How to Get Around Chengdu: Metro, Airports & Day Trips
The short answer: take the metro — it’s excellent, cheap, and English-signed. Don’t mix up the two airports: Tianfu is far (1 hour by metro), Shuangliu is close. For day trips, high-speed rail reaches Dujiangyan in 30 minutes.
Airports: Don’t Mix Them Up!
Chengdu has two airports — and they’re on opposite sides of the city.
- Tianfu Airport (TFU): Far from the city — about 1 hour by metro (Line 18). Most international flights land here.
- Shuangliu Airport (CTU): Much closer to the city. Mostly domestic flights.
- Warning: Check which airport your flight uses before booking a hotel — they’re 50+ km apart!
The Metro: Your Best Friend
- Coverage: 10+ lines covering all major sights — Panda Base, Kuanzhai Alley, People’s Park, Chunxi Road.
- Payment: Scan the QR code at the gates with Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Fares: ¥2–8 per ride.
- Panda Base: Take the metro then the shuttle bus — the base is outside the city center.
- Peak hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM — packed.
Taxis & Didi
- Taxis: Metered and reasonable. Airport runs cost ¥80–150 depending on distance.
- Didi (滴滴): Shows the fare upfront — more transparent. Set your pickup point carefully.
- Tip: In rush hour, the metro is almost always faster.
Day Trips by High-Speed Rail
Chengdu is the perfect base for day trips:
- Dujiangyan: 30 minutes — the 2,000-year-old irrigation system, genuinely awe-inspiring. Combine with Mount Qingcheng.
- Leshan: About 1 hour — the giant Buddha.
- Skip the far-flung parks: Jiuzhaigou and Daocheng Yading are stunning but a multi-day trip. With only 3–4 days, spend them on Dujiangyan and Leshan.
Book tickets on the official 12306 app or at the station with your passport.
Nightlife: Jiuyanqiao
Jiuyanqiao (九眼桥) bar street gets lively at night — a fun spot for a drink after dinner. The metro runs until about 11 PM; after that, use Didi.
Common Pitfalls
- Wrong airport: TFU vs CTU — they’re 50+ km apart. Always check.
- Rush hour: The metro is brutally packed at peak times.
- Weather: Chengdu is cloudy and rains often — carry an umbrella, and factor rain into your transport plans.
FAQ
Which airport should I fly into? Shuangliu (CTU) is close; Tianfu (TFU) is 1 hour by metro. Check your ticket!
How do I get from Tianfu Airport? Metro Line 18, about 1 hour.
Is the metro good? Yes — excellent, cheap, English-signed. QR code entry.
Can I do a day trip? Yes — Dujiangyan in 30 minutes, Leshan in 1 hour.
What’s the nightlife like? Jiuyanqiao bar street — lively until late.
Last updated: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into Chengdu?
Tianfu Airport (TFU) is far — about 1 hour by metro. Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is much closer to the city. Check which one your flight uses before booking a hotel!
How do I get from Tianfu Airport to the city?
Metro Line 18 connects Tianfu Airport to the city in about 1 hour. A taxi or Didi takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Is the Chengdu metro good?
Yes — it's excellent, cheap, and English-signed. Scan the QR code at the gates to enter. For the Panda Base, take the metro then the shuttle bus.
Can I do a day trip from Chengdu?
Yes — Dujiangyan is 30 minutes by high-speed rail, and Leshan (giant Buddha) is about 1 hour. Jiuzhaigou and Daocheng Yading are too far for a day trip.
What is the nightlife like in Chengdu?
Jiuyanqiao (九眼桥) bar street gets lively at night — a fun spot for a drink after dinner. The metro runs until about 11 PM.