Chengdu Airport Guide – Shuangliu (CTU) & Tianfu (TFU) Transfer, Maps & Tips

Author's Profile Picture

by Bethy

April 17, 2025

AirportsChengduChengdu Airport
Chengdu Airport

About Chengdu Airports

Chengdu has 2 major airports: ​Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)​​ and the newer ​Tianfu International Airport (TFU)​.

  • Flying into Chengdu from overseas?​​ Most flights still use ​Shuangliu Airport (CTU)​—it’s closer (16km/~30 mins to downtown) and has better metro and food options.
  • But if you’re on certain domestic routes (especially budget airlines) or newer international/long-haul flights (like some to Southeast Asia), you might land at ​Tianfu Airport (TFU)​— but very far from city center (50km/2hr+ to downtown).
Chengdu Airports Guide | Shuangliu vs Tianfu

✈ Shuangliu Airport (CTU)

Chengdu's primary international gateway

  • 🏢 Terminals: 2 (T1 domestic, T2 international)
  • ✈️ Major Airlines: Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines
  • 📊 Annual Traffic: 40M+ passengers, 300K+ flights (2023)
  • 📍 Location: 16km from downtown (~30 min drive)

✈ Tianfu Airport (TFU)

Chengdu's new airport, most for new routes

  • 🏢 Terminals: 3 (T1/T2 domestic, T3 international)
  • ✈️ Major Airlines: Spring Airlines, China Eastern, AirAsia, Scoot
  • 📊 Annual Traffic: 20M+ passengers, 150K+ flights (2023)
  • 📍 Location: 50km from downtown (~2 hour drive)
🎁 Search the cheapest flights to Chengdu and the best Chengdu hotels! Get connected fast with China eSIM.
Cheapest Flights to Chengdu
Best Hotels in Chengdu

Chengdu Airport to Downtown - Shuangliu Airport vs Tianfu Airport

Chengdu Airport to Downtown - Shuangliu Airport vs Tianfu Airport

Credit: Wikipedia

Shuangliu is older but much closer to downtown (18km), with easy metro access (Lines 10/19) and mature nearby amenities—ideal for city trips.

Tianfu, opened in 2021, is sleek & huge (4F grade) but far (62km); while it offers modern facilities and metro Lines 18/19, late-night flights are tricky (expensive taxis, 2-3hr buses).

​What to Know​Shuangliu Airport (CTU)​​ | 18km (~35 mins)​Tianfu Airport (TFU) | ​62km (~1.5-2+ hrs)​
​Metro​Line 10 or 19 (35 mins, ¥5-10)Line 18 (express) or 19 (1 hr+, ¥10-15)
​Shuttle Bus​Lines 1-3 (¥10-17, 30-40 mins)Lines 1-5 (¥15-25*, 1-1.5 hrs)
*Daytime: ¥15; Night (23:30–6:00): ¥25*
​Taxi​¥50-70 (30-40 mins)¥150-200 (1-1.5 hrs)
​Other Options​City buses (¥1-2)High-speed train to Chengdu East (30 mins, ¥30)

If u are going to Chengdu from other cities in China, pls search China bullet train below!

🎁 Search the cheapest flights to Chengdu and the best Chengdu hotels! Get connected fast with China eSIM.

From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Downtown​

​Distance:​​ ~18km | ​Travel Time:​​ 30–50 mins

From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Downtown

Shuangliu Airport to Downtown​ | By Metro​

  • ​Line 10​ runs straight to downtown (Taipingyuan → swap to Line 3 for Tianfu Square/Panda Base).
  • ​Line 19​ connects to Tianfu Airport (if you’re transferring).
  • ​Cost: ¥5-10 | ​Time: 35 mins.
  • ​Hours: 6:00 AM–11:25 PM (last train from airport).

Shuangliu Airport to Downtown​ | ​By Shuttle Bus​

  • ​Daytime: Lines 1-3 go to Minshan Hotel, North Station, or East Station (¥10-17, 30-40 mins).
​Line​​Day Route​​Key Stops​​Hours​​Cost​
1Airport → Minshan HotelRenmin South Rd, Huaxi Dam6:30 AM–8:00 PM¥10
2Airport → North StationTianfu Square6:30 AM–8:00 PM¥17
3Airport → East StationSouth Railway Station7:00 AM–1:00 AM¥15
  • ​Night Buses: Run until 5:30 AM (¥25). Stops include Chunxi Road and Wuhou Shrine.
  • Where to ride Airport bus: T1: Gate No. and Gate No. 2 (1F) | T2: Exit 2 or Exit 4 Platform (1F)

Shuangliu Airport to Downtown​ | ​By Taxi​

  • ​Cost: ¥50-70 to downtown (Tianfu Square/Chunxi Road).
  • ​Pickup: T1 (Gate 2) or T2 (Gates 4-5).
  • ​Tip: Use ​Didi​ (China’s Uber) for fixed fares.

✅Grab your China eSIM now for instant, reliable data at the best price I've found!

🎁 Search the cheapest flights to Chengdu and the best Chengdu hotels! Get connected fast with China eSIM.

From Chengdu Tianfu Airport to Downtown​

Distance:​​ ~62km | ​Travel Time:​​ 1.5–2+ hours

From Chengdu Tianfu Airport to Downtown​

Opt for the express metro or train to save time. Late arrivals? Tianfu’s 24/7 shuttle buses or taxis are your only options (metro stops ~23:30).

​Tianfu is HUGE. Arrive ​3+ hours early​ if flying out—some gates are a 20-min walk from security.

Tianfu Airport to Downtown​ | ​By Metro​

  • ​Line 18 Express: Non-stop to South Railway Station (35 mins), then transfer to Line 1 for Tianfu Square.
  • ​Line 19: Connects to Shuangliu Airport (1 hr+).
  • ​Cost: ¥10-15 | ​Hours: 6:00 AM–11:30 PM.

Tianfu Airport to Downtown​ | ​By Shuttle Bus​

  • ​Lines 1-3​ run 24/7 to Chunxi Road, Jinsha Hub, or Chengdu Zoo (¥15-25).
  • ​Line 5​ connects to Shuangliu Airport after midnight.
​Line​Key​ Routes​​Key Stops​​Hours​​Cost​
1Airport → Chunxi Road24/7 serviceAll day¥15-25*
2Airport → Jinsha Hub24/7 serviceAll day¥15-25*
5Airport → Shuangliu AirportMidnight–5:00 AMNight only¥25

Day: ¥15 | Night: ¥25

Tianfu Airport to Downtown​ | ​By Taxi​

  • ​Cost: ¥150-200 (includes ¥40 highway toll).
  • ​Time: 1.5-2+ hrs (traffic-dependent).
  • ​Tip: Pre-book a car via Didi/Alipay to avoid scams.

Tianfu Airport to Downtown​ | ​By High-Speed Train​

  • Route: Tianfu Airport Station → Chengdu East Station.
  • ​Time: 30 mins | ​Cost: ¥30.
  • ​Frequency: Every 30 mins (6:00 AM–10:00 PM).
Cheapest Flights to Chengdu
Best Hotels in Chengdu

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport - Terminals & Facilities

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport - Terminals & Facilities

Credit: ChinaAirline Travel

Shuangliu Airport | ​Terminal 1 (T1) Facilities​

  • ​1F (Arrivals)​:
    • Domestic/International baggage claim
    • Taxi stand (Gate 2/Gate 5)
    • Metro Line 10 (B1 level)
    • Currency exchange, SIM card kiosks
  • ​2F (Departures)​:
    • Check-in counters (A-D: Domestic, E-F: International)
    • Security check (separate for domestic/international)
    • Boarding gates (1-12 Domestic, 101-108 International)
    • Limited dining/shopping (1 café post-security)
  • ​3F: Airport offices (no passenger access)
🎁 Search the cheapest flights to Chengdu and the best Chengdu hotels! Get connected fast with China eSIM.
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport - Terminals & Facilities

Credit: ChinaAirline Travel

Shuangliu Airport | ​Terminal 2 (T2) Facilities​

  • ​1F/2F (Arrivals & Transfers)​:
    • Baggage claim (Domestic only)
    • Metro Lines 10 & 19 access
    • Taxi/bus stands
  • ​3F (Departures)​:
    • Check-in counters (Domestic only)
    • Security check
    • Boarding gates (larger walking distances)
    • More dining/shopping options
  • ​4F: Offices/commercial area
Cheapest Flights to Chengdu
Best Hotels in Chengdu

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport - Arrivals/Departures Guide

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport - Arrivals/Departures Guide

Credit: Unsplash

Shuangliu Airport | ​Arrival Guide​

  • ​Follow signs​ to baggage claim (T1: 1F; T2: 1F/2F).
  • ​International arrivals: Clear immigration/customs (T1 only).
  • ​Transport options:
    • ​Taxis: Outside arrivals (T1: Gate 2/5; T2: designated stands).
    • ​Metro: Lines 10 (T1/T2) or 19 (T2 only) to downtown.
    • ​Buses: Stops outside both terminals.

Shuangliu Airport | ​Departure Guide​

  • ​Check your terminal​ (T1 for some international flights).
  • ​Check-in:
    • T1: Domestic/International counters (2F).
    • T2: Domestic only (3F).
  • ​Security: Allow extra time for T2 (larger terminal).
  • ​Post-security: Confirm gate (T1: limited amenities; T2: more options).
🎁 Search the cheapest flights to Chengdu and the best Chengdu hotels! Get connected fast with China eSIM.

Chengdu Tianfu Airport - Terminals & Facilities

​

Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) Terminals Guide

Credit: ChinaAirline Travel

Tianfu Airport ​Terminal 1 (T1) – International Flights​

​Facilities by Floor:​​

  • ​1F: Baggage claim, meeting point, taxis/buses
  • ​2F: Immigration, customs, APM train to T2 (free, 2-min ride)
  • ​3F: Int’l boarding gates, duty-free, lounges
  • ​4F: Check-in (68 counters), security, business area

​Key Info:​​
✔ ​Check-in: Opens 3hrs before flight (closes 50mins prior)
✔ ​To T2: Free APM train (B2) or 10-min walk (500m)

🎁 Search the cheapest flights to Chengdu and the best Chengdu hotels! Get connected fast with China eSIM.

Tianfu Airport Terminal 2 (T2) – Domestic Flights​

​Facilities by Floor:​​

  • ​1F/2F: Baggage claim, metro/bus stops
  • ​3F: Check-in, security, boarding gates
  • ​4F: Dining, shopping (more options than T1)

​Key Info:​​
✔ ​Metro: Line 18 to downtown (express: 35 mins, ¥10)
✔ ​Taxis: ¥150-200 to city (1-1.5hrs, toll fee extra)

Chengdu Tianfu Airport - Arrival/Departure Guide

​

Chengdu Tianfu Airport - Arrival/Departure Guide

Credit: ChinaAirline Travel

​Arriving at TFU?​​

  1. ​International (T1)​: Clear immigration (2F) → baggage claim (1F).
  2. ​Domestic (T2)​: Direct to baggage claim (1F/2F).
  3. ​Transport: Follow signs to metro/taxis (both terminals).

​Departing from TFU?​​

  • ​T1 (Int’l)​: Arrive ​3hrs early​ – long walks to gates!
  • ​T2 (Domestic)​: Arrive ​2hrs early; more food options post-security.
🎁 Search the cheapest flights to Chengdu and the best Chengdu hotels! Get connected fast with China eSIM.

Best Hotels near Chengdu Airports (With Shuttle/Pickup)​

​

For ​early flights or late arrivals, these hotels are ideal for convenience:

Hotels near Chengdu Shuangliu Airport

More Hotels near Shuangliu Airport

Hotels near Chengdu Tianfu Airport

Read More about Chengdu Travel Guide

Know more about Chengdu metro, train & foods!

How to Get to Chengdu Train Station and Check Train Times?
Know everything about Chengdu train station! Get 3% Off China train tickets. Learn about train schedules, types, and transport etc.
October 28, 2026
Guide to Chengdu Metro: Map, Hours, Ticket Payment & Tips
Find the latest Chengdu Metro metro map, operating hours, ticket payment methods (Alipay/WeChat), routes to pandas & top attractions.
October 28, 2026
What are the most worth-trying restaurants in Chengdu?
Wondering which restaurants to try in Chengdu? This article highlights the top 10 most popular spots, offering everything from spicy hotpots to traditional Sichuan dishes!
October 28, 2026
Chengdu Food: Must-Try Dishes, Top Restaurants, and Food Tours
This article will take you to explore the most distinctive classic food in Chengdu. Whether you are a foodie or a first-time visitor, the flavors of Chengdu will definitely leave you wanting more!
October 28, 2026

FAQs about Chengdu Metro

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Bethy

Bethy

Trip.com Travel Expert

View profile

Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~

724 articles
Travel Insights & Local Experiences Digital nomad travel Travel budget hacks Itineraries & Planning
Trip.com
>
Tours & tickets
>
Chengdu Airport