Chongqing is a convenient entry and exit and is easy to get around, compared to most other cities and towns in the western part of China. Besides traditional water traffic along the Yangtze River and its side tributaries, modern technology has brought airlines in and built up a web of express roads connecting not only domestic towns or cities but also overseas destinations.


Since the city stands at the confluence of the Yangtze (China's longest river) and Jialing rivers, water transportation used to be the crucial means of traffic for maintaining the entire city's transportation. Nowadays, there is strong competition from air traffic and highways but water transportation remains as an irreplaceable function for both cargo and passenger transport. Chongqing is either the starting port or terminus for the Three Gorges Yangtze tour. . After the completion of the Three Gorges project in 2009, the larger 10.000-ton vessels will also be able to navigate directly to the Chaotianmen ports in Chongqing.

Jiangbei International Airport lies 23 kilometers to the north of the downtown area with frequent shuttle bus service. Chongqing itself is connected by air with more than 40 cities in China, including Macao and Hongkong, and internationally with Nagoya in Japan and Bangkok in Thailand.

Both the railways and highways connect to most cities of China, though the latter choice might be more exhausting on an overland tour because of the long distances involved.
Caiyuanba Railway Station is a passenger-friendly station set in a major ring of the downtown area convenient to transfer either by bus or taxi from almost every corner of this city.