At a Glance

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is China's newest mega-airport, opened in 2021. Located 50km southeast of Chengdu, it's a massive, modern facility designed to handle millions of transit passengers, including those using the 240-hour visa-free policy.

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Transit Desk Location

Terminal 1 & 2, International Arrivals. Look for "240-Hour Visa-Free Transit" signage (bilingual).

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Processing Time

20-40 minutes depending on flight arrivals. Airport is newer, staff are well-trained.

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To City Center

Metro Line 18 Express (40 min, ¥50) or taxi (1 hour, ¥130-180).

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To Panda Base

Metro + transfer to Line 3 (total ~90 min) or direct taxi (75 min, ¥160-200).

Airport Layout & Terminals

Tianfu Airport is designed like a giant golden sun, with two main terminals shaped like wings.

Terminal 1 (T1)

  • Handles most domestic flights and some international routes
  • Connected to Metro Line 18 (direct underground access)
  • Smaller but efficient

Terminal 2 (T2)

  • Primary hub for international long-haul flights
  • Also connected to Metro Line 18
  • Most 240-hour transit passengers arrive here
  • Transit desk clearly marked in arrivals hall
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Terminal Transfers

T1 and T2 are connected by free shuttle bus (15 min) or walkable via the Transportation Centre (GTC) - about 10-15 min walk.

240-Hour Transit Process at TFU

Step 1: Arrive & Follow Signs

After disembarking, follow signs for "International Transfer" or "Visa-Free Transit". Do NOT go through regular immigration.

Step 2: Find Transit Desk

Located before regular immigration counters in the arrivals hall. Look for English signs: "240-Hour Visa-Free Transit". Staff speak some English.

Step 3: Submit Documents

Required:

  • Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • Onward flight ticket (printed or digital) showing departure within 240 hours
  • Completed arrival card

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Processing takes 20-40 minutes. Officer may ask about your plans (e.g., "Will you visit the Panda Base?"). Just answer honestly.

Step 5: Receive Stamp & Exit

You'll get a transit permit stamp in your passport.Check the expiry date carefully! Collect baggage and enjoy Chengdu.

Getting to Chengdu City

🚇 Metro Line 18 (Recommended)

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Fast Metro Connection

Cost: ¥50 (~$7) | Time: 40 minutes to Tianfu Square

  • Hours: 6:30am - 11:00pm
  • Express service - only a few stops to city center
  • Follow signs in terminal to "Metro" or "地铁"
  • Connects to Lines 1, 3, 7 for transfers

🚕 Taxi

Cost: ¥120-180 to city center | Time: 50-70 min (traffic dependent)

  • Official taxi rank outside arrivals - avoid touts
  • Have hotel address in Chinese characters ready
  • Didi (ride-hailing) also available

🚌 Airport Shuttle Buses

Cost: ¥30-40 | Time: 70-90 minutes

  • Multiple routes to different areas of Chengdu
  • Cheaper but slower than metro or taxi

Insider Tips for TFU

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Make the Most of Your Transit

  • Panda Base opens at 7:30 AM: If you arrive early morning, head straight there to see pandas at their most active!
  • Download offline maps: Baidu Maps or Maps.me work well in Chengdu.
  • Print everything: Boarding pass, hotel booking, transit permit requirements. Makes process smoother.
  • Airport WiFi: Free throughout the terminal. No VPN needed at airport.
  • Late arrival? Transit desk operates 24/7, but Metro closes at 11pm. Budget for late-night taxi if needed.
  • Food in airport: Plenty of options including Sichuan hotpot restaurants in terminals!

Hotels Near Tianfu Airport

Inside Airport

  • Airport Capsule Hotels: Both terminals, hourly rates ¥80-120
  • Lounges with nap rooms: Available in international sections

Connected/Nearby

  • Holiday Inn Express Tianfu Airport: Free shuttle, ¥400-600/night
  • Hampton by Hilton: 10 min shuttle, ¥500-700/night
  • Locals recommend: Stay in city center (Chunxi Road area) for full Chengdu experience