Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the main gateway for international travellers arriving in the capital of Guangdong. Located around 30 km north of the city centre, this modern airport welcomes millions of passengers every year!
Boasting two ultra-modern terminals (T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international), Guangzhou serves as a major hub for Southern China.
Trip.com reveals everything you need to know about the facilities, services, transport and activities available at Guangzhou Airport for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Overview 🛫
Terminal 1: Domestic hub
Terminal 1 at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport primarily serves domestic flights within China.
While older than T2, Terminal 1 remains modern and functional. It handles the majority of domestic flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and other major Chinese cities.
- Distance from the city centre: 30 km north (Huadu District);
- Metro station: Airport South - Line 3;
- Main airlines: China Southern (domestic hub), domestic flights;
- Highlight: super-convenient metro access on level -1.
Terminal 2: International hub
Guangzhou Baiyun's Terminal 2 has opened its doors to welcome long-haul international flights.
Modern and spacious, T2 welcomes all flights from Europe, including routes from London with BA and China Southern. Its contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art facilities make it one of the most comfortable terminals in southern China. You’ll find the 'Airport North' station on level -2, near Gate 11.
- Distance from the city centre: 30 km north;
- Metro station: Airport North - Line 3;
- Main airlines: KLM, Emirates, China Southern (international), Cathay Pacific;
- Highlight: A brand-new, ultra-modern international terminal.
💡 Good to know: if you're arriving from Europe, you'll land at Terminal 2. The two terminals are linked by a free shuttle and Metro Line 3 (just one stop between Airport North and Airport South).
Transport Options 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:
- The station: Airport South on Level -1, near Gate 8.
- The 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:
- The 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.
📱 Stay connected in a flash with a China eSIM.
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How to Get from Guangzhou Airport to the City Centre
Transport | Duration | Price | Perks | Drawbacks |
Metro Line 3 | 50-70 mins | 6-10 CNY | Fast, affordable, and punctual | Transfers are required, which isn't the most practical when you're travelling with suitcases. |
Taxi | 35-90 min | 60-150 CNY | Direct, comfortable, 24/7 | A bit on the pricey side, and the traffic can be quite heavy. |
Didi Ride-hailing | 40-60 mins | 80-180 CNY | Crystal-clear pricing and a fantastic choice of vehicles | Requires a smartphone and mobile data |
Express Bus | 50-70 mins | 15-30 CNY | Seating available, serving several neighbourhoods. | Not very frequent, and there's limited information available in English. |
Private transfer | 40-60 mins | Variable | A personalised, stress-free welcome | Advance booking required |
Visa-Free Transit for Short Stays 🛂
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. The official start date has not yet been confirmed.
Standard 30-day exemption
Since December 2023, France 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;
- The countries covered: 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).
Guangzhou Airport Terminals and Lounges ✨
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.
The 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
Food, Restaurants and Duty-Free Shopping 🍜🛍️
Guangzhou's terminals offer a fantastic variety of dining options and duty-free shopping.
Restaurants and cafés
You'll find a great selection of restaurants both before check-in and throughout the boarding gate area.
Cantonese specialities:
- Lao Xiguan Laifen: a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant specialising in Cantonese rice noodles;
- Traditional steamed dim sum;
- Wonton soup and congee (rice porridge).
💡 Trip.com Tip: Don't miss Lao Xiguan Laifen at Terminal 2 – an authentic local speciality that's Michelin-recognised!
Duty-free shopping
Duty-free shopping is available in both terminals! You'll find the most convenient shops located right after security.
CDF China Duty Free:
- Available at arrivals and departures in both terminals.
What you can buy:
- Luxury boutiques (Hermès, Gucci, Dior, Burberry);
- International perfumes and cosmetics;
- Duty-free alcohol and tobacco (Chinese baijiu spirits, whiskies and wines);
- Chinese souvenirs (teas, silks, and handicrafts);
- Electronics and high-tech gadgets.
⚠️ Good to know: According to traveller feedback, the duty-free selection in Guangzhou is more limited than in major hubs like Shanghai or Beijing, but the prices remain very attractive.
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! ✈️
FAQ – Guangzhou Airport ❓
How much is a taxi from Guangzhou Airport to Tianhe?
A taxi costs around 130–150 CNY (about £14–16), depending on traffic and time of day. During rush hours (7:30–9:30 am and 5–7 pm), allow up to 90 minutes for the journey.Does the metro run at night from Guangzhou Airport?
No. The last metro train leaves around 11:00 pm. If your flight arrives later, you’ll need to take a taxi, ride-hailing service, or private transfer.Can I pay with an international bank card?
Yes. Ride-hailing services and private transfers usually accept international cards. Taxis may also accept bank cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash.Does DiDi work with a UK mobile number?
Yes. You can sign up using an email address, even with a UK number. To pay, you’ll need to link a payment method, and international bank cards are accepted.