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
  • 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.

Essential Chongqing Travel Resources