Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Also known as: TFU Airport, Chengdu Airport, Tianfu Airport, Chengdu Tianfu Airport, Tianfu International Airport.
Private transfer from TFUSee pricesSee pricesAbout Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is the main international gateway to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China. It is a hub for Sichuan Airlines, Air China, Chengdu Airlines and China Eastern Airlines, which link Chengdu with cities across China and with Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. International airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines also fly here, alongside many Chinese carriers on domestic routes.
Passengers use two terminals linked by a free people mover: Terminal 1 for international and regional flights, and Terminal 2 for domestic flights. Metro, coaches and high-speed trains meet at the Ground Transportation Center between the two terminals.
The airport sits near Jianyang, about 50 km southeast of downtown Chengdu, usually a 60 to 90 minute drive. Metro Line 18 runs to Chengdu South railway station, and high-speed trains reach Chengdu East station in about 30 minutes. Chengdu's second airport, Shuangliu International (CTU), is closer to the center and handles other domestic routes, so check which code is on your ticket.
From the airport, travelers head to downtown Chengdu around Chunxi Road and Tianfu Square, Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli and Wuhou Shrine, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and Tianfu New Area to the south.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Sichuan Provincial Airport Group
- Passengers per year
About 56.7 million in 2025
- Runways
Three runways, 4,000 m, 3,800 m and 3,200 m
- Main airlines
Sichuan Airlines, Air China, Chengdu Airlines and China Eastern Airlines (hubs)
- Opened
27 June 2021
Arrival tips for Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
If you land on an international flight, you arrive at Terminal 1. Follow the Arrivals signs to immigration, where foreign visitors show their passport and arrival card, then collect your bags in baggage claim and pass through customs into the arrivals hall. Domestic flights arrive at Terminal 2, or at the B pier of Terminal 1 for some flights, and go straight from baggage claim to arrivals. If you are connecting to a domestic flight, stay airside and follow the transfer signs to the people mover that links Terminal 1 with Terminal 2.
Both terminals lead to the Ground Transportation Center, where the metro, high-speed trains and airport coaches leave. Official taxi ranks are on Level 1 outside each terminal, and ride-hailing cars pick up in marked zones in the parking structures. Turn down drivers who offer rides inside the terminal.
Most payments at the airport are made with Alipay or WeChat Pay, so set one up with an international card before you fly. Chengdu is on China Standard Time (UTC+8) all year.
Ground transportation
Metro and high-speed trains suit light travelers during their operating hours, while taxis, coaches and pre-booked transfers run around the clock.
Compare providers for your exact address
Enter your hotel to see the price and every provider serving it.
Book a transfer from TFUMetro Line 18 to Chengdu South
Line 18 leaves from beneath the Ground Transportation Center and reaches Chengdu South railway station in about 35 to 45 minutes by express train, with connections to Line 1 for Tianfu Square. It runs from about 6:00 to 23:30, and Line 19 continues to Tianfu New Area and Shuangliu airport.
High-speed train to Chengdu East
Tianfu Airport station on the Chengdu to Yibin line sits below the Ground Transportation Center, with trains to Chengdu East in about 27 to 30 minutes. It is fast, but you need a ticket booked with your passport and a further connection to your hotel.
Airport coach to Chunxi Road
Coaches run 24 hours from the Ground Transportation Center to Chunxi Road, the Global Center, the Jinsha transport hub and Shuangliu airport. The trip to Chunxi Road takes about 70 to 90 minutes, and night departures are less frequent.
Taxi from Tianfu airport
Metered taxis wait at the official ranks on Level 1 outside both terminals. The drive to central Chengdu usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, and expressway tolls are added to the fare.
Ride-hailing (DiDi)
Follow the Ride-Hailing signs through the Ground Transportation Center to the pickup zones in the parking structures. You need the app and a payment method that works in China before you land.
Private transfer
Pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 and drive straight to hotels and homes across Chengdu. It suits families, groups and late arrivals with luggage.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Free people mover (APM)
An automated people mover links Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in about a minute and a half, with trains roughly every three minutes from about 5:00 to 0:45. It runs on both sides of security, leaves from the middle of each arrivals level and takes luggage trolleys.
- 2
Through the Ground Transportation Center
Landside, both terminals connect through the Ground Transportation Center between them, where the metro, train station and coach stops are. Note that Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have separate coach boarding points.
Terminals
Terminal 1
Handles international and regional flights, including the long-haul services of Sichuan Airlines and Air China and all foreign airlines. Its B pier has also been used for some domestic departures since summer 2026.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Busan, AirAsia X, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Batik Air Malaysia, Cambodia Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Lao Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Nok Air, Qatar Airways, Qingdao Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Sky Angkor Airlines, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines
Terminal 2
Handles domestic flights, including those of Air China, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and most other Chinese airlines.
Airlines commonly assigned here: 9 Air, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Juneyao Air, Kunming Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, West Air, XiamenAir
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Shops and food
Both terminals have convenience stores, chain coffee shops and Sichuan noodle counters.
Duty-free
Duty-free shopping is concentrated in Terminal 1, on the international side.
Tax refund
Departure tax refund desks are on the international departures level of Terminal 1. Customs must stamp your form before you go to the bank counter, so allow extra time.
Sleep-pod hotel
A sleep-pod hotel is on the Terminal 2 domestic arrivals level (B2), about 100 meters from the domestic arrivals exit, near a convenience store.
Payments
Most services take Alipay or WeChat Pay by QR code, and some kiosks and vending machines accept nothing else. Staffed counters take Chinese yuan in cash.
Ground Transportation Center
Between the two terminals, with the Metro Line 18 and 19 station, the high-speed rail station and the airport coach counters.
Airport lounges
Air China Lounge
Air China runs a lounge at its Tianfu base. Check entry eligibility, location and hours with Air China before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tianfu airport from Chengdu city center?
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is about 50 km southeast of downtown Chengdu, near Jianyang. By road the trip to the center usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and where you are going. Metro Line 18 express trains reach Chengdu South railway station in about 35 to 45 minutes, and high-speed trains reach Chengdu East in about 30 minutes.
Does Chengdu have two airports?
Yes. Chengdu is served by Tianfu International Airport (TFU), about 50 km southeast of the center, and Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), about 16 km southwest. Tianfu handles regular international long-haul flights and many domestic trunk routes, while Shuangliu keeps other domestic routes and, since late July 2026, most flights to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Check the three-letter code on your ticket.
How do I get from Tianfu airport to Shuangliu airport?
Metro Line 19 links the two airports, with express trains taking about 30 minutes and regular trains about 50 minutes. The road distance is about 67 km, roughly 50 minutes by car. Overnight, an airport coach runs hourly between the two airports. Allow plenty of time: you clear security again at the second airport, so tight connections between TFU and CTU are risky.
How many terminals does Chengdu Tianfu airport have?
Tianfu has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 handles international and regional flights and, since summer 2026, some domestic boarding at its B pier. Terminal 2 is all domestic and is used by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern and most other Chinese airlines. A free automated people mover links the two terminals in about a minute and a half.
Which airlines fly to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport?
Sichuan Airlines, Air China, Chengdu Airlines and China Eastern Airlines use Tianfu as a hub, and China Southern and Lucky Air have focus operations here. International airlines include Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and AirAsia X, linking Chengdu with Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Can I take the metro from Tianfu airport to Chengdu?
Yes. Metro Line 18 stops beneath the airport's Ground Transportation Center and runs to Chengdu South railway station, about 35 to 45 minutes by express train. There you can change to Line 1 toward Tianfu Square or to Line 7. Express and local trains share one platform, so check the screen. The metro runs from about 6:00 to 23:30.
Is there a train from Tianfu airport to Chengdu East station?
Yes. Tianfu Airport station, on the Chengdu to Yibin high-speed line, sits beneath the Ground Transportation Center. Trains reach Chengdu East railway station in about 27 to 30 minutes and also run south toward Zigong and other cities in Sichuan. Book the train like any high-speed ticket and bring your passport, which is checked at the gates.
How do I get a taxi at Chengdu Tianfu airport?
Official taxi ranks are on Level 1, outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Join the marked line, make sure the driver uses the meter and turn down freelance drivers who approach you inside the terminal. The drive to central Chengdu usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, and expressway tolls are added to the metered fare.
Where do ride-hailing cars pick up at Tianfu airport?
Ride-hailing apps such as DiDi pick up in designated zones inside the parking structures. From arrivals, follow the Ride-Hailing (网约车) signs through the Ground Transportation Center to the pickup area. Have your app set up before you land, with a payment method that works in China, because pickup points are away from the terminal curb.
Do airport buses run all night at Tianfu airport?
Yes. Airport coaches leave from the Ground Transportation Center 24 hours a day, with routes to Chunxi Road, the Global Center, the Jinsha transport hub and Shuangliu airport. Daytime services run from about 6:00 to 23:30, and night services are less frequent. Tickets are bought at the coach counters, mostly by Alipay. Expect about 70 to 90 minutes to Chunxi Road.
How do I pay for things at Chengdu Tianfu airport?
Most shops, cafes and transport services at Tianfu take Alipay or WeChat Pay by QR code, and some vending machines and kiosks accept nothing else. Staffed counters take Chinese yuan in cash. Before you travel, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay and link an international card, and carry some yuan for the few places that need cash.
Is there a hotel inside Chengdu Tianfu airport?
There is a sleep-pod hotel on the Terminal 2 domestic arrivals level (B2), about 100 meters from the domestic arrivals exit. Many hotels listed online as airport hotels are a drive away and rely on a shuttle, so check the map location before you book rather than trusting the name.
What time zone is Chengdu in?
Chengdu uses China Standard Time, UTC+8, all year, with no daylight saving time. The whole of mainland China keeps the same clock, so there is no time change when you connect at Tianfu from Beijing, Shanghai or any other Chinese city. The local currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY).
Who operates Chengdu Tianfu airport and how busy is it?
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is operated by Sichuan Provincial Airport Group and opened on 27 June 2021. It handled about 56.7 million passengers and about 383,500 aircraft movements in 2025. It has three runways and two passenger terminals, and it is a hub for Sichuan Airlines, Air China, Chengdu Airlines and China Eastern Airlines.