Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a vibrant city known for its pandas, spicy food, and rich cultural heritage. If you are planning to visit Chengdu, you have several options for inter-city transportation. This guide will cover how to travel to Chengdu from other major cities in China by air, train, and bus.
Traveling to Chengdu by Air
Flying is the fastest way to reach Chengdu from other major cities in China. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is one of the busiest airports in the country and offers extensive domestic connections.
Major Cities with Direct Flights to Chengdu
- Beijing: Multiple daily flights connect Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Chengdu. The flight duration is about three hours.
- Shanghai: You can fly from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to Chengdu. The journey takes around three hours.
- Guangzhou: Flights from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Chengdu take approximately two and a half hours.
- Xi’an: Direct flights from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to Chengdu last about one and a half hours.
- Shenzhen: Flights from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) to Chengdu take about two and a half hours.
Airlines Serving Chengdu
Major Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines, offer frequent flights to Chengdu. Budget airlines like Spring Airlines also provide affordable options.
Traveling to Chengdu by Train
Taking a train to Chengdu is a popular option due to China’s extensive high-speed rail network. Chengdu has several major train stations, with Chengdu East Railway Station being the main hub for high-speed trains.
High-Speed Trains
- Beijing to Chengdu: High-speed trains (G trains) take about 7-8 hours to travel from Beijing West Railway Station to Chengdu East Railway Station.
- Shanghai to Chengdu: The journey on high-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Chengdu takes around 10-11 hours.
- Guangzhou to Chengdu: High-speed trains from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Chengdu East Railway Station take approximately 7-8 hours.
- Xi’an to Chengdu: It takes about 4-5 hours on a high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway Station to Chengdu East Railway Station.
- Shenzhen to Chengdu: The high-speed train journey from Shenzhen North Railway Station to Chengdu takes around 9-10 hours.
Regular Trains
Regular trains are slower but offer overnight options, which can be convenient and cost-effective.
- Beijing to Chengdu: Overnight trains from Beijing West Railway Station to Chengdu take about 26-30 hours.
- Shanghai to Chengdu: The journey on a regular train from Shanghai to Chengdu lasts about 30-36 hours.
- Guangzhou to Chengdu: Regular trains from Guangzhou to Chengdu take approximately 26-30 hours.
- Xi’an to Chengdu: The trip on a regular train from Xi’an to Chengdu takes around 12-15 hours.
- Shenzhen to Chengdu: Regular trains from Shenzhen to Chengdu take about 36-40 hours.
Traveling to Chengdu by Bus
While buses are generally slower than trains and flights, they can be an option for shorter distances or budget travelers. Chengdu has several long-distance bus stations, with Xinnanmen Bus Station and Chengdu East Bus Station being the primary ones.
Major Bus Routes to Chengdu
- Xi’an to Chengdu: Buses from Xi’an to Chengdu take around 8-10 hours.
- Chongqing to Chengdu: The bus ride from Chongqing to Chengdu takes about 4-5 hours.
- Kunming to Chengdu: Buses from Kunming to Chengdu take approximately 12-14 hours.
- Lhasa to Chengdu: The long-distance bus journey from Lhasa to Chengdu can take up to 48 hours, but it’s a scenic route.
Tips for Choosing the Best Transportation Option
When deciding how to travel to Chengdu, consider the following factors:
- Time: Flying is the quickest way, ideal if you are short on time. High-speed trains offer a good balance between speed and cost, suitable for most travelers.
- Cost: Budget airlines and regular trains are usually the cheapest options. High-speed trains and flights tend to be more expensive but save time.
- Comfort: High-speed trains and flights provide the most comfort. Regular trains, especially overnight ones, can also be comfortable if you book a sleeper berth.
- Scenery: If you enjoy scenic views, consider taking a train or bus. The routes from Xi’an and Chongqing to Chengdu offer beautiful landscapes.
Chengdu is well-connected to major cities across China. Whether you choose to fly, take a high-speed train, or travel by bus, each mode of transportation has its advantages. Plan according to your schedule, budget, and preferences to make the most of your trip to this fascinating city.
By using these travel options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to Chengdu, ready to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.
