Guangzhou Airport: Transport, Services and Travel Tips

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of the main gateways for travellers visiting southern China, located around 30 km (18.64 miles) north of the city centre. This modern airport handles millions of passengers every year and continues to expand with new facilities and terminals.

With three main terminals now in operation (T1 for domestic flights, T2 for China Southern and mixed services, and T3 for international flights and some domestic routes), Guangzhou serves as a major aviation hub in the region.

Trip.com provides helpful guidance on the airport’s facilities, services, transport options and tips for a smooth journey.

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Overview 🛫

Terminal 1: Domestic hub

Terminal 1 at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport now mainly handles domestic flights within China only.

While it is one of the older terminals, it remains efficient and easy to use. It serves domestic routes to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and others, depending on airline operations.

• Distance from the city centre: around 30 km north (Huadu District)
• Metro station: Airport South – Line 3
• Main airlines: Air China, Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines and other domestic carriers
• Highlight: convenient metro access directly linked to the terminal

Terminal 2: China Southern hub and mixed services

Terminal 2 is a modern and spacious terminal, mainly serving China Southern Airlines and its partner airlines, along with a mix of international and some domestic flights.

It is designed as a key hub for transfers and includes efficient facilities for both domestic and international passengers.

• Distance from the city centre: around 28 km (17 miles) north
• Metro station: Airport North – Line 3
• Main airlines: China Southern (main hub), Xiamen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Chongqing Airlines, and others
• Flights: both domestic and selected international routes (including short-haul destinations in Asia)
• Highlight: strong transfer connections and modern passenger facilities

Terminal 3: International hub

Terminal 3 is the newest and most advanced terminal, having opened in late 2025 and fully operational from early 2026.

It now handles all international and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan flights, as well as some domestic services depending on airline arrangements.

• Distance from the city centre: around 29 km (18 miles) north
• Transport: new rail/metro access via Baiyun Airport East Station (T3 underground)
• Main airlines: international carriers such as All Nippon Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Scoot, AirAsia, EVA Air, plus some domestic airlines like China Eastern, Spring Airlines and others for selected routes
• Flights: all international + some domestic operations
• Highlight: dedicated international terminal with the most advanced facilities

💡 Good to know:

• If you are flying internationally, you will usually use Terminal 3.
• Domestic flights depend on the airline:
• • China Southern and partner airlines → Terminal 2
  • Other domestic airlines → Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 (depending on the flight)
• The terminals are connected by transport links, including metro lines and airport shuttle services.

Transport to and from Guangzhou Airport 🚇

Metro Line 3 (recommended ✅)

The metro is the fastest and most affordable way to reach Guangzhou city centre. Here’s everything you need to know:

From Terminal 1:

• Metro station: Airport South on Level -1, near Gate 8.
• Route: Line 3 North → Jiahewanggang (change to Line 2) → Gongyuanqian
• Journey time: 50-70 minutes to the city centre (Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town)
• Price: 6-10 CNY (£0.65–£1.10)
• Opening hours: 06:00–23:00
• Frequency: every 5-8 minutes

From Terminal 2:

• Metro station: Airport North on Level -2, near Gate 11.
• Top destinations: Zhujiang New Town (business district), Tianhe Sports Centre, Gongyuanqian (historic centre)

💡 Top tip: To reach the modern district of Tianhe, hop off at Jiahewanggang and change to Line 2 heading south, then take Line 1 to Tiyu Xilu or Tianhe Sports Center. Allow around 1 hour and 20 minutes for the total journey.

Official taxis

Guangzhou taxis are available 24/7 at the exits of both terminals.

Departure points:

• T1: Gate 7 (Arrivals level)
• T2: Gate 11 (Arrivals level)

Pricing:

• To the city centre (Tianhe, Yuexiu): 120-150 CNY (£13–£16)
• To the airport area (Huadu, Baiyun): 60-90 CNY (£6.50–£9.80)
• Duration: 35-60 minutes depending on traffic (up to 90 mins during peak hours)
• Payment methods: Cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay

⚠️ Important: Please only use official taxis from designated ranks. Always remember to ask for a receipt (fapiao).

Ride-hailing with DiDi

DiDi is the most popular ride-hailing app in China for booking a fixed-price journey.

Pick-up locations:

• Terminal 1: Gate 6 at the arrivals level
• Terminal 2: Car Park P7 (accessible by lift)

Prices:

• Duration: 40-60 minutes to the city centre
• Prices: 80-180 CNY (£8.70–£19.60) depending on the vehicle chosen (economy, comfort, or premium)
• The perks: fixed prices upfront, your choice of vehicle, and easy in-app payments.

💡 How to book: download DiDi or Amap (English version available), select the exact airport zone, and check the driver's details (number plate, model, and colour).

Airport Express buses

Express bus routes connect the airport to Guangzhou's main districts.

Departure points:

• T1: Stop near Gate 9
• T2: South Arrivals Zone

Practical information:

• Opening hours: 06:30–23:00
• Duration: 50-70 minutes depending on your destination
• Prices: 15-30 CNY (£1.60–£3.30)
• Frequency: every 20-30 minutes

⚠️ Good to know: buses are infrequent and there's limited information available in English. You can buy your tickets at the Airport Express counter (Gate A10) or at the self-service machines.

How to Get from Guangzhou Airport to the City Centre

Arrival Requirements in Guangzhou: Visa and Regulations 🛂

Great news for UK travellers! China has announced a new policy to allow UK passport holders to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.

Standard 30-day exemption

Since 17 February, 2026, the UK has enjoyed a unilateral visa exemption, which has now been extended until 31 December 2026.

What you need to know:

• Duration: Up to 30 consecutive days visa-free;
• Accepted travel purposes: tourism, business, family visits, transit, and exchanges;
• Coverage: throughout China, with no geographical restrictions;
• Required documents: valid passport only;
• Eligible countries: 45 incredible destinations, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many more exciting places to explore!

144-hour (6-day) transit visa exemption

For travellers on international connections, Guangzhou also offers a 144-hour (6-day) transit visa exemption.

Specific conditions:

• Passport from one of the 55 eligible countries;
• A confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not your country of origin);
• Departing within 144 hours;
• Completed arrival/departure card;
• Authorised area: Guangdong Province only (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan);

📌 Trip.com's top tip:

• Just visiting China? → Take advantage of the 30-day visa exemption (explore the whole of China)
• Transiting from London → Guangzhou → Hong Kong? Take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit (valid within Guangdong province).

Airport Lounges and Premium Areas in Guangzhou ✨

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport offers a fantastic selection of lounges where you can relax and unwind before your flight.

Lounges at Terminal 1

The main lounge in Terminal 1 is open to all passengers for a fee.

Available lounges:

• Air China Domestic First Class Lounge: 3rd Floor, Zone A, after security;
• China Eastern Airlines VIP Lounge: Concourse A, after security;
• Hourly Charged Passenger Lounge: A pay-per-hour lounge with private rooms.

Lounge access is reserved for qualifying ticket holders or those who have purchased a lounge pass (Priority Pass, DragonPass, or LoungeKey).

Lounges at Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is home to the premium lounges of China Southern, Guangzhou's hub airline.

Available lounges:

• China Southern Pearl Lounge: Business Class Lounge (After Security);
• China Southern First/Business Class Lounge: A premium lounge for premium cabin travellers;
• China Southern Gold/Silver/Elite Plus Lounge: For elite status members;
• Easy Boarding Lounge: A paid-access lounge, open from 06:30 to 21:30, located on the left-hand side after security.

Lounges at Terminal 3

Terminal 3 offers a wide range of modern lounges and premium services, including airline lounges, airport-operated lounges, and an exclusive VIP terminal.

Various services available in airport lounges

Services and facilities available:

• Hot and cold buffet with snacks
• Hot and cold drinks
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi
• Business workspaces
• Shower rooms
• Relaxation areas with comfy armchairs

Restaurants and Duty Free at Guangzhou Airport 🍜🛍️

Guangzhou’s terminals offer a wide range of dining options and duty-free shopping, with Terminal 3 now being the most modern and best-equipped area.

🥟Restaurants and cafés

You’ll find a great selection of restaurants both before check-in and throughout the boarding gate areas across all terminals.

Cantonese specialities:

• Lao Xiguan Laifen (Terminal 2): Michelin Bib Gourmand rice noodles
• Taotaoju (T3): classic dim sum and pastries
• Guangzhou Restaurant (T3): roast goose, wonton noodles, clay pot rice
• Yin Ji: fresh rice noodle rolls and congee

Other popular options:

• Hong Kong-style cafés such as Tsui Wah and Tai Hing
• Fast dining: Shake Shack, KFC, noodle bars (some open 24 hours)
• Coffee & drinks: % Arabica, Manner Coffee, HEYTEA

💡 Trip.com Tip: For the best food experience, head to Terminal 3, where you’ll find the widest range of Cantonese and international dining options.

🛍️Duty-free shopping

Duty-free shopping is available across the airport, but Terminal 3 now features the newest and most comprehensive duty-free area in South China (opened January 2026).

CDF China Duty Free:

• Available at arrivals and departures across the airport
• In Terminal 3, the main departure shop is located on 4F after security, while the arrivals shop (near baggage claim) is open 24 hours

What you can buy:

• Luxury brands (Gucci, Dior, Burberry, MCM)
• Perfumes & cosmetics (Lancôme, Estée Lauder, SK-II, Chanel, La Mer)
• Wines & spirits (Moutai, Hennessy, Rémy Martin)
• Food & gifts (Godiva, imported snacks, Cantonese souvenirs)

Services:

• Wide payment options (cards, mobile pay, multiple currencies)
• "City order, airport pickup" service (buy in advance and collect at T3)
• Regular promotions and discounts on cosmetics and selected items

⚠️ Good to know:

• Terminal 3 offers a larger selection and newer shops compared to Terminal 2.
• Arrival duty-free (T3) is ideal for last-minute shopping after landing.
• Compared with hubs like Shanghai or Beijing, prices are still competitive, with frequent promotions available.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a world-class travel hub. While it might not be as well-known internationally as Beijing or Shanghai, it offers modern facilities, speedy connections to the city centre, and top-notch service.

With Guangzhou's continued growth as the gateway to Southern China, Baiyun Airport is set to keep improving for years to come.

Have a great trip to Guangzhou! ✈️

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