How to Get to Chongqing: Flights, High-Speed Trains & Visa Tips

Unlike Beijing or Shanghai, Chongqing is deep in China’s interior. For many international travelers, getting here feels like a mystery.

If you are planning a trip to Chongqing, here is your straightforward guide to navigating Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) and landing smoothly.

✈️International Flights to Chongqing (CKG)

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is massive.These two terminals are NOT close. All International Flights land at Terminal 3.

Traveling to Chongqing By Flight

Many countries offer direct flights to Chongqing, and it takes only about 40 minutes to get from Jiangbei International Airport to the city center.

• From Southeast Asia: Direct flights are available from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. (Flight time: 4-5 hours).
• From USA: If you’re flying to Chongqing from the U.S. or Canada, there are few non-stop direct flights. Most travelers will transfer via Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. With good planning, you can reach Chongqing in just 15–20 hours.
• From Australia: Direct flights from Sydney to Chongqing are the fastest option and take about 12 hours. If you travel from Melbourne, Brisbane, or Auckland, you can connect through major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Xiamen.
• From Europe: Travelers from major European cities now enjoy non-stop routes from key hubs such as Paris, Rome, Budapest, and London. Frequent one-stop connections via Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Doha, Dubai, and more.

⚠️If you transfer in Beijing or Shanghai, allow at least 3 hours for the layover to clear customs.

🚄High-Speed Trains to Chongqing

If you are already in China, the High-Speed Train (Gaotie) is the best choice. It is fast and comfortable.

From City	Travel Time	The Experience
Chengdu	1 Hour	Faster than your morning commute. You can literally go for lunch.
Xi’an	5.5 Hours	Terracotta Warriors for breakfast, Hotpot for dinner.
Beijing	~7 Hours	A long ride. Remember to download movies in advance to avoid boredom during the trip.

Chongqing Railway Stations

• Chongqing North Railway Station: The main station. Close to the city center.
• Chongqing West Railway Station: Huge, but a bit far.
• Shapingba Station: Built under a shopping mall. Very convenient.

China Visa Policy for Transit Passengers: Bigger & Broader

• The Old Rule: 144 Hours (6 Days). Now: Only allowed to stay in one city/region.
• The New Rule: 240 Hours (10 Days). Now: You can travel to more destinations.

Basically, if you are flying to another country via Chongqing in China, you can stay in Chongqing for 10 days without a visa.

More important, you can travel from Chongqing to other 24 provinces in China.

💡If you have any questions about visa traveling to China, contact us.

Arrival in Chongqing: How to Get to Your Hotel

Chongqing is a 8D city. Even Google Maps doesn’t understand its verticality. Now, how do you get to Jiefangbei (City Center)?

Option A: The Metro (Not Recommended)

• Line 10 goes straight from the Airport to the city.
• Warning: Chongqing is the “City of Stairs.” Many stations have long stairs. If you have two giant suitcases, you will get a workout.

Option B: Taxi

• Cost: About 60-80 RMB.
• The Issue: Drivers don’t speak English. Have your address in Chinese.

Option C: Private Transfer (Recommended)

• We are there holding a sign to pick you up at the airport. We carry your bags. You sit in a cool van with AC.
• Cost: It depends on how many people and size of the vehicle you choose.

Don’t let the “8D” traffic ruin your mood. Whether you need a private car to save your legs from the stairs, or just want a local guide to stop you from getting lost in a parking garage, we can be your survival kit. You focus on the Hotpot, we’ll handle the headaches.

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