Chongqing Transport Guide

Chongqing’s light rail and subway aren’t just transportation—they’re attractions in their own right!Line 2 runs along the Jialing River and offers the most beautiful scenery (including the spectacular sight of the train passing through a building at Liziba Station). Line 1 goes to Xiaoshizi (Jiefangbei/Hongyadong/Yangtze River Cable Car) and Ciqikou. Line 6 goes to Xiaoshizi and the Grand Theater. Get the “Chongqing Transit Card” via Alipay or WeChat to enjoy a 10% discount. Navigation apps may be unreliable—a 500-meter distance could be the equivalent of climbing 20 stories, so be sure to wear sneakers.

The base fare is 10 yuan (3 kilometers). Chongqing’s yellow “Tuoche” taxis are a hallmark of this mountain city. Using Didi is more reliable than hailing a cab on the street. Short trips within the city cost 15–25 yuan; a ride to Jiangbei Airport costs 60–80 yuan (taking Line 3 of the light rail directly is cheaper). Most hot pot restaurants recommended by taxi drivers offer kickbacks—don’t trust them!

Jiangbei International Airport (CKG): Light Rail Line 3 runs directly to the city center (about 50 minutes, 7 yuan); Line 10 also serves the area. A taxi ride costs about 60–80 yuan (about 40 minutes). The airport is about 30 kilometers from the city center; allow 1.5 hours for the trip.

Chongqing has two high-speed rail stations. Chongqing North Station: serves the Yu-Wan, Yu-Li, and Cheng-Yu high-speed rail lines; takes 30 minutes to reach the city center via Lines 3 or 10, and is closer to the city center. Chongqing West Station: serves the Yu-Gui and Yu-Kun high-speed rail lines; takes 40 minutes to reach the city center via Line 5. The area right outside the high-speed rail station is a maze—taking a taxi might involve navigating through several levels.