Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (天府国际机场, TFU) opened in 2021 and is the city's grand new gateway, a futuristic two-terminal hub about 50 to 60 kilometers southeast of the city center, on the border with Jianyang. It now handles most international long-haul flights and a growing share of domestic routes. The terminal architecture is striking, with a central hollow design and dramatic skylights, but the distance to downtown is the one thing every visitor must plan for. A taxi into town can cost 150 to 220 yuan and take over an hour in traffic, so know your options before you land and factor the journey into your schedule.
The Two Terminals and Layout
Tianfu has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 connected by an underground link. Most international flights use one side while domestic carriers spread across both. Follow the bilingual signs to the arrivals hall, where you will find ATMs, SIM-card counters, luggage storage and taxi booking. Free airport Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there are plenty of seats, cafes and charging points for waiting passengers. Because the terminals are vast, leave extra time to walk from your gate to ground transport.
Metro Line 18, the Best Choice
By far the best way to the city center is Metro Line 18, which runs from the airport directly to South Railway Station (火车南站) and Tianfu Square. Express trains skip some stops and reach South Railway Station in about 35 to 40 minutes; regular trains take closer to 50 minutes. The fare is about 8 to 12 yuan. At South Railway Station you can transfer to Line 1, Line 7 or continue on Line 18 toward Tianfu Square. Line 18 runs from roughly 6:00 to 23:00; if your flight lands later, use a taxi or a pre-booked car. Buy your ride with a QR code or a token, and allow time to walk from the gate to the station.
Airport Bus and Taxi
- Airport bus: Several lines connect Tianfu to downtown hotels and railway stations. Fares range from about 20 to 35 yuan and the ride takes 70 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi: A metered taxi to central Chengdu covers 50 to 60 km and costs about 150 to 220 yuan, taking 60 to 80 minutes. Use the official rank and insist on the meter.
- Ride-hailing: Didi has marked pickup zones; a premium or six-seater car is worth it if you have luggage or a group, and the fare is fixed in the app.
Transfers Between the Two Airports
Some flights connect through Chengdu, and if you need to switch between CTU and TFU, allow at least two and a half hours. Take Line 10 from CTU to Taipingyuan, transfer to Line 7 or Line 1, then to Line 18 at South Railway Station for TFU. The whole underground trip takes about 90 minutes. If you are short on time, book a direct Didi between the airports; it covers about 70 km and costs roughly 180 to 260 yuan. Never cut it close on a tight connection, because Chengdu traffic can surprise you.
Practical Information
- Location: Jianyang, about 50-60 km southeast of the city center.
- Metro: Line 18 express to South Railway Station in 35-40 minutes, fare about 8-12 yuan.
- Cost to center: Metro 8-12 yuan; airport bus 20-35 yuan; taxi 150-220 yuan.
- Time to center: Metro about 40 minutes; taxi 60-80 minutes.
- Tips: Leave extra time for TFU arrivals. Check whether your hotel is near Line 1 or Line 18. Avoid unlicensed cars offering low fares at the curb, they may overcharge.
