Chengdu Airport to City: Which Airport Should You Use? CTU vs TFU Explained

Chengdu has two airports 50 kilometers apart. Confuse them and you lose 1.5 hours and over ¥200, and possibly your flight. This guide helps you choose the right airport and the best transport for your situation.

Quick Answer

Which airport am I flying into?

Direct answer: Check your ticket for the airport code. CTU (Shuangliu) is the old airport 14-16 kilometers from the city center, serving mainly domestic flights plus Tibet Airlines. TFU (Tianfu) is the main international hub 50-70 kilometers out, handling all overseas, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights plus most domestic routes. Tibet Airlines is the only airline operating all its Chengdu flights from CTU. If you confuse the two, ground transfer costs more than 1.5 hours and over ¥200.

What is the best transport option from Chengdu airport to the city?

Direct answer: For daytime arrivals with light luggage, metro is the best overall choice, cheap, reliable, and unaffected by traffic. From CTU, take Line 10 to Taipingyuan then transfer to Line 3 for Chunxi Road (¥4-6, 35-40 minutes). From TFU, take Line 18 express to South Railway Station then transfer (¥10 express fare, 55 minutes to 1 hour total). Choose DiDi for families with heavy luggage or late-night arrivals. Choose the airport bus for budget late-night travel.

Your airport choice also affects where you should stay in Chengdu. If you are arriving late or carrying luggage, choosing the right hotel area can save significant time. See our guide on Where to Stay in Chengdu to compare Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li, Wuhou Temple, and other neighborhoods.

What is the cheapest way from Chengdu Tianfu Airport to Chunxi Road?

Direct answer: The cheapest daytime option is the metro: take Line 18 express to South Railway Station, then transfer to Line 1 for Chunxi Road. Total cost is about ¥12 and takes 55 minutes to 1 hour. For late-night arrivals, the airport bus Line 1 costs ¥25 and runs 24 hours to Chunxi Road in about 75 minutes. From CTU, the night bus is absurdly cheap at ¥2 (21:00-04:30, Night Line 1 to Chunxi Road) but only takes cash.

Quick Decision Table

TripChina Pick: Metro for daytime arrivals at both airports. DiDi for families or late-night arrivals. TFU bus Line 1 for 24-hour budget travel to Chunxi Road.

TripChina Verdict

Best overall: Metro, for both airports, daytime arrivals, solo travelers with light luggage, and budget-conscious visitors. From CTU, ¥4-6 gets you to Chunxi Road in 35-40 minutes. From TFU, about ¥12 gets you there in 55 minutes to 1 hour. No traffic risk, reliable, and cheap.

Choose DiDi if: You're traveling with family or a group, have 2+ large suitcases, or arrive after the metro stops at 23:30. CTU DiDi costs ¥50-80 and takes 25-40 minutes. TFU DiDi costs ¥180-240 and takes 60-90 minutes.

Choose airport bus if: You're on a tight budget arriving after 23:30, or your destination is on a bus route. TFU bus Line 1 runs 24 hours to Chunxi Road for ¥15 day or ¥25 night. CTU night bus costs just ¥2.

Choose Tianfuxing if: You're a solo traveler arriving after 23:30 and want a safer alternative to a regular taxi. App-based, official, and registered.

Choose high-speed rail only if: You're arriving at TFU and heading to Chengdu East Railway Station or beyond. ¥20-31, 26-28 minutes.

First: Which Airport Are You Flying Into?

This is the most important decision you'll make before even thinking about transport. Chengdu has two airports, and they are not interchangeable.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), the old airport, 14-16 kilometers from the city center. It mainly handles domestic flights. Tibet Airlines operates all its Chengdu flights from CTU T2. Seven airlines operate from both airports. CTU T1 is reportedly closed for renovation, verify this before heading there.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), the main international hub, 50-70 kilometers from the city center. All overseas, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passenger flights operate here. T1 handles international flights; T2 handles domestic flights. Twenty-six airlines operate only from TFU.

The critical warning: If you confuse the two airports, ground transfer costs more than 1.5 hours and over ¥200, and you could miss your flight. Check your ticket for the airport code before you leave.

Transport from Shuangliu Airport (CTU) to the City

Metro: Best Overall for Daytime

The metro is the most practical option for most travelers arriving during operating hours (06:00-23:30).

Route: Take Line 10 from the airport station (located underground at both terminals, no outdoor walk needed). Transfer at Taipingyuan Station to Line 3 for Chunxi Road or Wuhou Shrine, or to Line 7 for Chengdu East Railway Station.

Cost and time: ¥4-6, 35-40 minutes to Chunxi Road.

Who it's for: Solo travelers, budget-conscious visitors, anyone with light luggage arriving during the day.

The trade-off: The transfer at Taipingyuan involves stairs and walking. With heavy luggage, this becomes inconvenient.

If you plan to visit Wuhou Shrine and Jinli after arriving, timing matters. Our Wuhou Shrine & Jinli Route Guide explains the best order and visiting time.

DiDi: Best for Families and Heavy Luggage

DiDi is the easiest door-to-door option and accepts international credit cards.

Cost: ¥50-80, including highway tolls. The upfront "one-price" estimate usually includes the toll, making it more predictable than a regular taxi.

Time: 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Who it's for: Families, groups, anyone with 2+ large suitcases, or travelers arriving late who want direct service.

The risk: Friday 17:00-19:00 is the worst time for driving. Surface roads and highways get gridlocked, adding 20-30 minutes. During this window, metro is the only reliable option.

Airport Bus: Budget Choice

CTU has daytime and night bus services.

Daytime bus: ¥10, 40-60 minutes. Routes serve major city destinations.

Night bus (Night Line 1): ¥2, running 21:00-04:30, heading to Chunxi Road. This is absurdly cheap but only takes cash, and drivers often cannot break large bills. Carry ¥10 and ¥20 notes.

The catch: Airport buses may not have English announcements. Open your map app and track your location.

Tianfuxing: Official Minibus for Solo Late Travelers

Tianfuxing is an official ride-hailing minibus service booked through an app.

Cost: ¥30-45 per person, 40-70 minutes.

Who it's for: Solo travelers arriving after 23:30 who want a safer alternative to a regular taxi. The service is registered and app-based.

Note: Verify official 2026 rates before booking.

Transport from Tianfu Airport (TFU) to the City

Metro: Best Overall for Daytime

TFU's metro connection is excellent, but it has a few quirks.

Route: Take Line 18 from the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) at L1 level. Two service types exist:

• Express train: Stops at South Railway Station, Tianfu Station, Sancha, and TFU. Takes 33-37 minutes. Female voice announcement. Critical: Express trains are not continuous, check the electronic board for the next departure time. The platform is marked "直达" (direct).
• Regular train: Stops at all stations including Fuhuayuan, Jincheng Square East, Century City, Haichang Road, and others. Takes 44-50 minutes.

From South Railway Station, transfer to other metro lines to reach your final destination.

Cost and time: ¥10 express fare to South Railway Station. Total to Chunxi Road is about ¥12 and takes 55 minutes to 1 hour.

Who it's for: Solo travelers, budget-conscious visitors, anyone arriving during metro hours.

The trade-off: The walk from the metro to the terminal is long, locals describe it as "黑起走一截" (a long walk following signs). The metro stops at 23:30, so it's not an option for late arrivals.

DiDi: Best for Families but Expensive

DiDi from TFU is significantly more expensive than from CTU.

Cost: ¥180-240, including highway tolls (about ¥30-39 for the single trip). The upfront DiDi price usually includes the toll.

Time: 60-90 minutes.

Who it's for: Families, groups, anyone with heavy luggage, or travelers arriving late.

The critical warning: After 22:00, the DiDi queue can exceed 30 minutes. Pre-order your ride before landing to shorten the wait. One local described it as "比天府机场还坑" (more of a rip-off than TFU itself), plan accordingly.

Airport Bus: 24-Hour Budget Option

TFU airport buses run 24 hours, making them the only option for arrivals after the metro stops.

Daytime (06:00-23:30): ¥15, frequency 15-30 minutes.

Nighttime (23:30-06:00): ¥25, frequency 15-30 minutes.

Key routes:

• Line 1 (24-hour): TFU to Chunxi Road, about 75 minutes
• Line 2: TFU to Kuanzhai Alley (Jinhe Hotel), about 75 minutes, 08:00-20:00
• Line 3: TFU to Panda Base West Gate, about 80 minutes
• Line 4: TFU to Chengdu East Railway Station, about 50 minutes
• Night Line 2: TFU to Jinsha Bus Hub, about 75 minutes, 20:30-07:30
• Night Line 5: TFU to CTU via Global Center, about 70 minutes, 00:00-05:00

Who it's for: Budget travelers arriving after 23:30, or anyone heading to a destination on a bus route.

The catch: No English announcements. Use your map app to track your stop. Some night routes only take cash.

Planning to visit Chengdu's most famous attraction? Before booking your route, check our Chengdu Panda Base Guide for the best gate, visiting time, and how to avoid crowds.Remember that Panda Base tickets require advance preparation for foreign visitors. See our Chengdu Panda Ticket Booking Guide before your visit.

Tianfuxing: Solo Late-Night Alternative

Cost: ¥88-110 per person, 70-110 minutes.

Who it's for: Solo travelers after 23:30 who want a safer alternative to a regular taxi.

Note: Verify official 2026 rates before booking.

High-Speed Rail: Only for East Station

TFU has its own high-speed rail station connected to the Ground Transportation Center.

Route: TFU Station to Chengdu East Railway Station. From the arrival hall, walk past Starbucks, turn right, follow the high-speed rail signs down the escalator, enter the hall, turn left for security, and the entrance is on the right. Total walking time from arrival hall to inside the station is about 30 minutes.

Cost and time: ¥20-31, 26-28 minutes.

Who it's for: Only useful if your final destination is Chengdu East Railway Station or if you're continuing to another city by high-speed rail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing CTU and TFU

The situation: You arrive at the wrong airport. The consequence: Ground transfer costs more than 1.5 hours and over ¥200. You could miss your flight. The fix: Check your ticket for the airport code before you leave. If you make the mistake, take Night Line 5 bus between airports (00:00-05:00, 70 minutes, ¥25) or a DiDi (expensive but faster).

Taking a Regular Taxi Instead of DiDi

The situation: You flag down a regular taxi at the airport. The consequence: Many taxi drivers lack small change and cannot break ¥100 notes. TFU toll fees (about ¥30-39) are paid separately in cash. Some drivers may take longer routes. The fix: Use DiDi instead. The upfront price usually includes tolls, and international cards work.

Using Private Touts ("Black Cars")

The situation: Someone approaches you at arrivals holding a sign saying "Taxi" or "To the city" in simple English. The consequence: No pricing standard, sudden surcharges, detours, no insurance, no international payment, no recourse for lost luggage. The fix: Firmly say "Bùyào, xièxie" (不要，谢谢) and walk directly to the official metro, bus, or DiDi pickup area.

Relying on TFU Metro Express Without Checking

The situation: You wait for the express train without checking the board. The consequence: Express trains are not continuous. You could wait 20+ minutes or accidentally board a regular train. The fix: Check the electronic board for the next express departure time. The express has a female voice announcement; the regular has a male voice.

Arriving After 23:30 Without a Plan

The situation: Your flight lands after the metro stops. The consequence: Your options shrink to bus, DiDi with a 30-minute queue, or Tianfuxing. The fix: Pre-order a DiDi before landing. Have ¥25 cash for the night bus. Know which bus route serves your destination.

After solving airport transportation, the next challenge for many foreign travelers is booking attraction tickets. Our Chengdu Attraction Tickets Guide explains passport registration, official booking channels, and common mistakes.

Local Truth: Why Chengdu Locals Complain About Tianfu Airport

Locals have a saying about TFU: "天远地远" (far sky and far earth). If you live in northern or eastern districts like Chenghua, Xindu, or Pi County, you need 4+ hours to reach the airport. One local described it as sitting on the metro "until your butt goes numb."

Friday 17:00-19:00 is the worst time to drive anywhere in Chengdu. Surface roads gridlock, and a taxi trip from TFU can add 20-30 minutes. During this window, the metro is the only reliable option.

The airport itself is large and well-equipped, but the food inside is described as extremely expensive. If you're hungry, head to Chen Mapo Tofu (陈麻婆豆腐) at T2 L5 outside security, accessible via the elevator near the L4 security entrance. A bowl of Mapo Tofu costs ¥22, plus ¥2 for rice. It's authentic Sichuan food at a fraction of the airport restaurant prices.

For a free overnight stay at TFU, collect a kit (toothbrush, towel, earplugs) at the information desk in T2's central commercial area between 19:00 and 01:30. The WeChat mini-program is "天府国际机场过夜物资领取." Note that the security gate at T2 L4 Gate 15 closes at 01:00, so late arrivals cannot access inside-security rest areas.

Transportation is only one part of avoiding mistakes in Chengdu. For more practical advice on scams, tourist traps, and common first-time visitor problems, read our Chengdu Travel Pitfall Guide.

This article is part of the Chengdu Travel Guide Hub.
Explore all Chengdu travel guides here → Chengdu Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DiDi work with foreign credit cards in Chengdu?

Yes, DiDi accepts international Visa and Mastercard for automatic payment when linked to your account. The upfront "one-price" estimate usually includes highway tolls, making it more predictable than a regular taxi. After 22:00 at TFU, expect a queue of over 30 minutes, pre-order before landing.

How late does the Chengdu metro run from the airports?

Both airports have metro service from 06:00 to 23:30. The last trains depart around 23:30, so if your flight lands after that, you cannot rely on the metro. After 23:30, your options are the airport bus (24-hour from TFU, ¥25 night fare), DiDi, or Tianfuxing minibus.

Is there a direct bus from Tianfu Airport to Kuanzhai Alley?

Yes, bus Line 2 runs from TFU to Kuanzhai Alley (stopping at Jinhe Hotel). It operates from 08:00 to 20:00, takes about 75 minutes, and costs ¥15 during the day or ¥25 at night. Alternatively, take the metro: Line 18 to South Railway Station, then transfer to Line 1 and then Line 4.

What should I do if I arrive at Tianfu Airport after midnight?

Take the airport bus (24-hour operation, ¥25 night fare). Line 1 goes to Chunxi Road in about 75 minutes. Night Line 2 goes to Jinsha Bus Hub, Night Line 3 to the Zoo, and Night Line 5 to Shuangliu Airport. Pre-order a DiDi before landing to avoid the 30-minute queue. Carry ¥25 in cash for the bus.

How do I transfer between Shuangliu and Tianfu airports?

The most practical option is Night Line 5 bus, which runs from 00:00 to 05:00, takes about 70 minutes, and costs ¥25. During the day, take metro Line 19, which connects the two airports directly in about 30 minutes. A DiDi between airports costs over ¥200 and takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.

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