Chongqing Transportation Guide: How to Get to & around Chongqing 2024
As a municipal city of China located in the southwest inland of China, Chongqing is well connected with many global cities by flights as well as numerous domestic cities via flights and trains. It's convenient to transfer between Chongqing and other cities. Moreover, it has established extensive inner-city transportation networks, with rail transit and cars connecting popular attractions, Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, Chongqing's railway stations, and Chaotianmen Dock in the city. This Chongqing transportation guide will introduce you how to get to / from Chongqing via diverse transportation, how to transfer between Chongqing and hot destinations in China, especially like Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin, Guiyang, Zhangjiajie, etc. as well as how to get around Chongqing, to help better plan your Chongqing trip.
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How to Get to / from Chongqing
There are three common ways for travelers to get to / from Chongqing - by air, by train, or by Yangtze River Cruise ship.
By Air - Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
- Location: Airport Road, Lianglu Town, Yubei District, Chongqing (重庆市渝北区两路镇机场路)
- Distance to Chaotianmen Dock: about 24km (about 40 mins by car)
- Distance to Chongqing downtown: about 24km (about 40 mins by car)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) operates over 200 domestic airlines and 30 international airlines with over 1000 daily flights, linking Chongqing to nearly 160 destinations. You can easily take a flight to transfer between Chongqing and other major cities in China such as Beijing (around 2.5 hrs), Xian (around 1.5 hrs), Shanghai (around 2.5~3 hrs), Hong Kong (around 2.5 hrs), Kunming (around 1.5 hrs), Guangzhou (around 2 hrs) and more. There are also direct flights between Chongqing and international cities like Singapore (around 5 hrs), Seoul (around 4 hrs), Kuala Lumpur (around 4.5 hrs), London (around 11 hrs), Seattle (around 15 hrs), Sydney (around 11 hrs), etc.
▶ Check more about
① Chongqing Airport
& Flights;
② Transfer between Chongqing
Airport and Chaotianmen Dock;
③ Transfer between Chongqing Airport and Chongqing City.
By Train - Chongqing Railway Stations
There are five railway stations in Chongqing while only Chongqing North Railway Station, Chongqing West Railway Station and Shapingba Railway Station are frequently used. Chongqing North Railway Station and Chongqing West Railway Station are well connected with most other major cities in China, while Shapingba Railway Station mainly connects Xian, Shanghai and, as a stopover station in Chengdu Chongqing High-Speed Railway, links cities in Sichuan including Chengdu, Leshan, etc.
☆ Chongqing North Railway Station (重庆北站)
- Location: No. 51, Kunlun Road, Yubei District, Chongqing (重庆市渝北区昆仑大道51号)
- Distance to Chaotianmen Dock: about 10km (about 0.5 hr by car)
- Distance to Chongqing downtown: about 10km (about 40 mins by car)
Chongqing North Railway Station connects most other major cities in China. Travelers can take G, D, and C trains to transfer between Chongqing and Beijing (7~9.5 hrs), Xian (5~5.5hrs), Shanghai (10.5~13.5 hrs), Chengdu (2~2.5 hrs), Kunming (5~6hrs), Guiyang (3~3.5hrs), Wuhan (5~7.5hrs), etc.
Chongqing North Railway Station
☆ Chongqing West Railway Station (重庆西站)
- Location: No. 168, Fengzhong Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing (重庆市沙坪坝区凤中路168号)
- Distance to Chaotianmen Dock: about 20km (about 40 mins by car)
- Distance to Chongqing downtown: about 20km (about 50 mins by car)
Chongqing West Railway Station, also referred as Chongqingxi Railway Station is another frequently used station in Chongqing. Travelers can take G, D or C trains to transfer between Chongqing and Beijing (10~26 hrs), Xian (5~6hrs), Shanghai (11.5~12.5 hrs), Chengdu (1~2hrs), Guilin (3.5~5hrs), Kunming (4.5~5hrs), Guiyang (2~3hrs), Wuhan (about 5.5hrs), Changsha (5.5~6hrs), Leshan (2~5hrs) and more.
☆ Shapingba Railway Station (沙坪坝站)
- Location: No. 200, Beizhan East Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing (重庆沙坪坝区北站东路200号)
- Distance to Chaotianmen Dock: about 15km (about 0.5 hr by car)
- Distance to Chongqing Downtown: about 15km (aboout 50 mins by car)
Shapingba Railway Station primarily serves the southwest region and operates G-series high-speed trains. Popular destinations it connects to include Xian (around 6 hours), Chengdu (1 to 1.5 hours), and Leshan (around 3 hours). Travelers can also conveniently transfer to or from Shanghai(around 14 hours).
By Yangtze Cruise Ships - Chaotianmen Dock
Chongqing is also accessible via Yangtze River Cruises. Yangtze River Cruise extends from Chongqing to Yichang or to Shanghai. Travelers can take an upstream Yangtze Cruise from Yichang (about 5 days) or Shanghai (about 12 days) heading for Chongqing, or embark on a downstream cruise bound for Yichang (about 4 days) or Shanghai (about 11 days) from Chaotianmen Dock in Chongqing.
Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock
- Location: No. 49, Yangtze River Binjiang Road, Yuzhong Disctrict, Chongqing (重庆市渝中区长江滨江路49号)
Chaotianmen Dock sits in Chongqing center area, where Yangtze River and Jialing River meet together. It includes a group of 12 separated wharves and different cruises will dock at different wharves according to recent arrangements. For more information about the location, wharves, maps, nearby attractions of Chaotianmen Dock and how to get there, please visit Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock.
► Check more about Map of Chongqing Port.
How to Transfer between Hot Destinations and Chongqing
Transfer between Chongqing and Chengdu
Chengdu, the hometown of Giant Panda, is located about 265km west of Chongqing. Tourists can transfer between Chengdu and Chongqing by high-speed train, taxi and private car.
Most tourists would choose to travel by train with over 100 high-speed trains running every day, and the whole journey only takes about 1.5-2.5 hours. Travelers can take high-speed trains at Chengdu East Station (成都东站) or Chengdu South Station (成都南站) and reach all the three railway stations of Chongqing, or vice versa.
► Check more about Chengdu Tours | Chengdu Yangtze Tours.
Panda Base in Chengdu in Jun. 2019
Transfer between Chongqing and Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, famous for its world-famous uncanny natural wonders, is 530km east of Chongqing. Travelers who want to transfer between Chongqing and Zhangjiajie can opt for taking a plane or take a train.
The plane will take off or land at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (张家界荷花机场) and Chongqing Jiangbei Airport. The whole journey by plane will take about 1.5 hours, but there are no flights every day. Chongqing and Zhangjiajie only run three K trains every day between Zhangjiajie West Station (张家界西站) and Chongqing North Railway Station, which take 6~6.5 hours.
► Check more about Zhangjiajie Yangtze Tours.
Tianzi Mountain of Zhangjiajie in Jun. 2024
Transfer between Chongqing and Shanghai
Shanghai, reputed as the “Oriental Pearl” and the “Paris of the East” by the world, is a must-go city in China. 1670km away from Chongqing, Shanghai is accessible to Chongqing with three transportation options - the Yangtze River Cruises, flights, and high-speed trains.
Since Chongqing and Shanghai are both terminal ports of the Yangtze River Cruises, a 12-day cruise trip can conveniently take travelers to the two cities in one go. Traveling by flight is another top choice. The flights will depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东机场) and arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei Airport or in reverse, which requires around 3 hours with nearly 70 daily flights. Or you can also take a 10.5-13 hour-long high-speed train. Shanghai operates about 17 high-speed trains to Chongqing every day.
► Check more about Shanghai Tours | Yangtze Tours from Shanghai.
Lujiazui (陆家嘴) in Shanghai in Nov. 2017
Transfer between Chongqing and Guilin
Guilin, renowned for its amazing mountain and river scenery, lies 600km southeast of Chongqing. Recently, there is no direct flight to transfer between Chongqing and Guilin so you can choose to take a high-speed train.
There are about 15 daily high-speed trains. You can get on a train from Guilin Railway Station (桂林站), Guilin North Railway Station (桂林北站) or Guilin West Railway Station (桂林西站) in Guilin and reach Chongqingxi Railway Station or vice versa, for 4-5 hours.
► Check more about Chongqing Guilin Transportation | Guilin Yangtze Tours.
Li River in Guilin in Aug. 2024
Transfer between Chongqing and Xian
Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties, has gained popularity among visitors in China. Xian is 580km northwest of Chongqing. Travelers can take high-speed trains or flights to transfer between Xian and Chongqing.
There are nearly 20 one-way high-speed trains which take 5~6 hours between North Railway Station (西安北站) and Chongqing's railway stations. If taking a plane, travelers will depart from or arrive at Xianyang International Airport (咸阳机场) in Xian to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport for about 1.5 hours.
► Check more about Chongqing Xian Transportation | Xian Yangtze Tours
Terracotta Warriors in Xian in Sep. 2019
Transfer between Chongqing and Beijing
Beijing, known as a historic city, is often planned as the first or last stop of a China trip. Travelers can choose to take high-speed trains or flights to transfer between the two cities.
However, considering the long distance - 1800km, travelers are advised to take a plane, which only needs 3 hours, whereas trains require 7 to 10 hours and cost twice as much as flights. Flights depart from or land at either Beijing Daxing International Airport (北京大兴国际机场) or Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都国际机场), connecting with Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, with over 90 daily flights. You can choose to take a high-speed train to transfer as well. There are 7 daily trains every day.
► Check more about Beijing Yangtze Tours
Forbidden City in Beijing in Jun. 2024
How to Get around Chongqing
By Private Transfer of Our Yangtze River Cruise Package
Chongqing has a busy and complex traffic system due to its special landform feature, and it can be hard for first-timers to Chongqing. Therefore, transferring between airports/ train stations to ports, hotels and attractions in Chongqing by private car is the most convenient way.
Our www.yangtze-river-cruises.com offer safe, clean, comfortable, non-smoking, and air-conditioned private vehicles with experienced drivers as an important part of our tour packages. Moreover, once you booking such service, our English-speaking tour guide will accompany you all the way, giving you introduction of your destinations and sharing some travel tips. No matter you are going to travel from Chongqing Airport to Chaotianmen Dock to catch your cruise ship or make a return trip from the dock to airport after the cruise journey, we can help you make a travel as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Please feel free to send us your group size, traveling date and time for enquiry.
LOCAL TRANSFER Booking
In Chongqing, Yichang
and Shanghai, we also offer lcoal transfer services. By
Booking our transfer with your crusie,
you'll get:
- Comfortable vehicle with experienced driver and local guide.
- Airport / Railway Stations / Hotels and Cruise Dock shuttle services
- More time enjoying your trip, instead of wasting on finding your way.
By Public Transportation
By Taxi
Besides a private transfer, travelers in Chongqing can also catch taxis which are painted in impressive yellow in Chongqing to get around in Chongqing downtown area and suburban areas.
For Yangtze River Cruisers as a reference, here's detailed information about distance, estimated time and cost of transfers between Chaotianmen Dock, and Chongqing airport, train stations and main attractions as follows.
Taxis in Chongqing
From | To | Distance (km) | Estimated Time (mins) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chaotianmen Dock | Type | Place | - | - |
Airport | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | 28 | 40 | |
Railway Station | Chongqing North Railway Station | 10 | 30 | |
Chongqing West Railway Station | 20 | 40 | ||
Shapingba Railway Station | 16 | 30 | ||
Attraction | Jiefangbei CBD | 3 | 10 | |
Hongya Cave | 2 | 10 | ||
Three Gorges Museum | 6 | 20 | ||
Ciqikou Ancient Town | 21 | 40 | ||
Chongqing Zoo | 14 | 30 | ||
E'ling Park | 10 | 20 |
Warm Tips:
1. Distances, estimated times and estimated fare above may change
according to the real situations.
2. Traffic jams appear a lot in Chongqing
city,
especially during the rush hours (8:00-9:00 and 17:00-18:00). Therefore you should leave enough time for your
transfer, try to
hire a taxi as early as possible
3. For tourists who are going to catch flights or ships in a hurry on their
trip
plan, you are suggested to book a private car service in advance.
By Rail Transit
Or you can turn to the rail transit system. Chongqing has established efficient rail transit networks. Till now, Chongqing has built 12 Light Rail Transit Lines, including the Loop Line, Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, International Expo Line, Line 9, Line 10, Jiangtiao Line, and Line 18. Different rail transit services start and end at different times, normally start around 6:30 and run until 23:00. Line 2 will pass by Liziba Station where you can view the spectacle of light rail running through a building, as well as Chongqing Zoo. Line 1 will stop at most Chongqing's popular attractions including Chaotianmen Dock, Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei CBD, and Ciqikou Ancient Town and Line 10 will take you to Three Gorges Museum and Chongqing Jiangbei Airport.
Click to Enlarge
Chongqing Light Rail Map @ the official rail
transit website
Explore Chongqing and Yangtze River with Us
Not sure where to begin your Chongqing adventure? Looking for a top-notch Chongqing tour package? At Yangtze River Cruises (www.yangtze-river-cruises.com), with a local office right in Chongqing, we are your trusted travel partner. Whether you're interested in exploring the city itself, taking a side trip to nearby wonders like Wulong Karst or Dazu, or boarding your Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing, we craft the perfect itinerary to suit your needs.
Our Chongqing tour packages include expert guides, experienced drivers with comfortable private vehicles, carefully selected hotels, and all necessary attraction tickets. Each tour can be fully customized based on your group size, travel dates, fitness level, interests, budget, and any special requirements you may have. Our goal is to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Chongqing. Browse our tours or contact us directly for assistance or to create a personalized itinerary!
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Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.
Thank you for the question. The 3A and 3 B are classified for the departure. There is only one place for people arriving at Terminal 3 of Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, so if you would receive the passenger, you could directly go to the receiving place where you can reach convenient along the signs.
Have a nice day!
Greetings from Wonder at Yangtze-River-Cruises!
Thank you for your inquiry of Yangtze River Cruises. We are really glad to have this chance to serve for you.
It will take you around 3 hours from Chongqing airport to Fengdu Ghost City. I am afraid that few taxi drivers would like to do that since it is too far. It’s difficult to see how much it will take. If you need us to arrange private transfer service, the cost will be around RMB1800=USD290 for one vehicle. The cost is extremely expensive and not worthwhile compare to only one place.
Besides, if you like, we recommend you take Rail Transit Line 3 for less than 10 RMB from Chongqing Airport to Chongqing North Railway Station for about 50 minutes to catch a 1 hour high speed train to Fengdu for about 40 RMB and transfer to Fengdu Ghost City for about 20 minutes by local taxi for about 30 RMB, so you could arrive there for about 2.5 hours with a much lower cost of about 80 RMB.
Wish you a wonderful trip to the Fengdu Ghost City!