Metro vs Bus at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Take Metro — recommended by locals over the alternative.
Side by side
| Factor | Metro | Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Option | Metro Line 19/18 | Airport bus |
| Cost | ¥10–¥15 | ¥30 |
| Journey | 55 min | 70–90 min |
| Wait | Every 5–10 min | Every 30 min |
| Payment | Card & Cash | Card & Cash |
| Locals recommend |
- ✓ Reliable
- ✓ Beats traffic
- ! Transfer required
- ✓ Direct routes
- ! Slower than metro
Scams to watch either way
- Black cab flat rate
Unmarked cars offer ¥300–¥500 flat fares inside arrivals.
Avoid: Only use the official metered queue outside the terminal.
- Long-route padding
Drivers loop via tollways to inflate fares.
Avoid: Use Didi for fixed pricing, or screenshot the expected route.
Frequently asked
Q.Metro or Bus from TFU — which is better?
Metro — recommended by locals over the alternative. Metro Line 19/18: ¥10–¥15, 55 min.
Q.How much is Metro from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport?
¥10–¥15 typical. Journey 55 min, wait Every 5–10 min. Payment: Card & Cash.
Q.How much is Bus from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport?
¥30 typical. Journey 70–90 min, wait Every 30 min. Payment: Card & Cash.
Q.What should I watch for on arrival at TFU?
Black cab flat rate: Unmarked cars offer ¥300–¥500 flat fares inside arrivals. — Only use the official metered queue outside the terminal.
Fare tiers, first-30-minute checklist, all transport options ranked, and every reported scam.