Getting Around · Updated August 2026
Chengdu
Transportation Guide
Set up Alipay and Didi before you leave home. Know which Metro lines you'll actually use. Navigate train stations without stress. And never get lost getting from either airport to your hotel.
Before You Leave Home — App Setup
Do these 4 things before your flight. Each takes 5 minutes now and saves hours of frustration in China. You need Alipay for payments and transport, and Didi for rides. Both work with foreign cards — but you must set them up before you arrive.
Download Alipay before leaving home
Search "Alipay" in your app store. Download the international version. Complete identity verification with your passport — it takes 5 minutes and is required for the transport QR feature. Do this at home with reliable internet, not at the airport.
Add your foreign credit card
Alipay supports Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and JCB. Add your card in Settings before arriving — this is your payment method for Didi, Metro QR, bike sharing, and most shops and restaurants.
Activate the Transport QR Code
The single most useful feature for tourists. One QR code works for both Metro and buses across Chengdu — no separate tickets or cards needed. Scan at the gate, ride, and Alipay auto-charges your linked card.
Download and set up Didi
Search for "Didi" in your app store. You want the Chinese mainland version (icon is a car and the characters 滴滴出行), NOT the international "DiDi Rider" app. Set language to English immediately — it's buried in Settings.
How to Get Around
Metro (地铁) — The Backbone
14 lines, English signage everywhere. Clean, air-conditioned, trains every 3–5 minutes. Runs 6:00 AM to midnight. Single rides ¥2–8. For tourists, the Metro + Didi combo covers 95% of trips. Get Alipay's transport QR code (no deposit, instant refill) or buy a Transportation Card (¥20 deposit) at any station.
Didi (滴滴) — China's Uber
Uber doesn't exist in China. Didi is excellent — reliable, affordable, with an English interface. Download the "Didi Great China" version (NOT the international "DiDi" app — that's for other countries). Link a foreign card in Settings before your first ride. Typical fares: ¥15–25 for short hops, ¥30–50 across town, ¥60–80 to Shuangliu Airport. Drivers won't speak English but the app handles everything — destination, navigation, payment. You never need to say a word.
Bike Sharing (共享单车) — Surprisingly Great
Blue (Hello/Haluo 哈啰), yellow (Meituan 美团), green (Qingju 青桔) bikes are on every single block. Chengdu is flat with dedicated bike lanes — one of China's most bikeable cities. Unlock with Alipay/WeChat QR scan, ¥1.50 per 30 minutes. Park in blue zones on the app map or face a ¥5–20 fine. Perfect for neighborhood exploration and short trips when the Metro feels like overkill.
Taxis (出租车) — The Fallback
Green-and-yellow taxis are everywhere except during rain and rush hour. Flag fall ¥8 (first 2 km), then ¥1.90/km. Across the city center: rarely over ¥40. Drivers speak zero English — always show your destination in Chinese characters on your phone. Meters are honest (rigged meters are vanishingly rare in Chengdu). No tipping — it's not part of Chinese culture. Use Didi when you can't find a street taxi — it's usually ¥5–10 cheaper anyway.
Buses (公交) — For Specific Routes
Extensive network, ¥2 flat fare. The catch: Chinese-only announcements and signage. For tourists, buses are best for specific routes: Bus 198/198A from Panda Avenue Metro to the Panda Base entrance (¥2, 10 min), or airport shuttles when the Metro is closed. For everything else, Metro + Didi is more practical for non-Chinese speakers.
Metro Lines You'll Actually Use
Chengdu has 14 metro lines. As a tourist, these seven matter. Colors match the official map — use them to navigate. The other 7 lines serve residential suburbs you'll likely never visit.
North-south artery. Wenshu Monastery (Buddhist temple), Tianfu Square (Science Museum), Hi-Tech Zone. Connects to Chengdu South Station for Leshan & Mount Qingcheng trains.
The single most useful line for tourists. People's Park (tea houses!), Chunxi Road (shopping & hotels), Chengdu East Station (high-speed trains to Chongqing & Xi'an), Xipu (transfer to day-trip trains).
The panda line. Panda Avenue Station → 10-min shuttle bus to the pandas. Also stops at Wuhou Shrine and near Jinli Ancient Street. This is your second-most-used line after Line 2.
Direct access to Kuanzhai Alley. Also connects to Chengdu West Railway Station. Less tourist-heavy than Lines 2 and 3 but essential if staying in the Kuanzhai area.
The loop line — circles the entire city. Best for transfers between radial lines without going through the center. Connects both South Station and East Station transfer hubs.
Airport express from Shuangliu (CTU). 20–30 min to city center, ¥5–7. Transfer to Lines 3 or 7 at Taipingyuan. Runs 6:00 AM–11:00 PM. This is how 90% of travelers get into the city from CTU.
Airport express from Tianfu (TFU). 45–50 min to South Station, ¥10–12. Transfers to Lines 1 & 7. Runs 6:00 AM–11:30 PM. Fastest way from the new airport — the Didi alternatives are ¥150–200 and take longer in traffic.
Navigating Train Stations
Chinese train stations are more like airports — security checks, departure gates, and enormous buildings. Knowing which station serves your destination (and how to navigate it) prevents stressful last-minute sprints.
Chengdu East (成都东站)
Metro: Metro Lines 2 & 7The station is enormous — 5 floors, 26 platforms. Follow signs for "Departures" (出发) on 2F. Security check at the entrance (like an airport — bags through X-ray). Find your gate number on the giant departure board. Gates close 5 minutes before departure. The waiting hall has restaurants, convenience stores, and free WiFi (requires Chinese phone number). Give yourself 30 minutes from Metro exit to platform — the walking distances inside are significant.
Chengdu South (成都南站)
Metro: Metro Lines 1, 7 & 18Smaller and less chaotic than East Station — much easier for first-timers. Metro Lines 1 and 7 connect directly. Follow signs for "Departures" — all platforms are on the same level. Security check is quick (5–10 min). The station is your best choice for Leshan and Qingcheng day trips — fewer crowds, simpler layout. Cafés and convenience stores inside. Give yourself 20 minutes from Metro to platform.
Xipu (犀浦站)
Metro: Metro Line 2 (terminus)The secret weapon for Qingcheng and Dujiangyan day trips. Metro Line 2 terminus — ride to the end of the line. The train station is directly connected to the Metro station (follow signs for "Railway Station" from the Metro exit). Much smaller than East or South — just a few platforms. Trains are less frequent (every 30–90 minutes depending on time of day) so check schedules on Trip.com before heading here. Ticket machines have English option. 15 minutes from Metro to platform is plenty.
Common Routes — From X to Y
These 10 routes cover 90% of trips you'll make. Best option first, alternatives listed. All routes originate from Chunxi Road (the central tourist hub).
| From → To | Best Way | Details | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chunxi Road → Panda Base | Metro | Line 2 or 3 to Panda Avenue (20 min) → Bus 198/198A or ¥10 shuttle (10 min). Total: 30–40 min, ¥6–8. | Didi directly: ¥30–40, 25–35 min. Easier but costs more. |
| Chunxi Road → Jinli / Wuhou Shrine | Metro | Line 2 one stop to Tianfu Square → transfer to Line 3 → Gaoshengqiao (15 min). Walk 10 min to Jinli. Total: 25 min, ¥3. | Didi: ¥15–20, 15 min. |
| Chunxi Road → Kuanzhai Alley | Metro | Line 2 to People's Park (one stop, 3 min) → walk 10 min to Kuanzhai. Or Line 4 from Taisheng South Road. Total: 15 min, ¥2. | Walk: 25–30 min. Didi: ¥12–15, 10 min. |
| Chunxi Road → People's Park | Metro or Walk | Metro Line 2: one stop (3 min, ¥2). Or walk: 15–20 min along Shudu Avenue. Pleasant walk — do it in the morning. | Bike share: ¥1.50, 8 min. |
| Chunxi Road → CTU (Shuangliu) Airport | Metro | Line 2 to Taipingyuan → transfer to Line 10 → Airport T1 or T2. Total: 30–40 min, ¥6–7. | Didi: ¥60–80, 25–40 min depending on traffic. |
| Chunxi Road → TFU (Tianfu) Airport | Metro | Line 2 to Chengdu East → transfer to Line 7 → South Station → transfer to Line 18 → Airport. Total: 60–75 min, ¥11–13. | Didi: ¥150–200, 50–70 min. Only worth it with heavy luggage or late at night. |
| CTU Airport → Chunxi Road | Metro | Line 10 from Airport T1 or T2 → Taipingyuan → transfer to Line 3 → Chunxi Road. Total: 30–40 min, ¥6–7. | Didi: ¥60–80. Airport bus: ¥10–15, 40–60 min. |
| TFU Airport → Chunxi Road | Metro | Line 18 → South Station → Line 1 → transfer to Line 2 → Chunxi Road. Total: 60–75 min, ¥11–13. Long but reliable. | Didi: ¥150–200. Only for late-night arrivals after Metro closes. |
| Chunxi Road → Chengdu East Station | Metro | Line 2 directly to East Station (15 min, ¥3). No transfers needed. Metro exit connects directly to the station building. | Didi: ¥20–30, 15–25 min. About the same time as Metro. |
| Chunxi Road → Chengdu South Station | Metro | Line 2 to Tianfu Square → transfer to Line 1 → South Station. Total: 25–30 min, ¥4. | Didi: ¥30–40, 20–30 min. |
Two Airports — Know Which One
Check your ticket carefully. CTU (Shuangliu) is 30 minutes from downtown — the convenient one. TFU (Tianfu) is 50+ minutes — the new mega-airport that's further out. Your transfer plan changes completely depending on which one.
Shuangliu International (CTU)
Closer to city · Most international flights · Metro Line 1020–30 min to city center · ¥5–7 · 6:00 AM–11:00 PM. Transfer to Lines 3 or 7 at Taipingyuan. This is what 90% of travelers use — the simplest and cheapest option.
25–40 min to Chunxi Road · ¥50–70. Official taxi stand outside Arrivals. Didi pickup zone is clearly marked with English signs. Ignore touts inside the terminal saying "taxi" — walk to the official area.
¥10–15 · Multiple routes to major hotels. Slower than Metro but runs later into the night. Buy tickets at the bus counter in Arrivals. Some routes run until the last flight lands.
Tianfu International (TFU)
New mega-airport · Further from city · Growing international hub · Metro Line 1845–50 min to Chengdu South Station · ¥10–12 · 6:00 AM–11:30 PM. Fastest and cheapest. Transfer to Lines 1 or 7 at South Station. Trains every 8–15 minutes. Clean, modern, uncrowded outside rush hour.
50–70 min to Chunxi Road · ¥150–200. Didi is usually ¥20–30 cheaper than a street taxi from TFU. Only worth it if the Metro is closed or you have heavy luggage — otherwise, take Line 18.
¥15–20 · 60–80 minutes. Some routes run 24 hours — the best option for late-night arrivals when Metro Line 18 has stopped. Check at the bus counter in Arrivals for the latest schedule.
If you can choose: fly into CTU (Shuangliu) — closer, faster, cheaper transfers. If your flight lands at TFU (increasingly common for new international routes): take Metro Line 18 (50 min, ¥12). Only use Didi from TFU if the Metro is closed (after 11:30 PM) or you have 2+ heavy suitcases. The ¥150–200 Didi from TFU is not worth it when a perfectly good Metro costs ¥12 and takes the same time in traffic.
Day Trips & Intercity Travel
Chengdu's high-speed rail network puts remarkable destinations within reach. All trains have English signage, comfortable seats, and surprisingly good punctuality. These are the routes you'll actually use.
| Destination | Duration | Depart From | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chongqing (重庆) | 1–1.5 hrs | Chengdu East | ¥150–200 | Trains every 20–30 min — China's busiest intercity route. Book 1+ day ahead. |
| Leshan Buddha (乐山) | 50–70 min | Chengdu South / East | ¥50–60 | Trains every 30–60 min. From Leshan Station: Bus 3 (¥2) or ¥15 taxi to the Buddha scenic area. |
| Mt. Qingcheng (青城山) | 30–40 min | Xipu (via Metro L2) | ¥10–15 | Metro Line 2 to Xipu terminus, then train. Shuttle bus ¥10 from station to mountain gate. |
| Dujiangyan (都江堰) | 30–40 min | Xipu (via Metro L2) | ¥10–15 | Same line as Qingcheng — get off at Lidui Park (one stop before Qingcheng). 10-min walk to entrance. |
| Xi'an (西安) | 3–4 hrs | Chengdu East | ¥260–400 | Crosses the Qinling Mountains through tunnels — an engineering marvel. Overnight stay recommended. Terracotta Warriors are 40 min from Xi'an station. |
| Mount Emei (峨眉山) | 1–1.5 hrs | Chengdu South / East | ¥60–80 | One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains. 3,099m summit. Full ascent takes 2–3 days; cable car option for day-trippers. Golden Summit at sunrise is spectacular. |
Getting Around at Night
Metro closes around 11:00–11:30 PM. Chengdu's nightlife doesn't. Here's how to get home after midnight — and why Didi is almost always the answer.
| Option | Availability | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Didi | 24 hours — always available. Wait times may be 5–10 min longer after midnight. | Standard rates. No surge pricing after midnight (unlike Uber in the West). | Best option after Metro closes. Drivers are plentiful even at 2 AM in central areas. |
| Night Buses | Limited routes, numbered N1–N8. Run roughly midnight–5 AM on major corridors. | ¥2–3 flat fare. | Chinese-only. Not practical for tourists. Didi wins every time at night. |
| Taxis | Available 24 hours but harder to find after 1 AM outside of bar areas. | Standard meter rates + 20% surcharge after 11 PM. | Jiuyanqiao (bar street) and Lan Kwai Fong areas have plenty of taxis waiting at night. Everywhere else: use Didi. |
Chinese Taxi Phrases — Say These, Get There
Five phrases that cover every taxi interaction. Show these on your phone or memorize the pinyin. Taxi drivers in Chengdu speak zero English — these five lines are all you need.
Say this while showing your destination in Chinese on your phone. Use it every time.
Useful for airport trips — avoids the driver taking slow back roads to run up the meter. Rarely needed but good to know.
Say this when you see your destination. Taxi drivers appreciate early notice — don't wait until you're past it.
If a driver tries to negotiate a fixed price (rare in Chengdu, more common at airports), say this firmly. Insist on the meter.
For expense reports or if you leave something in the taxi. The receipt has the taxi ID — critical for lost items.