Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) Guide for Beginners
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is an extremely important mega-aviation hub in Southwest China. For complete beginners, although this airport is huge, its multi-dimensional transportation network is very well-designed. The airport currently mainly operates Terminal 2 (T2) and Terminal 3 (T3), which are about 7 kilometers apart.
⚠️ Beginner Warning: According to the latest plan, on December 23, 2025, the remaining flights of 4 airlines currently at Terminal 2 will be completely relocated to Terminal 3. Please be sure to double-check which terminal your flight departs from to avoid going to the wrong place!
How to get from Chongqing Airport to downtown and surrounding areas?
How to get from Chongqing Airport to downtown and surrounding areas?
Option 1: The “Traffic-Jam Proof” Rail Transit (Subway) Chongqing is known as a “Magic 8D City.” If you are afraid of getting lost on the complex roads or hitting rush hour traffic, the subway is the absolute first choice for beginners:
- Metro Line 10: This line connects both T2 and T3 and takes you directly to Chongqing North Railway Station, Liyuchi, Zengjiayan, and other downtown areas. Operating hours are roughly from 6:30 to 23:50, with fares ranging from 2 to 10 RMB.
- Metro Line 3: Mainly serving Terminal 2, this line heads towards Yudong and Jurenba, passing through popular spots like Chongqing North Station South Square and Sigongli. Fares are also 2-10 RMB.
Option 2: Seamless “Air-Rail Link” (High-Speed Trains) Want to eat hotpot in Chengdu, Sichuan right after landing? No problem! There is a high-speed train station right inside the airport:
- Jiangbei Airport Station: Beginners simply need to take the elevator to the B2 level in the T3 Arrival Hall and walk directly to the “Jiangbei Airport High-Speed Railway Station”. From here, you can catch bullet trains to Chongqing North, Chongqing West, as well as Chengdu East, Shuangliu Airport, Leshan, and Mount Emei in Sichuan Province.
Option 3: “Luggage-Friendly” City Airport Buses
- Line K01: This bus takes you directly from the airport to Jiefangbei (Guotai Center), the absolute core commercial district of Chongqing.
- Line D620: This route connects Lvmeng Square, Jiangbei Airport, and Chongqing East Railway Station.
- Regular Public Transit (T2): If you are at T2, you can walk to the “Jingang International Bus Station” opposite T2A, where you can choose from multiple regular bus routes like 613, 616, 685, 692, and 694.
Option 4: Extremely Convenient “Intercity Buses” (to Suburbs and Other Provinces) Chongqing Airport boasts a massive intercity road transport network, reaching not only the far suburbs of Chongqing but also directly to Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan provinces.
Highly Recommended “Intercity Express”: Many routes offer not only regular large buses but also smaller commercial “Intercity Express” (城际快客) vans. The best part is that many of these offer free door-to-door pick-up and drop-off in the destination’s downtown area (dropping you right at your hotel or neighborhood). You can search and buy tickets directly on the WeChat mini-program “渝客行” (Yuke Xing).
Wide Coverage: Suburbs like Zhongxian, Dianjiang, Dazu, Yongchuan, and Wulong; cities in Sichuan such as Luzhou, Nanchong, Zigong, and Guang’an; and Zhenxiong in Yunnan Province.
Comprehensive Services at Chongqing Jiangbei Airport
Where can I eat at Chongqing Airport?
Chongqing Airport is not just a transport hub; it’s like a food court. In Terminal 3, you can eat authentic Chongqing spicy noodles (Xiaomian), hot and sour rice noodles, and even find authentic Chongqing hotpot restaurants! Familiar fast-food chains and cafes like McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, and Luckin Coffee are also widely available before and after security.
Are there vegetarian or Halal restaurants?
Most Chinese chain restaurants offer pure vegetarian noodle dishes or side plates. To accommodate diverse dietary needs, there are also specialized restaurants with clear Halal certification signs inside the terminals. You can look for the signs or ask the information desk for directions.
Where can I stay near Chongqing Airport?
If you arrive late at night or have an early morning flight, T3 has highly convenient hourly lounges and capsule hotels inside the terminal. In addition, there are numerous business and star-rated hotels in the surrounding areas (such as near the Jingang International commercial circle), most of which offer free 24-hour airport shuttle services.
Where can I shop at Chongqing Airport?
Terminal 3 has a large-scale commercial area. If you are taking an international or regional flight, you can buy tax-free cosmetics, perfumes, and liquors at the duty-free shops. In the domestic areas, there are many specialty stores where beginners can conveniently buy Chongqing hotpot base, Chen Mahua (fried dough twists), beef jerky, and other local souvenirs all in one stop.
Where can I get a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device?
At the international arrival exit of T3, there are dedicated telecommunication service counters and self-service kiosks. Overseas travelers who have just arrived in China can purchase local prepaid SIM cards or rent portable Wi-Fi devices here.
Where can I exchange currency or find ATMs?
Foreign currency exchange counters are prominently located in the international departure and arrival halls. ATMs from major Chinese banks are also widely distributed throughout the airport, supporting cash withdrawals in RMB using international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay logos.
How do I store/check my luggage?
Both T2 and T3 have “Luggage Storage” service desks. If you feel it’s inconvenient to drag your heavy luggage downtown to eat hotpot, you can securely store your bags at the airport for a small fee based on the number of items and the storage duration.
