Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (IATA: TFU)

Meet Chengdu Tianfu International Airport - A New Aviation Hub

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (成都天府国际机场), located in Lujia Town, Jianyang, within the East High Tech Zone of Chengdu, is approximately 50km away from Tianfu Square (Chengdu City Center). As a key component of Chengdu's aviation infrastructure, it embodies the city's aspiration to become a leading international air travel destination and a cornerstone of the Silk Road Economic Belt. This airport, designed to be a premier international aviation gateway, now handles all of Chengdu's international flights. Envisioned as a top-tier facility, it boasts two terminals, three runways, and a flight area graded at 4F. With an initial capacity designed to accommodate 40 million passengers, 70,000 tons of cargo and mail throughput, and 30,000 aircraft take-offs and landings by 2025, it is positioned to fulfill the role of a "first-class international and domestic airport." Looking ahead, the airport's long-term development plans include the construction of three additional runways to further enhance its operational capacity. With a total terminal area spanning 719,600 square meters, it is well-equipped to meet the anticipated annual passenger throughput demand of up to 90 million people.

Terminals of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

The design inspiration for the two terminals draws from the iconic mythical figure of the ancient Sichuan: the golden sunbird. This choice symbolizes the rich heritage and growth of over 3,000 years within the enchanting realm of Chengdu. The terminal complex spans approximately 330,000 square meters, equivalent to 46 standard football fields, comprising 5 above-ground floors and 2 underground levels.

Tianfu Airport Panoramic View

In the initial phase of construction, the first three runways have been completed, with the remaining trio slated for completion in phase two. These runways intersect the terminals, forming a seamless integration. Radiating outward from a central circular core, six arms extend, with each terminal mirroring the other, providing a welcoming embrace for incoming and departing aircraft.

Flights & Airlines of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, Tianfu Airport serves as a bustling hub for air travel in Southwest China. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you'll have access to a wide range of flight options to suit your needs.

Domestically, Tianfu Airport is well-connected to cities throughout China, with frequent flights operated by leading domestic carriers including China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. Whether you're flying to bustling metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai or exploring scenic destinations like Lijiang and Guilin, you'll find a comprehensive selection of flights catering to your itinerary.

Internationally, Tianfu Airport offers flights to major cities around the world, including direct flights to Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore, facilitated by reputable airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines. These carriers provide seamless connections to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, ensuring convenient access to global travel networks.

In addition, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport port offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens of 54 countries who possess valid international travel documents and hold confirmed onward tickets to a third country (or region) within 144 hours of their arrival. The duration of stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day following entry, and transit is allowed within 11 administrative regions, including Chengdu and Leshan. During your stay, you're free to discover the rich cultural heritage, delicious Sichuan cuisine, and iconic landmarks that make Sichuan a must-visit destination. For more information, please see our Chengdu 144-hour visa-free policy guide!

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Itinerary: Chengdu / Leshan Giant Buddha / Chengdu
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Foreign Guest Payment Service Center

To better cater to the needs of international travelers, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport proudly presents the Foreign Guest Payment Service Center, situated right beside the international arrival exit of Terminal 1. This center comprises service areas provided by Bank of China and China Telecom, offering a wide array of services including cash withdrawals (ATM), currency exchange, mobile payment setup, as well as the purchase of cell phones and SIM cards. With just a foreign passport in hand, travelers can enjoy a seamless travel experience with the assistance of the dedicated staffs at the center.

Guide to Foreign Guest Payment Service Center at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Conveniently Located Airport Hotel

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport boasts a hotel complex nestled between its two terminals, offering a comprehensive array of services tailored for both leisure and business travelers. Comprising two distinct hotels, the Joyhub Air Hotel features 329 opulent suites, while the Joyhub Cheer Hotel offers 524 cozy rooms, ensuring a diverse range of options to accommodate the needs of incoming and outgoing passengers. Conveniently situated within a few minutes' walking distance from both domestic and international departure and arrival halls, the hotel complex provides seamless accessibility for travelers.

Guide to Joyhub Cheer Hotel at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Comprehensive Transportation of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is situated in the southeastern outskirts of Chengdu. It is approximately 50km from Tianfu Square (Chengdu City Center), 80km from Chengdu Panda Base, 42km from Chengdu East Railway Station (high-speed train station), and 73km from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport.

TFU offers a variety of convenient transportation options to connect to downtown Chengdu. Travelers can choose from metro, airport buses, and high-speed trains, taking about 30 minutes to one hour. Those preferring taxis, car-hailing services, or private cars can also take expressways to downtown in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. ⋙ More about how to get from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Downtown

Metro

The metro station "Terminal 1 & 2 of Tianfu International Airport" is situated between the airport's two terminals and is served by two subway lines: Line 18 and Line 19. Line 18 heads towards Chengdu South Railway Station (火车南站), offering a transfer to Line 1 for Tianfu Square in the city center. Line 19 travels to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Line 18 operates local and express services; the express service is non-stop and reaches its destination in about 35 minutes. For both the local and express services, the fare from Tianfu International Airport to Chengdu South Railway Station is 10 CNY.

Airport Buses

Airport buses operate on 5 routes: Chunxi Road (Line 1), Jinsha Bus Hub (Line 2), Chengdu Zoo (Line 3), Chengdu East Railway Station (Line 4), and Shuangliu Airport (Line 5). Lines 1, 2, and 3 run 24/7 with a flat fare of 15 CNY during the day and 25 CNY at night (23:30~6:00). Tickets can be bought online or on-site; on-site purchases are cash-only. The journey from Tianfu International Airport to Chunxi Road takes about 1 hour.

Taxis & Car-Hailing Services

Travelers with heavy luggage can opt for a taxi or car-hailing service to downtown via the Tianfu International Airport Expressway, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Note that passengers are responsible for the expressway tolls, so the total fare typically ranges from 150 to 200 CNY.

Tianfu Airport Location Map
(Click to Enlarge) Tianfu Airport Comprehensive Transportation
(Click to Enlarge)

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Other Options - Coaches & High-Speed Trains

Tianfu International Airport is equipped with both a coach station and a high-speed train station, making travel convenient for passengers. The coach station connects the airport to various cities within Sichuan Province, such as Leshan, Mianyang, and Anyue. The high-speed train station not only serves destinations within the province but also offers services to cities like Chongqing, Kunming, and Guiyang. Passengers can also choose to take the high-speed train to downtown Chengdu; the journey from the airport to Chengdu East Railway Station takes just 30 minutes, with second-class tickets priced at around 30 CNY.

How to Plan a Chengdu Tour

Best Time to Travel to Chengdu

The best time to visit Chengdu largely depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. However, generally speaking, the best time to visit Chengdu is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and comfortable, with pleasant temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities like visiting the giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding or exploring the ancient streets of Jinli. Additionally, spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery, with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn, adding to the charm of Chengdu's landscapes.

Where to Stay in Chengdu

When planning your visit to Chengdu, selecting the right area to stay in can significantly enhance your travel experience. Optimal areas for accommodation lie within the 1st ring road of the city, as most of Chengdu's attractions are nestled within this area.

With a well-developed metro network, navigating between all the attractions is convenient via public transportation or taxi. There are five main accommodation hubs within the 1st ring road: the eastern area (proximate to Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li), the southwestern area (near Wuhou Memorial Temple and Jinli Pedestrian Street), the central area (close to Tianfu Square, Chengdu Museum, Renmin Park, and Kuanzhai Alley), the western area (adjacent to Dufu Cottage, Sichuan Museum, and Qingyang Palace), and the northern area (near Wenshu Yuan Monastery).

Must-See Tourist Spots in Chengdu

Chengdu is a city rich in culture and history, offering a variety of attractions that will captivate any visitor. One of the must-visit spots is the Chengdu Panda Base, where you can see adorable giant pandas up close and learn about their conservation efforts. For a taste of local culture, head to Jinli Pedestrian Street, a bustling area filled with traditional architecture, local crafts, and delicious Sichuan snacks. Another highlight is the Wuhou Memorial Temple, which provides a fascinating glimpse into China's Three Kingdoms period. Nearby, you can visit the tranquil Renmin Park (People's Park), where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, sip tea at a traditional teahouse, and even join locals in a game of mahjong. Don't miss the vibrant Chunxi Road shopping district, where you can shop, dine, and experience the city's dynamic urban culture. Check out the Top 10 tourist attractions in Chengdu rated on TripAdvisor for more travel ideas!

Recommended Chengdu Tours:
► 1 Day Chengdu Panda Tour
► 2 Days Chengdu City Break

If you plan to spend more days travelling, you can try our popular panda volunteer programs, go to the wonderland Jiuzhaigou, see the giant Buddha in Leshan, or expand your trip to Beijing - capital of China, Shanghai - modern metropolis, and Xian - time-honored ancient capital to have a deeper understanding of China.

Recommended Tours featuring Chengdu:
► 7 Days Sichuan Discovery Tour (Chengdu/Leshan/Emei/Chengdu/Jiuzhaigou)
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Major Accommodation Areas in Chengdu
(Click to Enlarge) Chengdu Attractions

Chengdu Food & Cuisine You Have to Try

When it comes to food and cuisine, Chengdu is a paradise for food lovers. Renowned for its spicy and flavorful dishes, Sichuan cuisine, of which Chengdu is the capital, offers a tantalizing array of flavors and ingredients that will leave you craving for more.

One of the must-try dishes is the famous Sichuan hotpot, a spicy and numbing broth filled with a variety of fresh meats, vegetables, and tofu. Another iconic dish is mapo tofu, featuring soft tofu cooked in a fiery chili and bean paste sauce, topped with minced meat and Sichuan peppercorns for a unique numbing sensation. For those seeking a snack, don't miss out on Sichuan's delicious street food offerings, such as dan dan noodles and Sichuan-style dumplings. In addition to its spicy dishes, Chengdu also offers a wide range of non-spicy options.Check out this detailed introduction and restaurant recommendations for more delicious food in Chengdu.

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