Getting Here and Around

Chongqing is very accessible. Visitors can arrive in Chongqing by:

• Air
• Rail
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Long-distance Buses
• Highways

Before arriving to Chongqing:

• Install a VPN: Many apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok don’t work in China without a VPN. Download a reliable one before you arrive and test it.
• Get a Translation App: English signs are rare outside the airport. Download a translation app that works offline, like Pleco or Microsoft Translator, so you can use it without the internet.
• Prepare Cash: Most places in Chongqing prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay, so set these up before you go. Carry some cash (Chinese Yuan) as a backup—everywhere accepts it, and refusing cash is illegal.
• Plan for Airport Transit: If you’re connecting at Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), arrive at least 2 hours early for security checks. Check your terminal (T1, T2, T3A, or T3B). If you need to change terminals, allow an extra 20-30 minutes for the free shuttle train or walking.

Air

Jiangbei International Airport is the main gateway to Chongqing.

Jiangbei Airport offers nonstop flights to many international destinations. Below is a list of key routes (note: schedules vary, so check with airlines):

• Europe: Budapest, Hungary (Air China) | London, UK (Tianjin Airlines) | Madrid, Spain (Hainan Airlines) | Milan, Italy (Hainan Airlines) | Paris, France (Hainan Airlines) | Rome, Italy (Hainan Airlines)
• North America: Seattle, USA (Hainan Airlines)
• Oceania: Sydney, Australia (Hainan Airlines)
• Middle East: Dubai, UAE (Hainan Airlines) | Doha, Qatar (Qatar Airways)
• East Asia: Seoul, South Korea (Asiana Airlines) | Osaka, Japan (Spring Airlines) | Nagoya, Japan (Spring Airlines)
• Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Thailand (Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Airways) | Hanoi, Vietnam (Vietnam Airlines) | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Vietnam Airlines) | Jakarta, Indonesia (Hainan Airlines) | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AirAsia) | Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Cambodia Angkor Air) | Phuket, Thailand (Thai AirAsia) | Singapore (Singapore Airlines)
• South Asia: Kathmandu, Nepal (Himalaya Airlines)
• Regional (Greater China): Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines) | Macau (Air Macau) | Taipei, Taiwan (China Airlines, EVA Air)

Many international flights aren’t daily, so book early and confirm schedules. No direct flights to Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, or Moscow as of March 2025.

If direct flights to Chongqing don’t suit your plans, fly to Chengdu, about 300 km away, and take a high-speed train to Chongqing (1-1.5 hours). Chengdu has two airports: Tianfu International (TFU) and Shuangliu International (CTU).

Rail

If you’re already in China or prefer trains, Chongqing is well-connected by high-speed rail. Major stations are Chongqing North and Chongqing West, with some trains using Shapingba or Chongqing Station.

It is recommended to book train tickets early, especially during Chinese statutory holidays, such as the National Holiday (Oct 1st – 7th), Chinese New Year (usually the end of January to the beginning of February). Train tickets in China can be sold out quickly, so book early.

You can book your tickets through 12306.cn, China Railway’s official website, or through Trip.com. Travel agents are also widely available to help international travellers book their train tickets for a fee.

Things to know before you book a train ticket:

•  Choose High-Speed Trains: Pick trains starting with “G” or “D” for the fastest trips. Avoid slower “Z,” “T,” or “K” trains, which take much longer.
• Arrive Early: Get to the station 30-45 minutes before departure for security checks and to find your platform. High-speed trains leave on time, and gates close 5 minutes before. If you miss your train, visit the ticket counter to exchange it for a later one (fees may apply).
• Check Your Station: Chongqing has multiple stations; Chongqing North and Chongqing West are the busiest. Double-check your ticket to arrive at the right one.
• Use Your Passport: Tickets are linked to your passport—no physical ticket is needed. Bring your passport to check in at kiosks or gates.
• Bring Food: Meals aren’t included. Pack snacks or food, as train meals are pricey (e.g., 30-60 CNY for a meal box).

Yangtze River Cruise

Every year, thousands of travelers sail to Chongqing on a Yangtze River cruise, enjoying the stunning Three Gorges. Your cruise will travel upstream from Yichang, Hubei province, to Chongqing Chaotianmen dock.

Long-distance Buses

Chongqing is also accessible through long-distance bus services or by driving yourself.

Long-distance bus services are offered from nearby cities such as Chengdu in Szechuan province, Xi’an in Shanxi province, Wuhan in Hubei province and Guiyang in Guizhou province. China Bus Guide offers great information on bus schedules and station information.

To book your long-distance bus ticket, you can contact an agent or book through Ctrip’s WeChat mini-app (only available in Chinese).

Highways

Chongqing and its surrounding areas have a well-maintained network of highways and roads with good signage, making road trips an ideal way to see the region.

You need a Chinese driver’s license or a temporary driving permit to drive in China. You will also be required to present these documents when you rent a car. Ruqin’s Driving in China – A Foreigner’s Guide has good coverage on this topic.

Get Around Chongqing

Chongqing has extensive public transportation available to get you to many tourist attractions.

Monorail and Metro

Chongqing’s extensive metro and monorail lines provide affordable and convinient ways for visitors to roam around the city.

Check out our Chongqing Metro Transit System Complete Visitor Guide on what you can expect before boarding a monorail or metro train.

Buses

Buses are another great way to get you from place to place in an affordable way. There are places that are not covered by monorail or metro, then you can take a bus to get to your final destination.

The best way to ride a bus is by using AMap, the navigation app we recommend. Check out our guide on how to set up your AMap: The Ultimate China Map App: AMap Complete Guide.

Taxis

Taxis, or the Yellow Cab, is another convinient way to get from place to place.

It is illegal for taxi drivers not to meter. If you are unsure about wether you have been charged fairly, always ask for a receipt.

Please provide me a receipt (请给乘车费用我小票).

Chongqing Taxi Report Hotline: 023-63864421.