How to Get Around Chongqing: Metro, Taxis & the 8D City

The short answer: take the metro. Chongqing is a vertical city where GPS fails, streets are stairs, and the “yellow Ferrari” taxis drive like race cars. The metro is cheap, fast, and the only sane way around. Budget ¥2–8 per metro ride.

The Metro: Your Best Friend

Chongqing’s metro is one of the most spectacular in the world — it runs through apartment buildings (Liziba Station), crosses rivers on bridges, and dives deep underground. It’s also the most reliable way to navigate the 8D city.

• Lines you’ll use most: Line 1 (Jiefangbei, Ciqikou), Line 2 (Liziba, the scenic river line), Line 3 (airport, Guanyinqiao), Line 6 (Hongya Cave area).
• Payment: Scan a QR code with Alipay or WeChat Pay at the gates — no ticket needed.
• Fares: ¥2–8 per ride, depending on distance.
• Peak hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM — avoid if you can; the trains get packed.

Taxis & Didi: The Yellow Ferraris

Chongqing’s taxis are bright yellow — locals call them “yellow Ferraris” (黄色法拉利) because the drivers are famously aggressive. They’re safe, but if you get carsick easily, take the metro.

• Flag-fall: About ¥10.
• Didi: The ride-hailing app works well in Chongqing — set your pickup point carefully, because the streets are confusing.
• Warning: GPS is unreliable in the vertical city — the driver may call you to confirm the exact spot. Be patient.

Airport Transfer: Jiangbei Airport (CKG)

• Metro Line 10: From Jiangbei Airport to downtown in about 40 minutes — the best option. Cheap, reliable, and no traffic.
• Taxi/Didi: About 40–60 minutes depending on traffic, ¥60–100.
• Tip: The airport is on the north side of the city — the metro is almost always faster than a taxi in rush hour.

The Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道)

A 5-minute cable car ride across the Yangtze — a tourist attraction and a piece of local history. The queue can be 1 hour.

• Best time: Late afternoon, ride at dusk for the best light.
• Alternative: Skip it and photograph the cable cars from Baixiangju (白象居) — the free photo spot.

Walking: The Real Chongqing Experience

Chongqing is a city of stairs and slopes — walking is part of the experience, but wear comfortable shoes. The Shancheng Trail (山城步道) is a cliffside path that’s perfect for a slow walk through old Chongqing.

Common Pitfalls

• GPS failure: Maps get confused in the vertical city. Use the metro and ask locals — they’re friendly and used to lost tourists.
• “Same name, different level”: Chongqing buildings have multiple street levels — a “1st floor” might be 10 stories up. Check the exact entrance before you go.
• Peak-hour taxis: Traffic jams are brutal — the metro is almost always faster.

FAQ

What is the best way to get around Chongqing? The metro — the only sane way to navigate the vertical city.

How do I get from Jiangbei Airport to the city? Metro Line 10, about 40 minutes.

Are Chongqing taxis safe? Yes, but the yellow Ferrari drivers are aggressive — take the metro if you get carsick.

Does GPS work in Chongqing? Not reliably — use the metro and ask locals.

Is the Yangtze River Cableway worth it? Go at dusk for the best views, or skip it and photograph from Baixiangju.

Last updated: October 2026.