Shuangliu or Tianfu? Complete Chengdu Airport Guide
Arriving in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, presents travelers with a choice. Should you fly into the established Shuangliu International Airport or the newer Tianfu International Airport? This decision impacts your entire journey.
As a tour operator who has guided thousands of visitors through Chengdu, I’ve experienced both airports countless times. The right choice depends on several factors. Where are you staying in Chengdu? What’s your final destination? How much time do you have?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about both airports. You’ll learn about their locations, transportation options, and facilities. I’ll share personal insights that only come from years of experience.
Let’s dive into the essential details of Chengdu’s two major gateways.
Table of Contents
Chengdu Airport Overview: Two Options for Travelers
Chengdu stands among the few Chinese cities with dual international airports. This reflects its growing importance as a transportation hub in Western China.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Shuangliu Airport has served as Chengdu’s main aviation hub since 1938. Located 16km southwest of downtown Chengdu, it remains China’s fourth-busiest airport.
Key Facts:
- IATA code: CTU
- Distance from city center: 16 km (10 miles)
- Annual passengers: Approximately 55 million (pre-pandemic)
- Terminals: 2 (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2)
- Airlines: Over 80 domestic and international carriers
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Tianfu International Airport opened in June 2021. This massive new facility sits 50km southeast of downtown Chengdu in Jianyang.
Key Facts:
- IATA code: TFU
- Distance from city center: 50 km (31 miles)
- Design capacity: 90 million passengers annually
- Terminals: 3 (with more planned)
- Notable feature: One of the world’s largest single-terminal airport buildings
Shuangliu vs. Tianfu: At-a-Glance Comparison
Let’s compare these two airports across key factors that matter most to travelers:
| Aspect | Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) | Tianfu International Airport (TFU) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 16 km southwest of Chengdu city center | 50 km southeast of Chengdu city center |
| Distance to City Center | 20-30 minutes by taxi or metro | 30-50 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus |
| Opened | 1993 | 2021 |
| Main Airlines | Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, Emirates, Air China | Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, more domestic routes |
| International Flights | Extensive options to Asia, Europe, North America | Limited options, primarily domestic flights |
| Facilities | Established, large terminals, many amenities, VIP lounges | Modern, eco-friendly, more spacious, fewer amenities |
| Metro Access | Metro line coming soon, currently bus and taxi only | Metro line under construction, will connect downtown |
| Airport Crowds | Can get crowded during peak times | Generally less crowded, especially in early years |
| Green Initiatives | Basic environmental features | Strong focus on eco-friendly practices |
Location and Accessibility in Detail
Relative Distances to Key Destinations
| Destination | From Shuangliu Airport | From Tianfu Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Tianfu Square (city center) | 16 km / 30 min | 50 km / 60 min |
| Wide and Narrow Alleys | 20 km / 35 min | 55 km / 65 min |
| Chengdu Panda Base | 28 km / 45 min | 62 km / 75 min |
| Leshan Giant Buddha | 160 km / 2 hrs | 120 km / 1.5 hrs |
| Mount Emei | 190 km / 2.5 hrs | 150 km / 2 hrs |
| Jiuzhai Valley | 450 km / 8 hrs drive | 480 km / 8.5 hrs drive |
Shuangliu clearly wins for city access. Just 16km from downtown, it takes about 30 minutes by car to reach central Chengdu. Most hotels and tourist spots are much closer to Shuangliu.
Tianfu, located 50km from the city center, requires a journey of 45-60 minutes to downtown. However, it sits closer to attractions in southern Sichuan. If you’re heading directly to Leshan or Mount Emei, Tianfu might save you time.
Flight Options and Routes
Shuangliu Airport still handles most domestic routes within China. Many budget carriers primarily use Shuangliu. It serves most regional Asian destinations.
Tianfu Airport focuses on international long-haul flights and major domestic routes. Airlines like Air China, China Eastern, and Sichuan Airlines have shifted many international services here. More direct intercontinental flights use Tianfu.
Airline Distribution
| Airline Type | Shuangliu Airport | Tianfu Airport |
|---|---|---|
| International carriers | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Domestic major airlines | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget carriers | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Regional Asian airlines | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Rating scale: ★☆☆☆☆ (very limited) to ★★★★★ (excellent options)
Transport Options: Getting To and From Chengdu’s Airports
Transportation Comparison
| Transport Mode | Shuangliu Airport | Tianfu Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | Line 10 to both terminals 30 min to city center 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Cost: 5-7 RMB | Line 18 50 min to city center 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Cost: 10-15 RMB |
| Airport Express Train | Not available | 15 min to East Railway Station Cost: 25 RMB |
| Airport Shuttle Buses | Multiple routes to major hubs Cost: 10-15 RMB | Several city routes Cost: 25-30 RMB |
| Taxi (to downtown) | 60-80 RMB 30 min | 150-200 RMB 45-60 min |
| Ride-hailing | Widely available Dedicated pickup zones | Available Longer wait times |
Shuangliu Airport Transportation Details
Metro: The most convenient option for most travelers. Metro Line 10 connects directly to both terminals. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Tianfu Square in the city center. Trains run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Airport Shuttle Buses: Several routes connect to major districts and transportation hubs:
- Line 1: To Chengdu East Railway Station
- Line 2: To Tianfu Square
- Line 3: To North Railway Station Tickets cost 10-15 RMB depending on the route.
Taxis: Readily available at designated stands outside both terminals. Expect to pay 60-80 RMB to most central locations. Always use the official taxi queue and ensure the driver uses the meter.
Ride-hailing: DiDi (China’s equivalent to Uber) operates at Shuangliu. The pick-up points are clearly marked. The app has an English interface and accepts international credit cards.
Tianfu Airport Transportation Details
Metro: Metro Line 18 connects Tianfu Airport to the city. The journey to downtown takes about 50 minutes. This high-speed metro line reaches speeds of 140 km/h.
Airport Express Train: The dedicated airport express train connects to Chengdu East Railway Station in 15 minutes. From there, you can transfer to other metro lines or take a taxi to your final destination.
Airport Shuttle Buses: Several routes serve different parts of the city:
- Line T1: To Chengdu East Railway Station
- Line T2: To Tianfu Square
- Line T3: To Chengdu South Railway Station Tickets cost 25-30 RMB.
Taxis: The fare to downtown ranges from 150-200 RMB. The journey takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Private Transfer: For stress-free airport transportation, consider booking a private transfer through your hotel or a travel agency like Travel China With Me. Our drivers monitor flight arrivals and help with luggage.
Airport Facilities and Services
Facility Comparison
| Facility | Shuangliu Airport | Tianfu Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Dining options | Good variety of local cuisine Some international chains Moderate prices | Extensive high-end dining More international options Premium pricing |
| Shopping | Practical shops Duty-free Local specialties | Luxury brands Expanded duty-free Designer boutiques |
| Lounges | Standard airline lounges Pay-per-use options | Premium lounges Day hotels VIP services |
| Wi-Fi | Free (registration required) | Free (registration required) |
| Rest areas | Limited reclining chairs Capsule hotel in T1 | Dedicated rest zones Sleep pods Transit hotel |
| Family facilities | Basic nursing rooms Small play areas | Enhanced family zones Advanced nursing facilities Interactive play spaces |
Dining Options in Detail
Shuangliu Airport:
- Terminal 1: Strong focus on Sichuan cuisine with restaurants like Long Chao Shou and Chen Mapo Tofu
- Terminal 2: More international options including Starbucks, KFC, and Hong Kong-style cafes
- Budget tip: The noodle shops on L1 offer authentic local food at reasonable prices
Tianfu Airport:
- Higher-end dining with stylish restaurants featuring panoramic views
- Signature Sichuan restaurants including branches of famous Chengdu establishments
- International chains like Costa Coffee and Pizza Hut
- Unique concept restaurants showcasing Sichuan culinary heritage
Shopping Experience
Shuangliu Airport: The shopping options focus on practicality. You’ll find:
- Duty-free shops selling cosmetics, liquor, and tobacco
- Sichuan specialty stores offering local products like Pixian bean paste and baijiu
- Standard convenience stores and bookshops
Tianfu Airport: Shopping here aims for a premium experience:
- Expanded duty-free shopping with luxury brands
- Designer boutiques including Gucci and Louis Vuitton
- Specialty stores selling traditional Sichuan crafts
- Tech stores with the latest gadgets
Practical Tips for Travelers
Immigration and Customs Processing Times
| Process | Shuangliu Airport | Tianfu Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration (peak) | 30-45 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
| Immigration (off-peak) | 15-20 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Baggage claim | 15-25 minutes | 10-20 minutes |
| Customs | Typically quick | Typically quick |
| Total arrival process | 45-70 minutes | 25-50 minutes |
Recommended Check-in Times
| Flight Type | Shuangliu Airport | Tianfu Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 90 minutes before departure | 90 minutes before departure |
| International | 3 hours before departure | 3 hours before departure |
| During holidays | Add 30 minutes | Add 30 minutes |
Language and Communication
English signage exists throughout both airports, but English speakers among staff vary widely. Key information points and international airline counters typically have English-speaking staff.
I recommend downloading a translation app like Baidu Translate or Google Translate with the Chinese language pack for offline use.
Money and Payments
| Payment Method | Acceptance at Shuangliu | Acceptance at Tianfu |
|---|---|---|
| Cash (RMB) | Widely accepted | Widely accepted |
| UnionPay | Everywhere | Everywhere |
| Visa/Mastercard | Most places | Most places |
| American Express | Limited | Better acceptance |
| WeChat Pay/Alipay | Everywhere | Everywhere |
ATMs are available in both airports, though many have high foreign card fees. Currency exchange counters operate in the arrivals halls.
For payments, China largely operates on mobile payment systems (WeChat Pay and Alipay). These require Chinese bank accounts to set up. International credit cards work at most airport establishments, but prepare cash as a backup.
Transit and Layover Options
Short Layovers (1-6 hours)
With limited time, stay in the airport and enjoy:
- Sampling Sichuan cuisine at the restaurants
- Shopping for local specialties
- Using lounge facilities (with membership or by paying the entry fee)
Layover Activity Options
| Layover Duration | From Shuangliu Airport | From Tianfu Airport |
|---|---|---|
| 3-6 hours | Airport dining and shopping | Airport dining and shopping |
| 6-8 hours | Huanglongxi Ancient Town (30 min drive) | Tianfu New Area exploration (15 min drive) |
| 8-12 hours | Downtown Chengdu + Panda Base (30 min to city) | Panda Base OR downtown (Choose one due to distance) |
| 12+ hours | Full Chengdu city tour | Southern Sichuan attractions |
With a visa or 144-hour transit visa exemption and 6+ hours:
- From Shuangliu: Visit nearby Huanglongxi Ancient Town (30-minute drive)
- From Tianfu: Explore Tianfu New Area or visit the Giant Panda breeding base
For long layovers (12+ hours), consider booking a short tour. Travel China With Me offers specialized layover tours including:
- Chengdu City Highlights (8 hours)
- Panda Experience (6 hours)
- Sichuan Food Tour (4 hours)
Personal Recommendations: Which Airport to Choose?
After years of meeting clients at both airports, here’s our practical advice:
| Your Priority | Better Airport Choice |
|---|---|
| Staying in central Chengdu | Shuangliu Airport |
| Convenience over modernity | Shuangliu Airport |
| Budget travel | Shuangliu Airport |
| Limited time in the city | Shuangliu Airport |
| Heading to southern Sichuan | Tianfu Airport |
| Cutting-edge infrastructure | Tianfu Airport |
| Flying major international carrier | Tianfu Airport |
| Longer layover with sightseeing | Depends on destination |
Future Developments
Both airports continue to evolve. Shuangliu is undergoing renovation to improve passenger experience. Tianfu has ambitious expansion plans with additional terminals scheduled to open in phases through 2035.
The Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle development plan positions both airports as key transportation hubs. Expect improved connectivity between them in coming years.
Planned Improvements
| Airport | Short-term Plans (1-2 years) | Long-term Vision |
|---|---|---|
| Shuangliu | Terminal renovation Enhanced dining options Improved transfer services | Continued focus on domestic market More budget carrier capacity |
| Tianfu | Terminal 3 completion Additional international routes Express railway extensions | Additional terminals 90 million passenger capacity Western China’s premier aviation hub |
Conclusion: Making Your Chengdu Airport Experience Smooth
Whether you arrive at the established Shuangliu or the gleaming new Tianfu Airport, proper preparation ensures a smooth start to your Chengdu adventure.
Both airports showcase Sichuan’s famous hospitality. They serve as gateways not just to Chengdu but to western China’s countless treasures—from pandas to peaks, cuisine to culture.
At Travel China With Me, we assist travelers with airport pickups, transportation arrangements, and custom itineraries that maximize your time in this fascinating region. Our local expertise ensures you’ll experience the best of Sichuan, starting from the moment you land.
Have questions about Chengdu’s airports or planning your Sichuan journey? Contact us for personalized advice tailored to your travel needs.
