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How to Get from Chengdu Airport to the City Center & Panda Base

How to Get from Chengdu Airport to the City Center & Panda Base

Written by GavinUpdated Nov. 21, 2023

Chengdu has an unusually good, fast, and efficient transportation system for China. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is quite convenient for reaching both the central city where tourists usually go and Chengdu's most popular panda base, the Giant Panda Breeding Center.

Chengdu transportation

Getting from the Airport to the Giant Panda Breeding Center

Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center or Chengdu Panda Base is the nearest of the four breeding centers around Chengdu, about 10 km from the downtown.

Giant Panda Breeding Center in ChengduYou can see many giant pandas at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center.

It is recommended for those with limited time such if you are doing an airport stopover excursion or are taking advantage of the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy.

Traveling with a private guide is helpful for better access, faster and more comfortable transport, and avoiding crowds.

Recommended tours:

Metro - From terminal T1 or T2, take line 10 and transfer to line 3 at Taipingyuan. Get off at Junqu General Hospital and take a taxi. (40 minutes by subway, 2 USD; +7 minutes by taxi, 4 USD)

Taxi - 1 hour (15 USD)

Bus - From terminal T1, take bus 2 to Chengdu Station. (1.5 hours, 2 USD). Then take a taxi (18 minutes, 9 USD).

Our Private Tour with Transfer (Recommended)- We can pick you up at the airport and take you on a half-day or day tour. Contact us for our expert's recommendations and a quote.

Getting from the Airport to the City Center

Tianfu squareTianfu Square has a metro hub station underneath it.

Tianfu Square is the exact center of Chengdu, and it is also one of the key travel attractions. It is the most prosperous business and shopping center.

Chunxi Road (a famous Pedestrian Street) is only 2 kilometers away (a 20 minutes' walk). Some of the best hotels are around Tianfu, and there is a large variety for you to choose from.

There are many attractions in this area such as the Wide and Narrow Alley, Jinli Old Street, People's Park, and the new Chengdu Museum New Building.

Underneath the square, there is the Tianfu Square Station that is a hub station. Lines 1 and 2 interchange there. It is convenient to get from Shuangliu International Airpor to the square.

Metro - The Chengdu airport has a metro line directly to it. From terminal T1 or T2, take line 10 and transfer to line 3 at Taipingyuan. Transfer again to Line 1 at Sichuan Gymnasium Station. Get off at Tianfu Square (about 30 minutes, 3 USD).

Taxi - It takes about 50 minutes (10 USD).

Bus - Airport Shuttle Bus Line 2 will take you to Tianfu Square (1.5 hours, 2 USD).

Our Private Tour with Transfer (Recommended) - We can pick you up at the airport. You can book a private tour so that you don't need to line up to wait for a taxi or squeeze among the crowds on a metro train or a bus. This is especially recommended when traveling with kids and if you have a lot of luggage. Contact us for our expert's recommendations and a quote.

See more about Chengdu Transportation.

Recommended tours:

Contact us for a private tour of Leshan and Mount Emei.

Getting Expert Help Finding the Best Panda Experience for You

A panda is eating bamboo in Chengdu Panda Base.A panda is eating bamboo in Chengdu Panda Base.

Chengdu is where the panda bases are. You can see pandas and take part in panda care programs.

There are many other things to do in the area too such as see astonishing historical places and great natural beauty.

We can assist you in your tour of the region. Chengdu is also known for great Sichuan cuisine, and we can take you to local restaurants with authentic local cuisine.

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