Chengdu has two airports: Tianfu (TFU, new, south) and Shuangliu (CTU, older, closer). Both have metro connections. Check which airport your flight uses before you do anything else.
The most important thing to know before you land in Chengdu: which airport. Civil Aviation Administration of China operates both Tianfu and Shuangliu as international gateways. Tianfu International (TFU) opened in 2021 and is 50 km south of the city. Shuangliu (CTU) is 17 km southwest and is the older airport. Both have metro connections. Check your ticket before you plan your transfer. For the full Chengdu guide: Chengdu Travel Guide.
Key Takeaways
Check your ticket. TFU (Tianfu) and CTU (Shuangliu) are 50 km apart.
Tianfu (TFU): Metro Line 18 to Century City, ~40 min, ¥10.
Shuangliu (CTU): Metro Line 10 to city, ~30 min, ¥6.
Routes to Tianfu Square and North Railway Station.
Key Destinations
Destination
From Tianfu (TFU)
From Shuangliu (CTU)
Tianfu Square
Metro 18 + Line 1, ~55 min
Metro 10 + Line 1, ~45 min
Jinli Street / Wuhou
Metro 18 + Line 1, ~60 min
Metro 10 + Line 1, ~50 min
Giant Panda Base
Metro + Line 3 north, ~90 min
Metro + Line 3 north, ~80 min
Kuanzhai Alley
Metro 18 + Line 2, ~65 min
Metro 10 + Line 2, ~55 min
Frequently Asked Questions
Check your ticket. Tianfu International (TFU) handles an increasing share of routes. Shuangliu (CTU) handles the rest. They are 50 km apart. Getting to the wrong airport is an expensive mistake.
Metro Line 18 to Century City station: about 40 minutes, ¥10. Then transfer to Lines 1, 6, or others. DiDi from Tianfu to city center: 50 to 70 minutes, ¥80 to ¥130.
Metro Line 10 to city network: about 30 minutes to Century City, ¥6. DiDi from Shuangliu: 30 to 50 minutes, ¥50 to ¥80. Closer to the center than Tianfu.
Go to the city center first, then Metro Line 3 north to Xiongmao Dadao station. Total from either airport to Panda Base: 90 minutes. Plan your arrival day accordingly if you want to visit the base next morning at 8am.
Yes at both Tianfu and Shuangliu. Follow DiDi pickup signs in arrivals. Tianfu is large. The DiDi zone is a 5 to 10 minute walk from arrivals. Setup guide: DiDi guide.
