Chengdu Transport Guide 2025: Getting Around Chengdu Easily

Chengdu metro system is growing fast, with many lines covering the city and suburbs. Buses reach places the metro can’t, so they are a good way to explore smaller neighbourhoods. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are everywhere and very handy. For short trips, you’ll also find plenty of bikes for rent, which is a fun and flexible way to see the city

Chengdu is a big city, but getting around is simple once you know your options. Here’s a quick guide to Chengdu transport.

✈️ Chengdu Airport to City

Chengdu has two main airports: Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Getting from either airport to the city is easy and convenient.

🚇 Both airports are connected to the city by metro. Shuangliu Airport is served by Metro Line 10 or Line 19, and Tianfu Airport by Metro Line 18. You can transfer to other metro lines to reach downtown Chengdu or other districts.

🚕 Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are available at both airports. A taxi ride to central Chengdu takes about 30–50 minutes and costs around ¥60–120 (about S$12–24).

🚌 Airport shuttle buses run regularly from both airports to key areas in Chengdu.

✔️ If you want a smooth arrival, consider booking a private transfer before your trip.

🚇 Chengdu Metro

Source: Wikipedia

Chengdu’s metro is modern, clean, and easy to use. The network keeps growing fast, now with 15 lines covering the city and suburbs.

🕒 Operating Hours & Frequency

💳 Ticket & Payment

Fares start from about ¥2 and go up to around ¥10 (roughly S$0.40–2.00) depending on your travel distance.

You can pay by:

• Chengdu Tianfu Tong card for easy tap in and out.
• Mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay using QR codes at the gates.
• Single-journey tickets bought at stations.

📍 Key Stops

Here are some popular metro stops for visitors:

• Tianfu Square (Line 1/Line 2): City centre and shopping.
• Chunxi Road (Line 2): Famous shopping street and dining.
• Wuhou Shrine (Line 3): Historic site and cultural area.
• Jinli Ancient Street (near Wuhou Shrine): Traditional shops and snacks.
• Chengdu East Railway Station (Line 2/Line 7): Main train station for travel out of town.

⚠️ Tips

• Some metro stations are very busy during rush hour, so try to avoid peak times if you can.
• Keep your phone ready for QR code payments. It’s the easiest way to enter and exit.

🚌 Chengdu Buses

Source: Wikipedia

If you want to explore Chengdu like a local, buses are a great choice.

🕒 Operating Hours & Frequency

Some night buses run on major routes, but services are less frequent late at night.

💳 How to Ride?

The Tianfutong card (天府通) works on buses, metro, and taxis—just tap when you get on. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay QR codes are accepted on most buses for easy cashless rides. Cash is accepted but you’ll need exact change, usually ¥1 or ¥2.

⚠️ Tips

• Use apps like Baidu Maps or Gaode (Amap) to check routes and bus arrival times.
• Board buses from the front door and exit from the rear door.

🚌 Chengdu Long-Distance Buses

Source: sichuantravelguide

Long-distance buses from Chengdu connect the city to nearby towns, scenic spots, and other provinces. They’re a popular choice for travellers who want to explore outside the city without renting a car or taking a train.

🕒 Timings & Frequency

Buses generally run from early morning (around 6:00 AM) until evening (around 7:00–9:00 PM), depending on the route. Frequency varies, with more departures during peak travel seasons and holidays.

💸 Cost

Ticket prices depend on the distance but are usually affordable, often ranging from ¥20 to ¥100 (about S$4–20).

🚌 Where to Catch Them?

Chengdu has several long-distance bus stations, including:

• Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station (西南门客运站).
• Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子客运站).
• Chengdu Shuangliu Bus Station (双流客运站), near the airport.

💳 How to Buy Tickets?

Tickets can be bought at the bus station counters or online through official platforms and apps. It’s best to book in advance during busy times.

⚠️ Tips

• Prepare for possible delays during peak travel times like Chinese New Year or National Day,
• Check the bus station carefully to find the right platform—stations can be large and busy,
• Keep your belongings close, especially in crowded bus stations.

🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Chengdu

Source: chengdu expat

Getting a taxi in Chengdu is usually easy. Most taxis are green and have meters, regulated by the city, so it’s generally safe. Just be careful of unlicensed cars offering rides near tourist spots.

Ride-hailing apps are super popular here—kind of like Grab in Singapore. They’re fast, show the price upfront, and save you from language hassles when telling drivers where to go.

📱 Popular Ride-Hailing Apps

Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the top choice in Chengdu and supports international credit cards. The app has some English features, but you might need some patience with translations. Other apps exist but are mostly in Chinese.

💸 Fare Estimates in Chengdu

• Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to city centre: about ¥50–80 (S$10–16).
• Typical city rides: ¥10–30 (S$2–6).

💰 How to Pay?

Didi payments are cashless—through credit card, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. Most street taxis now accept mobile payments too.

⚠️ Tips

• Most drivers don’t speak English, so having your destination written in Chinese helps a lot.
• Use your phone’s GPS to keep track of your route and avoid long detours.

🌃 Night Cruise on Jinjiang River

Want to see Chengdu from a different angle? Hop on a Jinjiang night cruise and float through the heart of the city as it glows under the lights! It’s one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to enjoy Chengdu after dark.

The cruise glides along the Jinjiang River, passing charming bridges, riverside parks, and historic landmarks beautifully lit up at night. You’ll see sights like Anshun Bridge (安顺桥)—famous for its reflection in the water—and parts of the ancient city wall. It’s a calm, romantic ride.

🕒 When does it run?

Cruises typically start from around 6:30pm to 9:30pm, depending on the season and weather. Each ride lasts about 30–60 minutes.

📍 Where to board?

Main boarding points are near Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu (成都兰桂坊) or Jiuyanqiao (九眼桥). Both are popular nightlife areas, so you can easily pair your cruise with dinner or drinks.

💰 How much?

Tickets cost about ¥60–150 (S$11–28) per person. Prices can vary depending on the boat type—some fancier ones are more expensive and offer snacks or commentary.

⚠️ Tips for the best experience

• Arrive a bit early on weekends—it can get busy.
• Bring a light jacket; it might get breezy on the river.
• Great activity to pair with a stroll around nearby Jiuyanqiao nightlife or Hejiang Pavilion.

🚴‍♂️ Bike Sharing

Source: Wikipedia

Bike-sharing is super common in Chengdu and a fun way to explore the city. Whether you’re riding through leafy streets, hopping between metro stations, or just going for a short trip to grab a snack, bikes are everywhere and easy to use.

Chengdu is flatter than cities like Chongqing, so riding here is more relaxed.

📍 Where to Find Bikes in Chengdu?

You’ll spot shared bikes parked near metro stations, parks, malls, and residential areas. It’s a dockless system, so you can pick up and drop off bikes almost anywhere that's legal and not blocking the path.

Popular bike-sharing brands:

• Hello Bike (哈啰单车) – light blue.
• Meituan Bike (美团单车) – bright yellow.
• Qingju Bike (青桔单车) – green and part of Didi.

📲 How to Use?

1. Download the app or use Alipay/WeChat
2. Scan the QR code to unlock
3. Ride to your destination
4. Park in a proper spot and tap “End Ride” in the app

💸 Most rides cost ¥1–2 (S$0.20–0.40) for every 15 minutes.

⚠️ Tips for New Riders

• Helmets aren’t provided, so ride carefully.
• Don’t park in front of shops or block walkways.

🚗 Car Rentals & Driving in Chengdu

Driving in Chengdu is more relaxed than in cities like Chongqing. The roads are flatter and easier to navigate. If you’re staying downtown, public transport is more convenient. But if you're heading out to places like Mount Qingcheng, Dujiangyan, or the Tibetan regions of Western Sichuan, renting a car gives you more freedom.

📍 Where to Rent?

You’ll find car rental counters at both Chengdu Tianfu and Shuangliu airports, as well as at big train stations. Trip.com offer online booking with English support.

📄 What You Need

You can’t drive in China with just your Singapore license. You’ll need a temporary Chinese driving permit. Here's what you usually need:

• Valid Singapore driving license
• Passport
• A passport-sized photo
• Sometimes a simple health check
• Try to arrange this before your trip to avoid delays

💸 Rental Costs

• Daily rental: around ¥200–350 (S$36–63) for basic models.
• Deposit: around ¥3,000 (S$540).
• Parking: usually ¥5–10/hour (S$1–2), higher in busy areas.

⚠️ Driving Tips

• Watch for no-car zones and restrictions on certain license plate numbers.
• Some highways in Sichuan go through mountains—drive carefully in fog or rain.

🚶 Exploring on Foot in Chengdu

Is Chengdu walkable? Definitely yes! You’ll find wide sidewalks, shaded streets, and lots of parks and teahouses perfect for taking breaks.

In popular areas like Jinli Street, Kuanzhai Alley, and the Taikoo Li shopping zone, walking is the best way to soak up the local vibes. Many attractions are close to each other, so it’s easy to explore at your own pace.

📸 Top Walks to Try

• Kuanzhai Alley: Chengdu’s famous historic lanes full of snacks, souvenirs, and Sichuan vibes.
• Jinli Street: Next to Wuhou Shrine, this old street is charming at night with lanterns and local food.
• Chunxi Road & Taikoo Li: A trendy shopping zone mixing modern malls and quiet courtyards.
• People’s Park: Great for watching locals sip tea, play mahjong, or dance in the square.

⚠️ Tips

• Wear comfy shoes—it’s easy to walk a lot without realising.
• Bring an umbrella or cap for sun/rain.
• Sidewalks are usually good, but keep an eye out for e-bikes in smaller lanes.

🚄 High-Speed Rail in China

Source: Wikipedia

China’s high-speed trains are fast, clean, and super efficient, which is perfect for getting between cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and more. With top speeds of up to 350 km/h, you can often reach your destination in just a few hours.

There are different seat classes: second class (standard), first class (more spacious), and business class (very comfy, like flying business). Trains usually run on time and have toilets, power outlets, and food trolleys onboard.

🎫 How to Book?

Use apps like Trip.com, 12306, or book through Alipay/WeChat (some English support available). It’s best to book early, especially around holidays or weekends.

📍 At the Station

Most major train stations have English signs and self-check-in machines. Arrive at least 45–60 minutes early—you’ll need to go through security checks before boarding.

💡 Tip:

For many routes, taking the train is actually faster and easier than flying, especially when you factor in airport travel and wait times.

🎯 Which Option is Best for You in Chengdu?

Getting around Chengdu is easy and fun—whether you’re hopping on the metro, biking past tea houses, or cruising by panda parks.

Getting around Chengdu is easier than you think—whether you're hopping on the metro, catching a Didi, or strolling through ancient streets. With a bit of planning (and comfy shoes!), you'll be zipping from panda parks to spicy hotpot joints in no time.

From airport tips to bike-sharing and scenic night cruises, we hope this guide helps you feel more confident navigating the city. Have fun, take your time, and let Chengdu surprise you at every turn!