Car Rental at Chengdu TFU Airport (self drive car rental)

Question

Hi,

Does anyone know of any car rental companies that are at or close by Chengdu Tianfu International Airport? I have a Chinese Drivers License, so i am looking for a self drive option. Avis shows it has a shuttle there, but the cars are crazy expensive! Not what i am used to paying in China. I have used EHI in the past, but they do not appear to have a branch at TFU.

Answer

Car rental options at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) are still somewhat limited compared to major international hubs, as the airport is relatively new and most local companies are still expanding their on-site services. However, there are several ways to rent a self-drive car if you already have a valid Chinese driver’s license.

At the moment, the main international and domestic rental companies serving Chengdu TFU either operate via shuttle pickup or have nearby delivery services rather than fully staffed airport counters. The key is to pre-book online or through a local app and arrange for car delivery to the terminal.

Here are the most practical options:

Avis China – Avis has an official presence listed for Chengdu Tianfu Airport, but their vehicles are stored off-site. They typically provide a shuttle transfer or delivery service to the airport terminal. Pricing for Avis is generally higher than domestic brands, but their English support and insurance coverage tend to be reliable for foreign travelers with Chinese licenses.
EHI Car Rental (一嗨租车) – While EHI does not yet have a direct branch inside TFU Airport, they operate several offices in Chengdu city (including near Chengdu South Railway Station and Chengdu East Railway Station). You can arrange for vehicle delivery to the airport via the EHI app or customer service. This is a common option for travelers who want local rates and familiar procedures.
Shouqi Car Rental (首汽租车) – Shouqi is a large domestic company with coverage across Sichuan. They offer vehicle delivery to Chengdu TFU upon advance booking. Prices are usually more affordable than Avis, and they have a decent fleet of newer vehicles suitable for intercity travel.
CAR Inc. (神州租车) – Another popular Chinese rental brand that allows you to pick up or return cars at multiple Chengdu locations. Like EHI, they can often deliver to TFU if arranged through their app or WeChat mini-program at least one day in advance. Their rates are moderate and they often run promotions.

When comparing prices and convenience, you’ll notice that international companies like Avis are usually 40–60% more expensive than domestic brands. This is primarily due to the higher insurance packages and international service standards. However, if you are comfortable using Chinese apps or communicating in Mandarin, local companies like EHI, Shouqi, or CAR Inc. will be much more cost-effective.

Booking recommendations:

Reserve at least 24–48 hours in advance through the company’s app or Trip.com to ensure vehicle delivery at TFU.
Confirm pickup instructions clearly — many domestic companies will meet you at the airport’s parking area or drop-off zone rather than at a physical counter.
Ensure your Chinese driver’s license and ID are valid and consistent with your booking information, as car rental systems in China require strict identity verification.
If you plan to return the car to a different city or airport, check for one-way rental fees early on.

Tips for driving in Sichuan:

Highways around Chengdu, Leshan, and Ya’an are generally well-maintained, but navigation apps like Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Amap (高德地图) are essential — both offer reliable voice guidance in English or Mandarin.
Always keep your toll receipts (发票) and rental contract on hand in case of highway checks.
Fuel stations are frequent along the major expressways, but some rural areas near Mount Emei or Western Sichuan may have fewer options — plan refueling in advance.

In summary, while Chengdu TFU does not yet have many on-site car rental counters, several companies offer convenient pickup or delivery services for travelers with Chinese driver’s licenses. For reasonable prices and reliable vehicles, EHI, Shouqi, and CAR Inc. are your best choices, while Avis offers a higher-end but more expensive alternative with English support.

Car Rental at Chengdu TFU Airport (self drive car rental)

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