First time at Baiyun Airport? You've got 6 best ways to get to the city centre: metro, taxis, ride-hailing, airport bus, airport transfer or car rental. We'll help you pick the best route.
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🛬About Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located at No. 888 Airport Avenue East, Huadong Town, Huadu District, about 28 km (17 miles) north of Guangzhou city centre. It is the main international gateway to southern China and one of the busiest airports in China.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport has 3 Terminals:
- Terminal 1 (Airport South): Mainly serves China Eastern Airlines and other airlines
- Terminal 2 (Airport North): Home to China Southern Airlines and other airlines
- Terminal 3: T3 is the newly expanded terminal and is expected to be put into operation in 2025.
Transport Options from Guangzhou Airport:
- Taxis - Available 24/7 at designated ranks outside arrivals
- Ride-hailing (Didi) - Book via app; often cheaper than taxis; pickup at special zones
- Metro (Line 3) - Fastest public option; Airport to Tiyuxi Road runs 6:00-23:15; connects to city centre in 50 mins
- Airport Buses - Multiple routes to major locations
- Private Transfers - Pre-booked door-to-door service; ideal for groups/night arrivals
- Car Rentals - Counters in arrival halls; requires international driving permit
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🚍Transport Options from Guangzhou Airport to City Centre
Guangzhou Airport offers 6 transport options to reach the city centre, including the metro, airport bus, taxi, online car-hailing, airport transfer and car rental. Each method has its own advantages in terms of price, speed and comfort. Let's compare their benefits and prices to find your best option.
Options | Duration | Price (¥) | Operating Hours | Notes |
Taxi | 40-60 min | 120-150 | 24/7 | Metered fare + Highway fee ~￥13 |
Online Car Hailing | 40-60 min | 60-110 | 24/7 | DiDi app/Amap |
Metro (Line 3) | 50 min | 7-10 | 06:00-23:15 | Transfer at Tiyu Xilu Station |
Airport Transfer | 40-60 min | 150-300 | Pre-booked only | Private driver, door-to-door service |
Airport Shuttle Bus | 60-80 min | 20-30 | 05:30-24:00 | Multiple routes available |
Car Rental | 45-70 min | ~200+/day | Rental office hours | +Fuel & parking costs |
🚕Guangzhou Airport to the City Centre by Taxi
*Image source: rednote
Follow the coloured floor guides after baggage claim:
- Yellow lines → Taxis to city centre (~¥120-150)
- Blue lines → Taxis to nearby airport areas
At the taxi rank:
- Join the orderly queue
- Show your destination address in Chinese (hotel card/translation app)
Payment:
- Meters start at ¥12
- Cash or mobile payments accepted (Alipay/WeChat)
🚗Guangzhou Airport to the City Centre by Online Car Hailing
Where to Get Your Car:
Terminal 1 (T1):
- P2 Ground Parking 🔥(most popular)
- P1 Ride-Hailing Pickup Point
- P4 Parking Building:
2nd floor east side (Arrival Zone A)
1st floor west side (Arrival Zone B)
Terminal 2 (T2):
- 3F P8 Parking Lot ride-hailing zone
How to Book a Ride-Hailing Car:
- Download DiDi or Amap (English version available)
- Select your pickup point when booking (choose exact airport zone)
- Check driver details (car plate/model/colour in app)
- Track your driver using the app's real-time map
- Meet at designated pickup area
Cost & Duration of Online Ride Hailing
- Journey takes 40-60 mins (depending on traffic)
- Costs ¥60-110 to city centre (depending on distance, vehicle type, duration)
- Available 24/7
*Pickup point information from Amap - check app for updates.
231013 booked
🚇Guangzhou Airport to the City Centre by Metro
There are 2 Metro Stations at the Airport:
- Airport South Station serves Terminal 1
- Airport North Station serves Terminal 2
Metro Line 3 Route & Operating Hours:
The metro splits into 3 branches after Tiyu Xilu Station:
- Airport North T2 → Airport South T1 → Tiyu Xilu (体育西路) 🕕 06:00-23:15
- Airport North T2 → Airport South T1 → Tiyu Xilu (体育西路) → Hai Bang (海傍) 🕕 06:12-23:42
- Airport North T2 → Airport South T1 → Tiyu Xilu (体育西路) → Tianhe Coach Station (天河客运站) 🕕 06:17-23:45
*Data from Guangzhou Metro App
📍 Metro from Guangzhou Airport to Key Destinations
- To Canton Tower: Line 3 (Airport South/North → Tiyu Xilu) → Towards Hai Bang (to Canton Tower Station)
- To Tianhe CBD: Line 3 (Airport South/North → Tiyu Xilu) → Towards Hai Bang (to Zhujiang New Town Station)
- To Yuexiu (Beijing Road Pedestrian Street): Line 3 → Transfer to Line 2 at Jiahe Wanggang (to Gongyuanqian Station)
- To Canton Fair (Pazhou): Line 3 → Kecun → Transfer to Line 8 (to Pazhou Station)
Guangzhou Metro Tips:
✔ Don't worry if you board the wrong train - all branches stop at Tiyu Xilu where you can change
✔ Avoid rush hours (7:30-9:30am & 17:30-20:00pm) - Line 3 gets very crowded!
✔ Journey time: ~50 minutes to city centre
✔ Fare: ¥7-10 (depending on distance)
How to Use Guangzhou Metro? See the Guide Below! 👇
🚙Guangzhou Airport to the City Centre by Airport Transfer
Why Choose Airport Transfer?
✔ Door-to-door service – No need to navigate public transport
✔ Fixed price – No surprise costs (unlike taxis in traffic)
✔ Flight tracking – Driver adjusts for delays automatically
✔ 24/7 availability – Even for late-night arrivals
Trip.com Airport Transfers Offer:
✓ Free waiting time if your flight is delayed
✓ 24-hour free cancellation
✓ Compensation if driver fails to arrive
✓ English-speaking drivers available
How to Book Airport Transfer on Trip.com:
1. Click "Guangzhou Airport Transfer"
2. Enter details:
- Flight number (e.g., CZ304)
- Arrival airport name, (e.g., Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport)
- Pick-up time (auto-synced if flight delayed)
- Destination (e.g., Canton Tower)
- Passenger count
3. Select vehicle type (sedan/MPV......)
4. Confirm booking – Receive driver details via app
Airport Transfer Price & Duration:
- Cost: ~¥150-300 (depends on vehicle size)
- Journey time: 40-60 mins to city centre
🚌Guangzhou Airport to the City Centre by Airport Bus
Where to Catch the Bus:
- Terminal 1 (T1):
- Zone A Arrivals: Outside Gates A3-A5
- Zone B Arrivals: Outside Gates B10-B13
- Airport Shuttle Bus Pick up Point: Outside Gate A11(Take shuttle bus to Area B，T2)
- Terminal 2 (T2):
- West Passenger Transport Centre (main pick-up)
How to Buy Tickets:
- At the airport:
- Airport Express Ticket counter inside Gate A10
- Self-service machines at bus stops
- On your phone:
- Scan QR codes at stations
- Use WeChat mini-programs:
- 空港快线大巴 (Airport Express Bus)
- 帅淘巴士 (Shuaitao Bus)
Popular Routes & Prices:
- To Tianhe Sports Center - Tianhe CBD (near Zhujiang New Town): ¥35
- To Datang (near Canton Tower): ¥45
- To Yuexiu District (Old Central Area, near Beijing Road): ￥30-35
Good to Know:
- For foreign travellers:
- Booking apps are mostly in Chinese
- Ask airport staff for help or use a translation app
- Signs at stations are in Chinese and English
- Easier option: Online Car Hailing cost from ¥50-60 to central Guangzhou
- Buses also go to nearby cities like Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan
*Information is from 2025 - please check signs at the airport for updates.*
🚘Guangzhou Airport to the City Centre by Car Rental
How to rent a car at Guangzhou Airport:
- Find rental desks at T1 (P2 car park) or T2 (P8 car park)
- Choose a company: eHi, CAR or Trip.com/Ctrip
- Show documents: Passport + International Driving Permit
- Pay deposit: Usually ¥1000-2,0000
How much does it cost to rent a car:
- Compact car: ~¥200/day
- SUV: ~¥400/day
- Extra fees: Fuel + insurance (~¥50/day)
How to navigate to the city centre:
Use Amap (高德地图) app:
- Set to English mode
- Type "Guangzhou city centre" as destination
- Follow expressway signs (约28km)
Where to Rent at Terminal 1 (T1):
- eHi Car Rental (一嗨租车) ★4.8
Location: P2 Car Park, T1
Open: 24/7 - China Auto Rental/CAR (神州租车) ★4.8
Location: Zone C, P2 Car Park, T1
Open: 24/7 - BBA Car Rental ★3.7
Location: P2 Car Park, T1
Open: 24/7
Where to Rent at Terminal 2 (T2):
- Ctrip Car Rental Centre (携程租车中心) ★4.2
Location: 1st Floor, T2
Open: 9am-6pm daily - eHi Car Rental (一嗨租车) ★4.6
Location: Zone K3, B1 Level, P8 Car Park, T2
Open: 24/7 - China Auto Rental/CAR (神州租车) ★4.6
Location: Zone K16, B1 Level, P8 Car Park, T2
Open: 24/7
*Car rental information is based on 2025 Amap data. Please check for updates.
Guangzhou Airport Transport FAQs
How do I pay for public transport in Guangzhou?
Use metro cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or buy single journey ticket at stations.
Does Guangzhou taxi accept cash?
Yes, but drivers prefer mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay.
What is the best way to get around Guangzhou?
The metro is fastest. Taxis and DiDi are good for direct trips.
Can foreigners use DiDi in China?
Yes. Download the English app version and register using Alipay, Apple, WeChat, or a foreign mobile phone number.
Is DiDi cheaper than taxi in China?
Usually 10-20% cheaper, especially with promotions.