Chengdu Airport Transfers: City Transportation & Guide

By Lily
July 8, 2026

Chengdu has two airports: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and Tianfu International Airport (TFU). When you fly into Chengdu, make sure you know which one you’re landing at so you don’t head the wrong way.
This guide rounds up all the ways to get from either airport into the city, including the metro, buses, taxis, driving yourself, and airport transfers so that you can have the whole trip figured out at a glance and glide into downtown Chengdu with ease.









Chengdu Airport Overview
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is located approximately 16 kilometers southwest of downtown Chengdu. As a key aviation hub, it offers extensive connectivity, primarily focusing on domestic routes that link Chengdu to major cities across China.
With its efficient infrastructure and accessibility, it remains a convenient choice for travelers exploring the region.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is the primary gateway for international travelers to and from Sichuan. Located 51 kilometers southeast of downtown Chengdu, this state-of-the-art facility opened in 2021 to complement the older Shuangliu International Airport. It has quickly become a major aviation hub, serving 44 million passengers by 2023.
Terminal Guide
- Terminal 1: Dedicated to international flights, as well as services to and from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
- Terminal 2: Dedicated to domestic flights within mainland China.
Traveler Tip: Given its distance from the city center, ensure you allow sufficient travel time for your airport transfers.
Transportation Options from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to downtown (CTU)
How do you get from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to downtown Chengdu? Start by checking out the comparison table below:
Method | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) | Best For... |
Subway | 40–50 min | 6 RMB (~$0.80) | Budget travelers; solo/light luggage |
Taxi | 30 min | 60–100 RMB (~$8–$14) | Flexibility; direct to hotel |
Airport Transfer | 30 min | From 120 RMB (~$17) | Families/groups; stress-free |
Night Bus | ~1 hr 10 min | 3 RMB (~$0.40) | Late-night arrivals |
💡 Pro-tip: Download DiDi: DiDi is the Chinese equivalent of Uber. It is the most recommended way to get around as it shows the fare upfront, tracks your route via GPS, and eliminates the need to negotiate prices or explain your destination in Chinese. You can find the "DiDi" mini-program inside the Alipay or WeChat app.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
1. By Metro (Most Efficient)
Line 10 connects the airport to the city center via a quick transfer to Line 3 at "Taipingyuan Station." It’s the most reliable way to beat traffic, especially if you're heading toward the Chunxi Road area.
- Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:12 PM.
2. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Easiest)
For a door-to-door experience, take a taxi from the official stands outside the Arrivals level, or use DiDi (China’s Uber) via the Alipay or WeChat app. It typically costs 60–100 RMB ($8–$14) to reach the city center.
- Pro-tip: Have your hotel address saved in Chinese to show the driver.
3. By Airport Transfer (Stress-Free)
Skip the navigation and language barriers by pre-booking a private driver. Your chauffeur will meet you in the Arrivals hall with a name sign.
- Special Offer: Book via Trip.com to enjoy 12% off your ride!
4. By Night Airport Bus (For Late Arrivals)
If your flight lands after midnight, this is your primary public transport option. The bus runs from 9:00 PM to 4:30 AM, serving the Chunxi Road area.
- Boarding Point: Platforms 1 & 2 at Airport Arrivals Exit A.
- Fare: 3 RMB (approx. $0.40).
5. By Rental Car (For Road Trips)
Planning to explore more of Sichuan beyond the city? Rent a car directly at the airport for maximum flexibility.
- Member Perk: Book your rental through Trip.com to earn up to 12% cash back.

Ways to Get from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Downtown (TFU)
How do you get from Chengdu Tianfu Airport to downtown? Start by checking out the comparison table below:
Method | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) | Best For... |
Subway | ~90 min | 11 RMB (~$1.50) | Budget & reliable |
Taxi/DiDi | ~60 min | ~200 RMB (~$28) | Convenience; direct |
Airport Bus | ~90 min | 15 RMB (~$2.00) | Late-night/flexibility |
Private Transfer | ~60 min | From 200 RMB (~$28)* | Families/groups; ease |
Rental Car | ~60 min | Varies | Road-trip enthusiasts |
1. By Metro (Best for Budget)
Line 18 is the fastest public transit connection to the city. From the L1 Transfer Hall, take Line 18 to the South Railway Station, then transfer to Line 1 for Tianfu Square.
- Travel Time: ~90 minutes.
2. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Most Flexible)
The most comfortable way to bridge the 51km distance to downtown. You can take an official taxi from the designated stands or book a DiDi via Alipay/WeChat for an upfront price (approx. 200 RMB / $28).
- Pick-up Points: Terminal 1 (Gate G02) or Terminal 2 (Gate G04) at the Transportation Center.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
3. By Airport Bus (24/7 Option)
Ideal for those who want a direct ride without navigating multiple subway transfers. Buses run 24 hours a day and depart once full.
- Fare: 15 RMB (~$2).
- Routes: Stops include Chengdu East Railway Station and Chunxi Road.
- Pick-up Points: Terminal 1 (Gate G01) or Terminal 2 (Gate G03) at the Transportation Center.
4. By Airport Transfer (Most Comfortable)
Avoid navigation stress and language barriers. Your private driver will wait for you in the arrivals area with a name sign.
- Exclusive Perk: Book via Trip.com to get 12% off your transfer.
5. By Rental Car (For Road Trips)
If you’re embarking on a road trip through Sichuan, you can pick up your rental vehicle directly at the airport.
- Member Perk: Enjoy up to 12% cash back on your rental when booking through Trip.com.
Transferring Between CTU and TFU
If your flight route involves a connection between Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) and Tianfu International Airport (TFU), please note they are approximately 70 km apart. Here is how to make the transfer:
1. By Metro (Fastest)
Use Line 19, which provides a direct link between the two airports.
- Express Service: As fast as 30 minutes.
- Regular Service: Approx. 60 minutes.
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM.
2. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Easiest)
Ideal for those with heavy luggage. A taxi/DiDi ride takes 50–60 minutes and costs approximately 150–200 RMB ($20–$28). It is the most stress-free way to ensure you reach your connecting flight on time.
3. By Airport Bus (Late-Night Option)
If you arrive during the early hours, this is your primary public transport choice.
- Hours: 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM (departs hourly).
- Duration: ~60 minutes.
- Pro-tip: The bus is a great place to rest, but ensure you keep your belongings secure.
Chengdu Airport|Red-Eye Flights
If you’re arriving at the airport late at night or in the early morning, how do you get from Chengdu’s airports into the city? If you’re at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, you can take the Chunxi Road night airport bus into downtown; if you’re at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, you can take the 24-hour Airport Bus Line 1 into the city. If you want to save time, just use Trip.com’s airport transfer service—no matter when you arrive, they can arrange a dedicated pickup!

🔥 Recomended Hotels in Chengdu
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China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can enjoy a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit when traveling through 24 Chinese provinces, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use a China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend using the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
FAQs about Chengdu Airport
-
Which airport is closer to downtown Chengdu?
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is the closer option, typically 30–40 minutes from the city center. Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) is 51km away, requiring 60–90 minutes of travel time. -
What is the best way to book airport transportation in Chengdu?
For convenience, use the DiDi ride-hailing app (via Alipay/WeChat) for upfront pricing, or book a private airport transfer on Trip.com to enjoy a hassle-free, door-to-door experience. -
How long does a transfer between Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) and Tianfu (TFU) airport take?
The 70km transfer takes 50–60 minutes by taxi or 30–60 minutes via Metro Line 19. We recommend allowing at least 4–5 hours for your connection to handle luggage and terminal navigation.
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Chengdu Airport Guide
Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!
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