Hello, I’m Alex Chen, a passionate traveler from China who loves exploring the hidden corners of the world. I specialize in sharing tips on how to travel across China on a budget while still enjoying its incredible diversity and charm. If you’re curious about navigating Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, its facilities, and the most efficient and cost-effective ways to get to downtown Chongqing, this guide is for you!

Summary

Overview of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

  • Airport Code: CKG
  • Address: Lianglu Subdistrict, Yubei District, Chongqing, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Distance from Downtown Chongqing: 19 km
  • Terminal Information:
    • T2 Terminal: Primarily serves domestic flights; opened in 2004.
    • T3A Terminal: Handles both domestic and international flights, accommodating most flights; opened in 2017.
    • T1 and T3B Terminals:
      • T1 Terminal is currently closed for renovation.
      • T3B Terminal is under construction.
Aerial view of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport showing terminals and runways

4 Best Ways to Travel from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Downtown Chongqing

1. Taking the Metro

From T3A Terminal

  • Route: Start at the B1 level of T3A and take Metro Line 10.
  • Operating Hours:
    • Monday to Friday: 6:38 AM – 11:23 PM
    • Saturday and Sunday: 6:33 AM – 11:23 PM
  • Fare: 2–7 RMB, depending on your destination.
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
  • Frequency: Every 10 minutes.
Directional sign showing metro location at T3 Terminal, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

How to Buy Tickets:

  • Ticket Machines: Accept cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
  • Mobile Payment: Use Alipay to scan the QR code at the gate.
  • Ticket Counters: Accept international credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, AE, JCB).
Line 10 metro route map connecting Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to the city

From T2 Terminal

  • Route: Metro Lines 10 and 3 are available.
  • Operating Hours:
    • Line 10: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
    • Line 3:
      • Monday to Friday: 6:38 AM – 11:23 PM
      • Saturday and Sunday: 6:33 AM – 11:23 PM
  • Fare: 2–7 RMB, depending on your stop.
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
  • Frequency: Every 10 minutes.

2. Taking the Airport Shuttle Bus

From T3A Terminal

  • Pick-Up Point: Exit 9 on the first floor.
  • Route: Take Airport Express Line K01.
  • Operating Hours:
    • Start: 8:30 AM
    • End: 30 minutes after the last flight arrival.
  • Fare: 15 RMB per person.
  • Frequency:
    • 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM: Every 30 minutes.
    • After 10:30 PM: Departs 30 minutes after the first passenger boards.
  • Duration: Approximately 50 minutes.
Entrance to airport shuttle bus K01 station at T3 Terminal, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

From T2 Terminal

  • Pick-Up Point: Exit 3, then turn right.
  • Route: Take the same Airport Express Line K01.
  • Operating Hours: Same as T3A Terminal.
  • Fare: 15 RMB per person.
  • Duration: Approximately 50 minutes.
Directional sign to airport bus at T2 Terminal, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

3. Taking a Taxi

From T3A Terminal

  • Pick-Up Point: First floor of the parking building.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Fare Estimate:
    • To Jiefangbei (Downtown): 48 RMB during the day, 55 RMB at night (approximately 22 km).
    • To Chongqing North Railway Station: 42 RMB during the day, 48 RMB at night (approximately 19 km).
  • Duration: About 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Taxi queue at T3 Terminal, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

From T2 Terminal

  • Pick-Up Point: Exit 3, then turn right.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Fare Estimate: Same as T3A Terminal.
  • Duration: About 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Taxi stand near T2 Terminal at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

4. Taking a Ride-Hailing Service

From T3A Terminal

  • Pick-Up Point: B1 level of the parking building.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Fare Estimate:
    • Daytime: Approximately 40 RMB.
    • Nighttime: Approximately 47 RMB.
Car-hailing service location at T3 Terminal, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Pickup and Drop-off Service

From T2 Terminal

  • Pick-Up Point: Exit 3 or Exit 6. Walk across the pedestrian crossing, then turn right following the signboards.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Fare Estimate:
    • Daytime: Approximately 40 RMB.
    • Nighttime: Approximately 47 RMB.
Signboard directing to car-hailing services at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

4 Best Ways to Travel from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave

From T3A Terminal

1. Metro

  • Pick-Up Point: Metro station on the B1 level of T3A Terminal.
  • Route: Take Metro Line 10 to Hongtudi Station. Switch to Line 6 (toward Tea Garden) and disembark at Xiaoshizi Station. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.
  • Fare: 5–7 RMB.
  • Duration: Around 50 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Pick-Up Point: Exit 9 on the first floor at T3A Terminal.
  • Route: Take Airport Express Line K01 to Shangqing Temple. From there, walk or transfer to public transportation to reach Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.
  • Fare: 15 RMB per person.
  • Duration: About 1 hour.

3. Taxi

  • Pick-Up Point: Taxi stand on the first floor of the parking building at T3A Terminal.
  • Route: Take a taxi directly to Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.
  • Fare Estimates:
    • Jiefangbei: Approximately 48 RMB during the day and 55 RMB at night (about 22 km).
    • Hongya Cave: Similar to the Jiefangbei fare.
  • Duration: Around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

4. Ride-Hailing Services

  • Pick-Up Point: B1 level of the parking building at T3A Terminal.
  • Route: Use a ride-hailing app to book a car directly to Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.
  • Fare Estimates:
    • Daytime: About 40 RMB.
    • Nighttime: About 47 RMB.
  • Duration: Approximately 40 minutes.

From T2 Terminal

1. Metro

  • Pick-Up Point: Metro entrance near Doors 5 and 7 on the arrival level of T2 Terminal.
  • Route: Take Metro Line 10 to Hongtudi Station, switch to Line 6 (toward Tea Garden), and get off at Xiaoshizi Station. Walk for about 5 minutes to reach Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.
  • Fare: 5–7 RMB.
  • Duration: Around 50 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Pick-Up Point: Exit 3 on the arrival level of T2 Terminal, then turn right to the shuttle bus stop.
  • Route: Take Airport Express Line K01 to Shangqing Temple. From there, walk or transfer to public transportation to reach Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.
  • Fare: 15 RMB per person.
  • Duration: About 1 hour.

3. Taxi

  • Pick-Up Point: Taxi stand near Exit 3 on the arrival level of T2 Terminal.
  • Route: Take a taxi directly to Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.
  • Fare Estimates:
    • Jiefangbei: Approximately 48 RMB during the day and 55 RMB at night (about 22 km).
    • Hongya Cave: Similar to the Jiefangbei fare.
  • Duration: Around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

4. Ride-Hailing Services

  • Pick-Up Point: Near Exits 3 or 6 on the arrival level of T2 Terminal. Follow the pedestrian signs to the designated ride-hailing pickup zone.
  • Route: Use a ride-hailing app to book a car directly to Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.
  • Fare Estimates:
    • Daytime: About 40 RMB.
    • Nighttime: About 47 RMB.
  • Duration: Approximately 40 minutes.

4 Best Ways to Travel from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Chongqing Railway Station

From T3A Terminal

1. Metro

  • Pick-Up Point: Metro station on the B1 level of T3A Terminal.
  • Route:
    • Board Metro Line 10 (toward Liyuchi) and ride to Hongtudi Station.
    • Transfer to Line 6 (toward Tea Garden) and continue to Xiaoshizi Station.
    • Switch to Line 1 (toward Jiandingpo) and get off at Lianglukou Station.
    • Walk approximately 500 meters to Chongqing Railway Station.
  • Fare: Around 7 RMB, depending on the distance.
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Pick-Up Point: Exit 9 on the first floor of T3A Terminal.
  • Route:
    • Take Airport Express Line K01 to Shangqing Temple.
    • Transfer to bus line 0491 or another bus heading toward Lianglukou Station.
    • Walk 500 meters to Chongqing Railway Station.
  • Fare:
    • Airport Shuttle: 15 RMB per person.
    • City Bus: 2 RMB.
  • Duration: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes (traffic-dependent).

3. Taxi

  • Pick-Up Point: Taxi stand on the first floor of the parking building at T3A Terminal.
  • Route: Directly take a taxi to Chongqing Railway Station.
  • Fare Estimate:
    • Daytime: Approximately 50 RMB.
    • Nighttime: Approximately 60 RMB.
  • Duration: Around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

4. Ride-Hailing Services

  • Pick-Up Point: Ride-hailing zone on the B1 level of the parking building at T3A Terminal.
  • Route: Use a ride-hailing app and input “Chongqing Railway Station” as your destination.
  • Fare Estimate:
    • Daytime: About 45 RMB.
    • Nighttime: About 55 RMB.
  • Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

From T2 Terminal

1. Metro

  • Pick-Up Point: Metro station near Doors 5 and 7 on the arrival level of T2 Terminal.
  • Route:
    • Board Metro Line 10 (toward Liyuchi) to Hongtudi Station.
    • Transfer to Line 6 (toward Tea Garden) and continue to Xiaoshizi Station.
    • Switch to Line 1 (toward Jiandingpo) and get off at Lianglukou Station.
    • Walk approximately 500 meters to Chongqing Railway Station.
  • Fare: Around 7 RMB.
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Pick-Up Point: Exit 3 on the arrival level of T2 Terminal, then turn right to the shuttle bus stop.
  • Route:
    • Take Airport Express Line K01 to Shangqing Temple.
    • Transfer to bus line 0491 or another bus heading toward Lianglukou Station.
    • Walk 500 meters to Chongqing Railway Station.
  • Fare:
    • Airport Shuttle: 15 RMB per person.
    • City Bus: 2 RMB.
  • Duration: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes (traffic-dependent).

3. Taxi

  • Pick-Up Point: Taxi stand near Exit 3 on the arrival level of T2 Terminal.
  • Route: Directly take a taxi to Chongqing Railway Station.
  • Fare Estimate:
    • Daytime: Approximately 50 RMB.
    • Nighttime: Approximately 60 RMB.
  • Duration: Around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

4. Ride-Hailing Services

  • Pick-Up Point: Near Exits 3 or 6 on the arrival level of T2 Terminal. Follow the pedestrian signs to the designated ride-hailing pickup area.
  • Route: Use a ride-hailing app and input “Chongqing Railway Station” as your destination.
  • Fare Estimate:
    • Daytime: About 45 RMB.
    • Nighttime: About 55 RMB.
  • Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Guide

Tax Refund Process

If you’re eligible for a tax refund at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, follow these steps:

Step 1: Customs Inspection and Stamping (Before Security Check)

  • Location: Customs inspection point near Area 3B on the 4th floor of the departure level.
  • Hours: Open 24/7.
Customs declaration area for tax refunds at T3 Terminal, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Step 2: Claim Your Refund (After Security Check)

  • Location: After passing through security, follow signs to the tax refund counter located at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) window.
  • Hours: Open 24/7.
  • Refund Options:
    • For refunds below 10,000 RMB: Cash or bank transfer.
    • For refunds exceeding 10,000 RMB: Bank transfer only.
  • Refund Rate: Approximately 9% of the invoice amount (11% refund rate minus a 2% service fee).

Buying a SIM Card

For travelers needing a local SIM card:

  • Location: T3A Terminal, 4th floor, near Area 3B.
  • Price: 50 RMB for 30GB of data.
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

This option is perfect for staying connected during your trip in China.

Inter-Terminal Transportation: T3A to T2 and T2 to T3A

Shuttle Bus

  • Pick-Up Points:
    • From T3A: L1 level near Door 9.
    • From T2: Domestic arrival area near Doors 4 and 7.
  • Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM, with buses every 30 minutes.
  • Fare: Free of charge.
  • Duration: 18–23 minutes.
Signboard for inter-terminal shuttle bus between T3 and T2 at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Metro

  • Pick-Up Points:
    • From T3A: Parking building, B1 level.
    • From T2: Arrival level near Doors 5 and 7.
  • Operating Hours:
    • Monday to Friday: 6:38 AM – 11:23 PM.
    • Saturday and Sunday: 6:33 AM – 11:23 PM.
  • Fare: 2 RMB.

Dining Options at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Whether you need a caffeine boost or a quick snack, T3A Terminal offers several options:

  • Pacific Coffee
    • Location: Departure Hall, L438.
    • Hours: 5:00 AM until the last flight departs.
  • Starbucks
    • Location: Departure Hall, F08.
    • Hours: 5:00 AM until the last flight departs.
  • Ya Kun Coffee & Toast
    • Location: Departure Hall, F21.
    • Hours: 5:00 AM until the last flight departs.

Duty-Free Shop Hours

  • Location: Comprehensive Duty-Free Shop, located in the international arrivals baggage claim area at T3A Terminal, near Gate 19.
  • Hours: Open 24/7.

Luggage Storage Locations and Fees

T3A Terminal

  • Location: Departure level, north of Check-In Island 3H.
  • Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
  • Pricing:
    • Large suitcase:
      • 0–6 hours: 20 RMB.
      • 6–12 hours: 30 RMB.
      • 12–24 hours: 40 RMB.

T2 Terminal

  • Location: Departure level, behind Check-In Island 2C.
  • Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
  • Pricing: Same as T3A Terminal.

Currency Exchange Services

  • T3A Terminal (International Arrivals)
    • Location: G1TL01 area.
    • Hours: Open 24/7.
  • T3 Terminal (Departure Level)
    • Location: 2F, near Counter 3B.
    • Hours: Open 24/7.

Free Wi-Fi at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

The airport offers free Wi-Fi, which you can access through four different login methods:

  • SMS Authentication: Available for users with a Chinese mobile number.
  • WeChat Login: Connect by authenticating through your WeChat account.
  • Token Machines: Designed for travelers without a mobile number to generate temporary login credentials.

Can You Stay Overnight at the Airport?

Yes, the airport accommodates overnight travelers with the following facilities:

Free Resting Area

  • Location: T3 Terminal, Departure Level, near Check-In Island 3J on the 4th floor.
  • Amenities:
    • Luggage storage.
    • Restrooms.
    • Nursing rooms.
    • Vending machines.
    • Water dispensers.
    • Charging stations.
    • Massage chairs.

Paid Sleeping Pods

  • Location: T3 Terminal, Arrival Level, near Gate 7.
  • Description: There are 16 sleeping pods available, similar to capsule hotels, each equipped with a massage chair and a private, enclosed resting space for one person.
  • Pricing:
    • Options include 1, 1.5, 2, or 6 hours.
    • Full-night stay: 130 RMB per night.
Napping pod with massage chair at T3 Terminal, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Check-In Deadlines

Make sure to arrive at the airport with ample time to complete check-in procedures:

  • Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 40 minutes before departure.
  • International Flights: Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure.

How to plan your Chongqing trip

Chongqing is famous for its mountain city landscape, riverside night views, cable cars, and unique urban culture. A short stay of 2 days works well for city highlights, while 4–5 days allows you to explore Red Rock history and extend your journey to Wulong’s UNESCO landscapes. Here are our most popular private tour options:

  • Chongqing and Wulong 5-Day Private Tour — Chongqing city icons, Red Rock history, and Wulong’s UNESCO landscapes all covered with easy private transfers.
  • Chongqing 4-Day Private Tour — Private car service to Red Rock sites, Ciqikou, Liziba, and the Yangtze Cableway with pandas, photo spots, and relaxed city exploration.
  • Chongqing 2-Day Private Tour — Private car access to cableway rides, Hongya Cave, Liziba, and key museums for a compact but immersive Chongqing experience.

Essential Chongqing Travel Resources