Overview
The Chongqing Rail Transit (branded as CRT; also known as Chongqing Metro) is a comprehensive rapid transit system that serves all eight central districts and nearby suburbs of Chongqing. As one of the world's largest metro systems by length, it features unique engineering feats necessitated by the city's mountainous terrain and river valleys, including the world's longest monorail system and several record-breaking bridges. To ride the system, you can use various lines to navigate between major hubs, shopping districts, and transportation centers. All services are air-conditioned, and announcements are provided in both Mandarin and English.
The network
The transit network includes a variety of rail and road transport options:
- Metro/Subway: The system features 12 heavy rail lines (Lines 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 18, the Loop line, Jiangtiao line, and Bitong line) and two high-capacity heavy monorail lines (Lines 2 and 3). Notable features include:
- Line 1: A heavy-rail backbone connecting central districts like Jiefangbei and Shapingba.
- Line 2: A monorail line featuring the Liziba station, where trains pass through a residential building.
- Line 3: The world's longest and busiest single monorail line, connecting northern and southern districts across major rivers.
- Loop Line (环线 - Huánxiàn): A yellow-coded loop that connects several major railway stations and allows transfers to other metro lines.
- Suburban Rail: Major rail hubs include Chongqing North Station (Chongqing Bei Zhan 重庆北站), Chongqing West Station (Chongqing Xi Zhan 重庆西站), and Chongqing East Railway Station (重庆东站).
- Buses: A frequent and affordable bus network serves the city. Key transit points include the Long-Distance Bus Station (重庆长途汽车站 - Chóngqìng Chángtú Qìchēzhàn) and various local hubs like Shapingba, Jiangbei, Nanping, and Jiefangbei.
- Ferries: While not detailed in specific routes, the city's geography is defined by the Yangtze (Chang Jiang) and Jialing rivers.
Tickets & fares
The metro and bus systems are described as very cheap and efficient for travelers. You must use an electronic ticket card to exit the metro stations; if you overstep your stop, you will need to visit a service counter to add value to your card. While specific current prices for all routes are not listed in the source material, the system is noted for its affordability.
From the airport
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) offers several ways to reach the city center:
- Metro: Line 3 connects the airport directly to the city center and is accessible from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Line 10 also serves Terminal 3.
- Bus: An airport shuttle bus departs from the ground level of Terminal 2 to a central stop in Chongqing.
- Taxi: Taxis are available for transport to downtown, with costs typically ranging between ¥40 and ¥80.
Etiquette & customs
When using public transport in Chongqing, keep the following in mind:
- Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited on all metro trains.
- Environment: The air-conditioned environment makes the metro a preferred choice during the hot months of April through September.
- Navigation: Because of the city's extreme elevation changes, be prepared for significant amounts of stairs when transitioning between different levels or areas outside of stations.
Survival terms
subway/metro: 地铁 (Dìtiě)
ticket: 票 (Piào)
line: 线 (Xiàn)
entrance: 入口 (Rùkǒu)
exit: 出口 (Chūkǒu)
transfer: 换乘 (Huànchéng)
single fare: 单程票 (Dānchéng piào)
day pass: 一日票 (Yīrì piào)
Ensure you keep your electronic ticket card with you at all times to ensure a smooth exit from the metro stations.