Chunxi Road to Tianfu Airport

Question

Hi all, we will be staying in Chengdu Chunxi Road for 5 nights before our early flight to HK. As the flight time is morning 8.15am from Tianfu, would like to ask for advice:

1. How long does it takes from Chunxi Road to Tianfu Airport by didi, given that the early flight, how early we need to leave the apartment?

2. Is it better to stay near airport the night before the flight?

Thanks

RBL

Answer

For your early morning flight from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Hong Kong at 8:15 AM, here’s detailed advice regarding travel from Chunxi Road and whether to consider staying near the airport the night before:

1. Travel Time from Chunxi Road to Tianfu Airport by Didi (or taxi):

The distance from Chunxi Road (central Chengdu) to Tianfu Airport is approximately 50–55 km. Travel time depends on traffic, but early morning hours are usually light in Chengdu.
Typical travel time by Didi/taxi around 5:00–6:00 AM is roughly 50–70 minutes. However, it’s always wise to allow extra buffer time in case of unexpected traffic or difficulty in finding a car.
For an international or domestic flight requiring check-in 2 hours before departure, and an 8:15 AM flight, you should aim to arrive at the airport by 6:15 AM. Therefore, leaving Chunxi Road by around 5:00 AM would be advisable.
If you have a lot of luggage or prefer a stress-free ride, booking a Didi in advance or arranging a hotel taxi pickup is recommended. Early morning rides are usually available without surge pricing, but confirm the app availability the night before.

2. Staying near the airport the night before:

Advantages:

Eliminates early-morning travel stress and potential delays in traffic.
Allows for a more relaxed departure and possibly better rest before the flight.
Some airport hotels provide shuttle service to the terminal, which can be convenient for early flights.

Disadvantages:

Extra accommodation cost for one night near the airport.
Limited dining or entertainment options compared to Chunxi Road.

Recommendation:

If you are comfortable with an early wake-up and have reliable Didi access, staying in Chunxi Road and leaving around 5:00 AM is feasible and common for travelers.
If you prefer maximum convenience and minimal stress, especially with family or lots of luggage, consider booking a hotel near Tianfu Airport for the night before. Many travelers do this for early flights.

Additional Tips:

Check the Didi app the night before to ensure cars are available and note the estimated travel time.
Prepare all travel documents, check-in online if possible, and pack luggage the night before.
If leaving from Chunxi Road, set an alarm and allow extra 10–15 minutes for possible delays in pick-up or traffic.

In summary, leaving Chunxi Road around 5:00 AM is generally sufficient for your 8:15 AM flight, but staying near the airport the night before provides additional peace of mind and can make your departure more relaxed.