Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Guide: Transportation, Dining, and Travel Tips

Hi everyone, I’m Alex Chen! As a passionate Chinese traveler, I love venturing off the beaten path to discover hidden corners of the world. I’m dedicated to sharing tips on how to explore China on a budget, making travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, including efficient ways to reach the city center and nearby attractions. Let’s get started!

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Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Overview

• Airport Code: CTU
• Location: Intersection of Shuangliu District and Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
• Distance from City Center: 16 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • T1 Terminal: Primarily for international flights, covering an area of 138,000 square meters. Currently closed for renovation.
  • T2 Terminal: Dedicated to domestic flights, spanning 350,000 square meters and operational since 2012.

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4 Best Ways to Travel from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu

If you arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport during the day, taking the metro is the most convenient option to reach the city center. For nighttime arrivals, the night bus is a reliable and affordable alternative.

1. How to Take the Metro from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu

From T2 Terminal

• Metro Line: Line 10
• Location: Basement Level 2 (B2), accessible via L2, L3, or L4 passages near the T2 parking lot entrances (B/C).
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:12 PM
• Cost: 4 RMB
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

How to Purchase Tickets:

• Single-ride tickets can be purchased at ticket counters or self-service machines. Payment methods include cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• Alternatively, you can scan a QR code using the metro travel feature in WeChat or Alipay for seamless entry.

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2. How to Take the Airport Bus from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu

From T2 Terminal

• Location: Airport Arrival Hall, Exit A – Bus Platforms 1 and 2
• Cost: 2 RMB
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Night Bus Route:

• Stops: Shuangliu Airport → Nijia Bridge Metro Station → Sichuan Gymnasium Metro Station → Huaxi Dam → Jinjiang Hotel → Yanshikou → Chunxi Road North (Pedestrian Street)
• Operating Hours: 9:00 PM – 4:30 AM
• Frequency: Every 40–60 minutes

How to Purchase Tickets:

• Tickets can be bought at the bus ticket counter near the platforms. Payment options include cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• Alternatively, use a WeChat mini-program to purchase tickets in advance.

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3. How to Take a Taxi from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu

From T2 Terminal

• Location: Pedestrian crossing outside the T2 Arrival Hall
• Cost: Approximately 30 RMB (additional fees apply at night)
• Duration: About 20 minutes

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4. How to Use a Ride-Hailing Service from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu

You can conveniently book a ride using Alipay or the Didi Chuxing app.

From T2 Terminal

• Location: Designated ride-hailing pickup points outside the terminal
• Cost: Approximately 20 RMB (additional fees may apply at night)
• Duration: About 20 minutes

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Best Ways from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

From T2 Terminal

1. Metro

• Metro Lines: Line 10 → Transfer to Line 3 → Arrive at Panda Avenue Station
• Transfer Details: Change to Line 3 at Taipingyuan Station (heading towards the Zoo direction).
• Exit Station: Panda Avenue Station (clearly marked exit signs).
• Cost: Approximately 6 RMB
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Additional Tips: After exiting at Panda Avenue Station, take a taxi or walk about 5 kilometers to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The taxi fare is around 15 RMB.

2. Taxi or Ride-Hailing

• Pickup Location: Taxi waiting area or ride-hailing pickup points at the T2 Arrival Hall.
• Cost: Approximately 60 RMB (may vary depending on traffic).
• Duration: Around 40 minutes
• Advantages: Faster and more convenient, especially for travelers with luggage.

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Best Ways from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Chengdu Railway Station

From T2 Terminal

1. Metro

• Metro Lines: Line 10 → Transfer to Line 7 → Arrive at Chengdu North Railway Station (Chengdu Railway Station).
• Transfer Details: Switch to Line 7 at Taipingyuan Station (heading towards North Railway Station).
• Exit Station: Chengdu North Railway Station.
• Cost: Approximately 5 RMB
• Duration: About 30 minutes
• Additional Tips: The metro exit connects directly to the railway station’s waiting hall, making it highly convenient.

2. Taxi or Ride-Hailing

• Pickup Location: Taxi waiting area or ride-hailing pickup points at the T2 Arrival Hall.
• Cost: Approximately 40 RMB
• Duration: Around 25 minutes
• Advantages: Ideal for groups or travelers with multiple pieces of luggage, as it eliminates the need for transfers.

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Best Way from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

If you arrive at Shuangliu Airport during the day, taking the metro to Tianfu International Airport is recommended. For nighttime arrivals, the airport bus is a reliable option.

From T2 Terminal

1. Metro

• Metro Line: Line 19 (heading towards Tianfu Airport North Station)
• Location: Basement Level 2 (B2), L3 passage near the T2 parking lot (C/D entrance).
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
• Cost: 10 RMB
• Duration: About 1 hour

2. Airport Bus

• Pickup Point: T2 Arrival Hall, Exit A – Bus Platforms 1 and 2
• Route: Tianfu International Airport Shuttle Line 5
• Cost: 25 RMB
• Operating Hours: 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM (Night Bus)
• Duration: About 1 hour
• Frequency: Every 60 minutes

3. Taxi or Ride-Hailing

• Cost: Approximately 150 RMB
• Duration: Around 50 minutes

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Guide to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Dining Options and Operating Hours

Post-Security in T2 Terminal

• KFC
  • Location: Opposite Gate 170 in T2 Terminal
  • Operating Hours: 4:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Cuisine: Burgers, snacks
• Starbucks
  • Location: Next to Gate 171 in T2 Terminal
  • Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Cuisine: Coffee, light snacks

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Luggage Storage Locations

• Location: Behind Check-in Islands N and P in T2 Terminal
• Operating Hours: From 2 hours before the day’s first departure to the end of the last departure from T2.
• Pricing (based on size and storage time):
  • Small Locker (45 x 45 x 65 cm): 8 RMB for 0–6 hours, 13 RMB for 7–12 hours, 18 RMB for 13–24 hours.
  • Medium Locker (45 x 91 x 65 cm): 12 RMB for 0–6 hours, 20 RMB for 7–12 hours, 28 RMB for 13–24 hours.
  • Large Locker (45 x 91 x 95 cm): 20 RMB for 0–6 hours, 30 RMB for 7–12 hours, 40 RMB for 13–24 hours.

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Currency Exchange

• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Foreign Currency ATM
  • Location: Near Exit 5 in T2 Arrival Hall
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

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Free Wi-Fi at the Airport

Passengers can access free Wi-Fi through the following methods:

• Mobile Number: Enter your phone number to receive a verification code via SMS for login.
• WeChat Login: Authenticate via WeChat without the need for a phone number.

Note: Accessing Google or other restricted websites may require a VPN.

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Can You Stay Overnight at the Airport?

Yes, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is suitable for overnight stays.

• Recommended Areas:
  • Near Gate 136 in T2 Terminal, where comfortable reclining chairs are available.
  • For nighttime arrivals, the seating area near Baggage Carousel 10 offers recliners, charging ports, and restrooms.
  • Bring a blanket, as the temperature may drop at night.

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Transferring from International to Domestic Flights

When transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, follow these steps:

1. Immigration Check:
   • Proceed to the International Arrivals area in T2 for immigration processing.
   • Present your passport and arrival card (if required).
   • Ensure you have all necessary documents, including a visa (if applicable).
2. Baggage Claim: Collect your checked luggage from the baggage carousel after clearing immigration.
3. Customs Check: Pass through the customs channel, where your luggage may be inspected to ensure compliance with import regulations.
4. Transfer Procedures:
   • Head to the domestic flight check-in counter to recheck your luggage and receive your boarding pass.
   • If your luggage is already tagged to your domestic destination, confirm the process with airport staff.
5. Security Check: Complete the security screening process to enter the domestic departure area.
6. Boarding: Proceed to your designated gate and wait for boarding.

Tip: Allocate at least 2 hours for this transfer to account for potential delays in immigration or baggage handling.

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Transferring from Domestic to International Flights

For domestic to international flight transfers, follow these steps:

1. Baggage Claim: Collect your checked luggage from the domestic arrivals area.
2. Outbound Procedures:
   • Proceed to the international flight check-in counter to complete the check-in process.
   • Recheck your luggage (if applicable) and collect your boarding pass.
3. Security Check: Enter the international departure area by completing the security screening.
4. Immigration Check: Present your passport, visa, and boarding pass to complete immigration formalities.
5. Boarding: Head to your assigned gate and prepare for boarding.

Tip: Allow at least 3 hours for this transfer, particularly during peak hours, to ensure sufficient time for outbound formalities and security checks.