Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) Guide for Beginners
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is another highly important core aviation hub in Chengdu. For complete beginners, because Shuangliu Airport has been operating for many years, its surrounding transportation facilities are extremely mature and convenient. Its “seamless air-rail integration” and “24-hour door-to-door transfer” services are particularly friendly to beginners.
How to get from Shuangliu Airport to downtown and surrounding areas?
Option 1: The “Traffic-Jam Proof” Rail Transit (Subway) If you want to save money and avoid road congestion, the subway is your best bet:
- Currently, Shuangliu Airport is seamlessly connected to Metro Line 10 and Metro Line 19. You can easily take the subway to major commercial districts in downtown Chengdu or transfer to other lines.
Option 2: Seamless “Air-Rail Link” (High-Speed Trains) If you need to travel to other cities in Sichuan Province, or head to Chongqing, Xi’an, or Kunming right after landing, the high-speed railway station inside Shuangliu Airport allows for “zero-transfer” travel:
- Boarding Location: It is extremely easy for beginners to find. You simply need to take the elevator to the B2 level from the Arrival Level of Terminal 2 (T2), and walk directly to the “Shuangliu Airport High-Speed Railway Station” (双流机场高铁站).
- Extensive Coverage: Within the province, trains run directly to Chengdu East, Chengdu South, Tianfu Airport, Meishan East, Leshan, Mount Emei, Mianyang, Guangyuan, Deyang, Yibin, Luzhou, and many other stations. Outside the province, trains go directly to Chongqing West, Chongqing North, Xi’an North, Xi’an West, Guiyang East, and Kunming South. You can search and purchase tickets directly on the railway 12306 platform.
Option 3: Extremely Convenient, Around-the-Clock “Customized Express” & City Airport Buses If you have a lot of luggage or are completely unfamiliar with Chengdu’s layout, the following options are highly recommended:
- Highly Recommended “Customized Express” (定制快客): This is a 6-seat commercial vehicle offering 24-hour door-to-door pick-up and drop-off services in the main urban areas and some suburbs of Chengdu! You will reach your destination within 90 minutes. The single trip fare is only 59 RMB/person (an extra 10 RMB for the Chengdu Trade City area), and there is a 20 RMB discount for your first order. You can easily book this via the “天府行” (Tianfu Xing) WeChat mini-program.
- Kuanzhai Alley City Terminal Line: If you happen to be touring the downtown Kuanzhai Alley area, you can catch a bus at the terminal located at No. 19 Xiatongren Road, Qingyang District (operating hours: 08:00-21:30). The fare is 20 RMB (commercial vehicle), but you must call (19108027692) to make a reservation 3 hours in advance, and the vehicle departs half an hour after the reservation.
- Night Airport Buses: The city airport bus system currently maintains night routes heading to “Chunxi Road” (春熙路线) and lines heading to “Tianfu Airport”.
Option 4: Regular Public Transit for Short Trips If you are only traveling within the Shuangliu District or running errands near the airport, there are several regular bus lines with a cheap fare of 2 RMB:
Line S66: Operates a loop around the Shuangliu Airport T2 area.
Line S15: Heads to Jiaolonggang Haibincheng.
Line S21: Heads to Sanliba.
Line S22: Heads to Qingyunsi Community.
Line S26: Heads to Erjiangsi Metro Station.
What if my flight arrives too early or too late?
If you arrive on a late-night “red-eye” flight, there is absolutely no need to panic:
Night Buses: The airport bus provides a night route heading to Chunxi Road, ensuring a reliable transport backup to the city’s core commercial center.
24-Hour Customized Express: As mentioned above, you can book the 24-hour customized express via the “天府行” mini-program, and the driver will safely drop you off right at your apartment or hotel door in the city.
Comprehensive Services at Shuangliu Airport
Where can I eat at Shuangliu Airport?
The dining options at Shuangliu Airport are very mature. Whether in the public areas before security or the restricted waiting areas after security, there are plenty of choices. You can enjoy authentic Sichuan snacks (such as Dan Dan Noodles, Chao Shou, and Zhong Dumplings), as well as famous global fast-food and beverage chains like KFC, McDonald’s, and Starbucks.
Are there vegetarian or Halal restaurants?
Large Chinese restaurants and noodle shops in the airport typically offer pure vegetarian dishes on their menus. Additionally, to cater to travelers of different faiths, specialized restaurants with clear Halal certification signs are available inside the terminal.
Where can I stay near Shuangliu Airport?
If you have a layover or an early morning flight, there are official airport hotels (such as the Chengdu Airport Hotel) directly opposite T1 and T2 that you can reach on foot. Furthermore, the surrounding Shuangliu District is packed with budget and business hotels of all levels, the vast majority of which provide free 24-hour airport shuttle services.
Where can I shop at Shuangliu Airport?
Convenience stores and specialty shops are scattered throughout the terminals. Beginners can easily accomplish one-stop shopping here for Sichuan souvenirs like Zhangfei beef, hotpot base, and Sichuan embroidery. Duty-free shops are also available in the international departure and arrival areas for purchasing tax-free goods.
Where can I get a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device?
For overseas travelers, telecommunication service counters are typically set up near the exit of the international arrival hall. You can easily purchase a local prepaid SIM card or rent a portable Wi-Fi device here.
Where can I exchange currency or find ATMs?
Highly visible foreign currency exchange counters are located in both the international arrival and departure areas. ATMs from major Chinese commercial banks are widely distributed throughout the terminals, allowing you to withdraw RMB directly using international bank cards displaying Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay logos.
How do I store/check my luggage?
“Luggage Storage” service desks are available in both the departure and arrival halls. You can securely store your heavy bags at the airport for a fee based on the number of items and the duration of storage, freeing up your hands for easy travel.
