from Shanghai to Nanjing include tolls?
Yes, the fastest driving route from Shanghai to Nanjing includes toll roads along G42 → AH5 → G2. 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 Shanghai to Nanjing?
A standard car at 30 mpg uses approximately 6 gallons (25 liters) of fuel for the 186-mile (299-km) drive from Shanghai to Nanjing. 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 Shanghai to Nanjing?
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 Shanghai as the origin and Nanjing as the destination, so navigation begins as soon as the app opens.