Complete Guide to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport: Transport, Facilities, and Tips

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!

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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.

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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.

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).

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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).

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.