Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Welcome

When locals talk about Chengdu's aviation scene, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) often plays second fiddle to the newer Tianfu, yet for many, it's the preferred hub for domestic travel and authentic Sichuan cuisine. Located just 16 kilometers southwest of Chengdu, Shuangliu offers convenient access to the city and an F&B scene that nods to local flavors, distinct from the generic airport offerings elsewhere. Whether you're catching a Sichuan Airlines flight from T2 or musing over nostalgia at T1, CTU remains a workhorse of a hub with efficiently moving travel flows and pathways.

At a glance

CTU features two terminals—T1 and T2—and handles a substantial domestic passenger volume as a hub for Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Chengdu Airlines. The airport's strategic distance of 16 kilometers from the city center means cheaper and faster rides compared to its shiny new counterpart, Tianfu International Airport (TFU). With two runways to manage traffic, CTU embraces its role primarily as a domestic powerhouse serving millions annually. Connectivity to the city is robust, featuring options like the metro and Didi Chuxing rides, making it approachable for locals and tourists alike.

Terminals & layout

Terminal 1 houses an array of airlines including Chengdu Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Tianjin Airlines, serving provincial destinations with ease. Meanwhile, Terminal 2, with its more extensive concessions area, caters to major carriers such as Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, and is known for its diverse dining options. With 25 gates in T1, the terminals manage domestic flights efficiently, though with a less modern appeal when compared to its newer regional competitor, TFU.

Getting to and from the city

CTU is well connected to Chengdu's urban core via Metro Line 10, which connects both terminals comfortably to city points like Tianfu Square in about 45 minutes with one transfer. Chengdu Airport taxis are available, priced at a moderate $7-8 per trip, though be wary of peak hour waiting lines. Bus services and ride-hailing options like Didi Chuxing offer alternative means to beat the sometimes daunting traffic, often undercutting taxi rates during peak congestion.

Traveller essentials

Awaiting at the older Chengdu Shuangliu hub, savvy travelers are well-advised to load up on local mobile pay apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, given that many kiosks and food stalls prioritize digital over physical currency. Parking options are ample, with daily rates ranging from $10 in the EV Charging Zone to $35 in the VIP Parking Area. For those opting for public transport, remember that CTU might involve re-clearance if transitioning between T1 and T2 during transfers.

Dining & shopping highlights

For a taste of Sichuan before takeoff, T2 is your go-to with outlets like Qianxi South China Sea Chinese Restaurant and smaller snack stalls offering authentic dan dan mian influences, while T1 holds its quieter charm with staple favorites like Starbucks and UBC Coffee. Retail therapy is amply catered for with locations like China Duty Free at both terminals, Watsons for last-minute toiletries, and technology corners like the Apple Authorized Reseller and Huawei shops in T2.

Lounges

For a touch of comfort above the regular, frequent flyers can dip into lounges such as the Air China VIP Lounge and Sichuan Airlines VIP Lounge within T2, or seek respite in T1’s more intimate First Class Lounge. Frequent comments on cleanliness and less crowding illuminate the domestic airline lounges as underrated options worth trying, especially for those armed with premium credit cards that bypass more public crowding during peak hours.

Insider tips

• Insider: Terminal 2 is your haven for food; it flaunts a more varied food and beverage mix than T1, making it the go-to for those craving Chengdu’s flavors before a flight. Peruse options like real Sichuan delicacies in domestic departures.
• Time: Deploy the metro during rush hours when Chengdu traffic snarls up. Line 10 connects the airport with the city swiftly and often faster than a cab.
• Avoid: Mistakes happen—ensure you're flying out of CTU and not TFU. Several international flights have moved, causing travelers undue delays across cities if not checked beforehand.
• Money: Have Alipay or WeChat Pay ready as some smaller stalls and kiosks inside the terminals may not accept foreign credit cards, streamlining purchases.
• Quiet: Terminal 1’s older cafés make excellent makeshift workspaces with power outlets, especially during the busy evening rush where gates get chaotic.
• Local: Seek out Terminal 2's Sichuan snack stalls serving authentic dan dan mian, a culinary gem before airbound ventures.