Chongqing, famously known as China’s “Mountain City,” is a mesmerizing blend of steep hills, twisting alleys, and vibrant skyscrapers. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, this sprawling metropolis is a sight to behold — but getting around can be a unique adventure of its own.
Thanks to its dramatic topography, Chongqing’s transportation network is both innovative and complex. Whether you’re zipping through tunnels on the Chongqing metro, riding a historic cable car across the Yangtze River, or catching a bus that seems to scale a mountain, every journey feels like part of the experience.
For visitors, understanding Chongqing’s public transport is essential to exploring its famous hotpot restaurants, ancient towns, and modern shopping districts. In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to get around the city, with a special focus on the fast-expanding Chongqing metro system.
Chongqing Metro: The Heart of the City’s Transport
The Chongqing metro is the backbone of public transportation in the city, offering a fast, affordable, and efficient way to navigate the urban maze. Officially known as the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT), it is renowned for its unique monorail design and its ability to adapt to the city’s mountainous landscape.
Overview
The Chongqing metro currently operates several lines, with more under construction as part of the city’s ambitious expansion plans. The most popular lines for tourists include:
- Line 1: Connecting major districts like Shapingba and Yuzhong, this line is ideal for visiting Jiefangbei and Ciqikou Ancient Town.
- Line 2: Famous for its monorail section that passes through a residential building at Liziba Station, offering one of the most iconic views in Chongqing.
- Line 3: Running from the airport to downtown, this line is perfect for those arriving by air and heading straight to the city center.
- Line 6: Providing access to attractions like Hongya Cave and the Yangtze River Cableway.
Unique Features
The Chongqing metro is famous for its dramatic routes, weaving through tunnels, over bridges, and even through buildings — a design necessity due to the city’s rugged terrain. The Liziba Station, where the train passes directly through a residential block, has become a must-see attraction in itself.
Tickets and Fares
Metro fares are based on distance traveled, typically ranging from 2 to 10 yuan. You can buy tickets at machines located in each station, with English-language options for ease of use. Alternatively, a transport card like the Yucheng Tong Card allows for seamless travel across metros, buses, and ferries.
Operating Hours
The metro generally runs from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM, with trains arriving every 5 to 10 minutes depending on the line and time of day.
Tips for Using the Chongqing Metro
- Avoid peak hours: The metro can get extremely crowded during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM), so plan your trips accordingly.
- Download a metro app: Apps like MetroMan or Chongqing Rail Transit offer real-time updates, route planning, and station information.
- Stand on the right: When using escalators, stand on the right side to allow others to pass on the left — a common practice in Chinese metro systems.
Buses: The Extensive but Complex Network
Buses are a vital part of Chongqing’s transportation system, reaching areas that the metro doesn’t yet cover. However, the bus network can be challenging for first-time visitors due to the language barrier and the city’s winding roads.
Routes and Fares:
Buses serve nearly every part of the city, with fares starting from 2 yuan. Express buses connect key districts, while smaller minibusses tackle the hilly routes inaccessible to larger vehicles.
How to Pay:
You can use cash (exact change only), but the Yucheng Tong Card is a more convenient option, allowing tap-and-go payments.
Best for:
Buses are ideal for exploring neighborhoods off the metro grid or for short rides up and down the city’s steep hills.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
Taxis are readily available in Chongqing, but they can be tricky to navigate if you don’t speak Mandarin.
Fares:
- Starting fare: 10 yuan for the first 3 kilometers
- Additional cost: 2 yuan per kilometer after that
Tips for Taking a Taxi:
- Have your destination written in Chinese, as most drivers don’t speak English.
- Use ride-hailing apps like DiDi (the Chinese version of Uber) for easier communication and cashless payments.
- Be aware that traffic congestion, especially around Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave, can slow down your journey.
Yangtze River Cableway: An Iconic Ride
For a scenic and memorable way to cross the Yangtze River, hop on the Yangtze River Cableway. This aerial tramway offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the river below, making it a must-try experience for tourists.
Details:
- Runs between Yuzhong District and Nan’an District
- Tickets cost 20 yuan one-way or 30 yuan round-trip
- Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM
The cableway is more of a sightseeing experience than a daily transport option, but it’s a great way to appreciate Chongqing’s unique geography from above.
Ferries: Crossing the Rivers in Style
Chongqing’s river network means ferries still play a role in city transport, offering a leisurely way to move between districts.
Popular Routes:
- Chaotianmen Wharf to Nanbin Road for a scenic ride across the Yangtze River.
- Jialing River ferries connecting smaller neighborhoods along the riverbanks.
Fares typically range from 2 to 5 yuan.
Seasonal Considerations for Chongqing Transportation
Summer Travel Tips
Chongqing is famous for being one of China’s “furnace cities” due to its extremely hot and humid summers. This climate affects transportation in several ways:
The Chongqing metro provides welcome relief with air-conditioned carriages, making it a preferred option during summer months. However, stations themselves can be quite warm, especially those above ground.
Bus comfort varies significantly—newer buses feature reliable air conditioning, while older vehicles may offer only open windows for ventilation. Look for buses labeled with air conditioning symbols if traveling during hot weather.
Cable cars and ferries can be particularly pleasant in summer, as they offer better airflow and scenic relief from the urban heat island effect.
Walking outdoors is best limited to early morning or evening hours, with routes planned to take advantage of indoor shortcuts through shopping malls and connected buildings where possible.
Always carry water when navigating Chongqing in summer, as dehydration can occur quickly in the intense heat and humidity.
Rainy Season Considerations
Chongqing experiences significant rainfall, particularly during the late spring and summer months. Heavy downpours can impact transportation in various ways:
The Chongqing metro generally operates normally during rain, though occasional delays may occur during extreme weather. Underground stations remain dry, but entrances and exits may become slippery.
Bus services can experience delays due to increased traffic congestion during heavy rain. Services to mountainous areas might be adjusted or suspended during severe weather for safety reasons.
River transportation, including ferries, may operate on modified schedules during periods of high water levels or strong currents. Always check current service information before planning river crossings during the rainy season.
Taxis become scarce during heavy rainfall as demand spikes. Ride-hailing apps often implement surge pricing during these periods, so be prepared for higher fares.
Carrying a compact umbrella is essential when navigating Chongqing during the rainy season, as sudden downpours are common and can be intense.
Winter Transportation Tips
While Chongqing’s winters are mild compared to northern China, temperatures can drop to near freezing, and the high humidity makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests:
The Chongqing metro provides heated carriages during winter months, making it a comfortable transportation option. Stations are generally well-protected from wind and cold.
Buses vary in heating quality—newer vehicles offer better climate control than older ones. During peak hours, the body heat from crowded buses sometimes provides more warmth than the heating system itself.
Cable cars may operate on reduced schedules during winter, particularly on very foggy days when visibility is limited. Always check operating hours before planning a journey involving cable cars during winter months.
Walking in Chongqing during winter requires appropriate clothing, as the damp cold feels more penetrating than dry cold. Layers work well for moving between heated indoor spaces and cooler outdoor environments.
FAQs About Getting Around Chongqing
Is the Chongqing metro easy to use for foreigners?
Yes! The Chongqing metro has English signage and ticket machines, and apps like MetroMan help plan routes easily.
What’s the best way to get from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to downtown?
Take Line 3 of the Chongqing metro, which directly connects the airport to the city center.
Are taxis expensive in Chongqing?
Taxis are affordable, starting at 10 yuan for the first 3 kilometers. However, traffic congestion can increase travel time and costs.
Can I use ride-hailing apps like Uber in Chongqing?
Uber doesn’t operate in China, but DiDi is the preferred ride-hailing app and works similarly to Uber.
Is the Yangtze River Cableway part of the public transport system?
While iconic, the cableway is more of a tourist attraction, though it does connect key districts.
How do I pay for public transport in Chongqing?
Use a Yucheng Tong Card for metros, buses, and some ferries — it simplifies travel without needing exact change.
What’s the most scenic way to get around Chongqing?
The Yangtze River Cableway offers the best views, but a river cruise at night also showcases the city’s dazzling skyline.
Verdict
Chongqing’s transportation system may seem complex at first glance, but with a bit of preparation, it becomes part of the adventure. The Chongqing metro is undoubtedly the most convenient and reliable option, connecting major districts and tourist spots. For a taste of the city’s character, hop on a cable car, take a ferry ride, or brave the bustling buses.
With this guide in hand, you’re ready to explore the Mountain City — one metro stop, river crossing, and scenic ride at a time.