Traversing 3,900 miles (6,300 km), the Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia. The river starts in the Tibetan Plateau, also referred to as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and passes through 10 provinces before reaching the East China Sea. 

You may want to consider this 11-day cultural tour, complete with a visit to the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. 

From Yichang

Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours by taxi or private transfer

The easiest and most direct way to reach the Yichang Maoping Port from the Yichang East Railway Station is an hour taxi ride or private transfer. If you're departing from Yichang Sandouping Port, you'll want to plan for a private transfer as taxis aren't always available.

From the Yichang Sanxia Airport, you can take a 90-minute taxi or private transfer to reach the Yichang Maoping Port.  

From Chongqing 

Duration: 40-minute private transfer

Reaching the Yangtze river cruise ship terminal is easy and convenient from Chongqing. The most efficient and direct transport method is a 40-minute ride via taxi or private transfer to the Chaotianmen Port. There are also options to take local buses or a shuttle departing from the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport but they take a lot longer. 

From Beijing

Duration: 3 hour flight + 1.5-hour private transfer, or 12-hour train + 40-minute private transfer

Air travel is the quickest way to arrive in Chongqing with several direct flights daily. Flights depart from two airports in Beijing-Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Travel time is around 3 hours. You can take a 40-minute taxi or private transfer from the airport to the Chaotianmen Port.  

Traveling by high-speed rail is an option but it is not the most convenient or efficient with a 12 hour journey time. There are two bullet trains departing from Beijing West Railway Station to Chongqing, one arrives in Chongqing North Railway Station and the other in Chongqing West Railway Station so pay attention when booking your tickets.

Upon arrival, take a private transfer or taxi direct to the river cruise terminal. 

Local trains can take upwards of 27 hours, which we do not recommend. 

Another option is to fly from Beijing to Yichang Sanxia Airport. One flight departs in the morning and one in the afternoon with a travel time of two and a half hours. From here, you can reach the Yichang Maoping Port in an hour and a half by private transfer or taxi. 

From Shanghai

Duration: 3-hour flight + 40-minute private transfer, or 12.5 hour bullet train + 40-minute private transfer

Flying from Shanghai to Chongqing is the quickest transport option with a travel time of 3 hours. Several flights operate daily with departures in the morning until the night making this a convenient option. Once arriving, the most efficient way to reach the Chaotianmen Port is a 40-minute ride via private transfer or taxi. 

High-speed trains are an option but do require time, taking 12.5 hours with only morning departures and arriving in Chongqing at night. Trains depart from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and arrive in  Chongqing North Railway Station. Food is available for purchase on board or you can bring your own. From here, take a 40-minute private transfer or taxi ride to the port.

It is not recommended you take the high-speed morning train if you plan to board your cruise the same day at night as the river cruise departure time doesn’t give you any cushion if there are any delays or traffic.