Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (双流国际机场, CTU) is the older of Chengdu's two airports and sits only about 16 kilometers southwest of the city center, in Shuangliu District. Once the city's sole international gateway, it now handles mostly domestic flights after the opening of Chengdu Tianfu Airport in 2021. Even so, CTU remains the most convenient arrival point for anyone heading downtown, because the ride to your hotel is short and cheap compared with the long trip from Tianfu, which lies nearly 60 kilometers away. When you book a ticket, always check which airport your flight uses, because landing at CTU can save you close to an hour and a bundle compared with TFU, especially if your hotel is in the old city.
The airport has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, linked by a covered walkway and a free shuttle. Terminal 1 traditionally serves international and regional flights along with some Sichuan Airlines domestic routes, while Terminal 2 is used by the large domestic carriers. Signs are bilingual in Chinese and English, and the information desks in the arrivals hall can direct you to metro, bus or taxi. Free Wi-Fi, ATMs, SIM-card counters and luggage lockers are all available before you leave customs.
Metro to the City Center
The cheapest and most reliable option is Metro Line 10. Both terminals have their own metro stations, clearly marked on blue signs. Take Line 10 north to Taipingyuan, which is an interchange with Line 3 and Line 7. The ride to Taipingyuan takes about 25 minutes and costs around 5 yuan. From Taipingyuan, Line 3 runs north to Chunxi Road and the old town, while Line 7 circles the ring and links the railway stations. Trains run roughly from 6:00 in the morning until 23:00 at night, so late arrivals on the last flight after midnight should plan for a taxi instead. Buy your ride with a phone QR code from the Chengdu Metro app or Tianfutong, or use a single-journey token from the machine.
Airport Bus and Taxi
- Airport bus: Civil aviation bus lines (机场大巴) leave from the arrivals curb and stop at downtown points such as Minshan Hotel near Chunxi Road. Fares are about 10 to 15 yuan and the ride takes 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Exact cash is easiest.
- Taxi: A licensed taxi to central Chengdu covers 15 to 20 kilometers and should cost about 45 to 70 yuan, taking 30 to 50 minutes. Queue at the official taxi rank outside arrivals, and never accept rides from drivers inside the terminal.
- Ride-hailing: Didi pickup points are clearly marked on level departures or the designated rideshare zone; expect a fare similar to a metered taxi, around 50 to 80 yuan.
Facilities and Layover Tips
Shuangliu has currency exchange, tea houses and Sichuan snack stalls, so a long layover is not unpleasant. If you need mobile internet, buy a travel data SIM before you leave the arrivals hall. Trolleys are free, and there are charging points near the gates. When you leave, allow plenty of time, as security at domestic peaks can be busy.
Practical Information
- Location: Shuangliu District, about 16 km southwest of the city center.
- Metro: Line 10 to Taipingyuan, transfer to Line 3 or Line 7, about 25 minutes.
- Cost to center: Metro about 5 yuan; airport bus 10-15 yuan; taxi 45-70 yuan.
- Time to center: Metro about 35 minutes total; taxi 30-50 minutes by road.
- Tips: Compare CTU and TFU when booking, CTU is much closer. Keep small cash for the airport bus. Use the official taxi queue and ignore touts offering rides inside.
