Flying from Chengdu to Osaka: what you need to know
Chengdu is home to two main airports where you can start your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Chengdu to Osaka departing from Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU).
When working out where to land in Osaka, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Kobe Airport (UKB) are the primary gateways.
Jump on a direct Chengdu to Osaka flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 4 hours 5 minutes.
The timezone in Osaka is UTC+9, which is one hour ahead of Chengdu.
The busiest route for flights from Chengdu to Osaka is from Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Kansai International Airport (KIX). Take your pick of nine services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from TFU to KIX is the 09:15 Sichuan Airlines option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final scheduled service is at 13:20 with China Eastern Airlines.
Allow plenty of time to make your Chengdu to Osaka flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chengdu to Osaka
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Chengdu to Osaka flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird deals.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Chengdu to Osaka is more likely if you're flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices across each month and bag an incredible deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from Chengdu to Osaka is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chengdu to Osaka flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Chengdu
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
You can get a direct flight from Chengdu to Osaka leaving from Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Begin your trip at TFU and arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Sichuan Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Chengdu to Osaka plane tickets from TFU.
TFU is around 48 kilometres from central Chengdu. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 1 hour 15 minutes or so to arrive, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near Tianfu International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Chengdu to Osaka or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Tianfu International Airport gets high marks for on-time performance. 86.59% of flights that depart TFU land on time.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your Chengdu to Osaka flight, here's where you can stop when setting off from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA)
Depending on road traffic, you can drive to CTU from Chengdu's centre in about 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 16 kilometres away.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Chengdu to Osaka? Kick back in a hotel near Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is known for its commitment to punctuality. 90% of flights out of here arrive right on target.
The address for CTU is Airport Expressway Entrance.
Arriving in Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport (KIX) to central Osaka takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 40 kilometres away.
Book a hotel close to KIX if you have a late flight from Chengdu to Osaka. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Kansai International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE or TravelCar and explore beyond Osaka's usual tourist stops.
Book your vehicle from Kansai International Airport at least a few weeks ahead to get the lowest price. If you're planning to travel during peak season, it's a smart idea to book your Chengdu to Osaka flight even earlier.
You'll find KIX at 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Airport (ITM)
As soon as your flight from Chengdu to Osaka has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in about 20 minutes by car. Central Osaka is approximately 13 kilometres from Itami Airport (ITM).
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to UKB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Chengdu to Osaka:
Europcar, Times and Rakuten make picking up an Itami Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Generally speaking, the earlier you book, the better the prices and selection of vehicles. Lock in your ride from ITM as soon as you've confirmed your plans.
You can find Itami Airport at 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Chengdu to Osaka has arrived. Central Osaka is around 26 kilometres from Kobe Airport (UKB) and takes roughly 45 minutes to get there in a car.
Take control of the next leg of your trip with a Kobe Airport rental car. Europcar, Times and Rakuten make getting on the road effortless.
Rental companies sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from UKB a few weeks in advance of your flight from Chengdu to Osaka. Plan ahead and your wallet will thank you.
Kobe Airport can be found at 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Best time to go to Osaka
April is the quietest month for flights from Chengdu to Osaka, while June is the most popular. Work out the best time to visit Osaka based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Book a Chengdu to Osaka ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Osaka to range from 21ºC to 34ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chengdu to Osaka in January when temperatures average between 0ºC and 10ºC.
More about Osaka
After booking your flight from Chengdu to Osaka, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Osaka:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan are major attractions which should be on every Osaka itinerary.
Explore more of Japan
You've done Osaka, now it's time to explore other parts of Japan. Journey around 386 kilometres east to Yokohama to tick off its popular sights. From Teishoin to Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Japan, head for Nagoya, about 137 kilometres north-east of Osaka. Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple are key highlights.