Chongqing Transportation: Flight, Train, Ship, Metro, Taxi & Bus

The geographic features and rapid development of Chongqing make it a unique “Modern Mountain City” to be visited. It is modern enough for you to get to the city easily from only other tourist city in and outside China. However, it may be hard for tourists to get around, even with the help of an in-hand map. For your smooth traveling in Chongqing with a better tour planning, we here will introduce you everything of Chongqing transportation, including the flight, train, ship, metro, taxi, bus, cableway, airport, train station, dock... Useful transportation guide to Chongqing from popular tourist cities like Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Yichang, Hong Kong and Guilin is also included.

Get to/from Chongqing

Flights to Chongqing

Chongqing Flight

There are three airports in Chongqing, but the mostly-used one is Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (IATA:CKG 重庆江北机场). The airport provides continent flight services to/from more than 200 cities in domestic China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Huangshan, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Kunming, Lhasa, etc. Besides, there are also more than 80 overseas flights routes to/from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, including flights to/from New York, Singapore, London, Sydney, etc.

Chongqing Jiangbei Airport is about 20km northeast of downtown Chongqing. Getting from Chongqing Airport to the city area needs about 0.5-1 hour. You can go to/from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport by taxi, car, Chongqing Light Rail Transit Line 3 and Line 10, etc.

>> Chongqing Airport to City Center

>> Chongqing Airport to Chaotianmen Dock

Train to Chongqing

Chongqing Train

At present, there are 4 frequently-used train stations in Chongqing. They are Chongqing Railway Station (重庆站), Chongqing North Railway Station (重庆北站), Chongqing West Railway Station (重庆西站) and Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station (重庆沙坪坝站).

Every day, there are more than 400 high speed trains running from/to Chongqing. You can catch bullet trains to Chongqing from Beijing (12 hours around), Shanghai (11.5 hours around), Xian (5.5 hours around), Chengdu (2 hours around), Lanzhou (7 hours around), Guiyang (2 hours around), Guilin (4-5 hours around), Guangzhou (7.5 hours around) and so on.

>> Chongqing Train Stations

>> Chongqing High Speed Train

>> Chongqing Train Stations to Chaotianmen Dock

 

Chongqing Ship

Chongqing Ship

Chongqing is settled on the upper reaches of amazing Yangtze River - the longest and most picturesque river in China. The city is a vital staring/ending stop of classic Yangtze River cruise journeys, making it a must-visit place for tourists who are dreaming of cruising Yangtze River.

The cruise ships dock at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock in the downtown area, where two rivers merge. The most classic 4 Days & 3 Nights downstream Yangtze River cruise ships from Chongqing to Yichang make departure from Chaotianmen Dock. Also, you will embark from your ships at Chaotianmen Dock too if you taking an upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing.

>> Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock

>> Yangtze River cruises

Get Around Chongqing

Chongqing Metro

Chongqing Metro

The metro system in Chongqing is called Chongqing Light Rail Transit. Due to the unique physical geographic features of Chongqing City, the Light Rail trains in Chongqing are mostly running on bridges or through buildings, instead of running on the ground or underground. You may have watched a lot of YouTube videos of crazy house-crossing metro trains of Chongqing. If haven’t, you can type Chongqing Metro in the search box and then you can easily get many results.

Till now, Chongqing has built 8 Light Rail Transit Lines, including the Loop Line, Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6 and Line 10. And you can appreciate the house-crossing trains at Liziba Station (李子坝轻轨站) on Line 2.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, Chongqing North Railway Station, Chongqing Railway Station, Shapingba Railway Station can all be reached by Chongqing Light Rail Transit Lines. But the Light Rail Lines to Chongqing West Railway Station and Chaotianmen Dock are still under construction.

Chongqing Cableway

Chongqing Cableway

The downtown area of Chongqing City is divided to many parts by the rivers. To conveniently get from one side of the river to the other, the local Chongqingers built two cableways for the travel, one is built on the Jialing River and the other is on Yangtze River. By catching such a “sky bus”, they can travel across the river in only 4 minutes around. And with the rapid development of public transportations of Chongqing City, the cableway built on Jialing River has been moved, while the Yangtze River Cableway is still in use.

Yangtze River Cableway is now served as a sightseeing attraction more than a means of transportation. Now tourists coming here for the unique river-flying experience and beautiful panorama view of the city instead of going across the river only. It charges about CNY 20 for a single journey and CNY 30 for a round trip.

Warm tip: Yangtze River Cableway is really popular, especially during the holidays. It may sometimes cost you 1~3 to queue for the experience.

 

Chongqing Taxi

Chongqing Taxi

Travelers in Chongqing can also catch a taxi to getting around in Chongqing downtown area, suburban areas and even to Chengdu. The taxis in Chongqing are mostly dressed in impressive yellow or blue. During the day, the meter will start running at CNY 10.00 for the first 3km (1.8 miles), with CNY 2 added for every kilometer thereafter. During night hours from 23:00pm to 6:00am of next morning, CNY 11 is charged for the first 3km (1.8 miles), with CNY 2.3 added for every kilometer thereafter. More fee will be needed if you travel more than 25km (15.5 miles) or encounter with traffic jams during the way.

Usually, it needs about CNY 80-100 to get from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport to Chongqing downtown by taxi.

Chongqing Bus

Chongqing Bus

Though the buses running up and down the roads of “Mountain City” Chongqing may give you a unique experience, you are not really suggested to travel around the city by bus. It may be tough and convenient journey if you do so.

The buses only recommended for those who are quite familiar with Chongqing bus routes and do have much time to stay in Chongqing. And if you are going to travel from Chongqing downtown to Dazu Rock Carvings, the buses may also the cheapest option compared with the private cars and taxis.

Chongqing to Wulong

Seldom foreign visitors know Wulong Karst Landscape Scenic Area before the film Transformers: Age of Extinction. However, this bright pearl hidden in the mountainous area of Chongqing is now a really popular tourist attraction for nature lovers. And to get to Wulong, you are mostly suggested to arrive at Chongqing downtown first and then make a transfer to there.

Wulong Karst is about 190km southeast of downtown Chongqing. You can travel to Wulong by catching a train, bus or private car. Private car is more recommended, because it can take you to the scenic area directly. If you ride a coach or train, you will arrive at Wulong District first and then catch a bus to the scenic areas. Driving to Wulong from Chongqing downtown needs about 3 hours around.

>> How to Get to Wulong from Chongqing

Hot Chongqing & Wulong Tour:

>> 3 Days Chongqing & Wulong Karst Landscape Exploration Tour

Chongqing to Wulong Map

Chongqing to Wulong Map

Chongqing to Dazu

Dazu Rock Carving is a general term for all the stunning rock carvings in Dazu District, Chongqing. It is China’s second grotto site that has been listed as a World Heritage Site, only after the splendid Dunhuang Grottos.

The main tourist area of Dazu Rock Caving is about 11km northeast of the center of Dazu District, Chongqing. And Dazu is about 95km away from Chongqing downtown. At present, you can get to the scenic area by taking direct private car or catching a train/bus to Dazu first. The direct car ride needs about 1.5-2 hours. The train ride needs about 25-45 minutes to Dazu South Railway Station. Getting from Dazu South Railway Station to Dazu Rock Carving takes about 2.5-3 hours by bus or 1 hour by taxi. The bus trip takes 2 hours around to Dazu Bus Station. And it takes about 1 hour’ bus ride or 0.5 hours’ taxi ride to go to Dazu Rock Carving from Dazu Bus Station.

>> How to Get to Dazu Rock Carving from Chongqing

Hot Chongqing & Dazu Tour:

>> 2 Days Chongqing Highlights Tour with Dazu Rock Carvings

Chongqing to Dazu Map

Chongqing to Dazu Map

Chengdu to Chongqing

Chengdu and Chongqing are two most popular tourist cities in southwestern China. Picturesque Yangtze River and crazy house-crossing trains are the top reasons why Chongqing is so popular. And the “brother city” Chengdu is mostly famed for its adorable pandas, slow-peace lifestyle and amazing nearby attractions like Jiuzhiagou National Park and Leshan Giant Buddha.

The two cities are quite close! It takes only 2 hours around to get from one to the other by bullet train. Therefore, tourists usually visit Chongqing and Chengdu together. The bullet trains are the best choices to travel between Chengdu and Chongqing. Every day, there are more than 70 high-speed trains for you to choose. Besides the trains, you can also catch a taxi or private car, but the taxis and private cars charge much more money than the trains.

>> How to Get to Chongqing from Chengdu

>> Chengdu Train Stations

>> Chongqing Train Stations

Hot Chongqing & Chengdu Tour:

>> 3 Days Chongqing & Chengdu Essence Tour

>> 6 Days Chengdu Yangtze River Cruise Relaxing Trip

Chengdu to Chongqing Map

Chengdu to Chongqing Map

Beijing to Chongqing

To get from the capital Beijing to Chongqing, you can choose a flight or bullet train. There are frequent flights and you can enjoy a quick and comfortable transfer. High speed trains take longer time, but you get a unique opportunity to see the natural landscape and glimpse the villages along the railway.

The flights depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都机场) and arrival at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport after (重庆江北机场). By taking these flights, you can reach to Chongqing from Beijing in 3 hours around. Every day there are more than 50 flights for you to choose. Besides the flights, you can also ride the G309. The train travel needs about 12 hours.

>> Beijing to Chongqing Real-time Train Schedule

>> Beijing Train Stations

>> Chongqing Train Stations

>> How to Get to Beijing from Chongqing

Hot Beijing Chongqing Tours:

>> 7 Days Beijing Essence & Luxury Yangtze River Cruise

>> 14 Days Best China Train Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Shanghai to Chongqing

The distance between Shanghai and Chongqing is about 1,445km (898 miles). Travelers can take bullet trains or flights to go from Shanghai to Chongqing. The flight ride needs about 3 hours, and the bullet trains need about 10.5-12 hours.

Every day, there are more than 40 flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东机场) to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (重庆江北机场). And every morning, you can find about 10 high speed trains running from Shanghai to Chongqing too. Those trains depart from Shanghai Railway Station (上海火车站) or Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥高铁站), and finally arrive at Chongqing North Railway Station after about 10.5-12 hours’ ride.

>> Shanghai to Chongqing Real-time Train Schedule

>> Shanghai Train Stations

>> Chongqing Train Stations

Hot Shanghai & Chongqing Tours:

>> 6 Days Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise Tour (Downstream)

>> 13 Days China Leisure Tour with Yangtze Cruise & Train Experience

Yichang to Chongqing

Yichang and Chongqing are two most busy port cities along the Yangtze River. And the most popular way to travel between the two cities must be taking Yangtze River cruise ships. To get from Yichang to Chongqing, you can take the 5 Days & 4 Nights Upstream Yangtze River cruise ships. During the journey, you can appreciate the best riverside scenery in China and enjoy some shore excursions to attractions at the river banks. There are many ship companies for you to choose, such as Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, etc.

If you are arriving at Chongqing first, you could also choose the classic 4 Days & 3 Nights Downstream Yangtze River cruises.

>> 5 Days & 4 Nights Upstream Yangtze River cruises (Yichang to Chongqing)

>> 4 Days & 3 Nights Downstream Yangtze River cruises (Chongqing to Yichang

Hong Kong to Chongqing

Yangtze River cruises

Xian to Chongqing

If you want to travel Chongqing after your Xian tour, you can go by flight or bullet train. And considering the bullet trains can take you to Chongqing from Xian in only 4.5 hours around, the bullet trains are more recommended than the flights. Every day from 8:00am to 18:00pm, there are more than 20 high speed trains running on this route. All the trains make a departure from Xian North Railway Station (西安北站) and arrive at Chongqing North Railway Station (重庆北站) or Chongqing West Railway Station (重庆西站). And if you prefer taking flights, you can get from Xianyang International Airport (咸阳机场) in Xian to Jiangbei International Airport in Chongqing in about 1.5 hours.

>> Xian to Chongqing Real-time Train Schedule

>> Xian Train Stations

>> Chongqing Train Stations

Hot Xian Chongqing Tour:

>> 6 Days Xian Tour & Yangtze River Cruise

Xian Chongqing Railway Map

Xian Chongqing Railway Map

Guilin to Chongqing

Guilin and Chongqing are both popular tourist cities with amazing mountain and river scenery. However, the exact beauty of them are quite different. Guilin can easily let you indulged in its every corner of natural beauty, while Chongqing can also give you a glimpse of modern city view with beautiful natural attractions. Some tourists extend their Guilin journey to Chongqing. And to get from Guilin to Chongqing, you can ride a high-speed train. There is no direct flight for you to choose.

Those high-speed trains can take you to Chongqing from Guilin in about 4-5 hours. All of them make a stop at Chongqing West Railway Station (重庆西站). They will depart from Guilin Railway Station (桂林站), Guilin North Railway Station (桂林北站) or Guilin West Railway Station (桂林西站).

>> Guilin to Chongqing Real-time Train Schedule

>> Guilin Train Stations

>> Chongqing West Railway Station

Hot Guilin Chongqing Tour:

>> 7 Days Idyllic Guilin & Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Li River in Guilin

Li River in Guilin

Hong Kong to Chongqing

Chongqing, the “Little Hong Kong”, is about 1,115km northwest of real Hong Kong. It is very convenient to take a flight or high-speed train to Chongqing from Hong Kong. Flight is more frequently chosen, because there are far more flights for you to choose. The flight journey takes less than 3 hours. And if you want to go by bullet train, there sometimes may be one high speed train that can take you get from Hong Kong to Chongqing.

>> Hong Kong to Chongqing Real-time Train Schedule

>> Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Train Station

>> Chongqing Train Stations

Hot Hong Kong Chongqing Tour:

>> 12 Days China Splendid Tour from Hong Kong

>> 21 Days China Holiday with Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong Skyline

How to Plan a Chongqing Tour

Normally, most tourists will spend half day to one day in Chongqing City, and this is enough to experience most of the highlights in Chongqing city, including Ciqikou Ancient Town, Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, Erling Park, Liziba Station and other highlights in the city center.

>> 1 Day Chongqing Short Stay Tour

Some tourists also spend one day more to discover the Stone Art Gallery in Dazu Rock Carvings. For those who enthusiast magnificent natural Karst Landscape, they also leave themselves 2 days more to Wulong.

>> 2 Days Chongqing Highlights Tour with Dazu Rock Carvings

>> 3 Days Chongqing & Wulong Karst Landscape Exploration Tour

And before or after their Chongqing City tour, they would extend their journey to cruising the longest and most picturesque river in China - Yangtze River or have a date with adorable pandas in Chengdu. A Yangtze River cruise tour needs 4 or 5 days more. And if you are going to touring Chengdu, it takes at least 2 days more to capture the highlights in the city.

>> 4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze Cruise

>> 3 Days Chongqing & Chengdu Essence Tour

Want to add more wonders you are interested to your tour, let’s customize your personal tour with the help of our experienced travel consultant now!

Teahouse in Ciqikou Teahouse in Ciqikou Dazu Rock Carving A Corner of Dazu Rock Carving

Travel Chongqing with China Discovery

Now that you know all the traffic info and "secrets" of Chongqing, you can ride with confidence on your next Chongqing tour. However, if you still feel annoying about visiting Chongqing by yourself, how about travelling with China Discovery and let us take care of everything for you? Our local drivers will help you travelling around Chongqing City in speed and convenience. Our professional travel consultant will choose the best hotel, restaurant and best travelling route for you. And our English-speaking tour guide will accompany you all the way, showing you the highlights and telling you beautiful stories of the city.

The tour can be tailor-made according to your group size, time, physical condition, plan, interest, budget and every special need. Please feel free to contact us if you need any help!

Chongqing Liziba Station Chongqing Liziba Station

Recommended Chongqing Tours

Top 3 Chongqing tours chosen by most customers to explore Chongqing in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary,or tailor your own trip now with us.

Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise
4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang

Three Natural Bridges
3 Days Chongqing & Wulong Karst Landscape Exploration Tour

Chongqing / Wulong / Chongqing

Baodingshan Dafo Gorge Grottoes
2 Days Chongqing City Tour with Dazu Rock Carvings

Chongqing/Dazu

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip