Chengdu Metro Guide for Tourists (2026): Pay, Lines & Tips
How to ride the Chengdu metro as a tourist — pay by Alipay QR code, the lines you'll actually use, fares, and station English signage.
Chengdu’s metro is clean, cheap and easy for tourists — pay with your phone, and English signs cover the rest. This guide covers paying by QR code, the lines you’ll actually use, fares and the practical details.
How to pay
- Alipay or WeChat transit code (easiest): open the ‘Chengdu metro code’ inside Alipay, scan it at the gates, and you get a 10% discount on every ride.
- Chengdu Metro app or Tianfu Pass: also fine, same discount.
- Single-journey ticket: at the ticket machines (cash, Alipay or WeChat) — insert it on entry, and it’s collected at the exit gate.
- Keep it consistent: use the same payment method for entry and exit, or the journey won’t close properly.
Fares
- Fares are by distance: ¥2 for the first 4km, then ¥3, ¥4 and up; the network maximum is ¥12.
- Most central rides cost ¥2–5; the Panda Base trip is about ¥4; Line 18 to Tianfu Airport runs about ¥10–12 (about 30 minutes from South Railway Station).
The lines you’ll actually use
| Line | What’s on it |
|---|---|
| Line 2 | Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li (IFS) |
| Line 3 | Wuhou Shrine, Jinli, the zoo |
| Line 4 | Kuanzhai Alley, Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage |
| Line 18 | Tianfu Airport express (from South Railway Station) |
- To the Panda Base: Line 3 toward the zoo, then the panda shuttle bus.
- To Dujiangyan/Qingcheng: Line 2 to Xipu, then the intercity railway (booked on 12306 — the metro discount doesn’t apply).
Practical tips
- Hours: about 6:10am–11pm, extended on holidays — check the current time in a maps app.
- Avoid peak: the 7:30–9am and 5–7pm rushes are busy at Tianfu Square and the rail stations.
- Watch the split: Line 1 forks at Sihe — make sure you’re on the branch toward your stop.
- Every station has free 4G/5G, restrooms and most have shops.
- Payment and data: get Alipay and an eSIM before you arrive.
Getting to and from the airport
- Tianfu (TFU): Line 18 express from South Railway Station — about 37 minutes.
- Shuangliu (CTU): Line 10 from the center — see our Chengdu airport guide.
- For the general system, our China metro guide covers how it all works.
Where this fits
Chengdu is the hub of the Sichuan route and a stop on the two-week route. For the city’s sights and neighborhoods, see the Chengdu guide.
Fares and hours as of August 2026 — confirm current schedules in a maps app before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for the Chengdu metro?
The easiest way is an Alipay or WeChat transit QR code — search for the 'Chengdu metro code' in Alipay and scan it at the gates. You'll get a 10% discount on every ride. Use the same payment method for entry and exit or the fare won't complete. See our [payments guide](https://chinotrips.com/how-to/pay-in-china/) to set up Alipay.
How much does the Chengdu metro cost?
Fares are by distance: ¥2 for the first 4km, then ¥3, ¥4 and up, with a network maximum of ¥12. Most rides around the center cost ¥2–5; Line 18 to Tianfu Airport runs about ¥10–12. A single trip to the Panda Base is about ¥4.
Which metro lines will I actually use as a tourist?
The big ones: Line 2 for Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, Line 3 for Wuhou Shrine, Jinli and the zoo, Line 4 for Kuanzhai Alley and Du Fu's Thatched Cottage, and Line 18 for Tianfu Airport. See the [Chengdu guide](https://chinotrips.com/chengdu/) for the sights.
Can I get to the Panda Base by metro?
Not directly — take metro Line 3 toward the zoo, then the panda shuttle bus (熊猫专线) from the station to the research base. Or take a taxi/Didi from the center. Allow a morning for the visit.
Is the metro English-friendly?
Yes — every station has bilingual Chinese/English signage, and trains announce stops in both languages. If your QR code fails, the service counter at any gate helps. You can also buy single-journey tickets at the machines with cash, Alipay or WeChat.