Short version: Chengdu has two airports, and they are not close to each other. Before you do anything, check your ticket for the code — TFU or CTU — because it changes your whole arrival.
📶 First, get online. Many apps are blocked here and the airport WiFi wants a local number. Sort this before you land — see our guide to getting online in China.
Which airport am I at?
- Tianfu International (TFU) — opened in 2021, about 50 km south of the city. Big, modern, most international long-haul flights.
- Shuangliu International (CTU) — the older airport, only about 17 km southwest of downtown. Closer in, lots of domestic and regional flights.
If you’re transiting and your onward flight leaves from the other airport, Metro Line 19 links TFU and CTU directly in about 30 minutes. Leave yourself plenty of buffer.
From Tianfu (TFU)
- Metro (cheapest): Line 18 runs from the airport toward Chengdu South Railway Station. The express is roughly 35 minutes for ¥10, then transfer to another line or a taxi for the last stretch to your hotel. Realistically, budget 50–70 minutes door-to-door downtown — it’s a long way south.
- Taxi / Didi: Far more expensive than from CTU because of the distance. Fine if you’re tired with luggage, but expect a longer ride and a bigger fare.
From Shuangliu (CTU)
- Metro (easiest): Line 10 has a station right inside the terminal. About 30 minutes for ¥6, transferring at Taipingyuan for the rest of the network. Hard to beat.
- Taxi / Didi: Short and cheap-ish given it’s only ~17 km. The simplest option late at night.
Paying for the metro and taxis
You won’t need cash. The metro takes mobile payment, and ride-hailing (Didi, available in English inside the Alipay app) is the easy way to get a car. Set this up before you arrive — here’s how mobile payment works for foreigners.
🚕 Tired, late, or with a tight transit window? We can arrange a vetted private airport pickup so you skip the figuring-out entirely. Tell us your flight →
Quick comparison
| Tianfu (TFU) | Shuangliu (CTU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to city | ~50 km south | ~17 km southwest |
| Metro line | Line 18 (~35 min, ¥10) | Line 10 (~30 min, ¥6) |
| Best for | Long-haul international | Domestic / regional |
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