Chongqing, a sprawling city nestled in the mountains, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rapid transit system. If you’re traveling to the city by train or air, understanding how to navigate the journey from Chongqing’s main transportation hubs to the city center will make your trip smoother. This guide provides clear instructions for getting from Chongqing North Railway Station, Chongqing West Railway Station, Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station, and Chongqing Jiangbei Airport to the city’s top destinations like Jiefangbei (解放碑) and Guanyinqiao (观音桥), covering metro, bus, and taxi options.
Chongqing North Railway Station
To Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument)
- Metro: From Chongqing North South Square Station, take Line 10 (towards Lanhualu/兰花路) and alight at Zengjiayan Station (曾家岩站). Transfer to Line 2 (towards Jiaochaokou/较场口) and travel 3 stations to Linjiangmen Station (临江门站).
- Taxi/Online Ride-Hailing: Estimated travel time is about 30 minutes, with a fare ranging from 30 to 50 yuan.
To Guanyinqiao
- Metro: Take Line 3 (towards Yudong/鱼洞) directly to Guanyinqiao Station (观音桥站). The journey takes approximately 13 minutes and is a simple, direct route.
- Bus: There are multiple bus routes such as 617, 138, 820, and 879, all of which provide access to Guanyinqiao without any transfers.
Chongqing West Railway Station
To Jiefangbei
- High-Speed Rail Express G01: This is the fastest and most economical option to get to Jiefangbei, with a ticket price of 15 yuan per person.
- Metro: Take Line 5 to Shiqiaopu Station (石桥铺站), then transfer to Line 1. Travel to Jiaochangkou Station (较场口站) or Linjiangmen Station (临江门站), then walk a short distance to Jiefangbei.
- Taxi/Online Ride-Hailing: Estimated fare is around 55 yuan, and travel time is approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
To Guanyinqiao
- Metro: Take the Loop Line to Shapingba Station (沙坪坝站), then transfer to Line 9. Get off at Guanyinqiao Station. From Exit 7, it’s a 330-meter walk to the commercial area.
Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station
To Jiefangbei
- Metro: Take Line 1 directly from Shapingba Station (沙坪坝站) to Jiaochangkou Station (较场口站) or Linjiangmen Station (临江门站), and walk a few minutes to reach Jiefangbei. This is the quickest option, taking around 30 minutes.
- Bus: You can take Bus 210 or Bus 261, but this will involve a transfer to Line 2 at a station along the route. This option is slower and less efficient due to the extra transfers and walking.
To Guanyinqiao
- Direct Bus: Take Bus 863, 113, or 183 directly to Guanyinqiao without needing to transfer.
- Metro: Take Line 1 to Lianglukou Station (两路口站) or Niujiaotuo Station (牛角沱站), then transfer to Line 3 and alight at Guanyinqiao Station. This metro route also takes around 30 minutes.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
To Jiefangbei
- Metro: From Jiangbei Airport T3/T2 Station, take Line 10 (towards Liyuchi/鲤鱼池) and alight at Hongtudi Station (红土地站). Transfer to Line 6 (towards Chayuan/茶园) and get off at Xiaoshizi Station (小什字站).
- Airport Express K01: You can also take the K01 Airport Express Bus directly to Jiefangbei, but this might take longer depending on traffic.
- Taxi/Online Ride-Hailing: A taxi ride from the airport to Jiefangbei will take approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
To Guanyinqiao
- Metro: Take Line 3 (towards Yudong/鱼洞) directly to Guanyinqiao Station.
- Taxi/Online Ride-Hailing: A taxi ride from the airport to Guanyinqiao will also take approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Important Travel Tips
- For First-Time Travelers: If you’re arriving by high-speed rail, Chongqing North Railway Station is often the most convenient station for heading to the city center.
- Metro and Buses:
- Chongqing’s metro system is well-connected, air-conditioned, and user-friendly. Trains typically run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with signs in both Chinese and English. The metro is a great option for avoiding traffic, especially during peak hours.
- Buses are also widely available but may require transfers depending on your destination. It’s helpful to have a map of the bus routes or use a navigation app to track your journey.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing:
- Always use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps like Didi. Avoid unlicensed taxis and black cars outside train stations and airports.
- If you’re taking a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. Agree on the fare for non-metered rides before you start your journey.