Chengdu Airport to City Center: Metro, Taxi & Didi
TFU uses Metro Line 18; CTU uses Line 10—both need metro QR; taxi/Didi with Chinese address for late arrivals; never confuse TFU with CTU.
Key takeaway
**Tianfu (TFU)** is the newer long-haul hub—**Metro Line 18** toward the city is the usual budget path (often **60+ minutes** with transfers). **Shuangliu (CTU)** still serves some flights—**Line 10** toward **Taipingyuan** and onward metro. Confirm **TFU vs CTU** on your ticket before planning a pickup. **Official taxi** or **Didi** with a **Chinese hotel address** wins when metro is closed or you are exhausted.
Full guide
Step-by-step (ctu)
- Confirm Shuangliu (CTU) on signs and your ticket.
- Follow Line 10 toward the city; scan metro QR.
- Transfer using Amap Chinese station names toward your hotel.
- Prefer official taxi if Line 10 timing or luggage makes metro stressful.
Step-by-step (tfu)
- Confirm the terminal is Tianfu (TFU).
- Follow Metro Line 18 signs; scan Chengdu Transport QR.
- Ride toward the city; transfer toward Tianfu Square / Chunxi per Amap.
- Allow 60+ minutes for the long Line 18 ride plus interchange.
- Use official taxi or Didi if you land late or have bulky bags.
Who this is for
- Visitors whose ticket shows TFU or CTU (easy to confuse)
- First arrivals heading to Chunxi / Tianfu Square hotels
- Late flights or heavy luggage when metro is a poor fit
What to do next
Tianfu (TFU) is the newer long-haul hub—Metro Line 18 toward the city is the usual budget path (often 60+ minutes with transfers). Shuangliu (CTU) still serves some flights—Line 10 toward Taipingyuan and onward metro. Confirm TFU vs CTU on your ticket before planning a pickup. Official taxi or Didi with a Chinese hotel address wins when metro is closed or you are exhausted.
How to do it
Confirm TFU vs CTU on the ticket
Enable Chengdu metro QR
Take Line 18 or Line 10
Use official taxi if late or bags are heavy
Watch for
Wrong airport for pickup
English-only Didi pin
Private car touts
Underestimating TFU transfer time
What may vary
Line hours, taxi fares, and routes vary by airport and time.
Backup plan
- Official taxi queue with meter + Chinese hotel card
- Airport Wi‑Fi → hotel front desk for pickup
- Small cash if wallets fail
- Troubleshoot Alipay/WeChat on hotel Wi‑Fi (payment failure Q)
FAQ
Which airport do most international flights use?
Many long-haul flights use **TFU**—always read your ticket; do not assume CTU.
How long from TFU to Chunxi?
Often **well over an hour** door-to-door on metro—taxi can be faster late at night depending on traffic.
Can I use Uber?
No—use Didi or official taxis ([Uber question](/questions/can-i-use-uber-in-china)).