Nanjing to Nantong Road Trip: Best Stops & How Long It Takes

The G40 Expressway connects Nanjing's ancient city walls to Nantong's riverside industrial districts across roughly 280 kilometers of flat, fertile Jiangsu plain.

This corridor follows the northern shore of the Yangtze River, crossing numerous waterways that define the region's identity.

Despite heavy truck traffic near both cities, the highway offers smooth asphalt and clear signage, making it a straightforward but monotonous drive that rewards those who plan stops carefully.

One local quirk: the Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing and the Sutong Bridge near Nantong are both major bottlenecks, especially on weekends.

Drivers often use the less-crowded Chongqi Bridge for a faster bypass.

According to 2023 traffic data, the journey typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours without stops.

Three main expressways serve this route: G40 (Shanghai–Xi'an), S28 (Qidong–Yangzhou), and S79 (Nantong–Qidong).

Tolls for a standard car total about 120 RMB, with electronic payment (ETC) offering a 5% discount.

Fuel prices in Jiangsu are typically 0.2 RMB per liter cheaper than in Shanghai, a worthwhile consideration for border-crossing drivers.

All expressways are well-maintained, with concrete surfaces and clear lane markings.

Lighting is present in urban sections but absent on rural stretches, so night driving requires extra caution.

Emergency call boxes are spaced every 2 kilometers, and roadside assistance numbers are posted on overhead gantries.

• Average fuel cost for the trip: 120–150 RMB (based on 7L/100km)
• Rest areas every 30–40 km; major ones at Yangzhou, Taizhou, and Rugao
• Electric vehicle fast-charging stations available at all major service areas

The flat terrain is punctuated by canals, fish ponds, and poplar windbreaks, with the Yangtze's wide brown waters occasionally visible from elevated bridges.

In spring, rapeseed flowers turn the fields into a yellow carpet, a photographer's dream.

Autumn offers misty mornings and golden rice paddies, but fog can reduce visibility to under 100 meters.

Key natural landmarks include the Yangtze River Wetland Park in Nanjing and the Yellow Sea Wetlands near Rudong, a Ramsar site for migratory birds.

Birdwatchers can spot endangered species like the Siberian crane between November and February.

The Sutong Bridge itself, with a main span of 1,088 meters, is an engineering marvel worth visiting at its service area viewpoint.

Local commerce centers on agricultural products: Yangzhou's pickled vegetables, Taizhou's salted duck, and Nantong's mullet and dried shrimp.

Highway service areas sell regional snacks, and detours into county towns reveal traditional wet markets.

In Nantong, the Haohe River Scenic Area features Ming-era mansions and textile shops, reflecting the city's 19th-century heritage as a cotton hub.

Both Nanjing and Nantong have strict speed enforcement; fixed cameras and interval speed checks on G40 mean maintaining the 120 km/h limit is wise.

Sudden crosswinds on the Sutong Bridge can affect high-sided vehicles, so hold the wheel firmly there.

Road quality is rated 8 out of 10, with potholes rare and line visibility good even at night.

For families, the Yangzhou service area (G40, 215 km mark) has a children's play zone and clean nursing rooms.

The Taizhou service area offers a small zoo with exotic animals, a hit with younger travelers.

Nantong's Haohe River boat tours provide a calm, educational hour after the drive.

Pets are allowed in most service areas but must be leashed; designated pet relief zones exist at Yangzhou and Rugao.

Veterinary clinics in Nantong are concentrated near the old city, so plan for emergencies.

To combat fatigue, the route offers rest stops every 30–40 km; using three or more breaks is recommended.

For additional planning, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.