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How to Get to Chengdu

How to Get to Chengdu

Chengdu Sichuan, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Chengdu has two major international airports. Numerous airlines connect Chengdu globally and domestically.

Air Hubs

  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Main, older airport.
  • Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU): Newer, major international hub.
  • Airlines: Air China, Sichuan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, United, Qatar, etc.

Flight Options & Pricing

Direct flights from major global cities are common, though seasonal availability and prices fluctuate.

Traveler Considerations

  • Direct flights from Frankfurt, London, LA, Singapore, Tokyo, etc.
  • Prices higher during Chinese public holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day).
  • Book well in advance for peak periods via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

Both airports offer duty-free, diverse restaurants, lounges, ATMs, and currency exchange.

CTU Transfers

Metro Line 10 connects directly to city center; airport buses, taxis, Didi also available.

TFU Transfers

Metro Line 18 connects to Chengdu South Railway Station; airport buses, taxis, Didi options.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

  • Chengdu East Railway Station: Main for high-speed trains (G-trains).
  • Connects to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing.
  • Chengdu South Railway Station: Some high-speed/conventional lines, connects to TFU.
  • Chengdu North Railway Station: Older station, undergoing major renovation.

Bus Options & Driving

  • Long-distance bus stations (Xinnanmen, Chadianzi) for provincial routes.
  • International driving permits not recognized; Chinese license needed for driving.
  • Traffic can be heavy; public transport or ride-sharing are suggested.
  • Car rentals require a local license.

Departure Information

Exit Fees/Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically charged for air travel; these are usually included in your ticket price.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic. Security checks are thorough, so allow ample time.

Airport/Station Facilities

Both Chengdu airports and railway stations feature numerous shops, restaurants, and lounges for departing travelers.

Local Transport within Chengdu

Public Transit Overview

Chengdu boasts a comprehensive public transit system for easy and affordable exploration.

Metro & Bus Network

  • Chengdu Metro: Extensive, rapidly expanding subway, clean and efficient.
  • Buses: Comprehensive network, including BRT lines, complements the metro.
  • Route maps: Available at stations, online, and via dedicated apps.

Ticketing & Accessibility

Fares are distance-based for metro, flat for buses. Digital payment is highly convenient.

Payment & Services

  • Metro fares: ¥2-10; single-journey tokens or Tianfu Tong card.
  • Digital payment: Link foreign credit cards to Alipay/WeChat Pay for QR code scans.
  • Accessibility: Metro stations have elevators/escalators; buses vary.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing offer door-to-door convenience, especially for late-night travel or luggage.

Hailing & Fares

  • Licensed taxis are green or blue, use meters.
  • Starting fare: ¥8-10 + fuel surcharge; ~¥2-3/km.
  • Didi Chuxing is the dominant ride-sharing app (similar to Uber), with English interface.

Rental Options

While car rentals for self-driving are generally not suggested for tourists, other rental options exist.

Bikes & Driving

  • Bike-sharing: Widely available with apps like Meituan, HelloBike (needs Chinese phone/payment).
  • Car rental: Not generally recommended; Chinese driving license is needed.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals: Not generally available or suggested for tourists.

Safety & Navigation

  • Road conditions: Major highways are maintained; mountain roads winding, prone to landslides.
  • Pedestrian/Cycling No-Go: Exercise caution in high-traffic zones and rush hour.
  • Safety: Confirm destination and fare with taxi/Didi drivers; avoid "black cabs."
  • Navigation: Download metro map apps; learn station names in Pinyin/characters.
  • Avoid rush hours (07:00-09:00 and 17:00-19:00) for public transport.
  • Share ride details with a trusted contact for added safety.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Explore Chengdu at a leisurely pace in its inviting pedestrian zones.

Recommended Walks

  • Jinli Ancient Street for traditional architecture and shops.
  • Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley) for historical charm.
  • People's Park for local life and teahouses.

Cycling Infrastructure

Dedicated bike lanes exist in some areas, but sharing roads with heavy traffic is common.

Biking in Chengdu

  • Bike-sharing apps popular for short distances.
  • Helmets are suggested for safety, though not universally worn by locals.
  • Riverside walks along the Jin River offer scenic routes for walking and cycling.

Walking Tour Options

Guided walking tours focusing on food, history, or culture are available from various operators. Self-guided walks are simple to arrange with a map.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road. Traffic laws are strictly enforced, but local driving habits can be aggressive. Parking is available in designated lots.

Specialized Transport

Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services offer a convenient way to see major attractions. Cable cars are found in mountainous attractions near Chengdu.

Additional Notes on Getting Around

Accessibility Information

Accessible infrastructure in Chengdu continues to improve, but planning is suggested for travelers with mobility needs.

Navigating with Mobility Needs

  • Metro stations generally have elevators.
  • Navigating crowded stations and streets may pose challenges.
  • Planning routes in advance is suggested.

General Navigation Tips

Optimizing your navigation can greatly smooth your city exploration.

Smart City Movement

  • Download a metro map app (e.g., "Chengdu Metro").
  • Use navigation apps like Baidu Maps or Amap (Chinese interfaces mostly).
  • Familiarize yourself with station names in Chinese Pinyin or characters.

Airport Transfers Specifics

CTU Metro

Line 10 connects directly to Taipingyuan station, allowing interchange to Line 3 or 7, integrating with the metro network.

TFU Metro

Line 18 connects Tianfu Airport to Chengdu South Railway Station and integrates with the city metro network.

Taxi/Didi from Airports

Readily available at both airports. Expect higher fares from TFU due to longer distance to city center.

Pro Tip

For train travel, consider official channels or trusted agents for ticket purchases. This provides reliability.