Chengdu Metro is the easiest way to travel across the city. It has 12 lines covering downtown and suburbs, making it fast and convenient for visitors and locals alike.
This guide explains the metro map, operating hours, ticket prices, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions for first-time riders. You will also find tips for reaching top attractions using the metro.
Chengdu Metro Map 2025
Digital Map Tips
- Amap or Baidu Maps: Turn on "Metro Mode" for step-by-step directions.
- WeChat Mini-Program: Search for "成都地铁" to get official updates.
If you are travelling to Chengdu from other cities in China, pls search China bullet train options.
Chengdu Metro Lines & Operating Hours
Chengdu currently has 17 metro lines in operation, along with one tram line and the S3 intercity railway connecting Ziyang. The main metro lines include Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19, and 27, as well as the S3 line and the Rong 2 main and branch lines. Most lines serve key areas across the city, including downtown, airports, and suburban districts.
The typical operating hours for Chengdu Metro are between 06:10 and 23:00, though some lines start slightly earlier or finish later. This schedule makes it convenient for both daily commuters and tourists to travel around the city efficiently.
New metro lines are also under construction. Line 30 Phase 1, Line 13 Phase 1, and Line 10 Phase 3 are expected to open by the end of 2025, further expanding the network and improving connectivity across Chengdu and nearby areas.
Metro Line | Operating Hours | Major Spots |
Line 1 | About 06:15–23:00 | Tianfu Square, South Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station |
Line 2 | About 06:10–23:00 | Chunxi Road, East Railway Station, Tianfu Square |
Line 3 | About 06:10–22:50 | Panda Avenue, Gaoshengqiao, Jiangbei Airport |
Line 4 | About 06:10–23:00 | Kuanzhai Alley, Wuhou Temple, Chengdu East Railway Station |
Line 5 | About 06:10–22:50 | Taipingyuan, Western China International Expo City, Chengdu East Railway Station |
Line 6 | About 06:10–22:30 | Daci Temple, Hongpailou, Jiuyanqiao |
Line 7 | About 06:18–23:59 | Shuangliu West Railway Station, Longquanyi, Financial City |
Line 8 | About 06:00–23:00 | Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu University, Shiling |
Line 9 | About 06:10–23:00 | Chengdu South Railway Station, Tianfu Software Park, Shuangliu Airport Terminal 2 |
Line 10 | About 06:10–23:05 | Taipingyuan, Airport Terminal 1, Airport Terminal 2 |
Line 17 | About 06:10–23:00 | Tianfu Airport, Longquanyi, Xindu |
Line 18 | About 06:00–23:30 | Tianfu Airport, Western China International Expo City, Longquanyi |
Line 19 | About 06:05–23:25 | Tianfu International Airport, Longquanyi, Chengdu East Railway Station |
Line 27 | About 06:10–22:40 | Xindu, Shuangliu West Railway Station, Financial City |
S3 | About 06:30–22:00 | Pixian, Shuangliu West Railway Station, Wenjiang |
Note: Operating hours may vary, so it's best to check for the latest updates before travelling.
Chengdu Metro Ticket Prices
Chengdu Metro adopts a mileage-based pricing system, and the specific fares are as follows:
| Travel Distance (km) | Single Journey Fare (CNY) |
0 – 4 | ¥2 |
4 – 8 | ¥3 |
8 – 12 | ¥4 |
12 – 18 | ¥5 |
18 – 24 | ¥6 |
24 – 32 | ¥7 |
32 – 40 | ¥8 |
40 – 50 | ¥9 |
50 – 70 | ¥10 |
70 – 90 | ¥11 |
90 – 110 | ¥12 |
110 – 130 | ¥13 |
Fare Discounts & Special Offers
- Green Travel Day (5th of every month): 20% off when using the Chengdu Metro App or Tianfutong Card.
- Heavy Pollution Alerts: 20% off during orange or red alert periods when paying with eligible methods.
- Students: 50% off with a Tianfutong Student Card.
- Seniors (70+):
- Free rides outside peak hours (excluding 07:30–09:00 and 17:30–19:00 on weekdays).
- 10% off during peak hours.
How to Buy Chengdu Metro Tickets for Foreigners
1. Tap Your Foreign Bank Card
- Who can use it: Travellers with UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard or American Express cards that support contactless payment and small-amount transactions.
- How to use:
- Go to the metro gate and tap your bank card on the sensor area.
- When you hear a beep and see “Transaction Successful” on the screen, you can enter the station.
- No password or PIN is required.
- The process is the same as using a local transport card.
2. Chengdu Metro app
The official Chengdu Metro app is called “Chengdu Metro”. It allows you to:
- Scan a QR code to take the metro
- Check metro lines and train timetables
- See real-time train locations and crowd levels
You can also use WeChat or Alipay to get a Chengdu Metro QR code for quick access without downloading the app.
To get the official app, simply search “Chengdu Metro” in your mobile app store and download the latest version.
3. Use Alipay QR Code
Steps:
1. Download the Alipay app and link your foreign bank card.
2. On the Alipay homepage, tap “Transport”, then switch the city to “Chengdu.”
3. Choose “Metro” and follow the prompts to verify your ID.
4. Get your Chengdu Metro QR Code.
5. When entering or exiting, open the QR code and scan it at the metro gate.
*Source: Chengdu Tianfutong
4. Buy a Single Ticket or Day Pass
- Where to buy: Ticket vending machines inside metro stations.
- Payment: Most machines accept cash or foreign bank cards.
- Tip: Some machines have an English interface, making it easy for foreign passengers to use.
5. Tianfutong Card (For Frequent Travelers)
- Buy a physical card (¥20 deposit + recharge) at ticket counters.
- Tianfutong App: Works like a digital card (requires Chinese ID for full features).
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How to Take the Chengdu Metro?
1. Security Check
Before entering the station, you must go through security. Bags and personal items will be scanned, and you will walk through a metal detector. Do not carry any prohibited items.
2. Plan Your Route
Use Amap or Baidu Maps to find your destination and select the "Metro" option. Check which lines you need, transfer stations, and the correct exit number. Screenshot your route in case there is no signal underground.
3. Enter the Station & Buy Tickets
- Mobile Payment: Open Alipay or WeChat, search for "Chengdu Metro," and scan the QR code at the gate.
- Single Tickets: Use self-service machines, select your destination, and pay with cash, Alipay, or WeChat. Take the token to enter.
4. Find Your Platform
Follow the signs to the correct line and platform. All signs are in Chinese and English. Check the digital screens to ensure the train is going in the right direction.
5. Board the Train
Wait behind the yellow line and allow passengers to exit first. Stand in the correct position for the doors to open.
6. Transfer or Exit
If you need to transfer, follow the coloured signs to the next line. At your destination, scan your QR code or insert your ticket at the exit gate. Use the exit number shown on your route guide.
Popular Chengdu Attractions by Metro
| Attraction | Metro Line | Nearest Station | Ticket Price | Attraction Highlight |
Line 3 | Panda Avenue Station (Exit A) | From £5.81 | Home to over 100 giant pandas, ideal for morning visits. | |
Line 3 → Line 19 → Bus | Dujiangyan Station | From £8.45 | Ancient irrigation system and UNESCO World Heritage Site. | |
Line 2 + High-Speed Train | Sanxingdui South Station | From £2.64 | Exhibits of 3,000-year-old Shu civilisation artefacts. | |
🛍️ Chunxi Road | Lines 2 & 3 | Chunxi Road Station | Free | Chengdu’s main shopping street with IFS and Taikoo Li. |
Line 3 | Gaoshengqiao Station (Exit C) | From £5.28 | Temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang from the Three Kingdoms period. | |
Line 4 | Kuanzhaixiangzi Alleys Station | Free | Mix of traditional tea houses, street snacks, and souvenir shops. |
Chengdu Metro Nearby Hotels
Check out these top hotels near Chengdu metro stations for a comfortable stay 👇👇
🔥 Hotels Near Kuanzhai Alley Metro Station (Line 4)
🔥 Hotels Near Chunxi Road (Lines 2 & 3)
Chengdu Metro FAQs
What time does Chengdu Metro open?
Most lines run from around 06:10 to 23:00.
Where can I buy a Chengdu Metro card?
Cards can be bought at select metro stations like Tianfu Square, Sichuan Gymnasium, Chunxi Road, and at convenience stores such as HongQi or Wudongfeng.
How do you pay for the Chengdu Metro in China?
You can pay using cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a Tianfutong metro card.
How do you ride the metro in Chengdu?
Scan your QR code or use a metro card to enter, follow the signs to your line, and exit at the correct stop.
How do I get from Chengdu Airport to the city by metro?
Shuangliu Airport connects via Lines 10 and 19, while Tianfu Airport is served by Lines 18 and 19.