Transport · Airports · TFU
成都天府国际机场 · TFU / ZUTF. Chengdu's new flagship airport 50 km south of the city, designed as the future primary hub for western China's busiest aviation market.
About this airport
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport opened in June 2021, designed to serve as Chengdu's main international hub and eventually to handle up to 90 million passengers per year — a scale that would make it one of the largest airports in the world. The project was part of a broader plan to develop Tianfu New Area, the government-designated economic zone south of the city.
The two terminals are large and modern, with high ceilings and good light. The airport is still in a growth phase as of 2026: routes are being transferred from Shuangliu and the surrounding commercial zone is still under construction. The relative newness of TFU means that lounge quality and the food court are already better specified than at older Chinese airports, though the surrounding area lacks the established hotel and transport infrastructure of an airport that has operated for decades.
The primary practical consideration for travellers is the distance from the city. Unlike Shuangliu, TFU is genuinely remote from Chengdu proper. The metro journey to the city centre takes close to an hour, and the scenic route to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding requires a change and additional travel time. For layovers of 144 hours, TFU is workable; for short transits, the distance is a disincentive.
Terminals
Two terminals: T1 and T2, connected by an airside shuttle. T1 is the primary terminal. A planned third terminal will eventually be added. Metro Line 18 and Line 13 connect the airport to Chengdu's city network.
Transit to the city
Metro Line 18 connects TFU to Jianshan South station and continues to Tianfu New Area. The journey to central Chengdu (Chunxi Road area) takes about 50–60 minutes (CNY 15–25). Taxis to the city centre cost CNY 120–180 and take 60–90 minutes. The airport is significantly further from central Chengdu than Shuangliu.
Priority Pass lounges
Food
TFU's terminals have a modern food court with Sichuan hot pot counters, cold noodle bars, roast duck stalls, and major international chains. As a newer airport, the retail and food zones are purpose-designed and spacious.
Sleep options
Airport precinct hotels were still developing as of 2026. The Marriott Chengdu Tianfu Airport is the flagship option. The distance from the city centre makes TFU less suitable for short transit excursions.
Transit visa-free rules
Chengdu Tianfu is covered by the same 144-hour TWOV scheme as CTU. Both airports share the Sichuan province transit zone. Confirm which airport your connecting flights use before relying on a transit stay.