Chengdu Airport Guide: Arrivals, Departures & Parking
Chengdu soars with two major airports. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Together, TFU and CTU connect you across China and to major destinations worldwide. Below, you’ll find essential information on navigating both airports and the easiest ways to travel to and from each.
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Chengdu Airports & Terminals
Chengdu is served by two major airports: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Together, they form a comprehensive air hub connecting the city to destinations worldwide. Below is a summary of their terminal layouts and services.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
- Location: Approximately 17km southwest of downtown Chengdu.
- Terminals: Terminal 1: Primarily serves domestic flights. & Terminal 2: Handles both domestic and international flights.
- Well-connected to the city via Metro Line 10, taxis, and buses. Convenient for shorter layovers and domestic travel.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
- Location: About 50km southeast of downtown Chengdu.
- Terminals: Terminal 1 (Dedicated to international and regional flights) & Terminal 2 (Focuses on domestic operations)
- Accessible via the high-speed Chengdu Metro Airport Line (approx. 45 minutes from the city).
The Map of Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU)
Credit: ChinaAirline Travel
The Map of Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU)
Credit: ChinaAirline Travel
How to get from Chengdu Airport to City?
Source from Wikipedia
Transportation Options from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) to City Center
Mode of Transport | Route Details | Approx. Cost (RMB & AUD) | Travel Time |
Metro | Take Line 10 to city center (transfer to Line 3 for Chunxi Road area) | ¥4 – 8 (≈ $0.85 – $1.70 AUD) | 40–50 mins |
Airport Shuttle Bus | Multiple routes to downtown (e.g., Line 1 to Chunxi Road, Line 2 to North Railway Station) | ¥15 – 25 (≈ $3.15 – $5.25 AUD) | 50–70 mins |
Trip.com Transfer | Direct to your hotel or specified address in the city center | ¥250 – 500 (≈ $52.50 – $105.00 AUD) | 40–60 mins |
Ride-hailing (DiDi) | Direct to city center destinations | ¥40 – 60 (≈ $8.40 – $12.60 AUD) | 30–50 mins |
Transportation Options from Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) to City Center
Mode of Transport | Route Details | Approx. Cost (RMB & AUD) | Travel Time |
Metro | Line 18 to South Railway Station/Nan Sanhuan; Line 19 to Wenjiang District | ¥8 – 12 (≈ $1.70 – $2.55 AUD) | 45–60 mins |
Airport Shuttle Bus | Routes to city center (e.g., Chunxi Road, Chengdu Zoo) and satellite cities | ¥25 – 35 (≈ $5.25 – $7.35 AUD) | 60–80 mins |
Trip.com Transfer | Direct to your hotel or specified address in the city center | ¥250 – 500 (≈ $52.50 – $105.00 AUD) | 40–60 mins |
Ride-hailing (DiDi) | Direct to downtown locations | ¥110 – 140 (≈ $23.10 – $29.40 AUD) | 50–70 mins |
Important Notes:
- Confirm Your Airport: Double-check whether your flight operates from Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). The two airports are 80+ km apart.
- Traffic Advisory: Travel times may vary significantly during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
- Payment: Ensure you have WeChat Pay or Alipay set up, as these are the primary payment methods for all transport options.
- TFU Distance: Note that Tianfu Airport is considerably farther from downtown, making the metro the most efficient option for most travelers.
Chengdu Airport Arrivals & Departures
Source from Unsplash
Category | Chengdu Shuangliu Airport （CTU) | Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) |
T2: International & some domestic flights | T2: Domestic flights | |
International: 3+ hours before flight | International: 3.5+ hours before flight | |
Peak Hours: 6:00-9:00 AM, 5:00-8:00 PM (both airports)
Transport Options:
- Metro: Line 10 (CTU), Line 18 (TFU)
- Inter-airport Transfer: Allow 4+ hours for 80km journey between CTU and TFU
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Chengdu Airport Duty Free Shops
Source from Unsplash
Chengdu’s two major airports, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), offer well-stocked duty-free shops for international travelers. Below is a detailed overview of what you can expect:
Chengdu Airport | 📍 Locations & Operating Hours
Airport | Shop Location | Operating Hours |
Chengdu Airport | Products & Brands
Both airports offer a wide selection of duty-free goods, including:
1. Perfumes & Cosmetics
- Luxury Brands: La Mer, La Prairie, Chanel, Dior, Estée Lauder, Shiseido
- Popular Fragrances: Gucci, Versace, Bvlgari, Chloe
2. Liquor & Tobacco
- Spirits: Hennessy, Macallan, Martell, Wuliangye, Moutai
- Wines: Bordeaux, Penfolds, Château Margaux
- Cigarettes: Marlboro, Chunghwa, Panda
3. Luxury Goods & Accessories
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Prada, Gucci
- Travel Essentials: Samsonite luggage, Philips shavers
Chengdu Airport | Shopping Tips
1. Eligibility: Only international passengers (with passport/boarding pass) can shop.
2. Payment Methods:
- CNY, USD, JPY (CTU departure only), HKD (CTU departure only)
- Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay)
- Mobile Payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay)
3. Pre-order Online: Some retailers allow reservation & airport pickup.
4. Liquid Restrictions: Purchases over 100ml will be sealed for gate delivery.
Chengdu Airport | Arrival vs. Departure Shopping
- Departure: Larger selection (cosmetics, luxury goods, liquor/tobacco).
- Arrival (CTU only): Focuses on liquor/tobacco & premium fragrances.
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Trip.com Car Hire Chengdu Airport
Source from Unsplash
- Coverage: Available at both Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).
- Biggest Hurdle: You ABSOLUTELY MUST have a Chinese International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country driver's license. Rental agencies will not rent to you without it.
The Rental Process at Chengdu Airport
Pickup Location:
- CTU (Shuangliu): Rental counters are located in Terminals T1 and T2 arrivals halls. Note: After completing paperwork, you'll need to take a shuttle bus (5-15 minutes) to an off-site rental facility. This can be inconvenient when traveling with luggage.
- TFU (Tianfu): Counters are in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals. Some major companies have facilities within the airport parking structure, while others require a short shuttle ride to nearby lots.
Required Documents:
- Passport with valid Chinese visa
- Home country driver's license
- Chinese IDP (physical copy required)
- Credit card in the driver's name for payment and security deposit
Insurance & Fees:
- Basic insurance is included in rental rates
- Consider adding Super CDW to reduce your deductible to ¥0
- Security deposit: ¥3,000-15,000 (AUD 600-3,000) (higher for luxury vehicles) will be blocked on your credit card
- Use a credit card, not debit, for the deposit
- Optional daily "toll pass" fee (¥50-80(AUD 10-16)) for ETC device - you can decline this if staying within Chengdu city center
Vehicle Return:
- Return with full fuel tank or pay agency markup prices plus service fee
- Both CTU and TFU have gas stations near the rental return facilities
- Deposit refund typically takes 7-14 business days to process
Hotels Near Chengdu Airport
Top Hotels Near Chengdu Airport
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport
Chengdu Tianfu Airport
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FAQs about Chengdu Airport
Are there two airports in Chengdu?
Yes, Chengdu has two international airports. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is the established airport located approximately 18 km southwest of the city centre and remains the busier hub for domestic and international flights. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), opened in June 2021, is a newer mega-hub situated around 51 km southeast of the city centre near Jianyang. When booking flights to Chengdu, always check which airport your airline uses, as the two are not easily interchangeable on short notice.Is CTU or TFU the better airport for international travellers?
For most international travellers, Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is currently the more convenient option. It is significantly closer to the Chengdu city centre (approximately 18 km versus 51 km for TFU), has excellent metro and bus connections via Line 10, and handles the majority of international routes. However, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is rapidly growing and offers a brand-new, state-of-the-art terminal experience. If your airline flies into TFU, budget extra time for the longer transfer to the city — approximately 60–90 minutes by high-speed rail or bus.Can I leave Chengdu airport during a layover?
Yes, in most cases you can leave Chengdu airport during a layover. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) offers both a 24-hour and a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible passport holders, including Australians. Under the 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit, you can leave the airport and explore Chengdu and 10 other cities across Sichuan Province without a Chinese visa, provided you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. The 24-hour visa-free transit is available to all nationalities. Always ensure you have sufficient time to clear immigration, explore, and return for your connecting flight.Where is Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) located?
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is located in Jianyang, Sichuan Province, approximately 51 km southeast of Chengdu city centre. Despite the distance, it is well-connected to central Chengdu via an airport high-speed rail link and multiple airport bus routes. The journey to the city centre typically takes around 60–90 minutes by public transport.How do I get from Chengdu airport to the city centre?
From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU), the quickest and most affordable option is Metro Line 10, which connects the airport to the city centre in approximately 30–40 minutes for a fare of around 5–7 CNY (approximately AUD 1–2). Airport buses operate on several routes to major city districts and are slightly slower but very affordable. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as DiDi are also widely available. From Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU), a dedicated high-speed rail connection and airport buses serve the city, with journey times of approximately 60–90 minutes.
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