Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in China, is served by two major international airports: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and the newer Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Shuangliu Airport, located 16 km southwest of the city center, has been the city's main airport since 1938 and is among the busiest airports in China, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. It features two terminals and strong metro connectivity to the city.
Tianfu International Airport, opened in 2021, is a state-of-the-art facility located about 50 km southeast of Chengdu. It is designed to handle a capacity of 90 million passengers annually with three terminals and focuses more on new domestic routes and some international destinations. While Tianfu is larger and more modern, its distance from the city center and more limited metro access make it less convenient for some travelers.
This landing page provides a clear comparison of both airports, helping travelers decide which is the best choice based on flight connections, transport options, shopping and dining facilities and other passenger services important for their journey to Chengdu.
| Airport | Main role | Flight Connections | Transport to City | Proximity | Shopping & Food | Other Passenger Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) | Main hub, busiest airport, most international connections | Extensive domestic and international flights including carriers like Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa | Metro Line 10 to city center (~30 min, 5-7 RMB), multiple shuttle bus routes (10-15 RMB), taxis (~30 min, 60-80 RMB), ride-hailing services | 16 km (10 miles) southwest of Chengdu city center | Variety of local Sichuan cuisine and international restaurants, numerous shops including duty-free and local specialty stores | Free Wi-Fi, lounges, nursing rooms, basic rest areas, widely used, can be crowded in peak times |
| Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) | Newer airport, growing domestic and some international services, large capacity | Mostly domestic routes with growing international flights, carriers include China Eastern, AirAsia, Spring Airlines | Metro Line 18 (under construction, ~50 min ride), express shuttle bus (25-35 RMB, 40-60 min), taxis (~45-60 min, 150-200 RMB), ride-hailing available with longer wait times | 50 km (31 miles) southeast of Chengdu city center | More high-end dining and luxury shopping options, premium lounges, capsule hotels, family-friendly zones | Modern eco-friendly design, more spacious terminals, less crowded, some transport routes still developing |
Chengdu’s two airports serve different traveler needs. Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) remains the preferred choice for most international travelers due to its proximity to the city and extensive flight network. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) offers a modern and spacious alternative, increasingly handling domestic and new international routes, though it is further from downtown and transport options are still evolving. Your choice depends largely on your flight itinerary and preferences for convenience versus modern amenities.
If you are looking for detailed info on the different Chengdu airports, click on the airport profiles below.
