Chengdu Metro is the rapid transit system of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, China. It opened with Line 1 on 27 September 2010 and has grown quickly into a major part of city transport. As of September 2025, the system has 17 operating subway lines and 1 tram line. The subway network totals 721.3 km (448.2 miles), while tram Line T2 covers 39.3 km (24.4 miles). With about 6 million trips per day, it is one of the world’s largest metro systems and a key part of public transport in Chengdu.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Chengdu Metro |
| City | Chengdu, Sichuan, China |
| Opening date | 27 September 2010 |
| Operating subway lines | 17 |
| Tram lines | 1 |
| Subway network length | 721.3 km (448.2 miles) |
| Tram network length | 39.3 km (24.4 miles) |
| Daily ridership | About 6 million trips |
| Global ranking note | Became the 4th longest metro system in the world after major openings on 18 December 2020 |
Chengdu Metro Map
Map of Chengdu Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Chengdu Metro map in PDF format.
Chengdu Metro Lines
Chengdu Metro has expanded fast and now forms a large urban transport system with subway, express, intercity, and tramway service. As of September 2025, the network includes 17 operating subway lines plus Line T2, a tram line. In total, the metro has 447 stations and 721.3 km (448.2 miles) of subway track.
Key operating lines
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | The first line to open, linking Weijianian and Science City, with a branch to Wugensong. |
| Line 2 | A northwest-southeast trunk route serving Chengdu East railway station. |
| Line 3 | Runs from Chengdu Medical College to Shuangliu West Station. |
| Line 4 | An east-west route from Wansheng to Xihe. |
| Line 5 | Connects Huagui Road and Huilong. |
| Line 6 | One of the system’s longest lines, with more stations than any other metro line in China. |
| Line 7 | The circle line. |
| Line 8 | A northeast-southwest line connecting the Wangjiang and Jiang’an campuses of Sichuan University. |
| Line 9 | Planned as the system’s second circle line when fully completed. |
| Line 10 | Serves Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. |
| Line 13 | A central Chengdu line that started operation on 16 December 2025. |
| Line 17 | A central Chengdu line opened in 2020. |
| Line 18 | The city’s first express metro line, running parallel to the southern section of Line 1. |
| Line 27 | Operates between Shifo and Shuxin Road. |
| Line 30 | Links Shuangliu International Airport and Longquanyi Railway Station. |
| Line S3 | An express intercity line connecting Futian in Jianyang with Ziyang North Railway Station. |
Network growth
The network has developed through several major expansion phases. A key milestone came on 18 December 2020, when Lines 6, 8, 9, 17, and 18 opened. That expansion pushed Chengdu Metro into the top tier of global metro systems.
The fourth phase added new lines and extensions including Line 13, Line 17 Phase 2, Line 18 Phase 3, Line 19 Phase 2, Line 27 Phase 1, and Line 30 Phase 1. Longer-term route plan documents announced in 2020 also included lines numbered 1 to 33, along with D and S lines.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Metro lines | 17 |
| Subway track | 721.3 km (448.2 miles) |
| Stations | 447 |
| Light rail lines | 1 |
| Light rail track | 39.3 km (24.4 miles) |
Chengdu Metro Timings and Schedule
Chengdu Metro runs daily from early morning until late at night. General operating hours depend on the line, but many services start around 6:00 AM and close around 11:30 PM or later. Some lines continue past midnight, so the exact opening times, closing time, and last train can vary by route, direction, and station.
If you are checking timings today or planning a late trip, look at station screens before you travel. They show the current timetable and train schedule for each platform and direction.
General timetable
The general schedule is usually around 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM on both weekdays and weekends. Source material also notes that some individual lines begin slightly later or keep running after midnight.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Typical daily opening hours | About 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Weekdays | First train about 6:00 AM; last train about 11:30 PM |
| Weekends | First train about 6:00 AM; last train about 11:30 PM |
| Peak-hour frequency | Usually every 3-5 minutes |
| Off-peak frequency | Typically every 7-10 minutes |
| Morning rush | 7:30 AM-9:00 AM |
| Evening rush | 5:30 PM-7:00 PM |
The busiest stations mentioned in the source are Tianfu Square and Chunxi Road. For schedule today checks, route timetable updates, and platform information, the official Chengdu Metro app and route-planning apps are the most useful tools.
Line specific timetables
Line 18 is one of the most useful services for airport travel. It connects South Railway Station with Tianfu International Airport North and stops at 9 stations on the route, including Western China International Expo City and Jincheng Plaza East. The full running time is about 50 minutes, and the fare is CNY 10 (about USD 1.40).
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| South Railway Station | To Tianfu International Airport North: first train 06:00, last train 23:30. |
| Incubation Park | To airport north: 06:03-23:33; to South Railway Station: 06:44-00:16. |
| Jincheng Plaza East | To airport north: 06:05-23:35; to South Railway Station: 06:43-00:14. |
| Century City | To airport north: 06:07-23:37; to South Railway Station: 06:41-00:12. |
| Haichang Road | To airport north: 06:12-23:42; to South Railway Station: 06:36-00:07. |
| Western China International Expo City | To airport north: 06:17-23:48; to South Railway Station: 06:30-00:02. |
| Xinglong | To airport north: 06:20-23:51; to South Railway Station: 06:27-23:58. |
| Sancha | To airport north: 06:33-00:04; to South Railway Station: 06:14-23:46. |
| Futian | To airport north: 06:39-00:09; to South Railway Station: 06:08-23:40. |
| T1 & T2 of Tianfu International Airport | To airport north: 06:45-00:15; to South Railway Station: 06:03-23:34. |
| Tianfu International Airport North | To South Railway Station: first train 06:00, last train 23:30. |
Line 18 transfer points mentioned in the source include South Railway Station for Lines 1 and 7, Incubation Park for Line 9, Century City and Haichang Road for Line 1, and Western China International Expo City for Lines 1 and 6.
Other lines also have slightly different working hours. Example operating times from the source include Line 1 from about 6:10 AM to 11:47 PM, Line 3 from about 6:00 AM to 12:10 AM, Line 4 from about 6:10 AM to 12:08 AM, Line 5 from about 6:10 AM to 12:17 AM, Line 7 from about 6:18 AM to 11:57 PM, Line 10 from about 6:00 AM to 11:53 PM, and Line 18 from about 6:00 AM to 12:15 AM depending on direction.
Chengdu Metro Fares, Tickets and Cards
Chengdu Metro uses a distance-based fare system. The starting ticket price is CNY 2 (about USD 0.28) for short trips, and the cost increases with distance. If you pay with the Chengdu Transportation Smart Card, also called the Tianfutong card, you get a 10% discount.
Tickets can be bought at station machines or ticket counters. For regular travel, a rechargeable card is often the easier option, especially if you also use bus services and other local transport.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting fare | CNY 2 (about USD 0.28) |
| 0-4 km / 0-2.5 miles | CNY 2 (about USD 0.28) |
| 4-8 km / 2.5-5.0 miles | CNY 3 (about USD 0.42) |
| 8-12 km / 5.0-7.5 miles | CNY 4 (about USD 0.56) |
| 12-18 km / 7.5-11.2 miles | CNY 5 (about USD 0.70) |
| 18-24 km / 11.2-14.9 miles | CNY 6 (about USD 0.84) |
| 24-32 km / 14.9-19.9 miles | CNY 7 (about USD 0.98) |
| 32-40 km / 19.9-24.9 miles | CNY 8 (about USD 1.12) |
| 40-50 km / 24.9-31.1 miles | CNY 9 (about USD 1.26) |
| Over 50 km / 31.1 miles | CNY 10 (about USD 1.40) |
| Smart card discount | 10% with Tianfutong card |
| Card deposit | CNY 20 (about USD 2.80) |
| Minimum top-up | CNY 10 (about USD 1.40) |
Accepted payment methods listed in the source are cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and the Tianfutong card. Single-ride ticket machines are available in English and Chinese. Children under 1.3 meters can ride free of charge.
If you want a fare calculator, station machines and route-planning apps are the most practical option, since the final price depends on travel distance.
Connections to Other Systems
Chengdu Metro is closely linked with the wider public transport network. It connects with railway stations, airports, light rail, and intercity services, making it a central part of transportation in Chengdu and the surrounding region.
Several lines provide direct access to major transport hubs. Line 2 serves Chengdu East railway station, Line 10 serves Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Line 18 links South Railway Station with Tianfu International Airport North, and Line 19 is an express metro line connecting both Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport.
The system also reaches beyond the city through intercity rapid transit. Line S3, also known as the Ziyang Line, connects Futian in Chengdu with Ziyang North Station in Ziyang and is described as the first intercity rapid transit line in the Chengdu Metro system.
Separate from the metro, Chengdu is also served by high-speed intercity railways such as the Chengdu-Dujiangyan intercity railway and the Chengdu-Pujiang intercity railway. Bullet train services also improve access to places including Mount Qingcheng, Lidui Park, Luzhou, Chongqing, Jiuzhaigou, and Huanglong, with Chengdu East Railway Station acting as an important transfer point.
For ticketing, Chengdu Metro and Shanghai Metro connected their QR code systems on 30 March 2023, making compatible mobile payment more convenient across both systems.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Chengdu East railway station | Major rail connection served by Line 2 and a key transfer point. |
| Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | Direct metro access via Line 10. |
| Tianfu International Airport | Direct metro access via Line 18 and express links via Line 19. |
| South Railway Station | Important connection point for Line 18 and the wider metro network. |
| Futian | Connection point for Line S3 intercity rapid transit. |
Airport Connections
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is about 63 km (39.1 miles) southeast of the city center. The main metro connection is Line 18, sometimes referred to as the Tianfu Airport Express. It links Chengdu South Railway Station with the airport and is one of the most practical airport public transport options in the city.
There are two metro stations at the airport: T1 & T2 station and Tianfu International Airport North station. The T1 and T2 metro station is on the B1 floor of the terminal area.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Distance from city center | 63 km (39.1 miles) |
| Interval | About 8 minutes |
| Full journey duration | About 40 minutes |
| First train | 06:00 |
| Last train | 23:03 |
| Ticket price | CNY 2-CNY 8 (about USD 0.28-USD 1.12) per person |
| Service hotline | (+86) 28-86906666 |
For most travelers, Line 18 offers the best mix of speed, fare, and convenience. It avoids road traffic and gives direct access to the airport. If you are heading into the city, Chengdu South Railway Station is the main transfer point for the rest of the metro route network.
Getting between the terminals
T1 and T2 are both served by the airport metro station, so moving between the terminals is straightforward for arriving and departing passengers.
Useful transfer points from the airport
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Chengdu South Railway Station | Use Line 18 directly. |
| Tianfu Square | Transfer after reaching Chengdu South Railway Station. |
| Chengdu East Railway Station | Transfer through the metro system after reaching the city. |
Future Extensions
Chengdu Metro expansion is still moving ahead. The fourth phase includes work on Lines 8, 10, 13, 17, 18, 19, 27, and 30, while the fifth phase plan published in 2023 adds another round of extensions and new lines.
Projects mentioned in the available material include Line 10 Phase 3, Line 13 Phase 1, Line 17 Phase 2, and Line 30 Phase 1, all opened in 2025. Looking ahead, Line S11 started construction in 2023 and is planned to open in 2026, while Line S5 Phase 1 is also listed for 2026. Line 18 Phase 3 appears in the estimated opening schedule for 2027.
Long-term route plan documents announced in December 2020 also point to a much larger future system, including Lines 1-33, D1-D6, and S1-S19. For passengers, that expansion should improve cross-city travel, strengthen airport links, and add more transfer options across Chengdu.
Tips and Rules
Chengdu Metro is generally easy to use, but a few basics make the trip smoother. If you are traveling late, check station screens for timings today, because opening hours and closing time can vary a little by line.
- Plan ahead with Amap or Baidu Maps for route planning and transfer guidance, and save a screenshot before going underground.
- Choose your payment method in advance. Single fares start at CNY 2 (about USD 0.28), and you can use cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a Tianfutong card.
- Keep a backup option. If you rely on mobile payment, link your card first and carry some cash just in case.
- Follow station etiquette: let passengers get off first, stand behind the yellow line, and do not block the doors.
- Metro rules are simple: no smoking, no eating on trains, and use the emergency button only in a real emergency.
- Priority seats are meant for elderly passengers, pregnant riders, and people with disabilities.
- Double-check your line and direction, especially at busy interchanges like Tianfu Square and Chunxi Road.
- Peak periods are crowded, so allow extra time if you have luggage or a tight transfer.
If you are staying several days, the Tianfutong card can save time across metro and bus journeys. It is a handy pass-style option for local transport, even though the source does not mention a dedicated day pass.
History
The history of Chengdu Metro starts with long-term urban transport planning. In 1985, the Chengdu Planning Bureau set up an integrated transportation planning office. A subway proposal was submitted in 1992 but was rejected.
Progress picked up in the 2000s. In 2004, Chengdu began reconstructing Tianfu Square with space reserved for Tianfu Square station. The first phase of the metro, covering Lines 1 and 2, was approved on 11 September 2005. Construction on Line 1 started on 28 December 2005, and Line 2 followed on 29 December 2007.
In May 2009, approval was given for Line 2 extensions and the first phase of Lines 3 and 4. Line 1 opened on 27 September 2010, and Line 2 opened on 16 September 2012. Through 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, the network kept expanding, including the opening of Line 4 and Line 3 Phase 1.
The next major expansion phase moved even faster. A broader second-phase plan was approved in May 2009, and the third phase of expansion followed on 11 July 2016. Major openings included Line 7 in 2017, Line 1 Phase 3 in 2018, Line 5 and Line 10 Phase 2 in 2019, and Line 18 Phase 1 in 2020.
A standout date in Chengdu Metro history is 18 December 2020, when Lines 6, 8, 9, 17, and 18 Phase 2 opened. That expansion completed the second and third phase projects and pushed the system into the top rank of the world’s largest metro networks.
Growth continued with more openings in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, including Tianfu International Airport Terminal 1 & 2 station and additional infill stations and extensions. As of September 2025, the system has 17 operating subway lines totaling 721.3 km (448.2 miles), plus tram Line T2 with 39.3 km (24.4 miles) of track.
Nearby Attractions
One of the best things about Chengdu Metro is how easily it connects major attractions, shopping districts, and transport hubs. For sightseeing, the metro is often the quickest way to move around without getting stuck in road traffic.
- Tianfu Square is a central stop for sightseeing and a major interchange.
- Chunxi Road is one of the city’s best-known shopping areas, with malls, food spots, and bright evening streets.
- Kuanzhai Alley is popular for historic lanes, snacks, teahouses, and souvenir shops.
- Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street are classic cultural stops linked to the Three Kingdoms period.
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a favorite with visitors who want to see giant pandas up close.
- People’s Park offers a more relaxed local atmosphere.
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage is a well-known cultural site dedicated to the poet Du Fu.
- Chengdu East Railway Station is useful for high-speed train connections.
- Shuangliu Airport and Tianfu International Airport are both reachable by metro.
If you are planning a short visit, the metro makes it easy to combine the city center, shopping streets, and heritage areas in one day. Just check the last train before heading back, since many lines close around midnight.