Hi there, I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler from China. I love uncovering hidden corners of the world and enjoy sharing tips on how to travel around China on a budget. Today, I’ll guide you through the essential information about Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, including transportation options to the city center, connections to major attractions, and insider tips on the airport’s facilities. I hope this guide helps make your trip to Chengdu a seamless and enjoyable experience!

Summary

Overview of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

  • IATA Code: TFU
  • Location: Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China (near the towns of Luojia, Caochi, and Shibandeng in Jianyang City)
  • Distance from City Center: Approximately 50 km (31 miles)
  • Terminal Information:
    • T1 Terminal: Handles both domestic and international flights, spanning 390,000 square meters.
    • T2 Terminal: Primarily serves domestic flights, with an area of 320,000 square meters.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport aerial view

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

Traveling from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to downtown Chengdu is convenient and offers multiple transportation options. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the best way based on your preferences and budget.

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

From T1 Terminal:

  • Metro Lines:
    • Line 18 (Direct Route): Connects Chengdu South Railway Station and Tianfu International Airport with a fare of 10 RMB.
    • Line 18 (Regular Route): Stops at multiple stations, including Xinglong Station, with the same maximum fare of 10 RMB.
    • Line 19 (Direct Route): Connects Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport for 12 RMB.
    • Line 19 (Regular Route): Operates between Jinxing Station and Tianfu International Airport with intermediate stops. The fare varies based on the destination, up to 12 RMB.
  • Location: The metro can be accessed at the Transportation Center (GTC) on the L1 level, situated between T1 and T2 terminals.
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Metro and high-speed train signs at Chengdu Tianfu Airport

How to Buy Tickets:

  • Ticket Machines: Accept cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
  • Service Counters: Accept cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB).
  • Mobile Apps: Use the Alipay metro code for convenient digital ticketing.
Accepted credit cards sign at Chengdu Tianfu Airport

From T2 Terminal:

The metro station is centrally located between the T1 and T2 terminals, so the instructions are the same for both terminals.

Chengdu Metro network map

2. How to Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu?

From T1 Terminal:

  • Boarding Location: Outside Gate G01 on the ground level, near the connection to the Transportation Center.
  • Routes: Five bus routes are available. For instance:
    • To Chunxi Road: Take Shuttle Bus Line 1.
    • To Chengdu East Railway Station: Take Shuttle Bus Line 4.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Fare: 15 RMB during the day; 25 RMB between 11:30 PM and 6:00 AM.
  • Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes, or as soon as the bus is full.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Airport bus boarding area at Chengdu Tianfu Airport

From T2 Terminal:

  • Boarding Location: Outside Gate G03 on the ground level, near the connection to the Transportation Center.
  • Routes, fares, and operating hours are identical to those for T1.

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

From T1 Terminal:

  • Pickup Location: Outside Gate G02 on the ground level of the Transportation Center.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Fare: Approximately 160 RMB, plus an additional highway toll of 20-40 RMB. A nighttime surcharge of 50% applies from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
Taxi pickup area sign at Chengdu Tianfu Airport

From T2 Terminal:

  • Pickup Location: Outside Gate G04 on the ground level of the Transportation Center.
  • Operating hours, fares, and travel time are the same as for T1.

4. How to Take a Ride-Hailing Service from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu?

From T1 Terminal:

  • Pickup Location: The designated ride-hailing area is on the L1 level of the parking garage.
  • Fare: About 100 RMB, plus an additional highway toll of 20-40 RMB. Additional nighttime service fees may apply.
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
Ride-hailing pickup area at Chengdu Tianfu Airport
Chengdu Tianfu Airport Pickup Service

From T2 Terminal:

  • Pickup Location: The designated ride-hailing area is also on the L1 level of the parking garage.
  • Fares and travel time are the same as for T1.

3 Best Ways to Travel from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must for any traveler coming to Chengdu. Here are three convenient ways to get there from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), including details for both T1 and T2 terminals.

From T1 Terminal

1. By Metro

  • Boarding Location: Transportation Center (GTC) L1 level transfer hall.
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
  • Route:
    • Take Metro Line 18 to Chengdu South Railway Station.
    • Transfer to Metro Line 7 and travel to Zoo Station.
    • Switch to Metro Line 3 and get off at Panda Avenue Station.
    • Walk or take a short local ride to the panda base entrance.
  • Drop-Off Location: Panda Avenue Station.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours.
  • Fare: Less than 15 RMB.

2. By Taxi

  • Pickup Location: Outside Gate G02 on the ground level of the T1 terminal.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Drop-Off Location: Directly at the entrance of the panda base.
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
  • Fare: Approximately 150 RMB.

3. By Ride-Hailing Service

  • Pickup Location: Designated ride-hailing area on the L1 level of the parking garage.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Drop-Off Location: Directly at the entrance of the panda base.
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
  • Fare: Approximately 120 RMB.

From T2 Terminal

1. By Metro

  • Boarding Location: Transportation Center (GTC) L1 level transfer hall.
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
  • Route: Same as the route from T1 terminal: Line 18 → Line 7 → Line 3, with a final stop at Panda Avenue Station. Then, walk or take a short ride to the panda base.
  • Drop-Off Location: Panda Avenue Station.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours.
  • Fare: Less than 15 RMB.

2. By Taxi

  • Pickup Location: Outside Gate G04 on the ground level of the T2 terminal.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Drop-Off Location: Directly at the entrance of the panda base.
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
  • Fare: Approximately 150 RMB.

3. By Ride-Hailing Service

  • Pickup Location: Designated ride-hailing area on the L1 level of the parking garage.
  • Operating Hours: 24/7.
  • Drop-Off Location: Directly at the entrance of the panda base.
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
  • Fare: Approximately 120 RMB.
Pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda

From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Jiuzhai Valley National Park

T1 Terminal

By Metro + High-Speed Train + Bus/Chartered Vehicle

  • Boarding Location: Transportation Center (GTC) L1 level transfer hall.
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
  • Route:
    • Take Metro Line 18 to Chengdu East Railway Station.
    • From Chengdu East, board a high-speed train to Guangyuan Station (approx. 2.5 hours).
    • At Guangyuan Station, transfer to a local bus or charter a private vehicle to Jiuzhai Valley National Park (approx. 4 hours).
  • Drop-Off Location: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Main Gate.
  • Travel Time: Around 7 hours.
  • Fare: Metro + train tickets cost approximately 150 RMB; bus or private vehicle costs around 200 RMB.

T2 Terminal

The process is identical to the T1 terminal. Follow the same route and boarding instructions.

Jiuzhaigou scenic waterfall and autumn landscape

From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Huanglong Scenic Area

T1 Terminal

By Metro + High-Speed Train + Bus/Chartered Vehicle

  • Boarding Location: Transportation Center (GTC) L1 level transfer hall.
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
  • Route:
    • Take Metro Line 18 to Chengdu East Railway Station.
    • From Chengdu East, board a high-speed train to Songpan County (approx. 2.5 hours).
    • At Songpan, transfer to a local bus or charter a private vehicle to Huanglong Scenic Area (approx. 1 hour).
  • Drop-Off Location: Huanglong Visitor Center.
  • Travel Time: Around 4 hours.
  • Fare: Metro + train tickets cost approximately 150 RMB; bus or private vehicle costs around 100 RMB.

T2 Terminal

The route and boarding locations are the same as for T1 terminal.

From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

By Metro

  • Route: Metro Line 19
    • Direct Route: Tianfu International Airport (T1/T2) to Shuangliu International Airport (T1/T2), taking approximately 30 minutes.
    • Regular Route: Stops at multiple stations, ending at Shuangliu Terminal 2 East, taking approximately 50 minutes.
  • Fare: 10 RMB.
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
  • Boarding Location: Transportation Center (GTC) L1 level transfer hall.

By Shuttle Bus

  • Route: Tianfu International Airport to Shuangliu International Airport dedicated shuttle bus.
  • Boarding Location:
    • T1 Terminal: Outside Gate G01 on the ground level.
    • T2 Terminal: Outside Gate G03 on the ground level.
  • Drop-Off Location: Designated stops at Shuangliu International Airport (T1/T2 terminals).
  • Fare: Approximately 25 RMB (one-way).
  • Operating Hours: Midnight to 5:00 AM.
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
  • Frequency: Every 60 minutes.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport: Your Comprehensive In-Terminal Guide

Planning your time at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport? Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the airport with ease, including tips on tax refunds, SIM cards, terminal transfers, and dining options.

Tax Refund Guide

If you spend more than 500 RMB in China, you’re eligible for a tax refund at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. The process is simple:

  1. Goods Inspection: After completing check-in, proceed to customs for inspection and have your receipt stamped.
  2. Claim Your Refund: After passing through security and border control, head to the designated tax refund counter. You will receive a refund amounting to 9% of the purchase price.

Location: T1 Terminal.

Tax refund counter at Chengdu Tianfu Airport

Buying a SIM Card

Stay connected during your trip by purchasing a local SIM card. Three package options are available:

  • 85 RMB: 7 days, 20GB of data, 100 minutes of calls.
  • 125 RMB: 15 days, 30GB of data, 200 minutes of calls.
  • 195 RMB: 30 days, 50GB of data, 300 minutes of calls.

Location: International and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan Arrival Area, T1 Terminal. Hours: 24/7. Note: A VPN is required to access certain websites like Google while in China.

Process for foreign nationals to apply for a phone card at Chengdu Tianfu Airport

Terminal Transfers: T1 to T2 and T2 to T1

Transferring between terminals is quick and easy:

  • Take the Automated People Mover (APM) within the terminal. The ride takes approximately 5 minutes.
  • Follow the terminal signage (e.g., “To Terminal 2”), which will lead you to the APM stations.
Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 automated people mover at Chengdu Tianfu Airport

Payment App Assistance Center

If you’re unfamiliar with Chinese payment apps, this dedicated center is here to help. Services include:

  • Setting up must-have apps for your trip, like Alipay or WeChat Pay.
  • Assistance with SIM card activation.

Location: International and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan Arrival Area, T1 Terminal. Hours: 24/7.

Dining Options and Hours

Most restaurants at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering a mix of local specialties and international favorites.

T1 Terminal (Post-Security):

  • Pacific Coffee: Near Gate 30.
  • Leshan Qiaojiao Beef Soup: Near Gate 39.
  • KFC: Located on L4 in the central dining area.
  • Starbucks: Also located on L4 in the central dining area.

T2 Terminal (Post-Security):

  • Pacific Coffee: Near Gate 208.
  • Axiang Rice Noodles: Near Gate 225.

Duty-Free Shops

  • Available Products: Cigarettes, perfumes, and cosmetics.
  • Location: 3rd floor of the terminal, L3 Duty-Free Zone.
  • Hours: Open 24/7, aligned with flight schedules.

Luggage Storage

T1 Terminal

  • Location: L4 Departure Level, behind Check-In Island B.
  • Hours: Open 24/7.
  • Pricing:
    • Large luggage:
      • 0-6 hours: 20 RMB.
      • 6-12 hours: 30 RMB.
      • 12-24 hours: 40 RMB.

T2 Terminal

  • Location: L4 Departure Level, behind Check-In Island G.
  • Hours: Open 24/7.
  • Pricing: Identical to T1 Terminal.

Currency Exchange

  • Location: T1 Terminal, L2 Arrival Hall.
  • Hours: Open 24/7.

Free WiFi Access

Stay connected with complimentary WiFi available throughout the airport.

  • WiFi Name: “Tianfu International Airport Free WiFi.”
  • Login Options:
    • Mobile Verification: Enter a valid phone number to receive an SMS code.
    • Passport Kiosk: Use your passport to receive a login code.

Overnight at the Airport

If you need to stay overnight, T2 Terminal provides overnight kits for added comfort.

  • Contents: Blanket, face towel, toothbrush, earplugs, and charging cable.
  • How to Obtain:
    • Check in at the overnight passenger desk.
    • Pass security, then visit the information desk with your boarding pass to collect your kit.

Currently, T1 Terminal does not offer specific overnight accommodations or services.

Overnight kit for travelers at Chengdu Tianfu Airport

Check-In Deadlines

To ensure a smooth journey, adhere to the following check-in deadlines:

  • Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
  • International/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan Flights: Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure.

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