Traveling to Chengdu? The city has two main airports:
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is the country's newest and most important international hub.
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)—closer to downtown, primarily for domestic and short international flights.
Both airports are modern, efficient, and hospitable to foreign visitors. Whether you're arriving from outside or departing for another Chinese city, getting in and out of Chengdu is simple. Taxis, metros, and airport buses are all easy to use, even if you don't speak Mandarin.
Feature | Chengdu Tianfu Intl. Airport (TFU) | Chengdu Shuangliu Intl. Airport (CTU) |
|---|---|---|
✈️ Airport Type | New airport with significant international and some domestic flights. | Older airport, mostly domestic and some regional international flights |
📍 Location | Approximately 50 km from city center (southeast). | Approximately 20 km from city center (southwest). |
🚆 Transportation | Metro Line 18, Airport Shuttle, Taxi | Metro Line 10 & Line 3, taxi |
🕒 Best For | Long-distance/international travel, or flights to big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai | Domestic travel within China |
🧳 Facilities | Terminals are modern, roomy, and well-equipped | Convenient, efficient, closer to the city |
🌐 Traveler Friendly | Multilingual signage are helpful for international travelers. | Fewer English signs, yet easy to traverse. |
How to Get From Chengdu Airport to Downtown: Tianfu vs. Shuangliu
credit: istockphoto
From Chengdu's Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to downtown
Tianfu International Airport is Chengdu's newer and larger airport, located around 50 kilometers southeast of the city center. It primarily operates international and long-haul domestic flights.
Transportation Options:
Method | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
Metro (Line 18) | ~35–45 minutes | $1.40–$1.70 |
Airport Shuttle | ~60–90 minutes | $3.50–$4.90 |
Taxi | ~50–70 minutes | $18–$22 |
Ride-hailing (Didi) | ~50–70 minutes | $17–$21 |
From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) to Downtown
Shuangliu Airport, located about 16 kilometers from the city center, handles primarily domestic flights with limited international connections.
Transportation Options:
Method | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
Metro (Line 10 → Line 3/7) | ~35–45 minutes | $0.80–$1.10 |
Airport Shuttle | ~40–60 minutes | $1.40–$2.80 |
Taxi | ~30–40 minutes | $7–$11 |
Ride-hailing (Didi) | ~30–40 minutes | $6.30–$10.40 |
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Downtown: Metro, Taxi, and Shuttle Guide
credit: Chengdu Shuangliu Airport
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is located approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the city center, making it convenient for people traveling downtown. Here's how to get to central Chengdu by metro, taxi, or shuttle.
Metro from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to downtown
The metro is a speedy, clean, and economical way to get into the city.
Route:
- From Terminals 1 or 2, use Metro Line 10.
- Transfer from Taipingyuan Station to Line 3 or Line 7, according to your intended destination.
Taxi & Shuttle from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Downtown
If you have bags or arrive late, taxis and airport shuttles are more convenient options.
Taxi & Shuttle Info Table:
Method | Duration | Cost (USD) | Pickup Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Taxi | 30–40 minutes | $7–$11 | Beyond Terminals 1 or 2 |
Ride-hailing (Didi) | 30–40 minutes | $6.30–$10.40 | App-based pickup locations indicated |
Airport Shuttle | 40–60 minutes | $1.40–$2.80 | Outside of the Arrival Halls |
Chengdu Tianfu Airport to Downtown: Fastest & Cheapest Ways
credit: Chengdu Tianfu Airport
CHengdu Chengdu lies around 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Tianfu International Airport (TFU). It primarily handles long-distance domestic and international flights, being opened in 2021. Here's a quick and economical way to go from Tianfu Airport to the city center.
- Metro Line 18: Connects the airport to Chengdu's city center in a direct and cost-effective manner.
- Taxis, ride-hailing, and shuttles are the fastest door-to-door options.
- Taxis and private transportation are the most efficient ways to get to your hotel or destination, especially if you're traveling with bags or arriving late.
Ground Transport Info Table:
Method | Duration | Cost (USD) | Pickup Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Taxi | 50–70 minutes | $18–$22 | Arrivals outside the terminal |
Ride-hailing (Didi) | 50–70 minutes | $17–$21 | Pickup locations depending on apps |
Airport Shuttle | 60–90 minutes | $3.50–$4.90 | Terminal Bus Area |
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Terminal: Facilities, Lounges, and Services
credit: Shuangliu Airport
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) has two principal terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) for domestic travel and Terminal 2 (T2) for both domestic and international travel. Every terminal is equipped to serve travelers with a wide range of current services.
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Terminal 1: Domestic Departures and Arrivals
Terminal 1 at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport provides vital services for short-haul passengers and is primarily used by domestic carriers.
Overview table for Terminal 1 at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport:
Facility/Service | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Check-in Counters | Departure Hall, 2nd Floor | Airlines such as Air China and XiamenAir. |
Shops & Dining | Airside and Landside | Local snacks, fast food restaurants, and tea businesses |
Rest Areas | Near Gates 7–10 | Basic chairs and charging stations are offered |
Free Wi-Fi | Throughout the terminal | No registration required; stable signal |
Medical Service | First floor, west wing | 24/7 emergency support |
Currency Exchange | Near Exit 3, Arrivals Hall | RMB and limited foreign currency interchange. |
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Terminal 2: Domestic and International flights
Terminal 2 is larger and newer, handling both domestic and international aircraft, and offers more eating and lounge options.
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Terminal 2 Overview Table:
Facility/Service | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
VIP Lounges | Near Gates 14, 25, and 35 | Lounge passes or first/business class access |
Duty-Free Shops | International Departure Area | Perfume, liquor, electronics |
Showers | VIP Lounge & Pay Lounge Area | Available for business travelers and certain credit card holders |
Lost & Found | Baggage Claim Hall | Open daily during flight hours |
Luggage Storage | Near Exit 4, Arrival Level | Hourly and daily pricing available |
Public Transport | Outside Arrivals | Metro Line 10, buses, and taxi ranks |
Shuangliu Airport: Terminal 1 Facility Guide
credit: Shuangliu Airport
Yiwu Airport Terminal Layout – Key Areas
Floor | Area | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
1F | Arrivals & Baggage Claim | Domestic and international baggage areas, taxi stands (Gates 2 & 5), Metro Line 10 access at B1 |
2F | Departures & Check-in | Counters A–D: Domestic flights; E–F: International flights; security checkpoints for domestic & foreign travelers |
3F | Administration | Airport management and airline offices; no public access |
Yiwu Airport Facilities & Services by Floor
Floor | Facilities & Services | Details |
|---|---|---|
1F | Currency Exchange | Multiple counters for CNY and major foreign currencies |
SIM & Mobile Service | Kiosks selling SIM cards and eSIM activation for China mobile networks | |
Ground Transportation | Taxi stands at Gates 2 & 5; Metro Line 10 entry at B1 level | |
2F | Boarding Gates | Gates 1–12 for domestic, 101–108 for international departures |
Dining & Shopping | One café past security; limited shopping outlets | |
Security Checkpoints | Separate lanes for domestic and foreign travelers | |
3F | Administration | Offices for airport management and airlines |
credit: chinaairlinetravel
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport – Arrival Guide
Section | Location | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
Baggage Claim | T1: 1F T2: 1F or 2F | International arrivals, immigration, and customs clearance only at T1 |
Transportation Options | T1: Taxi at Gates 2 & 5 T2: Taxi stand outside arrivals | Metro Line 10 (T1 & T2), Line 19 (T2 only); direct access to downtown; airport buses at both terminals |
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport – Departure Guide
Section | Location | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
Check-In Counters | T1: 2F – Domestic & International T2: 3F – Domestic only | Confirm terminal before arrival; T1 handles domestic + some international, T2 domestic only |
Security Screening | T2 | Larger terminal; leave extra time to reach gate |
Post-Security Facilities | T1 | Limited shopping and dining |
T2 | Additional food, retail, and waiting areas |
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Chengdu Tianfu Airport: Terminals and Facilities
About 50 kilometers southeast of Chengdu's downtown is the city's newest and most modern airport, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). It features two primary terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2, with a contemporary design. There are many facilities available in each terminal for both domestic and foreign passengers.
Tianfu Airport Terminal 1 (T1): International flights
Terminal 1 is intended for foreign flights and select long-haul domestic flights. The terminal is contemporary, well-organized, and linked to T2 via both a train and a pedestrian walkway.
Floor-by-Floor Overview
Floor | Main Functions |
|---|---|
1F | Baggage claim, arrival area, meeting zone, taxi and bus |
2F | Immigration and Customs, APM Shuttle to T2 (2-minute ride) |
3F | International departure gates, duty-free stores, and lounges. |
4F | Business center, security screening, and check-in (68 counters) |
Useful Info:
Check-in time: Opens three hours before departure and closes 50 minutes before takeoff.
Connection with T2:
- Free APM training at the B2 level (2 minutes).
- Also, walk 500 meters (about 10 minutes) via indoor corridor.
- Buying and eating options are limited, especially after security.
Domestic flights from Tianfu Airport Terminal 2 (T2)
Domestic flights are managed exclusively at Terminal 2. Compared to T1, it is larger and has more dining and shopping options.
Floor-by-Floor Overview
Floor | Main Functions |
|---|---|
1F/2F | Domestic baggage check; access to public transportation (metro and buses). |
3F | Check-in spots, security checkpoints, and departure gates. |
4F | large food court, local specialty shops, gift shops, and cafés. |
Chengdu Tianfu Airport - Arrival and Departure Guide
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is a major hub for both domestic and international travel. The following is a useful guide for incoming and departing passengers at both terminals.
Arriving at Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU)
Terminal | Process Summary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
T1 (International) | Baggage claim on 1F in immigration and customs. | Immigration screening takes place on the second floor. |
T2 (Domestic) | Proceed directly to baggage claim on 1F/2F. | No immigration required |
Transport Options | Signage leads you to the metro, taxi, or shuttle areas. | Both terminals offer connection to Metro Lines 18 and 19. |
Chengdu Tianfu Airport – Departure Guide
Section | Location | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
Check-In Counters | Terminal 1 & Terminal 2, Departure Levels | Domestic and international check-in areas are clearly marked; verify your terminal before arrival |
Security Screening | After check-in | Allow sufficient time, as security checks can be busy during peak hours |
Boarding Gates | T1 & T2 | Gates are divided into domestic and international areas; follow signs to your designated gate |
Dining & Shopping | Post-security, Departure Levels | Wide selection of restaurants, coffee shops, duty-free outlets, and retail stores |
Transportation Access | Departure floors, curbside | Taxis, ride-hailing, and metro Line 18 available for drop-off at both terminals |
China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can stay up to 240 hours in 54 Chinese cities without a China visa when transiting.
- 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 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 to use 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 - Flying into Chengdu: Airport Maps, Metro & Arrival Tips
How many airports are there in Chengdu? Which one will I arrive at?
Tianfu International Airport (TFU) - predominantly international and few domestic flights. Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) mostly serves domestic and short regional international flights. Please check your airline or ticket to confirm your arrival airport.How do I get from Chengdu Airport to the city center?
To reach TFU, take Metro Line 18, an airport bus, or a taxi (about 60-90 min). To get there from CTU, take Metro Line 10, then transfer to Line 3 (about 40 minutes) or take a taxi (about 30 minutes).What’s the best way to get a taxi at Chengdu airports?
Always visit the approved taxi stand: At CTU: near Gates 2 and 5 (T1) At TFU, follow the signs to the ground transportation center. Avoid accepting rides from unofficial drivers within the terminal.