•Good news for travelers flying from or to Tianfu International Airport: Starting June 1st, an hourly express line will run between Tianfu Airport and South Railway Station from 6 am to 11 pm. This express ride takes only 33 minutes. Meanwhile, the regular Line 18 will continue running frequently from 6:30 am to 11:20 pm. However, it has 8 stops and takes about 50 minutes.
👉 Please check the updated Express Line 18 schedule below:
Chengdu Tianfu Int’l Airport (TFU)
Since Sunday, 26 March 2023, all international airlines moved their operations from Shuangliu International Airport to Tianfu International Airport Terminal 1.
Located in Chengdu’s east, Tianfu International Airport opened in 2021. It is approximately 50 kilometres from downtown. Passengers can use private transport or public options such as Chengdu Metro Line 18 or the Tianfu Airport Bus to travel between the city and the airport.
However, there are two drawbacks. First, the commute to the airport can be long. Second, there is no railway station at the airport, which limits travel options to other cities in Sichuan province.
Therefore, travelers should allow extra travel time and arrive at least two hours before their flight. This ensures enough time to complete Customs, Immigration, and check-in procedures.
Getting to and from Chengdu TFU
Several transportation options are available. These include taxis, buses, and car services. Depending on traffic, trips to downtown Chengdu can take around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The regular Metro Line 18 runs daily every 8 minutes between the airport and Chengdu South Railway Station.
In addition, the new express line operates every hour.
Travel Times from Key Locations:
Downtown (Tianfu Square): ~50 km. Around 1h10m by car, or 1–1.5h by Metro Lines 1 + 18.
Shuangliu Airport: ~50 km. 1h by car, or 1.5h by Metro Lines 10 + 9 + 18.
Chengdu Panda Base: ~80 km. 1h10–20m by car, or 2–2.5h by metro and bus. Airport Bus Line 2 takes ~1h.
East Railway Station: ~42 km. 50m by car, or 1h20m via Metro Lines 7 + 18.
South Railway Station: ~60 km. 50m by car, or 33m–1h via Metro Line 18.
🔗 Click here for more information about the three bus lines to and from TFU.
