Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (IATA: CTU) is one of the two major airports serving Chengdu in southwest China. For most international travelers, Shuangliu remains the most convenient gateway to the city because it is located close to downtown Chengdu, has fast metro access, and offers straightforward airport navigation.

This guide provides step-by-step, practical instructions to help you arrive, transfer, check in, pass security, and travel onward to Chengdu city with confidence.

Terminal Overview at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

Shuangliu has two main terminals, and both serve domestic and international flights depending on the airline:

Terminal	Main Airlines	Notes
T1	Primarily Sichuan Airlines (3U) and China Southern Airlines (CZ)	Recently renovated; uses mixed arrival/departure flow on one level
T2	Air China (CA) and most other carriers	Larger and more spacious; longer walking time between check-in and gates

Important Airside Connections at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

T1 and T2 are connected after security, meaning:

If you have no checked luggage and you prefer the facilities of the other terminal, you can go through security at either terminal and walk between them inside the secure area.

This is useful when:

Your flight departs from T1 but you want to use T2 business lounges or restaurants.
You already checked in online and only carry hand luggage.

Not available if: You have checked baggage (because baggage claim is terminal-specific).

Arrival Guide for International Travelers at Shuangliu Airport Chengdu

Step 1 — Immigration at CTU Airport
- Follow the International Arrivals signs.
- Prepare passport, visa/visa waiver documents, and arrival information.
- English signage is clear and officers are accustomed to foreign travelers.
Step 2 — Baggage Claim & Customs at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
- Check the screens for your flight number and belt.
- If your baggage does not appear after 20 minutes, go to Baggage Services Counter near the belts.
Step 3 — Customs
- If you have no items to declare → Use the Green Channel.
- If you bring professional equipment, large electronics, or high-value goods → Use the Red Channel.
Step 4 — SIM Cards & Wi-Fi

Service	Location	Notes
Free Airport Wi-Fi	Throughout T1 & T2	Log in with passport verification (on-screen instruction available in English)
SIM Card Counters	Near Arrival Hall exits	eSIM options available; physical card activation usually takes ~2–5 minutes

Step 5 — Currency & ATMs
- ATMs generally offer better exchange rates than exchange counters.
- Major cards accepted: Visa / MasterCard. However, mobile payments are far more common in Chengdu.
Mobile Payment Tip

You can activate Alipay Tour Pass (English Version) and use your foreign bank card to pay in most city shops.

Transportation from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Downtown Chengdu

Because Shuangliu Airport is close to downtown, travel is fast and affordable.

Method	Time	Cost (Approx.)	Best For	Notes
Taxi / DiDi Ride-Hailing	25–40 min	$12–18	Most convenient	Use Door 2 for regular check-in passengers; Door 3 for business/elite passengers
Metro Line 10	40–50 min	<$1	Reliable & budget-friendly	Direct stop at Shuangliu Airport T1 / T2
Airport Shuttle Bus	40–60 min	$3–5	Hotels & railway station transfers	Routes to Chunxi Road and Chengdu East Station
Night Airport Bus	22:00–03:00	$3–4	Late arrivals	Useful for late international flights

Example Routes for Popular Tourist Destinations

Destination	Recommended Route	Approx. Time
Tianfu Square (City Center)	Metro Line 10 → Line 3	45–55 min
Kuanzhai Alleys	Taxi or DiDi	30–40 min
Jinli & Wuhou Shrine	Taxi or DiDi	30–35 min
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding	Metro + Taxi (final segment)	50–70 min

Check-in and Security Tips at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Check-in Tips

Domestic flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
International flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Airline counters:
- T1: Sichuan Airlines (3U) & China Southern (CZ)
- T2: Air China (CA) & other carriers
Self-service baggage drop: T1 counters 40–44; convenient and fast.
Mobile boarding passes are accepted, especially if you have no checked luggage.

Security Screening

T1 B Zone (Door 2): Best for most passengers; includes B09 fast lane (free reservation via official Civil Aviation app).
T1 C Zone (Door 3): Recommended for business/first-class passengers; direct access to lounges and priority lanes.
T2 Security (DE / FG zones): Follow boarding pass gate number; allow extra 20 minutes during peak hours.
Tip: Charging devices must comply with airline rules. Non-compliant power banks can be deposited or shipped via airport service counters.

Dining & Food Recommendations at Shuangliu Airport Chengdu

Shuangliu T2 offers a wide range of local and international food options before and after security. Here’s a friendly guide for first-time visitors:

Before Security (Ground Floor / Departure Hall)

Chen Mapo Tofu (Gate 9 area): Signature Mapo Tofu, Crab Roe Tofu, and Long Chaoshou (dumplings). A quick introduction to Sichuan flavors. Note: dishes can be moderately spicy.
Xie Sheng Long Pastries (Gate 9 area): Traditional Chengdu snacks such as layered fried dough, nut crisps, and milk cakes. Great for plane snacks or souvenirs.
King Tea (Bawang Chaji): Local tea chain offering drinks like Bo Ya Jue Xian and Gui Fu Lan Xiang. Prices similar to city shops.
KFC (4th floor): Reliable for quick Western-style meals — fried chicken, egg tarts. Suitable for early arrivals or light work.
Wangji Spicy Intestine Noodles (Arrival Hall, Gate 15): Noodles with pork intestine in rich broth. For travelers unfamiliar with “intestine” dishes, note it is well-cleaned and a local specialty.

After Security (Near Boarding Gates)

Bawang Chaji (near Gate 171): Tea and light drinks for quick refreshment.
Marumoto (Gate 146): Smoothies and healthy shakes, such as Blueberry Banana Yogurt Shake. Ideal for summer or light snacks.
Long Chaoshou (Gate 152): Classic Sichuan dumplings and spicy hotpot bowls; quick service, ideal before boarding.
Mi You Mi Bibimbap / Luckin Coffee (near Gate 129): Bibimbap with beef or squid; Luckin Coffee for espresso or latte to energize before the flight.
Chongqing Noodles (Gate 128): Noodles with spicy, aromatic broth; moderate portion size.
Wangji Beef Noodles (Gate 137): Signature beef noodles and optional local snacks like rabbit meat and sweet-skinned duck. Rabbit head is a local delicacy; prepared fully cooked and spiced.

Tip: For travelers sensitive to spice, ask for “mild” or choose non-spicy items. Most restaurants offer a milder version if requested.

Duty-Free Shopping & Souvenirs at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Shuangliu T2 features well-organized shopping zones both before and after security, covering souvenirs, Sichuan specialties, and luxury brands.

Luxury & International Brands

143–158 Gates: Aesop, Diptyque, Chanel, Lancôme, Dior.
154–158 Gates: MaxMara, Zegna, Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, Swatch, Longines.
158 Gates: Lululemon, Descente, Canada Goose, Maison Margiela.
143 Gates: COACH, Tory Burch, BOSS, Tumi, APM Monaco.

Tip: Most stores accept credit cards; tax-free refund procedures are at designated counters. Arrive early if you want to browse without rushing.

Souvenir & Local Culture

Panda-themed stores: Panda House, Panda Life Museum, Geometric Summer — sell plush toys, stationery, and small gifts. Locations: near Gates 141, 153, 158 and before security.
Sichuan Crafts & Snacks: Sichuan Museum shop, Zhi Le Fang, Sichuan Specialty Market. Items include icebox magnets, tea, local snacks, and cultural souvenirs. Convenient for last-minute gifts.

Lounges & Rest Zones at Shuangliu Airport Chengdu

Business / First-Class Lounges: Accessible via airline or paid entry; located near T1 C Zone and T2 security gates 139, 171.
General Seating Areas: T2 has multiple quiet zones with power outlets, ideal for laptop work or device charging.
Mother & Baby Rooms: T2, near Gate 145 and 2F, with changing tables and small play areas.

Tip: Lounges and rest zones are busiest during morning peak (07:00–10:00). Arrive early for seating and quiet.

Shuangliu ↔ Tianfu Airport & City Transfers

For travelers connecting or comparing airports:

Route	Duration	Cost	Notes
Shuangliu → Tianfu Airport	50–90 min	$3–50	Metro (Line 10 → Line 18), Shuttle bus, or Taxi/DiDi. Choose depending on luggage and traffic.
Shuangliu → Downtown Chengdu	25–40 min	$12–18	Taxi or DiDi recommended; Metro Line 10 for budget-friendly option.
Tianfu → Downtown Chengdu	60–90 min	$25–35	Metro or taxi; longer due to distance.

Tip: If speed and convenience matter, Shuangliu is preferred for city access. Tianfu offers more long-haul flight options but requires longer transfer times.

Quick Tips & Summary for Travelers at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Arrival: International passengers → 3 hours prior; Domestic → 2 hours.
Check-in: Use mobile boarding pass and self-service drop counters when possible.
Security: T1 B09 fast lane for efficiency; allow extra time at T2.
Food & Drinks: Pre- and post-security dining options cater to travelers with short wait times and local flavors.
Shopping & Souvenirs: Panda-themed shops and Sichuan specialty outlets are convenient; luxury brands near Gates 143–158.
Lounges & Rest Areas: Plan early morning arrivals to secure seating.
Transfers: Shuangliu is closer to the city; Tianfu is better for long-haul flights.

Insider Tip: Use the T1 ↔ T2 airside connection only if you carry no checked luggage, allowing faster access to preferred lounges or dining options.

With these tips, navigating Shuangliu Airport will be a breeze, leaving you more time to explore the city’s vibrant streets, spicy cuisine, and adorable pandas. Which local flavors or sights are you most excited to try first?

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Ultimate Guide 2025

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