Nestled where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers collide, Chongqing—China’s "8D city" of layered skyscrapers, fiery hotpot, and misty hills—is easier to reach than you think. Whether you’re flying internationally or riding China’s high-speed rail network, here’s your ultimate access guide:
International Direct Flights (as of 2024):
Asia:
Seoul (ICN) – Air China, Sichuan Airlines (4h)
Tokyo (NRT/HND) – All Nippon Airways, China Southern (4.5h)
Singapore (SIN) – Scoot, Chongqing Airlines (5h)
Bangkok (BKK) – Thai Airways, Spring Airlines (3h)
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – AirAsia (4h)
Europe:
Frankfurt (FRA) – Lufthansa (10h)
Rome (FCO) – Neos Air (Seasonal, 10h)
Major Connecting Hubs:
No direct flight from your city? Connect via:
Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN): 2.5-3h domestic flights to CKG.
Hong Kong (HKG): 2h flight with Cathay Pacific or Chongqing Airlines.
Chongqing’s Chongqing North Station (Chongqingbei 重庆北站) and Chongqing West Station (Chongqingxi 重庆西站) link to 20+ cities. Key routes:
RouteDurationFrequencyScenic Highlights| Chengdu | 1.5h | Every 15min | Sichuan basin’s rapeseed fields |
| Xi’an | 5h | 12/day | Qinling Mountains tunnels |
| Beijing | 10h | 5/day | North China plains |
| Shanghai | 8h | 8/day | Yangtze River Delta |
| Guangzhou | 7h | 6/day | Karst landscapes near Guilin |
| Wuhan | 5h | 10/day | Crossing the Yangtze Bridge |
| Guiyang | 2h | 20/day | Dramatic Guizhou tunnels |
| Changsha | 6h | 8/day | Dongting Lake vistas |
Pro Tips:
Book tickets early via 12306.cn (English interface) or apps like Trip.com.
Opt for G-class trains (fastest) over D-class for longer routes.
Stations have English signage; arrive 45min early for security.
From Europe: Fly to Beijing ➔ HSR to Chongqing (10h train). Break up the journey with a night in Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors.
From Southeast Asia: Direct flight to CKG ➔ HSR to Chengdu (1.5h) for pandas post-trip.
Visa: Most travelers need a China visa; 144-hour transit visa available if connecting internationally.
Airport Transit: CKG’s T3 has a metro line (Line 10) to downtown (40min, ¥6). Taxis cost ¥60-80.
Chongqing’s Terrain: Pack comfy shoes—this city has more stairs than an Escher painting!
Chongqing awaits with neon-lit alleys, chili-laced aromas, and a skyline that defies gravity. Whether you soar above clouds or race through mountain tunnels, the journey is just the first taste of its magic.