Chongqing Metro Guide: Navigating the “Mountain City” Rail Transit (CRT)

Written by Candice Zhao | Updated March 27,2026

As of now, Chongqing already has 13 metro lines, connecting its central urban areas and main suburban districts. So metro is one of the most efficient public transportation means to reach the iconic attractions and transportation hubs.

Due to the magical 8D terrain in the city, the design of some metro stations are very unique and they have been popular photography spots, such as the Liziba Station of Chongqing metro line 2, where the rail transit passes through a building.

You may want to know how to take the metro. In this article, we will introduce the step-to-step guide to board the train and navigate the station, the metro map, timetable and characteristic stations, etc. For the convenience of international travelers, all metro stations accept both mobile payment and international credit cards for ticket purchases, making it more convenient for international visitors. If you are planning a Chongqing tour, this guide will be very helpful.

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• 2026 Map & Lines
• Tickets, Hours, Payment, How to Ride
• Unique Metro Stations in Chongqing
• Tips for Metro Travel
• Explore with China Xian Tour
• FAQs

Chongqing Metro Map & Lines (2026 Update)

The rail transit system is the backbone of public transportation in Chongqing and consists of 13 lines. Visitors can travel to most attractions and transportation hubs by metro.

Key Tourist Lines

2026 Visitor Guide: Tickets, Hours, Payment, How to Ride

Ticket Fares & Payment Methods

• Ticket Fare

The ticket fare for Chongqing subway is based on the travel distance. Generally, the fare ranges from CNY 2 to 11. The detailed cost is listed below.

• Payment Methods

Mobile payment: the most recommended method. Alipay and Wechat Pay are the most popular choices. Both apps support international credit cards, like Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, American Express, etc. After binding the card, activate the transport QR code and scan the code to enter the station directly.

Another way is to use the official app, Yuchangxing (渝畅行). After download and registration, bind the Alipay or Wechat Pay. Then you will get the ride code to take the subway.

Buy a ticket on site: if you only travel in Chongqing for a short time, this is the most convenient way. And at any the ticket window, international travelers can pay directly using international credit cards.

There are also some multi-day passes for tourists. If you take the metro more than 4 times in one day, it will be a cost-effective choice.

Operating Hours and Peak Times

The operating hours for Chongqing subway are basically from 06:30 to 23:00. However, the specific time for each line, each direction and each station will be slightly different. On public holidays, some lines will extend the operating hours to about 00:00.

07:30 – 09:00 and 17:30 – 19:15 are the peak times. If you are not in a hurry, it is recommended to avoid the two periods.

Step-by-step Guide to Take the Train

To ensure you can take the metro in Chongqing smoothly, we provide the step-by-step guide below.

• Step 1:Find the entrance. Each entrance is marked with the symbol of Chongqing rail transit.

• Step 2:Go through the security check. Put all your luggage on the conveyor belt, then you go through the security gate and undergo a manual check.

• Step 3: Buy the ticket or get your transport QR code ready. If you use the ticket, place it in the sensing area of the turnstile, which is usually marked with a green circle. After the gate opens, retrieve the ticket and pass through. If you use the ride code, align it with the scanning area to enter.

• Step 4: Board the train.Follow the sign inside the station to confirm the correct line and direction and go to the corresponding platform. After the train comes, board the train.

Tips: There are two trains heading in opposite directions at the same platform. To avoid boarding the wrong train, please check the route and direction on your map first. Then look for the sign overhead and follow the sign for your destination, such as “To Xinqiao Gaoyantan”. The signs are usually in both Chinese and English and are friendly to foreign visitors.

• Step 5: Get off and exit. Please listen to the announcement and pay attention to the display screens inside the carriage. Make sure you get off at the right station. Then follow the exit sign to the right exit. If you use a single journey ticket, insert it into the recovery port. For other tickets or ride codes, just swipe the ticket or scan the code again.

Essential Navigation Apps for English Speakers

Amap and Baidu Map are the two main navigation apps to take the rail transit in Chongqing. Both apps include navigation for driving, walking, cycling and public transportation.

Amap has launched the Amap Global Version. It is designed specially for overseas users. A total of 16 languages are supported. And you can search the destination with English name directly. So it is more recommended for international travelers.

Though Baidu Map does not have a dedicated international version, it also supports 12 languages and allows users to switch languages in settings menu directly. It is advised to search with Chinese pinyin to ensure you can get the result you want.

Unique Metro Stations in Chongqing

Due to the magical terrain, Chongqing has constructed some characteristic metro stations, which have been the must-visit scenic spots for most tourists during their Chongqing tours.

Liziba Station (Line 2) – Metro Passing Through the Building

Liziba Station is a striking example of the 8D magical terrain in Chongqing and the most famous station of the Chongqing subway. The station actually occupies the 6 – 8^th floor of the building. The floors below the station are commercial and office spaces and the floors above are residential units. Thanks to the advanced noise reduction and shock absorption technology, the metro will not affect residents on other floors.

Tourists are often curious about whether the station or the building was constructed first. In fact, they are planned and built simultaneously. The site is in a complex area with mountains, roads, riverbanks and dense residential areas. Due to the high cost of large-scale demolition and the limited flat land, the design of passing through the building can minimize the influence on the original residential area and environment greatly.

Here are the recommended spots to take great photos of the scene:

1. Inside the metro: You can sit at the front carriage of metro line 2 and catch the moment the metro enters the building, offering you an immersive experience.
2. The viewing platform across the road:Standing on the platform, you can get a panoramic view of the metro entering and leaving the station. Also, it is the best place to capture some creative photos, such as “hold” the metro in your hands or “swallow” the metro with your mouth.
3. Exit 2 of the station: this spot is very close to the metro train. You will see the light rail whizzing right overhead and feel the vibrations and sounds. It is incredibly awe-inspiring.
4. Lansheng Pavilion viewpoint:this pavilion is about 10 minutes’ walking away from the exit 2 of metro station. At a relatively high position, it offers a panoramic scene of the train, the bridge and the river in the same frame.

5 DAYS

5 Days Chongqing Highlights and Nature Tour

Explore This Tour

Hongyancun Station (Line 5, 9) – The Deepest

As the deepest station in the Chongqing metro system, Hongyancun Station is 116 meters underground, about the height of a 40-floor building. If entering from entrance 4, you will take 8 super-long escalators continuously, which will take about 8 minutes. It is like a journey diving into the earth. There is also a high-speed elevator next to entrance 4. It can transport you between the station hall and the ground in just about 40 seconds.

Besides, the vertical height difference between the entrance 2 at the foot of the mountain and the entrance 4 at the top is 141 meters. There are a total of 860 steps between the two entrances and this long stair has been designated as the marathon circuit. No matter you want to experience the three-dimensional terrain of Chongqing or to challenge yourself, this track is worth trying.

Essential Tips for Metro Travel in Chongqing

• English Signs and Announcements:All the signs and announcements inside the metro stations in Chongqing are in Chinese and English. The train will also broadcast information, such as arrival and transfer, in English. It is easy for international travelers to navigate.
• Pinyin Station Names: The station names are usually marked with Chinese and pinyin. So it is advised to search and record the pinyin of your destination in advance so that you can check conveniently when taking the metro.
• Metro Map: Metro maps are displayed in stations and inside metro trains.
• Accessible Elevators:All the stations are equipped with accessible elevators to facilitate tourists carrying heavy luggage or using a wheelchair or a stroller.
• Luggage Deposit: In 7 metro station, there are free lockers for tourists to temporarily store their luggage. The specific stations are:

Metro Line 1: Chaotianmen Station, Jiangchangkou Station, Shiyoulu Station

Loop Line: Shapingba Station, Danzishi Station, Sigongli Station, Chongqingxi Station

• Deep Metro Stations: Hongtudi Station and Hongyancun Station are the two deepest stations for Chongqing metro. It takes about 5 minutes to take the escalator from the platform to the exit. If you carry a lot of luggage, it is suggested to take the elevator. And leave an extra 5 to 10 minutes for entering and exiting the station.
• Transfer:In large transfer stations, such as Lianglukou, Hongqihegou and Niujiaotuo, the transfer channel is relatively long. Please follow the sign of “transfer” and leave enough time for transfer.

Explore Chongqing with China Xian Tour

When planning the Chongqing tour, you may already know that the city features complex terrain and many tourists get lost when they visit the city for the first time. So joining a guided tour will save much time and energy. Travelling with China Xian Tour, our local guide can take you to experience the light rail of passing through the building. We can also arrange a private vehicle to transfer you between scenic areas seamlessly. Then you can have more time for sightseeing. Another highlight is that we are dedicated to tailor-made trips. So our travel consultant will plan the itinerary based on your demands and interests. Just contact us now to enjoy a carefree tour.

FAQs about Chongqing Subway System

Why Chongqing Uses Monorail Systems (Light Rail)?

Among the 13 Chongqing metro lines, lines 2 and 3 are monorails, Jiangtiao Line and Bitong Line are suburban lines and the rest are traditional metro lines. Taking the unique mountainous terrain, economic benefits and technological innovation into account, monorail is the idealist choice for line 2 and 3. As a famous mountainous city, the terrain is highly undulating and the roads are narrow and winding.

Monorail has a strong climbing ability and a small turning radius, which can better adapt to complex terrain. Besides, its construction cost is lower and the construction period is shorter. With elevated structure, it also occupies a small area. Overall, it has less impact on the original terrain and environment.

What are the planned future lines for Chongqing metro?

The phase I of lines 7, 15, 17 and 24, the East Railway Station section of line 6, the northern extension section of line 18, and line 27 are under construction and scheduled to be put into use before 2028.

Which line is recommended to connect Jiangbei Airport and city center?

Both metro lines 3 and 10 connect the airport and downtown Chongqing. In brief, line 3 offers better scenery along the way, while line 10 takes less time. The differences are listed below for your reference.