🚩 Complete Guide to Chengdu's Two Airports
✈️ Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
- 📍Location: About 50 kilometers from city center
- 🚀Main Services: Handles most international flights and some domestic flights
- ⭐️Facility Highlights: Equipped with advanced transportation center (GTC), integrating subway, high-speed rail, bus, taxi and other transportation methods
✈️ Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
- 📍Location: About 16 kilometers from city center
- 🚌Main Services: Mainly operates domestic flights and some international flights
- ⭐️Facility Highlights: Convenient transportation with subway, bus, taxi and other transport options readily available
Transportation Options in Detail
🚇 Subway
Tianfu International Airport
- LineLine 18
- Operating Hours6:00-23:30
- FareOne-way ticket ¥10
- Fastest Time33 minutes
Departing from South Railway Station, only stopping at South Railway Station, Tianfu Airport Terminal 1 and 2 Stations, and Tianfu Airport North Station
Shuangliu International Airport
- LineLine 10
- Operating Hours6:00-23:00
- Fare¥2-6
- Fastest Time30 minutes
From city center, about 30 minutes to the airport, convenient and fast
🚌 Bus & Airport Shuttles
Tianfu International Airport
- Routes:
5 airport shuttle lines connecting Chengdu East Railway Station, Chunxi Road, Jinsha Bus Transit Station, Zoo Bus Station, Global Center, Shuangliu International Airport, etc.
- Operating Hours:
24-hour operation, departing every 30 minutes
- Fare:
¥15 from 6:00-23:30, ¥25 from 23:30-6:00
Shuangliu International Airport
- Routes:
Airport Express Line 1, connecting to Renmin South Road Section 2 in city center
- Operating Hours:
Departures from city center 4:30-23:00, 24-hour service from airport
- Fare:
¥2
🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Taxis
- Tianfu International Airport:
Pickup points located outside Gate G02 of Terminal 1 and Gate G04 of Terminal 2
- Shuangliu International Airport:
Pickup points at the arrival level exits of Terminal T1 and Terminal T2
- Cost:
Approximately ¥200 from Tianfu Airport to city center, approximately ¥60 from Shuangliu Airport to city center
Ride-Hailing
- Platforms:
DiDi, Amap and others
- Pickup Points:
- Tianfu International Airport: Ride-hailing pickup areas on L1 floor of parking buildings at Terminals 1 and 2
- Shuangliu International Airport: Ride-hailing pickup areas on L1 floor of parking buildings at Terminals T1 and T2
- Cost:
Varies based on real-time traffic conditions and distance
🚗 Self-Driving & Car Rental
- Rental Services:
Available through platforms like Trip.com, with pickup at the airport
- Parking Information:
Tianfu International Airport has two parking buildings with five floors, providing over 3,000 parking spaces, including spaces for small vehicles, accessible parking, minibuses, tour buses, and charging stations
- Cost:
Charged based on parking duration; specific rates are displayed on-site
👥 Recommendations for Different Traveler Types
Business Travelers
Recommended to choose subway or taxi for quick direct access to the city center business district
Family Travelers
Recommended to choose airport shuttles or ride-hailing services for easier luggage handling and comfortable travel
Backpackers
Recommended to choose subway or bus, economical and with extensive route coverage
⏰ Travel Recommendations for Different Time Periods
Rush Hours (7:00-9:00, 17:00-19:00)
Subway and buses may be crowded; recommended to depart early or avoid peak hours
Late Night (23:30-6:00)
Some subway lines stop operating, but both airports provide night bus shuttle services
Holiday Periods
Traffic volume increases; allow extra time and check real-time traffic information
💰 Payment Methods Explained
Cash Payment
Accepted on subway, buses, and taxis
Mobile Payment
Alipay and WeChat Pay, usable on most transportation
Transit Card
"Tianfu Tong" card, usable on subway and buses
🗣️ Chinese Transportation Phrases Reference
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 机场 | jī chǎng | Airport |
| 地铁 | dì tiě | Subway/Metro |
| 出租车 | chū zū chē | Taxi |
| 公交车 | gōng jiāo chē | Bus |
| 票价 | piào jià | Ticket Price |
| 乘车 | chéng chē | Take a vehicle |
| 到市中心 | dào shì zhōng xīn | To city center |
| 请问...怎么走？ | qǐng wèn...zěn me zǒu? | How to get to...? |
📱 Essential Transportation Apps
Chengdu Metro App
Provides subway maps, operating hours and fare information, with English interface support
Amap (Gaode Maps)
Provides real-time bus, subway, and driving navigation, with English interface support
DiDi
Ride-hailing service platform, supports English interface and international credit card payments
⚠️ Special Situations Guide
☎️ Emergency Contact Information
Chengdu Metro Service Hotline
028-61638000
Taxi Service Supervision Hotline
12328
Tianfu Airport Customer Service
028-86906666
Shuangliu Airport Customer Service
028-85205555
🗓️ Seasonal Transportation Tips
Rainy Season (June–August)
Be aware of water on roads, carry rain gear, and choose transportation like subway that isn't affected by weather
Spring Festival Period
High traffic volume; plan your journey in advance, book transportation early, and avoid peak travel times
🛡️ Safety Tips
Beware of Unlicensed Taxis
Avoid taking unauthorized taxis; choose official taxis or book through ride-hailing apps
Secure Your Belongings
On public transport, take care of wallets, phones and other valuables to prevent theft
Follow Traffic Rules
Obey traffic regulations, watch for vehicles when crossing roads, and ensure personal safety
📝 Tipping and Luggage Guidelines
Tipping
In Chengdu, tipping is not typically expected for taxi and ride-hailing services
Luggage Transport
Most transportation methods allow carrying luggage, but it's recommended to keep luggage weight under 20kg for easier carrying
📋 Summary
With the information above, you can better plan your airport transportation in Chengdu, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey. Choose the most suitable transportation method based on your specific needs:
- For speed - Choose subway or taxi
- For economy - Choose bus or subway
- For convenience and comfort - Choose ride-hailing or airport shuttle
Related content
The best travel stories from around the world
Explorer's Forum (0)
No comments yet!