Chengdu Metro Line 18 Opening End of September 2020

In Chengdu, many of us are now too familiar with the many high-rise apartment blocks and skyscrapers constantly being built around the city. Although, we are extremely aware of the developments happening above the grown, most of us are blissfully unaware of the advancements of the city that are happening just beneath our feet.

If you haven’t heard already, there is a new metro line, phase one of Line 18, announced to open by the end of September 2020, as construction on the line began on August 16, 2016. The opening of the new line strives to relieve the constant rush of Line 1, as it runs parallel to Line 1 from North to South. Phase 2 of Line 18, expected to be in operation by the end of 2020, and will connect Chengdu’s urban area with the brand new Chengdu Tianfu International Airport!

We have got all the details you need to get excited about the new line coming to our convenience in the very near future.

Phase 1 & 2

Opening at the end of September 2020, starting at Chengdu South Railway Station and ending at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. The total length is 66.2 km (41.1 mi). The line will feature distinct express and local services using passing tracks at selected stations with an express service stopping only at 4 intermediate stations. It aims to complete a trip between Chengdu South Railway Station to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in 35 minutes. The local service will stop at all stations on Line 18 and will complete the trip in 40 to 50 minutes.

Phase 3 & 4

Line 18 Phase 3 includes North Extension, Linjiang Section, and South Extension. It is 16.72 kilometers long, all underground. In total, 6 underground stations (4 transfer stations), 1 reserved station, and 1 new depot will be built. Phase 4 to be extended to Jianyang South Railway Station.

| Chengdu Metro Line 18, phase 1 and 2

Phase 1

South Railway Station – Incubation Park – Jincheng Plaza East – Century City – Haichang Road – Western China International Expo City – Xinglong – Tianfu Railway Station – Sancha

Phase 2

Futian – Terminal 3 & 4 of Tianfu International Airport – Terminal 1 & 2 of Tianfu International Airport

There are a few major stations where passengers can make transfers to different lines.

•South Railway Station: Transfer with line 1 and 7

•Incubation Park: Transfer with line 9

•Century City & Haichang Road: Transfer with line 1

•Western China Int’l Expo City: Transfer with line 1 and 6

The metro in Chengdu was first opened in 2010 and currently has 7 lines operating Line 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10. There are automatic ticket stations available at each station where passengers can purchase tickets or top up their metro card in Chinese or English. Ticket prices start from 2RMB for a 0-4km journey up to 10RMB when going over 50km and more for a return ticket.

Line 18 is not the only metro line being constructed as there are is a significant amount of lines that are in planning or currently being constructed.

| Chengdu Metro Planning Map

Metro Line 18 is teal on the map

You may be wondering “Which teal”?

The one right parallel to Line 1, east side.

Line 6: Zhengjialin – Taiqing Road
Line 8: Xiejiaqiao – Longtansi East
Line 9: Outer Circle
Line 11: East Railway Station – Xinjin West & Huanglongxi
Line 12: Luodai North – Yanhe Community
Line 13: Sichuan Normal University – Longquan South
Line 14: East Railway Station – Luodai North
Line 15: Jintang Sanxing – East Railway Station & Qianfeng Road
Line 16: North Railway Station – Chaoyang Lake
Line 17: Sichuan Normal University – Shuangliu West Railway Station & Yiyuan
Line 18: Tianfu International Airport – Lidun Park & Mount Qingcheng – Pengzhou
Line 19: Baihe – Yong’an South
Line 20: Xindu East Railway Station – Pengzhou
Line 21: Hongguang North – Jinma North

Sources: Wikipedia, TravelGuideChina.

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Will you use Metro Line 18 or which other one are you waiting for?

Let us know in the comments below!