How to Get to Yangtze Cruise Ports
The Yangtze River, China's most renowned waterway, offers an unforgettable cruising experience. The heart of this adventure lies in the Three Gorges region, with Chongqing and Yichang serving as the primary departure points. These ports provide travelers with the chance to explore the stunning landscapes and cultural richness of the Three Gorges.
For those seeking a more extended experience, Yangtze River cruises can also journey to other major cities along the river, such as Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai, allowing for a deeper exploration of China's history and natural splendor.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it's important to understand how to access these ports from major transportation hubs. Whether you're planning a brief visit to the Three Gorges or an extended cruise along the Yangtze, we're here to help you choose the right port and navigate your journey based on your schedule.
Get to Chongqing
By Air
With 49 airlines and direct flights to 155 destinations in 24 countries, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is a major transportation hub, making it easy to reach the city from both domestic and international locations.
- Domestics: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport offers a wide range of domestic flights to major cities in China, including multiple daily flights to/from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, etc.
- International: There are direct flights to cities like Tokyo (NRT), Osaka (KIX) in Japan, Seoul (ICN) in South Korea, and Bangkok (BKK), Phuket (HKT) in Thailand. Moreover, Chongqing also has flights to cities in Europe, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East, and Oceania like Paris (CDG), Madrid (MAD), Dubai (DXB), Singapore (SIN), Colombo (CMB), and Sydney (SYD), etc.
By Train/High-speed Train
Chongqing is a major transportation hub in Southwest China, with an extensive high-speed rail network that connects it to many important cities across the country. Here are some key destinations and popular tourist cities within a 6-hour travel time by high-speed train from Chongqing: Chengdu (1-2 hrs), Guiyang (within 2 hrs), Kunming (3 hrs), Guilin (5 hrs), Xi'an (5-6 hrs), Wuhan (6 hrs), Changsha (6 hrs), etc.

Mountain City Chongqing

Our Delighted Customers on Their Yangtze Cruise Trip
Get to Chaotianmen Port
From Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
- By Taxi: A taxi ride from Jiangbei Airport to Chaotianmen Dock takes about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around CNY 80.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 10 from the airport to Qixinggang Station, then transfer to Line 1 to reach Chaotianmen Station. The total travel time is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
From Chongqing North Railway Station
- By Taxi: A taxi ride from Chongqing North Railway Station to Chaotianmen Dock takes about 30 minutes and costs around CNY 60.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 10 from the station to Qixinggang Station, then transfer to Line 1 to reach Chaotianmen Station. The journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
From Chongqing West Railway Station
- By Taxi: A taxi ride from Chongqing West Railway Station to Chaotianmen Dock takes about 45 minutes and costs around CNY 70.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 5 from the station to Shiqiaopu Station, then transfer to Line 1 to reach Chaotianmen Station. The total travel time is approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
From Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station
- By Taxi: A taxi ride from Chongqing West Railway Station to Chaotianmen Dock takes about 25 minutes and costs around CNY 50.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 1 from the station to Chaotianmen Station. The total travel time is approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
>> How to Get to Chaotianmen Port
>> Get to Chongqing from Xian
>> Transfer from Guilin to Chongqing
Get to Yichang
By Air
Yichang Sanxia Airport is a medium-sized domestic airport located 26 km (16 miles) from the city center. It offers regular flights to major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Chengdu
By Train
Yichang East Train Station is the main station for high-speed trains. It provides rail services to major cities in China, such as:
- Beijing: 7 hours
- Shanghai: 7 hours
- Guangzhou: 7 hours
- Chongqing: 4 hours
- Xi’an: 12 hours (ordinary train)

Maoping Port
Get to Maoping Port from Yichang Main Transportation Hubs
Tips for Traveling to Maoping Port
- Cruise Terminal Address: Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal (宜昌三峡游客中心) is located at 142 Yanjiang Avenue, Wujiagang District (伍家岗区沿江大道142号).
- Maoping Port Address: Maoping Port (茅坪码头) is located 150 meters east from Binhu Avenue, Zigui County (秭归县距滨湖大道以东150米).
- Shuttle Service: Cruise companies usually arrange free shuttles from the Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal/Yichang East Railway Station to Maoping Port. (usually from 17:30-19:30 on the embarkation day)
From Yichang Sanxia Airport to Maoping Port
- By Public Transportation Transfer: Take a shuttle bus from the airport to Wanda Plaza, then walk around 500 meters to the Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal to take the free shuttles arranged by the cruise companies.
- By Taxi: The drive takes about 1~1.5 hrs.
From Yichang East Railway Station to Maoping Port
- By Public Transportation: From mid-March to early December, cruise companies arrange direct shuttle buses from Yichang East Railway Station to Maoping Port. The shuttle buses operate from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with departures every 30 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. During the off-season for Three Gorges cruises (Early December to next year March), passengers need to take a taxi or public transportation to the Three Gorges Cruise Terminal and then transfer by the cruise company’s shuttle bus to reach Maoping Port.
- By Taxi: The drive takes about 1~1.5 hrs.
>> How to Get to Yichang Ports
>> How to Get to Yichang Airport from Yichang Dock
>> How to Get to Yichang from Shanghai
>> Transfer to Yichang from Guilin
Get to Shanghai
By Air
Shanghai has two major airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Both airports offer convenient connections to major domestic and international destinations.
- Domestic Flights: Shanghai is well-connected to major cities in China, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chongqing. There are multiple daily flights from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao airports.
- International Flights: Shanghai is a major international hub with direct flights to cities like Tokyo (NRT), Seoul (ICN), Bangkok (BKK), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), and many others.
By Train/High-Speed Train
Shanghai is a major railway hub in China, with an extensive high-speed rail network connecting it to many important cities across the country. Here are some popular destinations within a 6-hour travel time by high-speed train from Shanghai:
- Beijing: The fastest Fuxing trains take around 4.5 to 6 hours.
- Nanjing: About 1 hour.
- Hangzhou: Just 30 to 45 minutes.
- Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Approximately 3 hours.
- Xiamen: Around 5 to 6 hours.
- Guangzhou: About 6 to 7 hours.
- Shenzhen: Around 6 to 7 hours.
- Yichang: Around 6 to 7 hours.

Shanghai Port

Yu Garden, Shanghai
Get to Shanghai International Passenger Terminal
Tips for Traveling to Shanghai International Passenger Terminal
- Address: The Shanghai International Passenger Terminal is located at 1111 Zhongshan North Road, Putuo District.
- Shuttle Services: For long-line cruisers, cruise companies offer shuttle services from major transportation hubs (airports and train stations) to the terminal. Check with your travel consultant for details.
From Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Shanghai International Passenger Terminal
- By Taxi: The drive to the Shanghai International Passenger Terminal takes about 1 hour and costs around CNY 200.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 from the airport to Lujiazui Station, then transfer to Line 4 to reach the terminal. The total travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to Shanghai International Passenger Terminal
- By Taxi: The drive takes about 40 minutes and costs around CNY 100.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 10 from the airport to Lujiazui Station, then transfer to Line 4 to reach the terminal. The journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
From Shanghai Railway Station to Shanghai International Passenger Terminal
- By Taxi: The drive to the terminal takes about 20 minutes and costs around CNY 50.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 1, Line 3, or Line 4 directly to the terminal. The travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
From Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
- By Taxi: The drive takes about 40 minutes and costs around CNY 100.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 10 to Lujiazui Station, then transfer to Line 4 to reach the terminal. The journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
>> How to Get to Shanghai Port>> Shanghai Transportation Guide
>> How to Get to Shanghai Port
Get to Nanjing
By Air
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is a major transportation hub in Eastern China, offering convenient connections to both domestic and international destinations:
- Domestic Flights: The airport provides flights to 78 major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiamen.
- International Flights: Nanjing has direct flights to several international destinations, such as Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
By Train/High-Speed Train
Nanjing is a key railway hub in Eastern China, with an extensive high-speed rail network connecting it to many important cities across the country. Here are some popular destinations within a 6-hour travel time by high-speed train from Nanjing:
- Shanghai: About 1 hour.
- Beijing: Around 3 to 4 hours.
- Hefei: Approximately 1 hour.
- Hangzhou: About 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Xiamen: Around 5 to 6 hours.
Get to Nanjing Wǔmǎdù Passenger Terminal
Tips for Traveling to Nanjing Wǔmǎdù Passenger Terminal
- Address: The terminal is located in Gulou District, Nanjing.
- Shuttle Services: Cruise companies usually offer free shuttle services from major transportation hubs to the terminal. It is recommended to check with your travel consultant for details.
From Nanjing Lukou International Airport
- By Taxi: The drive to Wǔmǎdù Passenger Terminal takes about 1 hour and costs around CNY 100.
- By Public Transportation: Take Metro Line S1 from the airport to Nanjing South Railway Station, then transfer to Line 3 to reach Xinjiekou Station. From there, take Line 2 to Xiaguan Station, and finally transfer to Line 9 to Wǔmǎdù Station.
From Nanjing South Railway Station
- By Taxi: The drive to the terminal takes about 40 minutes and costs around CNY 60.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 3 from the station to Xinjiekou Station, then transfer to Line 2 to Xiaguan Station, and finally transfer to Line 9 to Wǔmǎdù Station.
From Nanjing Railway Station
- By Taxi: The drive to the terminal takes about 30 minutes and costs around CNY 40.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 3 from the station to Xinjiekou Station, then transfer to Line 2 to Xiaguan Station, and finally transfer to Line 9 to Wǔmǎdù Station.
>> How to Get to Nanjing Port
Get to Wuhan
By Air
Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) is a major transportation hub in Central China, offering convenient connections to both domestic and international destinations:
- Domestic Routes: The airport provides flights to over 100 major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiamen.
- International Routes: Wuhan has direct flights to several international cities, such as Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
By Train/High-Speed Train
Wuhan is a key railway hub in Central China, with an extensive high-speed rail network connecting it to many important cities across the country. Here are some popular destinations within a 6-hour travel time by high-speed train from Wuhan:
- Beijing: Around 4 to 5 hours.
- Shanghai: About 3 to 4 hours.
- Guangzhou: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- Chengdu: Around 5 to 6 hours.
- Xi’an: About 3 to 4 hours.
Get to Wuhan Port No. 23 Dock
Tips for Traveling to Wuhan Port No. 23 Dock
- Dock Address: The dock is located at Yanjiang Avenue, Jiang'an District, Wuhan.
- Shuttle Services: As of 2025, there are no luxury Yangtze River cruises starting or ending at Wuhan Port No. 23 Dock. However, the port is still used for local sightseeing cruises such as the Wuhan Changjiang Glory (长江荣耀), which offers evening cruises along the Yangtze River.
From Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
- By Taxi: The drive to Wuhan Port No. 23 Dock takes about 1 hour and costs around CNY 80.
- By Public Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 from the airport to Jianghan Road Station, then transfer to Line 6 to Zhongshan Park Station. From there, take Line 1 to Hanyangmen Station, which is near the dock.
From Wuhan Wuchang Railway Station
- By Taxi: The drive to Wuhan Port No. 23 Dock takes about 40 mins and costs around CNY 40.
- By Metro: Walk to Wuchang Railway Station Metro Station and take Line 4 to Zhongshan Park Station, then transfer to Line 1 to Hanyangmen Station
From Wuhan Railway Station
- By Taxi: The drive to Wuhan Port No. 23 Dock takes about 1 hour and costs around CNY 60.
- By Metro: Walk to Wuhan Railway Station Metro Station and take Line 4 to Hongshan Square Station, then transfer to Line 2 to Jianghan Road Station. Finally, transfer to Line 6 to Zhongshan Park Station and Line 1 to Hanyangmen Station.
>> How to Get to Wuhan Port
LOCAL TRANSFER Booking
In Chongqing, Yichang
and Shanghai, we also offer lcoal transfer services. By
Booking our transfer with your crusie,
you’ll get:
- Vehicle with experienced driver and local guide.
- Airport / Railway Stations / Hotels and Cruise Dock shuttle services
- More time enjoying your trip, instead of wasting on finding your way.
Top Recommended Yangtze River Ships
Still feel trouble? Check How to Choose Your Best Yangtze Ship to get inspired now!
Keep Readings of Yangtze River Cruise
- 2025 Latest News
- How to Plan a Cruise Tour
- China Yangtze Tour Planning
- How to Book a Cruise
- How to Choose a Route
- How to Choose a Ship
- How to Choose a Cabin
- How to Leave Cruise Ports
- Best Time to Cruise
- What to Expect Onshore
- Onboard Experience
- What to Pack
- Tipping & Tipping Suggestions
- Yangtze Cruise FAQs & Tips
- Yangtze River Cruise Guide
- Customer Support Guide
Popular China Tour Packages including Yangtze Cruise


6 Days Chongqing, Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie Exciting Tour

12 Days China Golden Triangle Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

13 Days Classic China Tour with Yangtze Cruise
Not easy to find the right cruise ship/itinerary for you? Please contact one of our Yangtze cruise specialists to save your time and money. Click the right button to send an online inquiry and we will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hours.