How to Get from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) to Chengdu City Centre

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to the city centre for most travelers is the Chengdu Metro Line 10 (35-50 minutes, 4-6 CNY, runs 6:00-23:00). This is the fastest and most reliable option, completely avoiding Chengdu's unpredictable traffic. For late arrivals or those with heavy luggage: Official Taxi or DiDi (35-60 minutes, 50-100 CNY to Tianfu Square). For budget travelers: Airport Shuttle Bus (45-70 minutes, 10-15 CNY). For a stress-free start, the metro is unbeatable.

Chengdu Metro Line 10 from Shuangliu Airport to Downtown

Taking the Chengdu Metro Line 10 from Shuangliu Airport to the city centre is the top recommendation for efficiency and value. The metro stations are located inside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, offering a seamless, air-conditioned ride that bypasses all road traffic. A single-trip ticket to the city centre costs only 4-6 CNY. During Chengdu's notorious rush hour, when getting from Shuangliu Airport to Chunxi Road by taxi can take over 90 minutes, the metro remains a consistent 45-minute journey.

Transport Option	Travel Time	Approximate Cost	Best For	Key Consideration
Chengdu Metro Line 10	35-50 minutes	4-6 CNY	Most travelers, avoiding traffic	Best overall option, time-guaranteed
Airport Shuttle Bus	45-70 minutes	10-15 CNY	Budget travelers, light luggage	Subject to road traffic, specific stops
Taxi (Metered)	35-90 minutes	50-100 CNY	Late night, families, heavy luggage	Cost varies heavily with traffic
DiDi (Ride-hail)	35-90 minutes	45-90 CNY	Tech-savvy, have Chinese payment app	Requires app setup, data connection
Private Transfer	35-60 minutes	150-300 CNY	Families, groups, business travelers	Pre-booked, door-to-door convenience

How to Find and Use Metro Line 10 at CTU Airport

In both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, follow signs for "地铁" (Metro). The stations are connected to the arrival halls. Purchase a single-trip token from the automated vending machines (English interface available) or use a rechargeable Tianfu Tong card if you have one. You can also use Alipay or WeChat Pay at the gates by scanning the metro QR code (requires setup). The internet says it's easy, and it truly is—one of the most user-friendly airport metro connections in China.

Key Transfer Stations on Line 10 to Popular Destinations

To Tianfu Square (city centre): Take Line 10 to Taipingyuan Station, then transfer to Line 3 (toward Chengdu Medical College) and get off at Tianfu Square Station. To Chunxi Road shopping area: Take Line 10 to Taipingyuan Station, transfer to Line 3 and get off at Chunxi Road Station. To Wide and Narrow Alley (Kuanzhai Xiangzi): Take Line 10 to Tongxing Station, transfer to Line 9 (toward Financial City East) and get off at Xibeiqiao Station.

Luggage on the Metro: Practical Tips

The metro is excellent for travelers with one manageable suitcase per person. Avoid the peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:30 PM) when trains are packed. Use the elevators, not escalators, with large bags. Stand near the ends of the train carriages where there's more space. If you have more than one large suitcase per person, or are traveling with young children and strollers, the crowding during peak times can be overwhelming, and a taxi might be worth the extra cost.

Metro vs. Taxi During Rush Hour: A Reality Check

I once made the mistake of landing at 5:30 PM on a weekday and opting for a taxi to get to my hotel near Jinli. What should have been a 40-minute ride turned into a 105-minute crawl. The cost ballooned to 120 CNY. Meanwhile, a friend on the same flight took the metro and was at his hotel in Chunxi Road within 55 minutes for just 5 CNY. The lesson? Between 4 PM and 8 PM, the metro is not just cheaper; it's dramatically faster.

Airport Shuttle Bus from Shuangliu Airport to Chengdu

The Airport Shuttle Bus is a budget-friendly above-ground option. Several lines connect the airport to key hubs like the City Centre (Tianfu Square), North Railway Station, and East Railway Station. A ticket costs 10-15 CNY. While it's cheaper than a taxi, I only recommend it if your hotel is very close to a shuttle bus stop and you're traveling outside of peak traffic hours. The buses are comfortable but have limited luggage space in the overhead racks.

Airport Shuttle Bus Lines and Stops

Line 1 (City Centre Line): This is the most useful for tourists. It runs from both terminals to Tianfu Square (city centre) and makes a few stops along Renmin South Road. Line 2 (North Railway Station Line): Connects to Chengdu North Railway Station, useful for train connections. Line 3/4: Serve other areas like East Railway Station and Shuangliu Town. Tickets are bought at counters outside Arrivals.

Shuttle Bus Experience: What to Really Expect

Find the bus ticket counters just outside the Arrivals halls. Buses depart every 15-30 minutes, depending on the line. They are air-conditioned coaches. The major drawback is traffic. A trip to Tianfu Square that takes 35 minutes at midnight can take 70+ minutes at 6 PM. If you have a large suitcase, you'll need to lift it into the luggage hold yourself. The internet lists the shuttle bus as a good option, but that's only true if you have patience and light luggage.

Who Should Take the Airport Shuttle Bus?

The shuttle bus is suitable for: 1) Solo travelers or couples with one backpack/small suitcase each. 2) Those staying at a hotel directly on the bus route (e.g., near Tianfu Square). 3) Travelers arriving outside of rush hour (10 AM - 4 PM). 4) Extreme budget travelers. Not suitable for: Families with multiple bags, those with heavy luggage, anyone in a hurry, or arrivals during evening rush hour.

Taxi & DiDi from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport

For door-to-door convenience, especially with lots of luggage or late at night, taxis and DiDi are the main options. The official taxi queue is well-organized at both terminals. A metered ride to the city centre (Tianfu Square/Chunxi Road) costs 50-100 CNY, including the highway toll. DiDi (China's Uber) is often slightly cheaper (45-90 CNY) but requires the app, a Chinese SIM card, and a linked Chinese payment method (Alipay/WeChat Pay).

Service	Pick-up Location	Approx. Cost to City Centre	Payment	Best For
Official Taxi	Designated taxi rank outside Arrivals	50 - 100 CNY	Cash, Sometimes Alipay/WeChat	Everyone, most straightforward
DiDi (Car)	Designated Ride-hailing Pick-up Point	45 - 90 CNY	App (Alipay/WeChat Pay)	Tech-savvy, prefer app transparency
Unofficial Taxis/Solicitors	Inside terminal (avoid)	150 - 300 CNY (overpriced)	Cash	No one - AVOID

How to Get an Official Taxi at Shuangliu Airport

Follow signs for "Taxi" or "出租车" in the Arrivals hall. You will join an orderly queue. Staff will direct you to the next available taxi. Always ensure the driver uses the meter. The fare will include the airport highway toll (usually around 10 CNY). Have your destination address written in Chinese to show the driver. A typical fare to Jinli Ancient Street or Wide and Narrow Alley is 60-80 CNY.

Using DiDi at Chengdu Airport: Setup and Tips

To use DiDi, you must have: 1) The DiDi app installed (download before arrival or use airport WiFi). 2) A Chinese SIM card with data or reliable roaming. 3) Alipay or WeChat Pay set up and linked to the app. The pickup point is separate from the taxi rank; follow signs for "Ride-hailing" or "网约车". The app will show the exact location. The price is fixed when you book, which is a major advantage.

Late Night Taxis & Surcharges

For late night arrivals (after 11:00 PM), taxis are always available but add a 20-30% night surcharge. The official queue still operates. DiDi may have "surge pricing" but is often still available. This is when a taxi is truly your best bet. Pre-booking a private transfer can also make sense for late arrivals to avoid any queue.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You arrive tired, and a friendly person inside the terminal offers you a "taxi" for a "fixed good price" of 180 CNY to your hotel. You agree to avoid the queue. The car is unmarked. The driver takes a long route, and the final price becomes 220 CNY. Meanwhile, the person behind you in the official taxi queue paid 75 CNY on the meter for the same trip. Always use the official queue.

Private Transfer from Shuangliu Airport

Private Airport Transfer Services

Private transfer services can be pre-booked online or through your hotel. Cost: 150-300 CNY for a standard sedan to the city centre. This is ideal for families, groups of 3-4, business travelers, or those with significant luggage. The driver meets you at Arrivals with a sign, helps with bags, and provides a stress-free journey. While 2-3 times the price of a taxi, the convenience is worth it for many.

When Does a Private Transfer Make Sense?

Despite the higher cost, a private transfer is worth it when: 1) You're a family with young children and car seats are needed. 2) You have multiple large suitcases. 3) You're arriving on a very late flight and want zero hassle. 4) You're a group of 3-4 people (splitting the cost makes it reasonable). 5) You are a business traveler going directly to a meeting. The internet often says "just take a taxi," but with a tired family after a long flight, a pre-booked car is invaluable.

Hotel Pickup Services

Many hotels in Chengdu, especially higher-end ones, offer complimentary or paid airport pickup. Always inquire when booking. Paid pickup typically costs 150-250 CNY. This is often a great option as the driver knows your hotel's exact location. Some boutique guesthouses might offer free pickup for stays of 3+ nights.

Metro Line 10 & Airport Bus: Detailed Stops and Routes

Understanding the exact route and stops helps you plan your journey. Here are the key stops for both the metro and the main airport shuttle bus line.

Chengdu Metro Line 10: Airport to City Centre Stops

Line 10 runs from Shuangliu Airport Terminal 1 & 2 northwards into the city. Key stops for travelers:

1. Shuangliu Airport Terminal 1 (T1) 双流机场1航站楼 - Start here if arriving at T1.
2. Shuangliu Airport Terminal 2 (T2) 双流机场2航站楼 - Start here if arriving at T2.
3. Shuangliu West 双流西站 - Connection to high-speed rail (not commonly used by tourists).
4. Yingtian Temple 应天寺 - Residential area.
5. Huangshui 黄水 - Suburban transfer point.
6. Xinping 新平
7. Huaxing 花源
8. Jinhua 金花
9. Airport Expressway 机场高速
10. Tongxing 通兴 - Key Transfer: Transfer here to Line 9 for Wide and Narrow Alley (Xibeiqiao Station).
11. Shuangliu Square 双流广场
12. Taipingyuan 太平园 - Key Transfer: The most important transfer station. Switch to Line 3 for Tianfu Square (2 stops) and Chunxi Road (4 stops). Also transfer to Line 7.
13. From Taipingyuan, Line 10 continues further into the city centre (e.g., to Wuhou Temple, provincial stadium).

Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1: Stops to City Centre

Line 1 (City Centre Line) runs from both terminals to Tianfu Square. Main stops include:

• Shuangliu Airport T2 (Bus Stop outside Arrivals)
• Shuangliu Airport T1 (Bus Stop outside Arrivals)
• Renmin South Road Section 2 人民南路二段 (Closest to Jinjiang Hotel area)
• Tianfu Square 天府广场 (City Centre Terminal)

The bus travels along Renmin South Road, a major artery. If your hotel is on or near this road, it can be convenient.

How to Choose Your Stop

For Tianfu Square/City Centre: Take Airport Bus Line 1 to the end, or take Metro Line 10 to Taipingyuan and transfer to Line 3 (2 stops). For Chunxi Road shopping district: Take Metro Line 10 to Taipingyuan, transfer to Line 3 towards Chengdu Medical College, alight at Chunxi Road Station. For Jinli Ancient Street/Wuhou Temple: Take Metro Line 10 to Taipingyuan, transfer to Line 3 (one stop to Gaoshengqiao), OR take a taxi (approx. 70 CNY).

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to City Centre Route Map

The map below shows the main routes from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to the city centre. The most direct and recommended route is via Chengdu Metro Line 10 (underground), while roads like the Airport Expressway and Renmin South Road serve taxis, buses, and private vehicles.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Tianfu Square on Google Maps

The distance from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to the city centre (Tianfu Square) is approximately 16-20 km (10-12.5 miles). The metro covers this distance efficiently underground, while road travel time is highly dependent on the notorious Chengdu traffic conditions.

Ticketing & Costs: Shuangliu Airport to Chengdu City Centre

Money and Payment Methods

Have some Chinese Yuan (CNY) cash for taxis (some older drivers may not accept mobile pay) and for buying metro tokens/bus tickets. For the metro, you can use tokens, a rechargeable Tianfu Tong card, or scan the QR code at the gate using Alipay/WeChat Pay (requires setup). For DiDi and most shops, you will need Alipay or WeChat Pay set up on your phone.

Cost Comparison: What Locals and Savvy Travelers Do

Locals and frequent travelers almost universally take Metro Line 10 if their schedule allows (6 AM - 11 PM). It's fast, cheap, and reliable. Taxis/DiDi are used for late nights, bad weather, or when carrying heavy/bulky items. The airport bus is less common now that the metro exists. I rarely see locals with suitcases on the bus anymore.

Traveler Experience & Practical Tips for Chengdu Airport

Arriving at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is straightforward. Both terminals are modern and well-signed in English. After collecting baggage, you'll enter the arrivals hall where transport options are clearly marked. The hardest decision is choosing between the highly efficient metro and the convenience of a taxi.

First-Time Visitor Step-by-Step

1. After customs, follow signs for "Baggage Claim".
2. Collect your bags.
3. If you need cash, use an ATM (Bank of China, ICBC) in the arrivals hall.
4. Decision Point: Look for the "地铁 Metro" signs (highly recommended) or "Taxi" signs.
5. For the metro: Buy a token from the vending machine (English option) or scan QR code.
6. For a taxi: Join the orderly queue outside.
7. Have your hotel address ready in Chinese characters.

The Reality of Chengdu Traffic

Chengdu traffic is heavy and unpredictable. The rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:30 PM) can turn a 40-minute taxi ride into a 90-minute ordeal. The Ring Roads and Renmin South Road are particular bottlenecks. This single factor makes the metro the superior choice during daylight hours. The internet might not stress this enough, but the time savings during peak periods are enormous.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You land at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday. You see the metro sign but opt for a taxi because you have one suitcase. The queue moves quickly. You get in the taxi, and 15 minutes later you're crawling in standstill traffic on the Airport Expressway. Your 60 CNY meter ticks past 100 CNY as you sit there for an hour. You arrive at your hotel frustrated, having spent over 120 CNY and 95 minutes. The metro would have cost 5 CNY and taken 50 minutes, and you'd be enjoying hotpot by now.

Late Night & Early Morning Travel Scenarios

Arriving After 11:00 PM (Metro Closed)

If your flight lands after the metro's last train (around 11:00 PM), your options are:

1. Official Taxi: The best and most reliable option. The queue is still active. Expect to pay the night rate (20-30% higher).
2. DiDi: Available, but surge pricing may apply. Ensure your phone has data.
3. Airport Shuttle Bus: Some lines (like Line 1) may run until the last flight, but frequency drops. Verify at the counter.
4. Pre-booked Private Transfer: Ideal if you want a guaranteed, hassle-free ride waiting for you.

Do not accept rides from solicitors inside the terminal.

Early Morning Departures (Before 6:00 AM)

If you need to get to the airport for a flight before 6:00 AM, the metro is not running yet (starts around 6:00 AM). Your options are:

1. Pre-booked Taxi/DiDi: You can schedule a DiDi in advance for an early pickup.
2. Hotel-arranged Taxi: Ask your hotel reception the night before to book a taxi for you.
3. Walk-out and Hail: In the city centre, you can usually hail a taxi on the street even early in the morning.

Allow extra time as taxis are less frequent at 4:00-5:00 AM.

Options I Do NOT Recommend & Why

• Public City Buses (e.g., Bus 300): Extremely slow (2+ hours), crowded, no luggage space, and confusing for visitors. The 2-4 CNY savings over the metro is not worth the hassle.
• Unofficial "Black" Taxis: The drivers soliciting inside the terminal. They will overcharge significantly (200-300 CNY) and are unregulated.
• Walking: Obviously impossible due to distance and highways.
• Taking Line 10 to a remote station and then a taxi: This is unnecessarily complicated. Either take the metro all the way or take a taxi from the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to City Centre