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).
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)
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) |
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From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Downtown
Distance: ~18km | Travel Time: 30–50 mins
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 |
| 1 | Airport → Minshan Hotel | Renmin South Rd, Huaxi Dam | 6:30 AM–8:00 PM | ¥10 |
| 2 | Airport → North Station | Tianfu Square | 6:30 AM–8:00 PM | ¥17 |
| 3 | Airport → East Station | South Railway Station | 7:00 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.
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From Chengdu Tianfu Airport to Downtown
Distance: ~62km | Travel Time: 1.5–2+ hours
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 |
| 1 | Airport → Chunxi Road | 24/7 service | All day | ¥15-25* |
| 2 | Airport → Jinsha Hub | 24/7 service | All day | ¥15-25* |
| 5 | Airport → Shuangliu Airport | Midnight–5:00 AM | Night 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).
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)
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
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).
Chengdu Tianfu Airport - Terminals & Facilities
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)
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
Credit: ChinaAirline Travel
Arriving at TFU?
- International (T1): Clear immigration (2F) → baggage claim (1F).
- Domestic (T2): Direct to baggage claim (1F/2F).
- 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.
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
Hotels near Chengdu Tianfu Airport
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FAQs about Chengdu Metro
Which Chengdu airport is better?
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is better for most travelers as it is the main international hub with more flights, amenities, and connectivity. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is newer but farther from the city and has more new & long-haul routes.Which Chengdu airport is nearer to the city?
Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is closer to downtown Chengdu, about 16 km (10 miles) away, while Tianfu Airport (TFU) is around 50 km (31 miles) southeast of the city center.How do I get from Chengdu Airport to the city?
From Shuangliu (CTU), take the Metro Line 10, airport shuttles, or taxis (20-30 mins). From Tianfu (TFU), use the high-speed Metro Line 18 (40-50 mins), airport buses, or taxis (1+ hour). Both airports offer convenient transport options.