π Chongqing Metro Guide
Navigate Chongqing like a local - complete subway guide for international visitors
Operating Hours
6:00 AM - 23:00 PM
Some lines extended to 23:30
Ticket Prices
Β₯2 - Β₯7 per trip
Distance-based fare system
Payment Methods
Chongqing Transit Card, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Single-ride tickets available
Recommended App
Chongqing Metro App
Official app with English support
Chongqing Metro Map
High-resolution official English metro map. Click to zoom or download for offline use.
Essential Metro Information
π Operating Hours
Most Chongqing metro lines operate from 6:00 AM to 23:00 PM daily. First trains typically depart around 6:00 AM, and last trains depart around 23:00 PM.
β οΈ Note: Operating hours may vary by line and station. Check station notices for specific timetables.
π° Ticket Prices
Metro fares are distance-based, typically ranging from Β₯2 to Β₯7 per trip:
- 0-6 km: Β₯2
- 6-11 km: Β₯3
- 11-17 km: Β₯4
- 17-24 km: Β₯5
- 24-32 km: Β₯6
- Over 32 km: Β₯7
Children under 1.3 meters travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
π« How to Buy Tickets
Option 1: Single Journey Ticket
Purchase at ticket vending machines (available in English) or staffed counters at any station. Cash and mobile payments accepted.
Option 2: Rechargeable Card (Recommended)
Buy a transit card at any station for a refundable deposit (usually Β₯25). Top up at machines or counters. Offers convenience and avoids ticket queues.
Option 3: Mobile Payment
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes to enter and exit stations. Look for the QR code scanner at gates.
π Riding Rules
- Queue up and let passengers exit before boarding
- Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left
- No eating or drinking on trains or in stations
- Keep your ticket/card until you exit (you'll need it to leave the station)
- Priority seating is reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with young children
- No smoking anywhere in the station or on trains
Top Attractions & Nearest Stations
Quick reference for foreign tourists: attraction name, nearest metro station, line, exit, and walking time.
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line | Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hongya Cave | Xiaoshizi | Line 1 / Line 6 | Exit 9 | 5 min |
| Liziba Station (Train Through Building) | Liziba | Line 2 | Exit B | 1 min |
| Ciqikou Ancient Town | Ciqikou | Line 1 | Exit 1 | 3 min |
| Three Gorges Museum | Shangqingsi | Line 2 / Line 3 | Exit 1 | 5 min |
| Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street | Xiaoshizi | Line 1 / Line 6 | Exit 6 | 3 min |
π‘ Tip: The famous "train through building" photo spot is at Liziba Station (Line 2). The viewing platform is outside Exit B.
Line Guide & Transfer Tips
Chongqing Metro Line 2 (Green Monorail)
Route: Yudong β Jiaochangkou
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 23:00 PM
Major Attractions: Liziba (train through building), Shangqingsi (Three Gorges Museum), Jiefangbei
Key Transfer Stations:
- Jiaochangkou (Transfer to Line 1)
- Niujiaotuo (Transfer to Line 3)
- Shangqingsi (Transfer to Line 3)
How to Transfer Between Lines
- Follow the signs: Look for transfer signs with line colors and arrows
- Allow extra time: Transfers can take 5-15 minutes depending on station size
- Keep your ticket: You don't need to exit and re-enter; just follow transfer paths
- Use navigation apps: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps show transfer routes
π‘ Pro Tips:
- During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), transfers can be very crowded
- Chongqing is a mountain city - some transfers involve long walks or escalators
- If lost, ask station staff for help (many speak basic English)
Travel Tips for Foreigners
π± Essential Apps
- Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps: For route planning and real-time navigation
- Alipay / WeChat: For mobile payments (set up before your trip)
- Google Translate: Download offline Chinese package before traveling
- Chongqing Metro App: For metro maps and planning
π£οΈ Language Barriers
Most metro signs are in both Chinese and English. However:
- Announcements are primarily in Chinese (some lines have English announcements)
- Station staff may not speak English - use translation apps
- Keep your destination written in Chinese characters as a backup
- Metro maps in English are available at information counters
π³ Payment Methods
Recommended: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip (requires Chinese bank account or international card binding).
Alternative: Buy a rechargeable transit card (Β₯25 refundable deposit + fare balance). Available at any station.
Emergency Option: Single journey tickets can be purchased with cash at vending machines (English interface available).
β° Rush Hour Avoidance
Avoid traveling during peak hours if possible:
- Morning Rush: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Trains can be extremely crowded, and you may need to wait for several trains to board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the train-passing-through-building work at Liziba?
Liziba Station on Line 2 is famous for the train that passes through a 19-story residential building. The station was built first, and the building constructed around it with sound insulation. The best viewing spot is outside Exit B. You can ride the train through the building - it takes only about 30 seconds to pass through!
How do I get to Hongya Cave by metro?
Take Metro Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 9). From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to Hongya Cave, a stunning traditional stilt-house complex built along the cliffsides of the Jialing River. The area is beautiful at night when illuminated. The nearby Grand Theatre Station also provides access.
Does Chongqing Metro connect to the airports?
Yes! Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is served by Line 3 (Airport Express). Take Line 3 directly to Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 stations. The journey from central Chongqing (Jiefangbei) takes about 35-40 minutes. Chongqing also has Wulong Airport for regional flights, not directly served by metro.
Why are some Chongqing metro stations so deep?
Chongqing's mountainous terrain means some stations are built very deep underground - some platform depths exceed 60 meters! The longest escalators in the Chinese metro system are at Chongqing's Hongghu Station. Be prepared for long escalator rides and stairs when transferring. Most stations have multiple levels and clearly marked exits.
Is Chongqing Metro English-friendly?
Major stations have bilingual signage, and the Chongqing Metro app offers English support. Ticket machines provide English interface. However, English-speaking staff is limited outside tourist areas. At stations like Xiaoshizi, Liziba, and Ciqikou, staff often have basic English skills due to the high number of visitors.