City in Sichuan, China
Getting around Chengdu
How to get around Chengdu
Chengdu Metro is clean, cheap and covers the center; use DiDi for the panda base and late nights. High-speed trains reach Chongqing in about 1.5 h.
Ways to get around Chengdu
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Chengdu Metro | 2–8 CNY by distance | Pay by Alipay QR; stations have English signs |
| DiDi | About 13–25 CNY for 5 km | Good for the panda base and Dujiangyan |
| Shared bikes | About 1.5–3 CNY | Via Alipay; good for Kuanzhai and Jinli |
Ride-hailing apps in Chengdu
A 5 km ride costs about ¥13–25 ($1.9–3.7).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Dominant; pay via Alipay |
- Use DiDi or metered taxis. Avoid touts offering fixed-price panda or Leshan trips from stations.
Arriving in Chengdu
Chengdu Tianfu (TFU)
Metro Line 18 to the city center, about 40–50 min, under 15 CNY; taxi or DiDi 150–220 CNY, about 50 min.
Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU)
Metro Lines 10 and 2 to the center for about 6 CNY, 30–40 min; taxi or DiDi 50–80 CNY.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Chengdu?
No. Use DiDi instead.
What's the best way to get around Chengdu?
Chengdu Metro is clean, cheap and covers the center; use DiDi for the panda base and late nights. High-speed trains reach Chongqing in about 1.5 h.
How do I get from the airport to Chengdu?
Metro Line 18 to the city center, about 40–50 min, under 15 CNY; taxi or DiDi 150–220 CNY, about 50 min.
Is Chengdu walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Chengdu
Going to Chengdu solo?
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Sources
- China Railway 12306
- Chengdu Metro
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- West China Hospital
- National Immigration Administration
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.