Chongqing Travel Guide: Diverse Transportation Options
Chongqing, a mountainous city with unique geographical features, has not only created a unique cityscape, but also given rise to a rich variety of means of transportation. For foreign tourists who are new to the city, understanding these modes of transportation can make your trip to Chongqing more convenient and interesting.
Rail transportation: a convenient artery in the city’s veins
Chongqing’s rail transportation is an excellent choice for getting around, covering both the subway and the light rail. The lines are like a fine net, spreading all corners of the city, making it easy to reach both popular attractions and bustling business districts. The line runs from around 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it the perfect choice for daily travel. Ticketing is super convenient. Ticket vending machines support cash and mobile payment, making it quick and easy to buy a one-way ticket; download the “YuChangXing” APP and scan the code to enter the station without queuing up to buy a ticket; and if you plan to stay for a long period of time, applying for a transportation card not only gives you certain discounts, but also eliminates the hassle of purchasing a ticket. Prices are based on mileage, starting at 2 RMB with the longest trip costing about 10 yuan, which is very cost-effective. For example, if you take the railroad from Jiangbei Airport to Jiefangbei, you can get there comfortably and quickly for only about 5 RMB.
Buses: a city tour that goes deep into the streets and alleys
Buses are an important part of Chongqing’s daily routine, with routes as rich as the city’s capillaries, taking you deep into every alley and street. Most buses run from 6am to 9pm, and some popular routes have a special nighttime service. Regular bus fares are 1-2 yuan, and you may be able to get a discount by using a transportation card. However, the roads in the mountain city are very undulating, and some of the bus routes go through steep slopes and curves, so remember to hold on to the handrails when you ride the bus, and experience this unique “mountain city drift” bus tour, which is also a way to feel the characteristics of Chongqing.
Cab and Internet Taxi: Comfortable and Direct Travel Assistants
Chongqing’s colorful and recognizable cabs are easy to pick up as they make their way through the streets and alleys. The starting price is around RMB 10 for 3 kilometers, and around RMB 2 for each kilometer beyond that, with a price increase at night. If you don’t want to wait on the side of the road, you can also use an online taxi, which is popular on platforms such as DDT and T3. You can estimate the cost of your trip from your cell phone, and the price is transparent. You can also specify where you want to get on the bus and enjoy door-to-door pickup and drop-off by the driver, which is especially suitable for tourists who are carrying luggage or in a hurry.
Yangtze River Ropeway: A Wonderful Journey Across the Yangtze River
The Yangtze River Ropeway is a unique feature of Chongqing’s transportation and a must-have item for tourists. Sitting in the car, overlooking both sides of the Yangtze River from a high altitude, the river breeze brushing the cheeks, not to mention how cozy. A one-way ticket costs 20 yuan and a round-trip ticket costs 30 yuan. In just a few minutes, you can cross the Yangtze River, and on the way, you can also take in iconic landscapes such as Hongyadong and Dongshuimen Bridge, which is a unique experience that can definitely become an unforgettable memory of your trip to Chongqing.
Ferry: A Cozy Time Machine on the Long River
Ferry has a long history in Chongqing, and nowadays it is both a daily mode of transportation for some citizens as well as a unique sightseeing experience for tourists. Take a ferry ride and enjoy the scenery of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers at a slow pace, and feel the unique flavor of this river city. Fares vary according to different routes, usually between 2 – 10 RMB. For example, the route from Chaotianmen to Bouncing Stone costs only 2 yuan, and you will be rewarded with a different kind of scenery on the river.
Sightseeing buses: a convenient way to link up attractions
If you want to easily visit the major attractions in Chongqing, the sightseeing bus is a good choice. It connects popular attractions such as Hongyadong, Jiefangbei, and Magnetic Stone Mouth, making it possible to enjoy multiple attractions with a single ticket. Sightseeing buses usually have all-day passes that cost around 30-50 RMB and allow you to get on and off the bus multiple times in a day, making it easy to stop and enjoy your favorite attractions at any time. The buses are also equipped with guided tours to help you learn more about the stories behind the attractions.
In Chongqing, there is a wide variety of transportation options to meet all your travel needs. Whether you are looking for speed or want to take your time to enjoy the scenery along the way, you can find the most suitable way to travel and start a wonderful trip to Chongqing.
