Hi there! I’m Dalia Xu, a 30-year-old female travel enthusiast with over a decade of globetrotting experience. Nature landscapes and hotel reviews are my passions—through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m excited to share this all-inclusive guide to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), covering intra-city transfers to downtown, the Panda Base, and railway stations, plus in-terminal services. Whether you’re here for Sichuan’s spicy cuisine or to visit giant pandas, this guide will help you navigate Chengdu seamlessly.
1. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Overview
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (IATA code: CTU) is one of China’s busiest aviation hubs, located in Shuangliu District—approximately 16 km southwest of downtown Chengdu. As the gateway to Sichuan, it offers easy access to key attractions and transit hubs with these core distance benchmarks:
- 16 km from Downtown Chengdu (Tianfu Square, 25–40 minutes by metro/car)
- 30 km from Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (40–60 minutes by metro/car)
- 20 km from Chengdu Railway Station (30–45 minutes by metro/car)
- 50 km from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (1 hour by inter-airport shuttle)
The airport operates two main terminals:
- Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily serves international flights and some domestic carriers.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Handles most domestic flights (Air China, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern), connected to T1 via free shuttle bus.
Core transportation hubs include the Airport Metro Station (Line 10/19), Airport Bus Station, dedicated taxi queues, and ride-hailing pickup zones, ensuring seamless connectivity for travelers.
2. 4 Best Ways to Travel from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu
How to Take the Metro from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu
Metro is the most cost-effective and traffic-proof option, linking the airport directly to Chengdu’s metro network—ideal for budget travelers.
Key Information:
- Route: T2 Terminal → Shuangliu Airport Station (Line 10) → transfer to Line 1/2 at Taiguli Station → Tianfu Square (downtown core)
- Station Location: T2 Terminal B1 floor (direct access); T1 Terminal: Take free shuttle to T2, then to B1 floor
- Operating Hours: 06:00–23:00 (last train departs airport at 22:30)
- Departure Interval: 3–5 minutes (peak 07:30–09:30, 17:30–19:30), 8–10 minutes (off-peak)
Ticketing & Fare Details:
| Fare Type | Price (USD) | Ticketing Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ride (Airport to Tianfu Square) | $1.41–$2.12 | Self-service machines, Alipay/WeChat mini-program “Chengdu Metro” |
Fare & Time Reference:
| Destination | One-Way Fare (USD) | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tianfu Square | $2.12 | 40 mins |
| Chunxi Road | $1.98 | 35 mins |
| Taiguli | $1.71 | 30 mins |
How to Take the Airport Bus from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu
The airport bus network covers key downtown areas with direct routes and ample luggage space—suitable for travelers with bulky bags.
| Route | Terminus | Departure Time (T2) | One-Way Fare (USD) | Passing Stations | Boarding Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Tianfu Square | 06:30–23:00 (15 mins/shift) | $2.83 | Chunxi Road, Jinli Ancient Street | T2 Exit 3 |
| Line 2 | Chengdu Railway Station | 07:00–22:00 (20 mins/shift) | $3.08 | North Railway Station, Wuhou Shrine | T2 Exit 3 |
| Night Line N1 | Chunxi Road | 23:30–05:30 (45 mins/shift) | $3.53 | Taiguli, Tianfu Avenue | T2 Exit 3 |
Ticketing Tips: Tickets available on-site via cash/Alipay/WeChat; no advance booking needed.
How to Take a Taxi from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu
Taxis offer 24/7 door-to-door convenience, perfect for families or late-night arrivals.
Waiting Points: Official queues at T2 Arrival Hall Exit A/B and T1 Exit 1—avoid unlicensed drivers.
Pricing Structure:
| Fare Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Fare (Daytime: 06:00–23:00) | $2.40 (3 km) |
| Subsequent Fare (Daytime) | $0.35/km (3–15 km), $0.53/km (over 15 km) |
| Nighttime Surcharge (23:00–06:00) | 20% increase on daytime rates |
| Additional Fees | $0.21/min waiting fee (speed <12 km/h); no tolls for downtown routes |
Fare Reference: To Tianfu Square: $15.54–$21.19 (daytime), ~30 mins; night fare: $18.98–$24.73.
How to Use a Ride-Hailing Service from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu
Ride-hailing provides flexible pricing and English interface support—an affordable alternative to taxis.
Recommended Platforms: DiDi Chuxing (English available), Amap Dache, Alipay Dache.
Pickup Guidelines:
- Designated zones: T2 P3 Parking Lot Zone 2; T1 P1 Parking Lot Zone A
- Book 10–15 mins after landing; bind flight number to sync delays
Fare Reference:
| Destination | Ride-Hailing Fare Range (USD) | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Tianfu Square | $12.72–$18.98 | 25 mins |
| Chunxi Road | $10.60–$15.54 | 20 mins |
| Jinli Ancient Street | $14.13–$21.19 | 30 mins |
3. Best Ways from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (From T2 Terminal)
| Option | Travel Mode | One-Way Fare (USD) | Estimated Travel Time | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metro Line 10 + Line 3 | $2.83 | ~50 mins | Budget-friendly, no traffic |
| 2 | Ride-Hailing | $21.19–$28.26 | ~40 mins | Door-to-door to base entrance |
| 3 | Taxi | $28.26–$35.33 (daytime) | ~40 mins | 24/7 availability |
| 4 | Airport Bus + Local Bus | $3.53 | ~1 hour | Low cost, regular departures |
Tip: Visit the Panda Base early (08:00–10:00) to see pandas feeding—book ride-hailing in advance for morning trips.
4. Best Ways from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Chengdu Railway Station (From T2 Terminal)
| Option | Travel Mode | One-Way Fare (USD) | Estimated Travel Time | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airport Bus Line 2 | $3.08 | ~40 mins | Direct route, no transfers |
| 2 | Metro Line 10 + Line 1 | $2.12 | ~45 mins | Cost-effective, stable schedule |
| 3 | Ride-Hailing | $18.98–$24.73 | ~30 mins | Flexible, door-to-door |
| 4 | Taxi | $24.73–$31.08 (daytime) | ~30 mins | No transfers for tight train schedules |
5. Best Way from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (From T2 Terminal)
The inter-airport shuttle bus is the only dedicated transfer option, operating between the two airports with frequent departures:
- Fare: $7.07 (one-way)
- Schedule: 06:00–22:00 (30 mins/shift); extra buses during peak hours
- Travel Time: ~1 hour
- Boarding Point: T2 Terminal Exit 5
- Alternative: Ride-hailing ($42.40–$56.50, ~50 mins) for faster door-to-door service.
6. Guide to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
6.1 Dining Options and Operating Hours
- Core Areas: T2 Departure Hall 3F, T1 Departure Hall 2F.
- Cuisine: Local Sichuan specialties (mapo tofu: $3.53, hot pot snacks: $7.07), international fast food (KFC, McDonald’s), and tea houses (Sichuan jasmine tea: $1.41).
- Hours: Most restaurants 06:00–23:30; 24-hour convenience stores (7-Eleven) in arrival halls for late-night snacks.
6.2 Luggage Storage Locations
- Locations: T2 Arrival Hall B1 floor (Counter 12), T1 Arrival Hall 1F (Counter 5).
- Pricing:Luggage Size4-Hour Rate (USD)Daily Rate (USD)Small (Backpack)$0.71$2.12Medium (Carry-On)$1.06$2.83Large (Checked Luggage)$1.41$3.53
- Service: 24-hour secure storage; valuables lockers ($1.41/day) available.
6.3 Currency Exchange
- Locations: T1 International Arrival/Departure Halls, T2 Arrival Hall B1 floor.
- Supported Currencies: USD, EUR, JPY, HKD, GBP, etc.
- Details: Real-time rates, no handling fees; 08:00–22:00 (24-hour self-service machines for major currencies at T1).
6.4 Free Wi-Fi at the Airport
- Network Name: “CTU-Free-WiFi” (covers all terminals)
- Login: Verify via Chinese/foreign mobile number (code) or passport.
- Speed: 50Mbps high-speed, unlimited usage, supports multiple devices.
6.5 Can You Stay Overnight at the Airport?
- Free Areas: T2 Arrival Hall B1 (reclining chairs with charging), T1 Departure Hall 2F (sofa lounges).
- Paid Options: T2 VIP Lounge ($28.26/4hrs, includes snacks/shower); airport hotels (5-min taxi ride, $42.40–$70.66/night).
- Tip: Chengdu’s night temp 18–22°C—bring a thin jacket for overnight stays.
6.6 Transferring from International to Domestic Flights
- Process: Land at T1 → customs clearance → collect luggage → follow “Domestic Transfer” signs to T2 transfer counter → print boarding pass → security → domestic departure hall.
- Time Requirement: 1.5–2 hours (2.5 hours peak season).
- Luggage Tip: Confirm with airline if luggage is through-checked to avoid rechecking.
6.7 Transferring from Domestic to International Flights
- Process: Arrive at T2 → follow “International Transfer” signs → free shuttle to T1 → verify passport/visa at transfer counter → security/immigration → international departure hall.
- Time Requirement: 2 hours (extra 30 mins for visa checks).
- Document Tip: Prepare passport, visa, and round-trip tickets for immigration.
Dalia Xu
Dalia Xu is a 30-year-old female seasoned travel enthusiast
with over a decade of travel experience,
she has a passion for natural landscapes and hotel reviews.