Getting Around Chengdu
🚇 Getting Around Chengdu
Chengdu has excellent public transport. Here's everything you need to know.
Metro (Recommended)
Chengdu's metro system has 13+ lines covering all major tourist areas. It's the easiest way to get around.
Essential Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hours | ~6:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Cost | ¥2-8 per trip (based on distance) |
| Payment | Alipay QR code, WeChat QR code, or buy single-use tokens |
| Signs | Chinese + English (station names and announcements) |
How to Use
- Buy a ticket: Use the ticket machines (have English interface) — select destination, pay with Alipay/cash
- Or use Alipay QR: Open Alipay → search "成都地铁" → generate QR code → scan at gate
- Find your platform: Follow signs — lines are color-coded
- Get off: Scan QR or insert token at exit gate
Key Lines for Tourists
| Line | Key Stops |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | Tianfu Square (市中心), Chunxi Road (春熙路) |
| Line 2 | Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站) |
| Line 3 | Panda Base (熊猫大道), Gaoshengqiao (高升桥, near Jinli) |
| Line 4 | Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子) |
| Line 10 | Shuangliu Airport |
| Line 18 | Tianfu Airport (new airport) |
Didi (Ride-Hailing)
Didi is China's Uber. It works well in Chengdu and has an English interface.
Setup
- Download the Didi app (international version available)
- Register with your phone number
- Link your payment method (Alipay, WeChat, or foreign credit card)
- Enter destination (Chinese address works best, but English sometimes works)
Costs
- Short trip (within city center): ¥15-25
- Medium trip (across city): ¥30-60
- To/from Panda Base: ¥40-60
- To/from airport: ¥100-200
Tips
- Didi Express (快车) is the standard option — cheapest and most common
- Didi Premier (专车) is more expensive but nicer cars
- Show your phone screen to the driver if there's a language barrier
- Pin your exact location — the GPS is very accurate
Taxi 🚕
Taxis are plentiful in Chengdu and relatively cheap.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Starting fare | ¥8 (first 2km) |
| Per km | ¥1.9 |
| Waiting | ¥0.5/min after 5 min |
| Surcharge | 20% after 10pm |
How to Hail a Taxi
- Stand on the side of the road and raise your hand
- Green light on the roof = available
- Tell/show the driver your destination
- Tip: Have your destination written in Chinese on your phone
Taxi Tips
- Most taxi drivers don't speak English
- Always have your destination in Chinese (show your phone)
- Taxis accept Alipay and WeChat Pay
- Keep small bills — some drivers can't break ¥100
Bus 🚌
Buses are cheap (¥2) but difficult for non-Chinese speakers:
- Route numbers and stops are in Chinese
- No English announcements
- Use the Amap app to find bus routes (it shows real-time bus locations)
Recommendation: Skip the bus unless you're on a very tight budget. Metro + Didi is much easier.
Walking 🚶
Chengdu's city center is relatively flat and walkable:
- Chunxi Road to Kuanzhai Alley: ~30 min walk
- Kuanzhai Alley to Jinli: ~20 min walk
- Jinli to Wuhou Temple: 2 min (they're adjacent)
Walking is a great way to discover hidden alleys, local restaurants, and the city's vibe.
From the Airport
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
- Metro Line 18: ~40 min to city center, ¥10 (cheapest)
- Airport bus: Multiple routes to city, ¥15-25
- Didi/Taxi: ¥150-200, ~50 min (can be longer in traffic)
Shuangliu Airport (CTU)
- Metro Line 10: ~30 min to city center, ¥5-7
- Didi/Taxi: ¥80-120, ~30 min
💡 Pro tip: Take the metro from the airport. It's cheap, fast, and avoids traffic jams. Just follow the signs — they're in English.
Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023
