Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Chengdu, China · Since 1938
Last updated:
About CTU
Major airport in western China serving the Sichuan province capital.
Why "CTU"?
CTU stands for Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province. The IATA code is derived from the romanized spelling of the city name.
Terminals
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 handles primarily domestic flights and some international charter services. It was the original terminal building, renovated in 2012 with modern amenities and improved passenger flow.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is the main international terminal and handles the majority of domestic traffic. Opened in 2012, it features modern architecture inspired by Sichuan silk culture with expansive duty-free shopping areas.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at CTU
Air China
Hub
Sichuan Airlines
Hub
China Eastern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Chengdu Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Korean Air
Loong Air
Showing 8 of 11 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
CNY 50-70 (approx. USD 7-10)
25-40 minutes to city center
Public Transport
CNY 4-6 (approx. USD 0.60-0.85)
40-55 minutes to city center
Parking at CTU
Terminal 1 Parking Lot
Terminal 2 Parking Building P1
Terminal 2 Parking Building P2
Economy Parking Lot
Airport Lounges
Air China First & Business Class Lounge
Spacious lounge near Gate E55 with traditional Sichuan noodle bar, hot buffet featuring local cuisine, premium Chinese teas, shower suites, and quiet rest area with recliners.
BGS Premier Lounge
Premium independent lounge in Terminal 2 with shower facilities, sleeping pods, local Sichuan cuisine, hot pot style snacks, and panoramic runway views.
China Southern Sky Pearl Lounge
Located near Gate E32 with a selection of Chinese and Western dishes, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and business center facilities.
V1 VIP Lounge
Conveniently located lounge near domestic gates with a good selection of Chinese comfort food, tea service, massage chairs, and a quiet relaxation zone.
Sichuan Airlines Lounge
Comfortable lounge in Terminal 1 offering Sichuan snacks, hot noodle soups, beverages, and charging stations. Known for its spicy snack selection.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Chengdu Airport Hotel
Connected to Terminal 2 via covered walkway
Budget-friendly hotel directly connected to Terminal 2. Offers clean rooms with day-use rates starting at 4 hours. Convenient for short layovers with 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Airport
Located on Airport Expressway, free shuttle service
Reliable international chain hotel with complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, express laundry, and 24-hour airport shuttle. Rooms are well-insulated against aircraft noise.
Tibet Hotel Chengdu Airport Branch
10 minutes from airport by free hotel shuttle
Elegant hotel featuring Tibetan-inspired decor, excellent Sichuan restaurant, spa services, and spacious rooms. Popular with travelers heading to Tibet or western Sichuan destinations.
Hilton Garden Inn Chengdu Airport
Free shuttle to both terminals, 5 minutes from airport
Modern 4-star hotel with soundproofed rooms, fitness center, swimming pool, and Chinese-Western buffet restaurant. Free airport shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 5 AM to midnight.
Capsule Hotels
Airport Capsule Hotel
Located inside Terminal 2, post-security near Gate E40
Compact sleeping pods available for rent by the hour inside the secure area. Each pod features a comfortable mattress, reading light, USB charging, and personal ventilation. Perfect for long layovers.
Food & Dining
Kung Fu Restaurant
Chinese Fast Food
Popular Chinese fast food chain serving steamed rice with various toppings including braised pork, chicken with vegetables, and fish fillet. Quick, affordable, and consistently good quality.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
McDonalds
Fast Food
Open 24 hours for late-night arrivals or early departures. Full menu with some China-exclusive items like the Spicy McWings and Taro Pie.
24 hours
Sichuan Hometown Noodles
Sichuan/Chinese
Authentic Sichuan noodle shop serving dan dan noodles, spicy beef noodles, and wonton soup. The mapo tofu rice bowl is a local favorite. Generous portions at reasonable airport prices.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Panda Express Kitchen
Chinese-American
Familiar fast-casual chain offering orange chicken, kung pao chicken, and fried rice. A safe option for travelers seeking familiar flavors with quick service.
7:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Starbucks
Coffee/Cafe
Standard Starbucks offerings with some China-exclusive drinks like the Oolong Tea Latte. Convenient for grabbing coffee before early morning flights.
5:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Hot Pot Corner
Sichuan Hot Pot
Miniature hot pot experience with individual pots for each diner. Choose from Sichuan mala broth, tomato broth, or mushroom broth. Fresh vegetables, sliced meats, and handmade noodles available.
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Car Rental
Avis China
Terminal 2 Arrivals Hall, Counter 3
International driving permit required. Chinese driver license needed for mainland China driving. Book online for better rates.
Hertz China
Terminal 2 Arrivals Hall, Counter 5
Foreigners cannot legally drive in mainland China with just an international license. Consider hiring a car with driver service.
China Auto Rental (CAR Inc)
Terminal 2 Arrivals, near Exit 2
Largest domestic car rental company. Chinese ID or Chinese driver license required. EV options available including BYD models. App-based rental process.
eHi Car Rental
Terminal 2, Ground Transportation Level
Popular domestic rental company with chauffeur service options ideal for foreign visitors. Bilingual drivers available on request.
Shenzhou Zuche
Terminal 1, Arrivals Level
Competitive domestic rental with good fleet variety. Chauffeur service recommended for international travelers. Chinese language app required for self-service.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Spa & Massage
Several massage and foot reflexology shops are located in Terminal 2 airside. Traditional Chinese foot massage starts at CNY 168 for 60 minutes. A great way to relax during a long layover without leaving the airport.
Terminal 2 Shopping Experience
Terminal 2 has an extensive duty-free shopping area with Chinese luxury brands, local Sichuan specialty products (tea, spices, panda merchandise), electronics, and international fashion brands. The Sichuan specialty section offers unique gifts like Shu brocade and Pixian bean paste.
Sichuan Cuisine Tasting Experience
Explore the diverse food options at Terminal 2's dining level. Try authentic dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, and Sichuan hot pot at the various restaurants. The Hot Pot Corner offers individual-sized pots perfect for solo travelers. Budget CNY 50-150 for a satisfying meal tour.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Explore Jinli Ancient Street
Jinli is a historic pedestrian street near Wuhou Temple featuring traditional Sichuan architecture, street food vendors, tea houses, and handicraft shops. Try the famous Sichuan street snacks like rabbit heads, spicy skewers, and sweet rice dumplings. About 30 minutes from the airport by taxi.
Visit the Chengdu Panda Base
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of China's top attractions. See giant pandas, red pandas, and baby pandas in a natural habitat setting. Best visited early morning when pandas are active and eating. Allow 2-3 hours at the base plus travel time. Taxis take about 45-60 minutes each way from the airport.
Visit Wuhou Temple and Museum
Wuhou Temple is a shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of the Three Kingdoms era. The complex includes beautiful gardens, the Wuhou Museum, and is adjacent to Jinli Ancient Street. About 30 minutes from airport by taxi. Entry fee is CNY 50.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type I (Chinese)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: CNY 10-30 per item per day depending on size
- Showers: Available
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Exchange: Bank of China counters in Terminal 1 arrivals hall and Terminal 2 departures level. ICBC exchange booth near Gate 144 in Terminal 2.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China. It may even be refused in some establishments. No tip is expected at restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms available outside security in both terminals. No smoking areas airside.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +86-28-85205638
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+86-28-85205555
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