Chengdu Airport Guide: How to Get from Airport to City

Chengdu is served by two major airports—Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), a modern hub about 50 km from the city centre that handles most international long-haul routes, and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), the older but more centrally located airport just 16 km from downtown, mainly serving domestic and regional flights including some from Southeast Asia. For Malaysians, Tianfu is likely where you’ll land on direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, while Shuangliu is convenient if you’re connecting to other Chinese cities or arriving on regional carriers.

Chengdu Airport | Overview

1. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (成都天府国际机场) is the city’s newest airport, located about 50 km southeast of Chengdu city centre in Jianyang. It was built to ease the growing traffic at Shuangliu Airport and to serve as a major international hub for western China.

Airport Code: IATA: TFU, ICAO: ZUTF
Opened: 2021
Facilities: 2 modern passenger terminals, multiple runways, advanced self-check-in, lounges, shopping, and dining areas
Passenger Volume: Planned to handle over 60 million passengers annually in its first phase
Airline Hub: Air China, Sichuan Airlines, plus major domestic and international carriers

Tips: TFU is usually where new long-haul and international flights land, making it the main entry point if you’re flying from Kuala Lumpur or connecting from other hubs.

2. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (成都双流国际机场) is the older but still very busy airport, located only about 16 km southwest of Chengdu city centre. It remains one of the busiest airports in China and is well connected to the city.

Airport Code: IATA: CTU, ICAO: ZUUU
Opened: 1938 (expanded and modernised several times)
Facilities: 2 passenger terminals (T1 for domestic flights, T2 for international and some domestic), extensive shopping and food options, lounges, and transport connections
Passenger Volume: Over 50 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic levels)
Airline Hub: Sichuan Airlines, Air China, and many domestic carriers

Tips: Some flights from Kuala Lumpur may still land at CTU, which is closer to the city centre and convenient if your hotel is in downtown Chengdu.

✈️ Chengdu Airport Terminals

1. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | Terminals

Terminal 1 (T1)
Handles most domestic flights within China. The terminal is spacious with modern check-in facilities, comfortable seating, and plenty of local food outlets and retail shops.

Terminal 2 (T2)
Serves international flights, including routes from Southeast Asia. As a Malaysian traveller, this is likely where you’ll arrive. The terminal offers self-check-in kiosks, smooth immigration, premium lounges, duty-free shopping, and a variety of dining options, including some halal-friendly choices.

🔥 Travel Tip for Malaysians: If you’re flying in from Kuala Lumpur, check out flight and hotel bundle promotions—especially midweek—as they can help you save extra on your trip.

2. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | Terminals

Terminal 1 (T1)
Primarily used for domestic flights across China. It’s well-equipped with check-in counters, shops, and eateries, making it convenient for local connections.

Terminal 2 (T2)
Handles most international flights as well as some domestic routes. Malaysian travellers arriving here will find efficient immigration, lounges, duty-free shops, and a good mix of dining outlets featuring Sichuan specialties.

🔥 Travel Tip for Malaysians: Since Shuangliu Airport is only about 16 km from downtown Chengdu, it’s a lot closer than Tianfu. If your flight from KL lands here, you’ll save both time and money on the transfer to your hotel.

Chengdu Airport | Transportation Guide

Source: Mr orange transfer

🚖 Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) | Transportation Guide

Getting from Tianfu Airport to downtown Chengdu is quite straightforward, but keep in mind the airport is about 50 km away from the city centre.

🚇 Metro

• Line 18 connects Tianfu Airport to Chengdu South Railway Station and further into the city.
• Duration: ~35–40 minutes
• Fare: ~RM 7–8

🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus

• Buses run to Chengdu East Railway Station, major districts, and city hotels.
• Duration: 60–90 minutes
• Fare: ~RM 13–20

🚖 Taxi

• Distance: ~50 km to downtown
• Duration: 60–80 minutes depending on traffic
• Fare: ~RM 95–125 (including tolls)

🚗 Private Transfer / Ride-hailing (Didi)

Comfortable option for families, groups, or late arrivals.

• Price: RM 130+

✨ Travel Tip for Malaysians

Metro services stop around midnight. If your flight from Kuala Lumpur arrives late, it’s better to book a private transfer or use Didi to avoid the queue for taxis.

🚖 Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) | Transportation Guide

Shuangliu Airport is only about 16 km from Chengdu city centre, making transfers much quicker and cheaper compared to Tianfu.

🚇 Metro

• Line 10 runs directly from Shuangliu Airport to downtown Chengdu.
• Duration: 25–35 minutes
• Fare: ~RM 4–5

🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus

• Frequent buses connect to main hotels, districts, and railway stations.
• Duration: 40–60 minutes
• Fare: ~RM 8–12

🚖 Taxi

• Distance: ~16 km to city centre
• Duration: 30–40 minutes depending on traffic
• Fare: ~RM 30–40

🚗 Private Transfer / Ride-hailing (Didi)

• Convenient and still affordable due to the short distance.
• Price: RM 50+

✨ Travel Tip for Malaysians
If your flight lands at Shuangliu, you’ll reach the city much faster and at a lower cost than Tianfu. It’s especially convenient if you’re staying in downtown Chengdu or near Chunxi Road.

Chengdu Airport | Late-night Travel Tips

Source: China Odyssey Tours

🌙 Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

✈️ If you’re arriving on a late-night or red-eye flight at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, here are the best ways to get into the city when metro services have stopped:

• Night Airport Shuttle Bus: Special late-night routes run to key districts and transport hubs.
• Taxi or Ride-hailing: Available 24/7—convenient if you’re heading straight to your hotel.
• Pre-booked Private Transfer: A stress-free option, especially for families or if you’re carrying heavy luggage.

😀 Quick Comparison

✅ Final Travel Tips for Malaysians

• Arrive Early: For international flights back to KL, be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
• Luggage Services: Baggage storage and wrapping services are available in both terminals.
• Food & Shopping: Look out for Sichuan snacks, souvenirs, and duty-free shopping before your flight.
• SIM & Currency Exchange: Available in arrival halls, but you’ll usually get better rates with an eSIM or by exchanging money in the city.

🌙 Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

✈️ Shuangliu Airport is much closer (16 km from the city), so late-night travel is faster and cheaper compared to Tianfu.

• Night Airport Shuttle Bus: Operates to Chunxi Road and other downtown spots.
• Taxi or Ride-hailing (Didi): Available 24/7; usually a quick 30–40 min ride.
• Pre-booked Private Transfer: Still affordable and saves the hassle of queuing at night.

😀 Quick Comparison

✅ Travel Tips for Malaysians

• Shuangliu’s shorter distance means cheaper taxi rides than Tianfu.
• If you’re staying near Chunxi Road or Tianfu Square, Shuangliu is much more convenient.
• Luggage storage, food, and SIM card counters are available in both terminals.

Recommended Hotels Near Chengdu Airport

Hotels Near Chengdu Airport

Chengdu Airport | Essential App

Trip.com

Trip.com is a leading global one-stop travel platform, offering a wide range of travel products, including bookings for attractions and high-speed rail tickets.

Highlight! Trip.com also includes practical travel guides for various destinations, including Shanghai, providing practical and convenient content.

Amap (Gaode Map)

Amap is a widely used navigation app in mainland China, known for its accurate traffic information and route planning. It provides detailed maps, real-time traffic conditions, public transportation routes, and bike-sharing options, making it a great tool for navigating the city.

Didi Chuxing

Didi is China’s leading ride-hailing app, offering various services like taxis, express cars, luxury vehicles, and carpooling. It allows users to easily book rides, track vehicles, estimate fares, and view trip histories, making it a must-have app for getting around the city efficiently.

Chengdu Metro App

The Chengdu Metro app is essential for anyone using the metro system in the city. It provides information on routes, transfers, travel times, and fares. It’s a handy tool for travelers and locals alike, helping to navigate the metro and other rail systems smoothly.

Baidu Maps

China’s version of Google Maps. It offers detailed directions, metro info, and walking routes. The interface is mostly in Chinese, but it’s reliable and accurate. Use Google Translate’s camera feature or Pleco to help.

Chengdu Airport | Travel Guide