In short
The fastest option is the train: Tianfujichang station sits on level B2 of the GTC between Terminals 1 and 2 and is a stop on the Chengdu–Zigong–Yibin high-speed line, with four platforms and eight tracks. Chengdu East is 27 minutes away at best, from about ¥20–23 in second class, with the exact fare shown on 12306 for your train. The same station also reaches Chengdu South in 30 minutes, Zigong in 29, Luzhou in 56 and Yibin in 58. If you would rather not take the train, airport express Line 4 leaves from ground level outside door G01 at Terminal 1 and door G03 at Terminal 2 between 08:15 and 02:30, taking about 60 minutes to the airport bus point on the West Square of Chengdu East for ¥15 (¥25 between 23:30 and 06:00). A taxi covers about 57 km on the expressway, with the transport department’s reference estimate at ¥175 by day and ¥199 at night including tolls. One caveat: intercity trains finish relatively early and no official last departure is published, so late arrivals should use Line 4, which runs until 02:30, or a taxi.
- Fastest journey
- 27 min
- Second class
- About ¥20–23
- Station location
- GTC, level B2
- Line
- Chengdu–Zigong–Yibin HSR
- Also direct from here
- Chengdu South 30, Zigong 29, Luzhou 56, Yibin 58 min
- Express bus Line 4
- 60 min, ¥15 / ¥25
How to take each option
Chengdu–Zigong–Yibin high-speed line (recommended)
Time 27 minFare About ¥20–23 second class
- After baggage claim, follow the high-speed rail signs into the GTC interchange hall between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Go down to level B2, where Tianfujichang station has its ticket office, security check and waiting area.
- Buy at the counter or in advance on 12306; second class to Chengdu East starts around ¥20–23, with the fare for your train shown on 12306.
- Clear security, find your platform on the screens and board a Chengdu-bound intercity train.
- Alight at Chengdu East 27 minutes later and follow the signs to your connecting train.
Tianfujichang is a station on the Chengdu–Zigong–Yibin high-speed line with four platforms and eight tracks. The same station sends you direct to Zigong in 29 minutes, Luzhou in 56 and Yibin in 58 — far easier than doubling back through Chengdu East.
Airport express Line 4
Time About 60 minFare ¥15 / ¥25First 08:15Last 02:30
- Walk out to ground level at door G01 on the Terminal 1 side or door G03 on the Terminal 2 side.
- Buy at the counter: ¥15 for departures between 06:00 and 23:30, ¥25 between 23:30 and 06:00.
- Ride to the terminus, which is the airport bus point on the West Square of Chengdu East railway station.
Two official figures exist for the journey time: Chengdu Bus Group quoted 50–60 minutes in 2024 and the 2023 transport-bureau table says 50 minutes. This page uses 60 minutes, so allow more if you are catching a train. In the other direction, buses leave Chengdu East between 06:00 and 00:20.
Taxi
Fare Metered
- Follow the taxi signs to the rank outside door G02 on the Terminal 1 side or door G04 on the Terminal 2 side.
- Show the driver the Chinese station name 成都东站.
- Pay by the meter plus the ¥19.50 Tianfu Airport Expressway toll; it is about 57 km.
The transport department’s reference estimate for Chengdu East is ¥175 by day and ¥199 at night including tolls. Allow much longer at rush hour.
Questions travellers ask
How do I get from Tianfu Airport to Chengdu East railway station?
Take the train first: from Tianfujichang station on level B2 of the GTC, the Chengdu–Zigong–Yibin line reaches Chengdu East in 27 minutes from about ¥20–23 in second class. Otherwise airport express Line 4 takes about 60 minutes for ¥15, or a taxi covers the 57 km by road.
How long is the train from Tianfu Airport to Chengdu East?
27 minutes at fastest. In the other direction the quickest trains from Chengdu East take about 25–26 minutes.
How much is the train ticket?
Second class starts at about ¥20–23 and varies by train, so check 12306 for the day’s fare. You can buy at the station counter or on 12306.
Which level is the railway station on?
On level B2 of the GTC between Terminals 1 and 2, where you will find ticketing, security, the waiting area and the platforms. It is an indoor walk from the arrivals level.
Do I have to leave the airport to catch the train?
No — walk straight from arrivals into the GTC interchange hall, go down to B2 and board. The whole transfer is indoors.
Is there an airport bus to Chengdu East?
Yes, express Line 4. It leaves the airport between 08:15 and 02:30, takes about 60 minutes and costs ¥15 (¥25 between 23:30 and 06:00), terminating at the airport bus point on the West Square of Chengdu East.
How much is a taxi to Chengdu East?
About 57 km, metered, plus the ¥19.50 expressway toll. The transport department’s reference estimate is ¥175 by day and ¥199 at night including tolls; the meter decides the real figure.
Can I take a train straight to Zigong or Yibin from the airport?
Yes — the same station reaches Zigong in 29 minutes, Luzhou in 56 and Yibin in 58, which beats doubling back through Chengdu East.
How much time should I leave to catch my train?
International arrivals usually take 45–60 minutes from touchdown to the arrivals hall, plus about 15–20 minutes to reach B2 and clear the gates, so leave at least 1.5 hours between landing and departure.
Can I still catch a train if I land late?
Intercity trains stop early and no official last departure is published, so check 12306 for the day. If you land too late, take Line 4 until 02:30 or a taxi rather than waiting hours for the first train.