Transportation in Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a major transportation hub in Southwest China. Whether you're arriving by air, rail, or long-distance bus, or planning to move around the city efficiently, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Getting into Chengdu

1. By Air – Two International Airports

Chengdu is one of the few Chinese cities with two international airports:

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) – Located about 18 km southwest of the city center. It handles most international flights and many domestic routes. Shuangliu is connected to downtown via Metro Line 10 (about 20 minutes to Taipingyuan Station), airport shuttles, and taxis (approx. ¥50-70 to city center).

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) – A newer and larger airport located about 50 km southeast of downtown. It serves many international and domestic flights. To reach the city, you can take:

-Metro Line 18 – Fastest option (about 40 minutes to South Railway Station).

-Airport Shuttle Buses – Routes to major city hubs like Chunxi Road and East Railway Station.

-Taxi – Around ¥150-200, depending on traffic.

* Tip: Always check which airport your flight uses before booking transport. Shuangliu is more convenient for quick access; Tianfu offers newer facilities and often cheaper flights.

2. By Train – Three Main Railway Stations

Chengdu is well connected to China's high-speed rail network.

-Chengdu East Railway Station (Chengdudong) – The primary hub for high-speed trains to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. Connected to Metro Lines 2 and 7.

-Chengdu South Railway Station (Chengdunan) – Serves mostly high-speed trains to Chongqing, Guiyang, and Kunming. Metro Line 1 and 18 stop here.

-Chengdu North Railway Station (Chengdu bei) – Also known as Chengdu Railway Station, mainly for slower conventional trains to nearby provinces. Metro Line 1 serves this station.

* Tip: For travel between major cities like Chongqing and Xi’an, high-speed trains are faster than flights when you include airport transfer times. Plus, you avoid long security lines.

3. By Long-Distance Bus – Seven Main Coach Stations

Chengdu has several coach stations, each serving different directions. The most useful for tourists are:

-Xinnanmen Bus Station (New South Gate) – Best for trips to Jiuzhaigou, Leshan Giant Buddha, and Mount Emei.

-Chadianzi Bus Station – Serves northwest destinations like Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng.

-Chengdu East Coach Station – Located near Chengdu East Railway Station, for cities like Chongqing and Luzhou.

* Tip: Long-distance buses are budget-friendly but slower. Book tickets in advance during Chinese holidays.

Getting Around Chengdu City

Once you're in Chengdu, the city offers a clean, modern, and tourist-friendly public transport system.

1. Metro – Fast, Cheap, and Easy

Chengdu’s metro system has over 12 lines covering most attractions, shopping areas, and transport hubs. Trains run from about 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

-Fares: ¥2–¥10 depending on distance.

-Payment: Use the Chengdu Metro app, Alipay, WeChat, or buy a single-journey token at vending machines.

-Tourist-friendly lines: Line 3 (Zhaojue Temple, Panda Base), Line 2 (Chunxi Road, People’s Park), Line 4 (Kuanzhai Alley, Du Fu Cottage).

* Tip: Avoid rush hours (8:00–9:30 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM) if traveling with luggage or strollers.

2. Public Buses – Scenic but Slower

Buses cover every corner of Chengdu. They are cheap (¥2 per ride) and offer a more scenic view of the city.

-Payment: Cash, Chengdu Transit Card, or Alipay QR code.

-Tourist Bus Lines: City Sightseeing Bus (e.g., Line 82 connects Wuhou Shrine, Jinli, and Kuanzhai Alley).

* Tip: Buses can get stuck in traffic. Use them for short trips or when metro is unavailable.

3. Taxis and Ride-Hailing

-Taxis: Flag fall is ¥9–¥12 for the first 2 km. Most drivers don’t speak English, so have your destination written in Chinese.

-Ride-hailing (Didi): Very popular and often cheaper than taxis. Download the Didi app (English version available) and pay via Alipay or credit card.

*Tip: Avoid taxis during peak hours or rain – surge pricing and shortages are common.

4. Bicycle and E-Scooter Sharing

Chengdu is flat and very bike-friendly. You’ll find Mobike, HelloBike, and Qingju bikes everywhere.

-Cost: Around ¥1–¥2 per 30 minutes.

-How to use: Scan QR code with Alipay or WeChat. No deposit needed.

*Tip: Use shared bikes for short trips between metro stations and sites like Wangjianglou Park or Jinsha Site Museum.

5. Walking

Many top attractions in central Chengdu are walkable. For example:

Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Ancient Street, and Wuhou Shrine are within a 15-minute walk of each other.

People’s Park, Tianfu Square, and Chengdu Museum are also close.

*Tip: Wear comfortable shoes – Chengdu is great for urban walking tours.

-Useful Apps for Getting Around

-Metro China / Chengdu Metro – Interactive map and route planner.

-Didi – Ride-hailing (English version available).

-Amap (Gaode Maps) or Apple Maps – Better for walking and public transit than Google Maps (which may be unreliable in China).

Final Tips for Foreign Travelers

-Transport Card: Get a Tianfu Tong card at any metro station – it works on metro, buses, and even some convenience stores.

-Language: Key phrases like “Metro station” (地铁站 – dìtiě zhàn) and “Where is the bus stop?” (公交车站在哪里 – gōngjiāo chē zhàn zài nǎlǐ) can be helpful.

-Airport Transfer: If your flight lands late (after 11 PM), take a taxi or pre-book a private transfer – metro closes around 11 PM.

With this complete guide, you’ll find navigating Chengdu easy, affordable, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re heading to see giant pandas or exploring ancient alleyways, Chengdu’s transport system has you covered.