Chengdu Airport Guide: Shuangliu (CTU) vs Tianfu (TFU) 2026

Chengdu's Two Airports Explained

• Yes, Chengdu has two major airports. Always check your ticket for the 3-letter code!

• Tianfu International (TFU): The massive, newer airport located far from the city (50km). It handles ALL international flights and a growing majority of domestic flights.

• Shuangliu International (CTU): The older airport, located very close to the city center (16km). It now handles ONLY domestic flights (primarily Tibet Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Air China).

• Transferring? If you have a connecting flight, double-check if it departs from the same airport. Transferring between CTU and TFU takes at least 90 minutes.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is one of China’s fastest‑growing aviation hubs. Since the opening of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) in 2021, the city now operates two major airports – the long‑established Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and the ultra‑modern TFU. Whether you’re arriving for a business conference, catching a connecting flight, or exploring the city’s famous panda base, understanding how to move efficiently between these terminals can save you time, money, and stress. This guide consolidates the latest 2025 information on airport layouts, transport options, transfer routes, and insider tips.

Navigating Chengdu's Two Hubs: Shuangliu (CTU) & Tianfu (TFU)

Knowing the key differences between the two airports is the first step to a stress-free trip.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) Overview

Chengdu Shuangliu is the established primary airport, located approximately 16 km (10 miles) southwest of Chengdu's city center. It's convenient and familiar to most travelers.

City Map

🗺️ Terminals

CTU has two terminals, though operations are subject to change, especially with the opening of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).

• Terminal 1 (T1): Historically handled most international (and regional) flights.

• Terminal 2 (T2): Historically handled most domestic flights and is the larger of the two.

Note: Terminals and airline assignments can change. It is essential to check your airline's specific information for your flight's terminal, especially since Chengdu now has two international airports (CTU and TFU).

🚉 Transportation to/from Downtown Chengdu

CTU is relatively close to the city center, offering several convenient transportation options:

• Metro (Subway):

  • Line 10 connects both T1 and T2 directly to the downtown area (e.g., Taipingyuan Station for transfers to Lines 3 or 7).

  • The ride to the downtown area is quick, typically taking around 25–35 minutes.

• Intercity Rail:

  • A high-speed rail station is located underneath the airport (B2 level of T2).

  • This provides easy connections to major Chengdu railway stations (like Chengdu South and Chengdu East) and nearby cities like Leshan and Mount Emei.

• Airport Shuttle Bus:

  • Frequent services connect the airport to main hotels, railway stations, and key city districts (e.g., Minshan Hotel, Chengdu North Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station).

  • Duration is generally longer than the Metro, about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic and route.

• Taxi/Ride-Hailing:

  • Official taxi queues are available outside the arrivals area of both terminals.

  • A ride to downtown typically takes 30–40 minutes and is a convenient, door-to-door option.

✈️ Key Hub and Focus City Airlines

🌍 Popular International and Other Major Carriers

While many international long-haul flights have shifted to the newer Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), CTU still handles numerous international and regional routes with airlines such as:

• Air France (historically)

• Cathay Pacific (Regional)

• Etihad Airways (historically)

• Hainan Airlines

• KLM (historically)

• Lufthansa (historically)

• Qatar Airways

• Thai Airways

Key Point on Domestic Flights: CTU remains a massive domestic hub, with the highest frequency routes connecting Chengdu to major Chinese cities like:

• Beijing (PEK / PKX)

• Shanghai (PVG / SHA)

• Guangzhou (CAN)

• Shenzhen (SZX)

🛫 Domestic Departures Guide (T2)

🛬 Domestic Arrivals Guide (T2)

🔄 Connecting Flights Guide

1. Domestic to Domestic Transfer (D→D)

• Arrival: T2, 2nd Floor (Domestic Arrivals).

• Procedure: Follow signs to the Domestic to Domestic Transit Counter (国内转国内). Complete transfer procedures, then proceed to the 3rd floor for security (if required) and your next departure gate.

2. International/Regional to Domestic Transfer (I→D)

• Note: Most International flights now use TFU. If an International flight lands at CTU (usually T1), the process is:

  • T1 International Arrivals → Immigration & Customs → Baggage Claim → T1 International to Domestic Transit Hall → Complete Transfer Formalities → Proceed to T2, 3rd Floor for Domestic Security Check & Departure.

🏪 Duty-Free

• Operator: Includes China Duty Free Group (CDFG) and other operators like CSNC Duty Free Shops and Dufry stores (Hudson Market, Dufry Shops).

• Focus: While CTU still handles some short international flights, the duty-free shop primarily serves international departures from Terminal 1.

• Size & Scale: The main CDFG shop is over 1,000 sqm.

• Product Categories: Similar to TFU, you can find a good selection of:

  • Perfumes & Cosmetics

  • Alcohol & Tobacco (Both foreign and local Chinese brands like Moutai, Luzhou Lao Jiao)

  • Boutique Items (e.g., sunglasses, luggage, bags)

• Location:

  • CDFG: International Departure Hall.

  • Other Shops: Various locations within the terminals, particularly in the International Departure areas.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) Overview

Opened in 2021, Tianfu is a colossal, state-of-the-art airport designed to be a major international hub. It's located farther out, about 50km (31 miles) south of downtown Chengdu.

🗺️ Terminals

TFU has been designed with a high-capacity, "Sun Bird" inspired layout.

• Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily handles International, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan regional flights.

• Terminal 2 (T2): Primarily handles Domestic flights.

Note: The major shift has been moving most International and Long-Haul flights from the older CTU to TFU. Always confirm your airport (CTU vs. TFU) when traveling to/from Chengdu.

🚉 Transportation to/from Downtown Chengdu

Due to its distance from the city center, reliable high-speed connections are crucial:

• Metro (Subway):

  • Line 18 connects the airport's Transportation Center directly to the city.

  • The express service is very fast, taking around 38–45 minutes to reach Chengdu South Railway Station (where you can transfer to other metro lines).

  • Operating Hours: Generally 06:00 to 23:30.

• Airport Shuttle Bus:

  • Shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day, connecting TFU to key downtown areas like Chunxi Road and Chengdu East Railway Station.

  • Travel time is typically 60–90 minutes depending on traffic and destination.

• Taxi/Ride-Hailing:

  • Taxis and car-hailing services are available at designated pick-up points on the 1st floor of the Transportation Center parking buildings.

  • The ride to the city center is significant, costing roughly CNY 200–300 and taking 1 to 2 hours.

✈️ Primary Hub & Focus Airlines (Domestic & International)

The following airlines use TFU as a major base or hub, operating the highest frequency of both domestic and international routes:

• Sichuan Airlines (3U): A principal hub, operating the most non-stop destinations from TFU, including many long-haul international routes.

• Air China (CA): A major hub, operating extensive domestic and key long-haul international routes (e.g., to Frankfurt, London, Los Angeles).

• China Eastern Airlines (MU): A focus city, operating strong domestic routes and several regional/international flights.

• China Southern Airlines (CZ): A focus city, with a significant presence in domestic routes and key international destinations.

• Chengdu Airlines (EU): A major hub, primarily focusing on domestic routes throughout China.

• Tibet Airlines (TV): Key flights connecting to cities on the Tibetan Plateau and other parts of China.

🌍 Major International Airlines & Routes

TFU has taken over the majority of long-haul international flights from the older CTU airport. These routes connect Chengdu directly to major global cities:

The airport is served by dozens of other domestic carriers as well, including Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, XiamenAir, Juneyao Air, and Spring Airlines.

🛫 International Departures Guide (T1)

🛬 International Arrivals Guide (T1)

Image from sctfia.com, Copyright by original author

CTU vs. TFU: Which Airport Should You Choose?

1. Check Your Ticket (The Golden Rule)

ALWAYS rely on the three-letter airport code listed on your ticket or boarding pass:

• CTU (Shuangliu): Your flight is almost certainly domestic.

• TFU (Tianfu): Your flight is either international/regional, or a major domestic route operated by one of the key hub airlines.

2. Travel Purpose (The Quick Guide)

3. Proximity to the City Center (If you have a choice)

If you are flying domestically and have the option between two different airports:

• Choose CTU if you are staying in the South or West of Chengdu's city center, or if proximity to the city is your top priority.

• Choose TFU if you are prioritizing a brand-new, modern airport experience and your hotel is closer to the Southeast part of the city, or near Chengdu South Railway Station (a key Metro 18 stop).

4. Transportation Comparison

Transferring Between CTU and TFU

The two airports are approximately 80km (50 miles) apart. Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for the journey, plus significant buffer time for airport procedures. For a self-transfer between separate tickets, a minimum of 4-5 hours is strongly recommended.

Here are your transfer options, ranked by convenience:

Option 1: Direct Airport Shuttle Bus (Most Recommended)

This is the most straightforward method. Direct shuttle buses run between CTU (T1 & T2) and TFU (T1 & T2).

• Journey Time: 70-90 minutes.

• Cost: Approximately ¥35-50.

• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes. Look for the clear signs for "Tianfu Airport" or "Shuangliu Airport" at the ground transportation centers.

Option 2: Taxi or DiDi (Ride-Hailing)

This offers a door-to-door service but is the most expensive option.

• Journey Time: 60-90 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.

• Cost: ¥200 - ¥300+.

• Tip: Have the name of the destination airport written in Chinese to show the driver.

Option 3: Metro + High-Speed Train (Most Scenic & Modern)

This is the most integrated public transport method.

1. From CTU, take Metro Line 10 to South Railway Station (about 35 minutes).

2. At South Railway Station, transfer to the Tianfu Airport Express Train.

3. Take the train to Tianfu Airport Station (about 20 minutes).

• Total Journey Time: 90 minutes.

• Total Cost: Around ¥20-25.

Essential Travel Tips for Chengdu Airports

Visa and Layovers: Eligible nationalities can use 24-hour or 144-hour transit visa-free policies. For pandas, plan morning visits (38 km from CTU, 1 hour drive). Book tours with airport pickup for efficiency.

Baggage and Check-In: Arrive 2-3 hours early at TFU due to size; recheck bags for transfers.

Money Matters: ATMs and currency exchange counters are available. However, China is a largely cashless society. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay by linking your international credit card before your trip for a seamless experience.

Late-Night Arrivals: Use 24/7 shuttles or pre-booked taxis; avoid unlicensed drivers.

Connectivity: Get a China eSIM upon arrival for navigation apps like Baidu Maps or Didi.

Medical Assistance: First‑aid stations located near Gate 6 (CTU T1) and Gate 12 (TFU T1).

Pet Transport: Pre‑approval required; pet‑friendly lounges exist in TFU’s domestic terminal.

Nearby Stays: For early flights, choose airport hotels like Holiday Inn Chengdu Airport (with shuttles).

Insider Hacks: Use metro for savings; check flight terminals via apps; enjoy Sichuan hotpot at airport eateries.

Language: While airport staff in key areas speak some English, this is not always the case outside. Download a translation app like Google Translate (with the offline Chinese pack) or Baidu Translate. Have your hotel address written in Chinese to show a taxi driver.

Time Management: TFU is enormous. For international departures, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. For domestic flights, 2 hours is the standard recommendation.

🐼 Getting to the Giant Pandas Most tourists want to head straight to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

• From CTU (Shuangliu): It is closer (about 38 km) and takes roughly 50 minutes by taxi.

• From TFU (Tianfu): It is much farther (about 70 km) and takes over 1.5 hours by taxi. (Read this: How to Use DiDi in China)

• Pro Tip: The pandas are most active in the early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM). If you land late at TFU, book a hotel downtown rather than near the airport to ensure you can reach the Panda Base early the next morning!

FAQ: Your Chengdu Airport Questions Answered

Q: I landed at TFU but my next flight is from CTU. What do I do?

A: Don't panic. Follow the signs for ground transportation and head to the Direct Airport Shuttle Bus. This is your most reliable and hassle-free option. Ensure you have enough time (at least 4 hours).

Q: Is there a free shuttle between terminals at each airport?

A: Yes. Both CTU and TFU operate free, frequent shuttle buses (and at TFU, an automated people mover) to connect their terminals.

Q: Which airport is better for seeing the Giant Pandas?

A: Both are fine. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is slightly closer to Shuangliu (CTU), but the difference in travel time from either airport is not significant enough to be a deciding factor.

Q: Can I store my luggage at the airports?

A: Yes, both airports have left-luggage facilities ("Left Baggage" or "Left Luggage") in the arrival halls. Look for the clear signage.

Q: What is the earliest I can catch a metro from TFU?

A: Line 18 operates from 05:55 (TFU).

Q: Are there 24‑hour taxis at CTU?

A: Yes, official taxi stands operate around the clock.

Q: Which airport is closer to downtown Chengdu?

A: CTU (25–35 minutes). TFU is farther (38–45 minutes).

Q: Is English signage available?

A: Yes, both CTU and TFU have clear English signs and announcements.

Navigating Chengdu’s two airports doesn’t have to be a headache. The golden rule is simple: Know your airport code and plan your ground transport in advance.

For the vast majority of international travelers, your journey will begin and end at the modern and expansive Tianfu (TFU). For those on specific domestic routes, the closer Shuangliu (CTU) might be your port of call. By knowing the difference and your transport options, you can start your Chengdu adventure stress-free.

Enjoy the hotpot, say hello to the pandas, and have an unforgettable time in the heart of Sichuan