# How to use the SSH cd command

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-cd-command/ · Last modified: 2026-08-20T06:50:03+00:00

The `cd` (change directory) command moves you between folders on your Linux hosting. In particular, it's essential for navigating to your website files, logs, or config directories when working via SSH. Furthermore, cd works with absolute paths (from root) or relative paths (from your current location) - making it the primary way to move around the file system on a VPS, dedicated server, or shared hosting with SSH access.

## Change to a directory

To move into a folder, use `cd` followed by the path:

```
cd /path/to/directory
```

Use an absolute path (starting with `/`) to go anywhere on the system. Example—navigate to your website files:

```
cd ~/public_html
```

The `~` (tilde) means your home directory. You can also use a relative path: `cd public_html` works if you're already in your home folder.

## Go up one level

To move to the parent directory:

```
cd ../
```

`..` means "parent folder." For example, from `public_html/wp-content` this takes you to `public_html`.

## Go up two levels

To move up two directories:

```
cd ../../
```

Each `../` moves up one level. From `public_html/wp-content/plugins`, this takes you to `public_html`.

## Go to home directory

To return to your home directory:

```
cd
```

Or explicitly:

```
cd ~
```

Both commands take you to your home folder (e.g. `/home/username`). The bare `cd` with no arguments does the same as `cd ~`.

## Common use cases

Typical uses for `cd` on a [Linux hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) account:

- Navigating to `public_html` to manage website files
- Moving into `wp-content` or `wp-content/plugins` for WordPress
- Accessing log directories to check error or access logs
- Reaching config folders before editing files with `nano` or `vi`

Use `pwd` to see your current directory. For listing files, see the [SSH ls command](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-ls-command/). For creating directories, see the [SSH mkdir command](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-mkdir-command/).

## Need more help?

Explore more SSH and hosting guides in our [knowledgebase](https://jethost.com/help/). JetHost [web hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) includes SSH access for managing your server directly.