Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

CTUChinaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Chengdu, China

Drop-off

Tianfu Square (Chengdu city centre)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Chengdu Metro Line 18 + Line 1

metro · 6-10m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Chengdu Metro Line 18 + Line 1
Headway: 6-10
Backup: Chengdu Metro Line 18 (express/local) to South Railway Station · 10-60m

Note

From Tianfu International Airport T1/T2 Station on B1, take Metro Line 18 to Chengdu South Railway Station, then transfer to Line 1 to Tianfu Square in the city centre; total journey is about 60 minutes with trains on Line 18 every ~9 minutes and Line 1 about every 6 minutes during the day (roughly 06:00–23:00).

Budget focus

Chengdu: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likechengdu airport busandctu to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Airport Bus No. 1 (Tianfu Airport – Chunxi Road/Tianfu Square area)
Mode: bus
Freq: 20-30m
Note: Express airport shuttle buses from Tianfu Airport Terminals run roughly every 20–30 minutes to downtown stops near Chunxi Road and Tianfu Square; travel time is around 60–80 minutes depending on traffic and services are generally scheduled from early morning to late evening.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Chengdu Metro Line 18 + Line 1
Mode: metro
Freq: 6-10m
Note: From Tianfu International Airport T1/T2 Station on B1, take Metro Line 18 to Chengdu South Railway Station, then transfer to Line 1 to Tianfu Square in the city centre; total journey is about 60 minutes with trains on Line 18 every ~9 minutes and Line 1 about every 6 minutes during the day (roughly 06:00–23:00).

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.