
Chengdu Airport Guide: Layouts, Metro & City Transfers

By TaraKai
October 12, 2026

Chengdu has two international airports: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Both serve travelers visiting Chengdu and other parts of Sichuan Province, but they are located in different areas of the city. Knowing which airport your flight uses can help you plan your arrival, hotel transfer, and transportation costs.
If you're flying from the Philippines to Chengdu, check your flight details before booking airport transportation. This guide explains the differences between the two Chengdu airports, how to reach the city center, available transport options, airport facilities, and useful tips for a smoother journey.
Chengdu Airport Overview: Tianfu vs. Shuangliu
Chengdu's two airports handle domestic and international flights. Tianfu is the newer airport, while Shuangliu is closer to central Chengdu. Both have metro connections, taxis, and airport transportation services.
| Airport Information | Tianfu Airport (TFU) | Shuangliu Airport (CTU) |
|---|---|---|
Official Name | Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport |
Airport Code | TFU | CTU |
Location | Southeast of Chengdu | Southwest of Chengdu |
Distance from City Center | Around 50–60 km | Around 16–20 km |
Passenger Terminals | Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 | Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 |
Metro Connections | Lines 18 and 19 | Lines 10, 19 and 30 |
Transportation | Metro, airport bus, taxi, DiDi | Metro, airport bus, taxi, DiDi |
Best For | Flights using Tianfu Airport | Flights using Shuangliu Airport |
Important: Airport assignments can change depending on the airline and route. Always check whether your ticket shows TFU or CTU, rather than assuming all international flights use the same airport.


















Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport opened on June 27, 2021, and is one of Chengdu's main aviation hubs. It is located southeast of the city, around 50–60 km from central Chengdu, depending on your destination.
The airport has modern facilities, passenger lounges, restaurants, shopping areas, and several public transportation options. It is connected to the city through Chengdu Metro Line 18 and Line 19.
Tianfu Airport Terminals
| Terminal | Information |
|---|---|
Terminal 1 (T1) | Handles flights according to current airline and airport arrangements, including international services |
Terminal 2 (T2) | Handles flights according to current airline and airport arrangements, including domestic services |
Ground Transportation Center | Connects passengers with metro services and other ground transportation |
Note: Do not rely only on whether your flight is domestic or international to identify your terminal. Check the terminal printed on your booking or boarding pass.
Facilities at Tianfu Airport
Travelers can find several useful facilities inside Tianfu Airport, including:
- Restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores
- Duty-free shopping in eligible international departure areas
- Airline lounges for eligible passengers
- Information counters and flight information displays
- Baggage collection and trolley services
- Toilets and accessible facilities
- Charging facilities and Wi-Fi services
- Metro, airport bus, and taxi connections
❤️ Pro Tip: Tianfu Airport is large, so allow enough time for check-in, security, immigration, and walking to your departure gate. For international flights, arriving around three hours before departure is a practical starting point, unless your airline advises otherwise.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located southwest of Chengdu, approximately 16–20 km from the city center. It is the older of Chengdu's two major airports and remains an important hub for domestic and selected international flights.
Its location makes it convenient for travelers staying around Tianfu Square, Chunxi Road, and other central Chengdu neighborhoods. Passengers can travel between the airport and the city using the metro, airport buses, taxis, or ride-hailing services.
Shuangliu Airport Terminals
| Terminal | Information |
|---|---|
Terminal 1 (T1) | Used for flights assigned by the airport and airlines |
Terminal 2 (T2) | Used for flights assigned by the airport and airlines |
Metro Stations | Line 10 serves both terminals; Lines 19 and 30 serve the Terminal 2 East station |
Terminal assignments depend on the airline and flight route. Check your booking confirmation or the airport's flight information before departure.
Facilities at Shuangliu Airport
Shuangliu Airport provides services for passengers arriving, departing, or connecting through Chengdu.
- Restaurants and food outlets
- Shops and convenience stores
- Passenger information counters
- Baggage handling services
- Airline lounges for eligible travelers
- Toilets and waiting areas
- Metro and bus connections
- Taxi and ride-hailing services
❤️ Pro Tip: If you have a flight from Shuangliu Airport, check your terminal before leaving your hotel. Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 2 East metro stations are not the same stop.
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Hotel in Xi'anChengdu Airport Terminal Layouts
Chengdu has two main airports: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Both airports have different terminal areas, so it is important to check your flight details before going to the airport.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) Layout

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport has Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), plus a Ground Transportation Center (GTC) for metro and other transport connections. Based on the airport's transfer guide, T1 is used for international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan departures, while T2 is used for domestic departures.
Here are the main layout points travelers should know:
- Terminal 1 (T1): Mainly for international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights
- Terminal 2 (T2): Mainly for domestic flights
- Ground Transportation Center (GTC): Connects the airport with metro and other ground transport
- Transfer Rest Areas: International transfer rest area is in T1 L2, while domestic transfer rest areas are in T2 L2 and near gates 216 and 232
- Important Tip: Always check your booking or boarding pass because terminal arrangements may change depending on your airline
❤️ Pro Tip: Tianfu Airport is large, so allow extra time for check-in, security, and walking to your gate.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) Layout


Source: ChinaAirline Travel
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). The airport also provides terminal maps, transport information, and layout-related passenger services on its official website.
Here are the main layout points travelers should know:
- Terminal 1 (T1): Used for selected flights based on airline arrangements
- Terminal 2 (T2): Used for selected flights based on airline arrangements
- Transport Access: Metro, airport bus, taxi, and other transport services are available from the airport
- Passenger Services: The airport provides maps, guides, terminal services, and shopping and dining information
- Important Tip: Check your terminal before leaving for the airport, especially if you are booking a taxi or DiDi
❤️ Pro Tip: Shuangliu Airport is closer to central Chengdu, but make sure you confirm whether your flight uses T1 or T2 before your trip.
How to Get from Chengdu Airport to the City Center

Chengdu has two airports, Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU), with metro, airport buses, taxis, and DiDi services available. Tianfu Airport is farther from the city center, while Shuangliu Airport is closer to popular areas like Chunxi Road and Tianfu Square.
| Transportation | Tianfu Airport (TFU) | Shuangliu Airport (CTU) |
|---|---|---|
Metro | Line 18 to the city, Line 19 for airport connections | Line 10 to the city, Lines 19 and 30 for other connections |
Airport Bus | Shuttle services to Chunxi Road and other areas | Airport bus services, including night routes |
Taxi | Around 60–90 minutes to downtown | Around 30–50 minutes to downtown |
DiDi | Available at designated pickup areas | Available at designated pickup areas |
Distance | Around 50–60 km from central Chengdu | Around 16–20 km from central Chengdu |
Note: Travel times depend on traffic, destination, and service availability. Check the latest fares and schedules before traveling.
From Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) to the City Center
Tianfu Airport is located southeast of Chengdu, making the metro a convenient choice for reaching downtown. Travelers can also take an airport shuttle bus, taxi, or DiDi.
1. By Metro
Metro Line 18 connects Tianfu Airport with Chengdu South Railway Station, where passengers can change to Line 1 for Tianfu Square and other central areas.
- Metro Line: Line 18
- Route: Tianfu Airport Terminal 1 & 2 → South Railway Station → Line 1 for Tianfu Square
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 35–50 minutes to South Railway Station, depending on the train service
- Estimated Fare: Around CNY 10 to South Railway Station
- Best For: Budget travelers and those with light luggage
2. By Airport Shuttle Bus
Airport shuttle buses connect Tianfu Airport with several parts of Chengdu, including the popular Chunxi Road area.
- Route: Tianfu Airport → Chunxi Road, depending on the service
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic
- Estimated Fare: Around CNY 15 during the day and CNY 25 at night for the Chunxi Road service
- Best For: Travelers staying near airport shuttle stops
3. By Taxi
Taxis are available at official stands outside Tianfu Airport. They offer a direct journey to your hotel without changing transportation.
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 60–90 minutes to downtown
- Estimated Fare: Around CNY 150–200 or more, depending on traffic, tolls, and destination
- Pickup: Official airport taxi stands
- Best For: Families, groups, and travelers with heavy luggage
4. By DiDi
DiDi is a popular ride-hailing option in China. You can book a car through the app and check the estimated fare before confirming.
- Booking: DiDi app or supported platforms
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 60–90 minutes to downtown, depending on traffic
- Fare: Displayed in the app before booking
- Pickup: Designated airport ride-hailing area
- Best For: Travelers who prefer a direct hotel transfer
❤️ Pro Tip: If you're arriving at Tianfu Airport late at night, check whether the metro is still operating. Save your hotel's Chinese address before departure to make taxi or DiDi bookings easier.
From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) to the City Center
Shuangliu Airport is closer to central Chengdu and offers convenient transportation to popular areas such as Chunxi Road and Tianfu Square.
1. By Metro
Metro Line 10 connects Shuangliu Airport with Chengdu's metro network. Travelers can transfer to Line 3 at Taipingyuan Station to reach Chunxi Road.
- Metro Line: Line 10
- Route: Shuangliu Airport Terminal 1 or 2 → Taipingyuan → Line 3 toward Chunxi Road
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 30–50 minutes, depending on the destination
- Estimated Fare: Around CNY 5–8 for many central destinations
- Best For: Travelers looking for an affordable airport transfer
2. By Airport Bus
Airport bus services provide another way to travel between Shuangliu Airport and parts of Chengdu. Some services operate at night.
- Route: Selected city destinations, including Chunxi Road on applicable services
- Travel Time: Depends on the route and traffic
- Fare: Varies by bus service
- Best For: Travelers staying near bus stops or arriving outside metro operating hours
3. By Taxi
Taking a taxi from Shuangliu Airport is convenient because the airport is relatively close to downtown Chengdu.
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 30–50 minutes to central Chengdu
- Estimated Fare: Around CNY 60–100, depending on destination and traffic
- Pickup: Official airport taxi stands
- Best For: Families, groups, and travelers with luggage
4. By DiDi
DiDi is another convenient option for getting from Shuangliu Airport directly to your hotel.
- Booking: DiDi app or supported platforms
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 30–50 minutes to downtown
- Fare: Check the estimated price in the app
- Pickup: Designated airport ride-hailing area
- Best For: Travelers who want a direct transfer without using public transportation
❤️ Pro Tip: If your hotel is near Chunxi Road or Tianfu Square, Shuangliu Airport usually offers a shorter journey than Tianfu Airport. Check your airport code before booking your hotel transfer.
- One way
- Round-trip
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How to Travel Between Tianfu Airport and Shuangliu Airport

If you have connecting flights at different Chengdu airports, you will need to travel between Tianfu Airport (TFU) and Shuangliu Airport (CTU).
The airports are separated by a considerable distance, so allow enough time for the transfer.
By Metro
Metro Line 19 provides a rail connection between the airport areas.
Route:
- From Tianfu Airport, follow signs to Metro Line 19.
- Board a train toward Shuangliu Airport Terminal 2 East.
- Get off at the Terminal 2 East station.
- Follow the signs toward the required Shuangliu Airport terminal.
For travel in the opposite direction, board the appropriate Line 19 service toward Tianfu Airport.
By Taxi or DiDi
A taxi or DiDi can take you directly between the airports without requiring a metro transfer.
This may be more convenient if you are traveling with several suitcases or making a connection outside metro operating hours.
Important: If your flights use different airports, allow extra time for baggage collection, immigration if applicable, road or rail transportation, check-in, and security. A transfer between TFU and CTU is not the same as changing terminals within one airport.





Chengdu Airport Transportation: Which Option Should You Choose?
| Travel Situation | Suggested Transportation |
|---|---|
Traveling on a budget | Metro |
Staying near a direct airport bus stop | Airport shuttle bus |
Traveling with children | Taxi or DiDi |
Carrying several suitcases | Taxi or DiDi |
Arriving late at night | Taxi or an operating airport bus |
Transferring between TFU and CTU | Metro Line 19 or taxi |
Traveling alone | Metro or airport bus |
The metro is usually a good choice for saving money, while taxis and DiDi are more convenient for direct hotel transfers.
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Chengdu Airport Arrival Guide for Filipino Travelers
Filipino travelers arriving in Chengdu should prepare the necessary travel documents and plan how to reach their accommodation before leaving the airport.
1. Immigration and Entry Requirements
If you are entering China using a Philippine passport, check the applicable visa and entry requirements before departure. An ordinary Philippine passport does not automatically provide visa-free tourist entry to China.
Prepare the documents required for your particular journey, which may include:
- Valid passport
- Appropriate Chinese visa or other valid entry permission
- Flight booking details
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Supporting documents requested by immigration authorities
Entry requirements can change, so confirm the latest rules with the appropriate Chinese embassy or consulate.
2. Baggage Collection and Customs
After completing the required arrival procedures, follow the signs to baggage claim and customs.
Check the baggage carousel assigned to your flight and keep your baggage tags until you have collected your luggage.
If you are carrying goods that require declaration, follow the applicable Chinese customs rules.
3. Airport Transportation
Before leaving the terminal, confirm:
- Whether you are at Tianfu or Shuangliu Airport
- Your hotel's full address
- Your preferred transportation method
- The correct metro station, bus stop, or taxi pickup point
- Your payment method
Having your hotel's Chinese address saved on your phone can be useful.
4. Internet and Mobile Connection
Internet access is helpful for maps, online payments, hotel bookings, and communicating with drivers.
You can arrange a China eSIM before departure if your phone supports eSIM.
Check your eSIM plan's coverage, activation rules, and supported services before buying.
📱 Pro Tip: Get a China eSIM before arriving at Chengdu Airport. Stay connected to check metro routes, book DiDi rides, use maps, and access travel information when heading to your hotel.
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Tips for Traveling Through Chengdu Airport
- Check Your Airport Code: Chengdu has two airports, Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU). Double-check your flight details to avoid going to the wrong airport.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive around 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. Always check your airline's recommended check-in time.
- Check Metro Operating Hours: Chengdu's metro does not run 24 hours. Check the first and last train schedules, especially for early departures or late arrivals.
- Save Your Hotel Address: Keep your hotel's name and address in Chinese on your phone. This makes it easier to communicate with taxi and DiDi drivers.
- Prepare Your Payment Methods: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before traveling. Bring some Chinese yuan as a backup for unexpected situations.
- Use Official Airport Transport: Follow the signs to designated taxi stands, metro stations, and ride-hailing pickup areas. Avoid unauthorized drivers.
- Allow Time Between Airports: If you need to transfer between TFU and CTU, leave enough time for transportation, baggage collection, and airport procedures.
- Stay Connected: Get a China eSIM before your trip to access maps, book transportation, and check flight updates when you arrive.
FAQs About Chengdu Airport
-
Can I stay overnight at Chengdu Airport?
Yes. Both Chengdu airports have waiting areas, but overnight access to certain facilities may be limited. Travelers who prefer more comfort can book a nearby airport hotel. -
Is there luggage storage at Chengdu Airport?
Luggage storage services are available at Chengdu's airports. Check the airport information counters for the latest storage locations, operating hours, and fees. -
Can I use Philippine pesos at Chengdu Airport?
Philippine pesos are not generally accepted for direct payments. Use Chinese yuan (CNY) or supported international bank cards and mobile payment methods. -
Can I leave Chengdu Airport during a long layover?
You may leave the airport if you meet China's entry requirements or qualify for an applicable visa-free transit policy. Immigration officers make the final decision on entry. -
Are there currency exchange counters and ATMs at Chengdu Airport?
Yes. Chengdu's airports offer ATM and currency exchange services, although availability and operating hours may vary by terminal. Travelers should check the fees and exchange rates before using these services.
Related products
Chengdu Airport
- 1. Chengdu Airport Overview: Tianfu vs. Shuangliu
- 2. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
- 3. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
- 4. Chengdu Airport Terminal Layouts
- 5. How to Get from Chengdu Airport to the City Center
- 6. How to Travel Between Tianfu Airport and Shuangliu Airport
- 7. Chengdu Airport Transportation: Which Option Should You Choose?
- 8. Chengdu Airport Arrival Guide for Filipino Travelers
- 9. Tips for Traveling Through Chengdu Airport
- 10. FAQs About Chengdu Airport
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