Chongqing Airport: Transport, Services and Travel Tips

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is one of the most dynamic aviation hubs in southwest China. Located in the Yubei District, it's just 19 km (12 miles) away from the city centre.

To ensure you're fully prepared, Trip.com has put together a comprehensive guide to Chongqing Airport: find out the easiest way to get to the city centre, discover the best hotels with free shuttle services, and get all the practical information you need for a completely stress-free trip!

About Chongqing Airport (CKG)

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (IATA: CKG, ICAO: ZUCK) is located in the Yubei District, just about 19 km from the city centre.

Spanning 1,700 hectares and featuring four runways, the longest of which measures 3,800 metres, it ranks among the most important airports in southwest China. Handling over 45 million passengers annually, the airport is classified as a 4F category facility, the highest airport classification worldwide. With the recent expansion, the airport can now handle up to 80 million passengers annually.

The airport has the following terminal configuration:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Currently closed for renovations
• Terminal 2 (T2): Currently closed for renovations
• Terminal 3A (T3A): Opened in 2017, this is the newest and largest terminal, handling most domestic and international flights with state-of-the-art facilities
• Terminal 3B (T3B): A satellite terminal that opened on 9 April 2025. It only handles aircraft parking and passenger boarding. Passengers with boarding gates starting with J, K, L, or M must take the automated people mover (APM) from T3A after security – a 3-minute journey

💡 Note on T3B: Check-in, baggage drop-off, and security checks are all completed at T3A. T3B is exclusively for boarding via gates J, K, L, and M.

If you're looking to get from the airport to Chongqing city centre, there are plenty of transport options available. Trip.com has got you covered with everything you need to know below!

Transport to and from Chongqing Airport

As briefly mentioned, Chongqing Jiangbei Airport is located about 19 km from the city centre. Depending on how much time you have, the number of people in your group, and, of course, your budget, there are various ways to get into the city centre.

Here's a quick overview of the best options for you:

From the airport to the city centre: By Metro

The metro is the best way to get to the city centre efficiently and relatively quickly. Lines 3 and 10 connect the airport directly to the heart of Chongqing. Here is everything you need to know:

• Line 3: takes you directly to Jiefangbei, Chongqing's central business district, in just 30–40 minutes.
• Line 10: your gateway to exploring other parts of the city
• Cost: 2–7 CNY (~£0.25–£0.85), depending on the route chosen
• Frequency: every 5–10 minutes during peak times
• Operating hours: daily from 06:30 to 23:00

From the airport to the city centre: Taking the airport shuttle

Airport shuttles are perfect if you're travelling with lots of luggage or heading to a neighbourhood that isn't directly served by the Metro. They connect the airport with all the major train stations, hotels, and tourist hotspots.

• Line 1: to the Jiefangbei city centre and Chongqing North Railway Station;
• Line 2: to the Shapingba district and the West Railway Station;
• Line 3: to the Nanping district and the South Railway Station;
• Line 4: heading to the Yubei District and the hotel areas near the airport;
• Night services: late-night connections perfectly timed with the last flights, so you can reach the city's main districts with ease.

Airport shuttle prices range from 15 to 30 CNY (~£1.70 to £3.40), depending on your chosen route. Regular city buses are a more budget-friendly option, with fares costing between 2 and 5 CNY (~£0.25 to £0.55).

📌 Top tip: Given the extensive network, it's a good idea to check the information desks upon arrival for the latest timetables and routes.

From the airport to the city centre: By taxi

As in many places across Asia and beyond, a taxi is the ideal choice if you have lots of luggage, are travelling with family, or simply want to avoid public transport. It might not be the cheapest option, but the convenience is unbeatable: just hop in and enjoy the ride!

📌 Trip.com Tip: Keep the address of your accommodation handy in Chinese characters, as most drivers don't speak English. Always use official taxis located directly at the terminals to avoid scams.

How much does it cost?

• To the city centre (Jiefangbei): 50–100 CNY (~£6–£13), depending on traffic
• Potential surcharges: Expect to pay around 10 CNY (~£1.00) for an airport surcharge and 5–10 CNY (~£0.50–£1.00) per piece of luggage. Whether these surcharges are applied depends on the individual driver.

Where can I find taxis at the airport?

Head to the designated taxi zones outside the airport, which are organised by terminal:

• Terminal 2: Official taxi rank at the main entrance – only authorised green or yellow taxis
• Terminal 3: Taxi rank on Level 1, at the exit – well signposted in English

From the airport to the city centre: Getting around with DiDi (ride-hailing app)

The DiDi Chuxing app, China's answer to Uber, is widely used in Chongqing. Be sure to book your ride from the designated pick-up zone at the terminal.

• Cost: 50–90 CNY (~£5–£10) to the city centre
• The perks of DiDi: English user interface, integrated payment, and so much more
• Our top tip: You can cut your fare by around 30% with DiDi Carpool.

From the airport to the city centre: By rental car

To explore the area around Chongqing at your own pace – such as Wulong, the Three Gorges, or Dazu – hiring a car offers maximum freedom. You'll find Hertz and Avis desks located directly in Terminal 3.

💡 Important tip: Driving around the city can be a bit challenging due to the hilly terrain. Definitely make sure to use a GPS!!

How much does it cost?

Car hire prices at the airport vary depending on the vehicle type. Here are a few guide prices:

• Small car: from around 200 CNY/day (~£21)
• Mid-range and premium cars: from around 280 CNY/day (~£30)
• SUVs: from around 350 CNY/day (~£38)

How do I rent a car?

1. Search for a vehicle: Head over to the 'Car Rental' section on Trip.com, select Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport as your pick-up location, and enter your travel dates.
2. Select your car: Compare options, prices and features, then click 'Book'
3. Enter your details: Fill in the driver's information and select your preferred insurance or add-ons.
4. Confirm your booking: Pay for your booking – you'll receive a confirmation via email
5. Picking up your car: Upon arrival, please head to the car rental desk in Terminal 3 of the airport.

Arrival Requirements in Chongqing: Visa and Regulations 🛂

Great news for all travellers from the UK and Europe: since December 2024, China has significantly relaxed its visa policy, and Chongqing is included in the eligible zones.

Available options

• 24-hour visa-free transit: For all connecting passengers at the airport, provided you remain within the transit zone.
• 240-hour visa-free transit (10 days): Available to citizens of 55 approved countries, including Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and the European Union.

Requirements

To take advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit, you'll need to:

• Be a citizen of one of the 55 eligible countries
• Hold a passport that is valid for at least 3 months from your date of entry
• Present an onward flight ticket to a third country, with a departure time within 240 hours.
• Fill out an arrival and departure card

Permitted travel area

The 240-hour visa-free transit allows you to travel freely within Chongqing and 23 other provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, and Guangzhou.

📌 Important note: This is not a standard tourist visa, but a transit exemption. To use this exemption, you must have a ticket to a third country and cannot travel directly back to your home country.

Hotels near Chongqing Airport with Free Shuttle Service

Have you got an early morning flight or a long layover? Here are two fantastic options for an overnight stay near the airport:

Chongqing Ximei Hotel

Perfect for travellers on a small to medium budget. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a breakfast featuring both Chinese and Western dishes. With a complimentary shuttle service and friendly staff, it's a reliable choice for short stopovers.

Hilton Chongqing Airport

For a more luxurious experience, the Hilton offers elegant rooms with views of the city or the mountains, an indoor pool, a spa, and a variety of dining options, including a restaurant serving authentic Sichuan specialities. Perfect for business travellers.

Airport Lounges and Premium Areas in Chongqing 🛋️

Services and Facilities at Chongqing Airport 🌟

Free Wi-Fi

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport offers free public Wi-Fi in terminals T2 and T3. Please note, however, that you'll need a valid Chinese mobile number to receive your access code via SMS.

💡 Trip.com tip: To bypass this restriction, purchase a China eSIM from Trip.com before your trip. This way, you'll have internet access the moment you land, with no waiting around!

Public relaxation areas

Terminals T2 and T3 feature several complimentary rest areas that are open to all passengers:

• Comfortable seating areas in the departure halls of both terminals
• Children's play areas with playground equipment in T2 and T3
• Massage chairs (available for a fee) in the waiting areas

While these areas may not offer the same level of comfort as paid lounges with food and drinks, they are still pleasant spots to relax before your flight.

Essential local services

The following services are available in all terminals:

• ATMs and currency exchange bureaus (09:00–16:00)
• Duty-free shops and a diverse range of dining options
• Pharmacies and medical services
• Luggage storage and wrapping service

Restaurants and Duty-free at Chongqing Airport 🍜🛍️

Chongqing Airport offers a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafés, and shops across terminals T2 and T3, perfect for grabbing a bite or picking up some travel essentials before your flight.

Restaurants and Cafés

You'll find restaurants both before check-in and throughout the gate area:

• Must-try local cuisine: Xiaomian (spicy Chongqing noodles), Dan Dan noodles, takeaway hotpot snacks, and Mapo Tofu
• International cafés and fast food: Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald's are available in both terminals.
• A world of Asian flavours: Japanese and Korean restaurants in Terminal 3
• Bakeries and snacks: discover local pastries and croissants at convenience stores like FamilyMart and 7-Eleven.

Duty-free shopping

You'll find duty-free shops in the international areas of both terminals.

Available products:

• Luxury items
• Duty-free spirits and tobacco products (Baijiu – traditional Chinese sorghum spirit, whisky, wine)
• Souvenirs from Chongqing (Sichuan peppercorns, spices, teas, embroidery, bamboo products)
• Cosmetics and Perfumes
• Electronics and high-tech gadgets

From the Airport to Chongqing's Top Sights

Here's a handy guide to reaching the highlights of Chongqing straight from the airport:

More Travel Guides