Chengdu Airports Guide 2026: Terminal Map,Metro,Transfer & Tianfu (TFU) vs Shuangliu (CTU)

Chengdu is served by two airports:Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Shuangliu is the older, closer airport, located about 16 kilometers southwest of the city center, and remains convenient for domestic flights and quick city access. Tianfu, which opened in 2021, is the newer international gateway, situated roughly 50 kilometers southeast of downtown and designed to handle long-haul and international traffic.

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Chengdu Shuangliu Airport is really close to the city center — only about 16 km from downtown. That means you can get to core spots like Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine pretty quickly, without a long transfer. You can also see the airport's exact location on a map.

by metro

Shuangliu Airport is connected to the city by Metro Lines 10, 19, and 30. Line 10 goes directly into central Chengdu and is the most useful for reaching attractions like Wuhou Shrine. Line 19 links the two airports, while Line 30 runs east across the city. Below is a quick reference table for the three lines.

Airport Bus Routes (Night Services)

High-Speed Rail from Shuangliu Airport

Shuangliu Airport has its own high-speed rail station, making it easy to head to nearby cities without going into downtown Chengdu first.

From Shuangliu Airport Station, you can reach these cities directly (or with a simple transfer):Chongqing, Xi'an, Guiyang, Kunming, and Guangzhou..If you want to include a few more nearby cities, you could also add: Leshan, Meishan, Yibin, Mianyang, and Deyang.

Station hours: opens 06:20, closes 22:50.

Boarding point: T2, B2 level, L3 corridor

Taxi and Ride-hailing

（source:the official website of shuangliu airport）

If you need a place to stay near Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, there are plenty of options to suit different budgets. Below, I'll recommend a few hotels that are convenient for both early flights and late arrivals, so you can pick the one that fits your trip best.

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Meiyue Hotel

A newly opened hotel (2026) just a 5–10 minute drive from Shuangliu Airport. Guests consistently praise its cleanliness, quiet rooms despite the proximity to the airport, and the free 24-hour shuttle service that makes early flights stress-free. Rooms feature deep-sleep mattresses and memory foam pillows, and the hotel also offers a fitness center and self-service laundry.

Joyhub Air Hotel

Located only about 500 meters from Terminal 1, this hotel is a top pick for layovers and early departures. It offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle that takes just a few minutes. Rooms are described as clean, comfortable, and well-soundproofed, with a courtyard-style layout that guests find charming. The staff are attentive and check-in is efficient.

Uqu Aiqi Hotel

A budget-friendly option with strong value for money, located close to both the airport and a metro station. The hotel provides free 24-hour airport pick-up and drop-off, free breakfast, and free parking. Rooms are clean and quiet, with comfortable bedding, and the front desk staff are repeatedly praised for being warm and helpful. It's a practical choice for transit passengers who want convenience without spending much

If you're flying into Chengdu, it helps to know that Tianfu Airport (TFU) is actually quite far out—about 50 kilometers from downtown. It's not the one close to the city. The good news is that the metro (Line 18) is right there at the terminal and gets you to the city center in roughly an hour, so you don't have to worry about a pricey taxi ride.You can alsosee the airport's exact location on a map.

By Metro

The Tianfu Airport metro station is located on Level L1 of the GTC transport center and is served by Lines 18 and 19. Line 18 reaches Chengdu South Railway Station in about 33 minutes for 10 yuan, while Line 19 connects to Shuangliu Airport and the Wenjiang direction for 12 yuan.

Boarding Point: GTC (Ground Transportation Center) L1 Transfer Hall

Airport Bus

The airport express bus have 6 routes providing 24-hour air-ground and air-rail connections. The service runs 24 hours a day.

Line 1

Line 2

Line 3

Line 4

The airport also operates several dedicated Night Bus routes, such as Night Lines 2, 3, 5, and 6. For specific night schedules and boarding locations, please consult the information desk on-site upon arrival.

(source：chengdu tianfu airport)

by ride-hailing service

if you have booked an airport transfer service, ride-hailing vehicles will stop at Level 1 (L1) of Parking Building

Since many flights have been moved to Tianfu, it is quite common for travelers to accidentally go to the wrong airport. If you find yourself at the wrong one, don’t panic. The most important thing is to quickly choose the fastest transfer method to reach the correct airport in time for your flight.

Metro Line 19 is the most recommended way to transfer between the two airports. You can board at "Shuangliu Airport Terminal 2 East" station and go directly to "Tianfu Airport Terminal 1&2" station. The journey takes about 30 to 50 minutes, and the fare is around 10 yuan.

Regarding the in-terminal map of Chengdu Tianfu Airport, the airport's official website provides a high-resolution map for your reference. You can check it through the official website.

If your flight departs early or arrives late, staying near Chengdu Tianfu Airport can save you a lot of stress. Since the airport is quite far from downtown Chengdu, choosing the right hotel nearby makes a huge difference. Below, I’ve picked a few convenient options to suit different budgets and needs.

Jingzhi Starry Sky Hotel

A practical airport transit hotel offering free 24-hour airport shuttle. Rooms are clean and cozy, with some featuring soundproof windows and earplugs for light sleepers. The surrounding area has many local eateries and supermarkets, making it convenient for a quick overnight stay before or after a flight

Joyhub Cheer Hotel

Located directly within the airport complex, just a short indoor walk from the terminals. It is the most convenient choice for early departures or long layovers, offering self-service check-in and a fast-track security option. Despite being inside the airport, rooms are well soundproofed for a quiet rest.

Mandu Yayuan Hotel (Jianyang Tianfu Airport Branch)

A budget-friendly option about a 10-minute drive from the airport, providing free shuttle service. It is favored by transit passengers for its proximity and 24-hour front desk. Guests should note that some rooms may be compact, and airplane noise or basic facilities can be a factor at this price point.

Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. At TFU the walk from security to the far gates can take 15 minutes, and T1 international departures involve immigration before the gate area.

Domestic check-in closes 45 minutes before departure at both airports, and 60 minutes at TFU's GTC check-in counters. Security follows the national rules: liquids in containers of 100 ml or less, laptops and power banks out separately. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure.

At TFU, international arrivals land in T1 and clear immigration, baggage claim and customs on level 2. Domestic arrivals at T2 collect bags on level 2. Both terminals have English signage to the metro, taxi rank and bus stops, and the free APM connects T1 and T2 in the basement every few minutes.

Allow 3 hours to connect between TFU and CTU on separate tickets: Line 19 links the two airports with a 30-minute express service, and the night bus runs hourly between 00:00 and 05:00 for CNY 25. If you hold a single through ticket, the airline handles the transfer.

Chengdu food at the airport is better than at most Chinese airports: noodle shops, dumpling counters and a handful of sit-down Sichuan restaurants in both terminals. Prices inside security are higher, so eat before you go through if you have time.