How to Get from Chongqing Airport to City Centre

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is huge and very modern! The air feels cool and refreshing the moment you step out, so different from the warm and humid weather we’re used to in Malaysia. I was also relieved to see plenty of English signs around the airport, which makes moving around much easier for travellers like us.

After sitting on a plane for hours, all I want is a straightforward ride into the city. No complicated apps, no language struggles, and definitely no dragging luggage up and down stairs. Just something smooth, affordable, and stress-free.

The good news is that getting to downtown Chongqing is actually very easy. Whether it’s your first time here or you’re coming back for another visit, here are the best ways to travel from the airport to the city centre without hassle.

How to Get from Chongqing Airport to the City Centre

Source: Wikipedia

If you’re flying in from Malaysia, you’ll most likely land at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG). From there, getting to downtown Chongqing is pretty straightforward. To help you decide which option suits you best, here’s a comparison of the main ways to travel into the city:

🚇 By Metro – From Chongqing Airport to the City

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly and hassle-free way to get into Chongqing city, the metro is your best bet. It’s cheap, clean, and links directly from the airport to popular spots in the city.

🛤️ Metro Line

You’ll be taking Line 10, which is directly connected to the airport. After you land, just follow the signs that say “Metro” or “地铁”. The metro station is conveniently located below Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

📍 Route & Transfers

Option 1: Line 10 → Line 6

• From: Jiangbei Airport T2/T3
• To: Jiefangbei (via Xiaoshizi)
• Route:
• 1. Take Line 10 towards Liyuchi.
  2. Transfer at Hongtudi Station to Line 6 towards Tea Garden.
  3. Get off at Xiaoshizi Station. From here, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk to Jiefangbei.
• Duration: ~50–60 minutes
• Cost: ¥7–11 (≈ RM4.50–7.20)

Option 2: Line 10 → Line 2

• From: Jiangbei Airport T2/T3
• To: Jiefangbei (via Linjiangmen)
• Route:
• 1. Take Line 10 towards Liyuchi.
  2. Transfer at Zengjiayan Station to Line 2 towards Yudong.
  3. Get off at Linjiangmen Station. From here, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk to Jiefangbei.
• Duration: ~45–55 minutes
• Cost: ¥6–8 (≈ RM3.90–5.20)

🕒 Operating Hours & Frequency

💸 Ticket Prices & Payment

• Fare: ¥2–10 (≈ RM1.30–6.50) depending on your stop.
• How to pay:
• • Ticket machines (English available).
  • QR code scan with WeChat Pay / Alipay.
  • Direct QR scan at the gate using the Chongqing Metro app.

💡 Tip: Malaysians using Alipay/WeChat can set up a transport QR code for fast entry — no need to queue at the ticket machines.

🧳 Who It’s For & Why It’s Good

✅ Perfect for:

• Solo travellers
• Light packers with small luggage
• Budget-conscious travellers

✅ Why it works:

• Modern, clean, and air-conditioned trains
• Easy transfers to other metro lines
• Avoids city traffic — especially useful during rush hour

⚠️ Things to Note

• Gets crowded during peak hours (around 5–7pm).
• Not the best option if you’re dragging big or heavy luggage, as space is limited.

🚌 By Airport Bus – From Chongqing Airport to the City

If you don’t feel like changing metro lines and just want a direct, no-fuss ride, the Chongqing Airport Shuttle Bus is a solid choice. It’s comfortable, affordable, and especially convenient if you’re carrying big luggage or your hotel isn’t close to a metro station.

📍 Routes & Main Stops

There are a few shuttle bus routes from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) that head to different parts of the city. Some of the more popular ones are:

🕒 Operating Hours & Frequency

⚠️ Tip: If you’re arriving at night, do check with airport staff, as evening services can be less frequent.

💸 Ticket Prices & Where to Buy

• Price: ¥15–20 (≈ RM10–13) depending on the route.
• Where to buy: Ticket counters or kiosks near the bus bay. Most accept cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
• Some routes even allow direct QR code payment onboard.

👍 Who Should Take It?

✅ Best for:

• Travellers with large luggage
• Hotels near Jiefangbei, Shapingba, or the railway stations
• Budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind a slightly slower ride

✅ Perks:

• No transfers — just board and relax until you reach your stop
• Spacious seats with dedicated luggage storage underneath

⚠️ Things to Note

• Traffic in Chongqing can be heavy during peak hours.
• Staff may not always speak English, but the bus routes and signs are clear enough.
• Not a 24-hour service — so if you’re landing late at night, this may not be the most reliable option.

🚕 By Taxi or Ride-Hailing – From Chongqing Airport to the City

Source: iStock

Just landed after a long flight and feeling drained? Sometimes the easiest way is simply to hop into a taxi or book a ride through Didi (China’s version of Grab). It’s the most straightforward option if you’re travelling with family, carrying big luggage, or arriving late at night when the metro and airport buses are no longer running.

🚖 Where to Find a Taxi or Book a Car

• Taxi Stand: After exiting the Arrivals area at Terminal 3, just follow the signs marked “Taxi” or “出租车”.
• Ride-Hailing Pick-up: Look out for signs that say “网约车” or “Online Car-Hailing Area”. That’s the official pick-up zone for Didi cars.

💸 Prices & What to Expect

• Taxi Fare: Around ¥80–100 (≈ RM52–65) in normal traffic.
• Didi Fare: Usually about the same as taxis, sometimes slightly cheaper or higher depending on time of day and demand.

🕒 Travel Time

• Normal traffic: Around 30–45 minutes to reach downtown (like Jiefangbei).
• Peak hours: Can stretch to nearly an hour, especially if you’re heading towards Shapingba or Nan’an.

🧳 Best For

✅ Families travelling with kids or elderly parents
✅ Passengers with big suitcases
✅ Late-night arrivals when public transport is closed
✅ Anyone who prefers a direct, door-to-door ride without the hassle of changing lines

⚠️ Things to Note

• Ignore anyone inside the terminal who offers you a ride — they’re usually unofficial drivers.
• Fares can surge during holidays, bad weather, or peak hours (especially on Didi).
• Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so it’s best to have your hotel address written in Chinese characters to show them.

🚗 By Private Airport Transfer – From Chongqing Airport to the City

If you want a completely stress-free start to your trip, a private airport transfer is the most convenient option. After a long flight, it feels good knowing your driver is already waiting for you at the Arrivals area with your name on a sign. No need to queue, no apps to deal with — just walk out, get into the car, and head straight to your hotel.

🕒 Travel Time & Availability

• Around 30–45 minutes to central Chongqing (such as Jiefangbei or Shapingba).
• Available 24 hours, making it perfect for late-night or very early arrivals.

💸 How Much It Costs

• Expect to pay around ¥160–220 (≈ RM104–143) depending on your hotel location and the type of car.
• You can book online in advance through sites like Trip.com or other travel platforms.

👍 Why It’s Worth It

• No waiting in line or struggling with language barriers.
• Fixed price — no surprise charges even if you get stuck in traffic.
• Direct drop-off right at your hotel lobby.

• Costs a bit more than a regular taxi or Didi, but the convenience is worth it if you’re tired.
• Double-check your flight number and hotel address when booking so your driver can track your arrival accurately.

🚘 By Car Rental – From Chongqing Airport to the City

If you’re planning a road trip around Southwest China or prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport could be a great option. You can drive straight into downtown, or head out to famous attractions like Wulong Karst, Dazu Rock Carvings, or even cross over to nearby provinces like Sichuan.

🕒 Travel Time & Availability

• Drive to city centre: around 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Car rentals are available 24/7, but it’s always best to book in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons.

💸 How Much It Costs

• Basic rentals start from ¥180–250 per day (≈ RM117–162).
• Don’t forget to factor in fuel, tolls, parking fees, and insurance.

👍 Why Rent a Car?

• Go anywhere, anytime — no waiting around for buses or trains.
• Ideal if you’re exploring beyond Chongqing city.
• Perfect for families or small groups who prefer flexibility.

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

• You’ll need a valid Chinese driving licence or permit (an international licence alone won’t work in China).
• Chongqing traffic can be busy, and the city itself is very hilly, which can be a challenge for new drivers.
• Always check the insurance coverage and read your rental agreement carefully before driving off.

🚗 Which Option is Best for You?

Still not sure how to get from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport to the city? Here’s a quick breakdown, depending on your travel style:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travelling with Family

Best picks: Taxi or Private Transfer
No climbing stairs, no changing lines — just a comfortable ride straight to your hotel. A private transfer is especially useful if you have kids or bulky luggage, even though it costs a bit more (around RM104–143).

💸 On a Budget

Best picks: Metro or Airport Bus
Both options are very affordable, costing only RM3.90–13 depending on your route. Perfect if you’re travelling light and don’t mind taking a little more time to reach the city.

👤 Solo or Business Trip

Best pick: Metro Line 10
Quick, reliable, and easy to navigate with English signs. Fares range from RM1.30–6.50, and the metro avoids traffic jams — great if you’re rushing for a meeting or want to save time.

🌙 Late-night Arrival

Best picks: Taxi, Didi, or Private Transfer
Since this run 24/7, you won’t have to worry about being stranded after midnight. Expect to pay around RM52–78 for a taxi/Didi, or RM104+ for a private car. Just remember to have your hotel address written in Chinese characters to show the driver.

🛣️ Planning a Road Trip

Best pick: Car Rental
If you’re planning to explore beyond Chongqing — maybe to Dazu Rock Carvings, Wulong Karst, or even into Sichuan — renting a car gives you total freedom. Rates start from about RM117–162 per day, excluding fuel, tolls, and parking.