Guangzhou Airport Guide

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is a major South China hub and the home base of China Southern Airlines. The airport is north of central Guangzhou and now has a three-terminal campus, but only Terminals 2 and 3 are active for passengers.

The layout changed substantially in 2025–2026:

• Terminal 1 (T1) closed for operational work on May 7, 2026. Its remaining airlines moved to Terminal 3, and Airport South metro station and Baiyun Airport South intercity station became non-stopping stations, according to the official relocation notice.
• Terminal 2 (T2) remains a major China Southern terminal and has direct access to Metro Line 3 at Airport North station.
• Terminal 3 (T3) opened in October 2025 and now handles the airlines relocated from T1 as well as other domestic, regional, and international services. Baiyun Airport East intercity station is inside its ground transportation centre.

Terminal assignments remain operationally sensitive. Check the terminal on your boarding pass and airline message before leaving for CAN; do not navigate to the airport using an old T1 listing.

Key fact: Current passenger flights use Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. If your connection changes terminals, use the signed inter-terminal route and plan for another security check unless your airline gives you a protected airside transfer path.

Terminal Layout

Terminal	Current role	Rail access
T1	Closed to passenger operations	Airport South metro and Baiyun Airport South intercity stations do not stop
T2	Active domestic and international terminal	Airport North on Metro Line 3; Baiyun Airport North intercity station
T3	Active domestic, regional, and international terminal	Baiyun Airport East intercity station in the transport centre

Getting Between Terminals

• Free airport shuttle: Follow the current terminal-transfer signs. Guangzhou government guidance describes a free shuttle linking the terminal areas.
• Intercity rail: The government Terminal 3 travel guide directs travelers from Airport North (T2) to transfer to the intercity railway for one stop to Baiyun Airport East (T3). Include the station walk and wait in your connection plan.

The terminals are too far apart to treat as a walking connection. If both flights are on one booking, follow the airline's transfer instructions and ask whether bags are checked through. On separate tickets, budget for immigration where applicable, baggage collection, the landside terminal transfer, check-in deadlines, and security rather than relying on the old minimum-time table.

International and Domestic Connections

International services can use either active terminal. Follow Transfer signs before entering arrivals, because the correct process depends on the inbound terminal, onward terminal, ticket, and baggage tag. If you must enter China or connect onward domestically, follow immigration, customs, baggage, re-check, and security instructions from the airport and airline.

CAN is north of central Guangzhou. Your best public-transport route depends on the terminal: Metro Line 3 directly serves T2, while Guangzhou East Ring intercity rail directly serves T3. Airport buses, taxis, and app-based ride-hailing also serve the active terminals.

Check the terminal first. T1's Airport South metro and Baiyun Airport South intercity stations have been non-stopping stations since the May 2026 closure.

Important: Uber does not operate in China. Use DiDi (China's dominant rideshare app) or official taxis.

DiDi (Recommended Rideshare)

• App: Download "DiDi" before arriving (available in English)
• Payment: International credit cards may work; link Alipay or WeChat Pay for best experience
• Pickup location: Follow signs to "Online Hailing Vehicle" zones at each terminal
• Typical fares: ¥90-140 to central Guangzhou (varies by destination and traffic)

Note: DiDi requires a Chinese phone number or can be used with international accounts, though functionality may be limited. Setting up the app before arrival is strongly recommended.

Official Taxis

Taxis queue outside arrivals at both terminals. Only use official taxis from the designated taxi ranks—avoid touts inside the terminal.

Typical fares from CAN:

Destination	Fare	Time
Tianhe (CBD)	¥100-130	40-60 min
Zhujiang New Town	¥110-140	45-65 min
Guangzhou Railway Station	¥90-120	35-55 min
Guangzhou East Railway Station	¥100-130	40-60 min
Guangzhou South Railway Station	¥180-250	60-90 min
Foshan	¥150-200	50-80 min

Tips:

• All fares are metered; expect an additional ¥15 airport surcharge
• Expressway tolls are added to the fare
• Have your destination written in Chinese characters
• Most drivers speak limited English—use a translation app or hotel card
• Receipts (fapiao) available upon request

Pickup Locations

• Terminal 1: Ground floor arrivals, taxi queue outside
• Terminal 2: Arrivals Level, designated taxi area, follow signs

From Terminal 2

Airport North (Terminal 2) station is on Guangzhou Metro Line 3. Follow Metro signs from T2 and use the current Guangzhou Metro journey planner for the correct transfer toward your city destination.

For Terminal 3, you can transfer from Airport North to the intercity railway and travel one stop to Baiyun Airport East (Terminal 3). Check the next departure before choosing this over the shuttle.

From Terminal 3

The Guangzhou government transport guide gives two useful rail-based routes:

1. Take Guangzhou East Ring intercity rail directly from Baiyun Airport East (T3), on level B2 of the ground transportation centre, and connect to the metro or other intercity services at an appropriate interchange.
2. Take the dedicated bus between T3 and Gaozeng station, then use Metro Line 3 or Line 9.

Airport Express Buses

Airport and regional buses depart from the ground transportation facilities at T2 and T3. Routes and times change, so use the airport's current signage or the official Baiyun Airport Express information rather than an old numbered-route list.

CAN offers parking facilities at both terminals:

Terminal 2 Parking

Type	Rate	Location
Short-term (P1-P3)	¥10/hour (first hour ¥5)	Adjacent to terminal
Daily max	¥80/day	Adjacent lots
Long-term (P4)	¥60/day	Remote lot with shuttle

Terminal 1 Parking

Type	Rate
Short-term	¥5/hour first hour, ¥10/hour after
Daily max	¥80/day

Tips:

• First 15 minutes free at all lots
• Payment via cash, cards, or mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay)
• Pre-booking online can offer discounts for longer stays
• Holiday periods can see high parking demand

Guangzhou Baiyun International offers diverse dining options, reflecting Guangzhou's reputation as a culinary capital:

Terminal 2 (Best Selection):

Airside (After Security):

• Cantonese dim sum restaurants: Traditional Guangzhou cuisine
• Noodle shops: Wonton noodles, beef noodles
• Rice and congee: Cantonese comfort food
• Fast food: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King
• Coffee: Starbucks, Pacific Coffee, local chains

Landside:

• Food court: Multiple Chinese and international options
• Local restaurants: Cantonese roast meats, congee
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Family Mart for snacks

Terminal 1:

• Smaller selection with Chinese restaurants and fast food
• Quick-service noodle shops and convenience stores

Recommended: Guangzhou is famous for dim sum and Cantonese cuisine. Try roast goose, char siu (BBQ pork), or wonton noodles if available. The dining options in T2 airside offer the best variety.

Free WiFi is available throughout Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

Network: "CAN-Free-WiFi" or "@AirportWiFi"

How to connect:

1. Select the free WiFi network
2. Accept terms on the landing page
3. May require SMS verification to a Chinese phone number

Limitations:

• Some free networks require a Chinese phone number for verification
• Speed can be variable during peak hours
• International websites may be slow or blocked (see VPN note below)

VPN Important Note: Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, many news sites) are blocked in China. If you need access to these services, install and configure a VPN before arriving in China. VPN apps are difficult to download once inside China.

Alternative connectivity: Purchase a local SIM or pocket WiFi for more reliable internet access.

SIM cards are available at the airport arrivals halls:

Locations:

• China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom counters in arrivals halls of both terminals
• Located after customs exit area

Requirements:

• Passport (required for registration)
• Chinese regulations require real-name registration for all SIM purchases

Typical costs:

• Tourist SIM (7 days, 3-5GB data): ¥100-150 (~$14-21 USD)
• Monthly prepaid SIM (10-20GB): ¥100-200 (~$14-28 USD)
• Pocket WiFi rental: ¥40-60/day (~$6-8 USD)

Major carriers:

• China Mobile: Largest network, best coverage nationwide
• China Unicom: Good coverage in cities
• China Telecom: Reliable, competitive pricing

Tips:

• Pre-order SIM cards online through Klook for airport pickup
• Consider Hong Kong or Macau SIMs that include China roaming (some bypass the firewall)
• eSIMs from international providers (Airalo, Holafly) work but are subject to China's internet restrictions

ATMs are available throughout both terminals:

Locations:

• Arrivals halls at T1 and T2 (multiple ATMs)
• Departure halls (airside)
• Near convenience stores and currency exchange counters

Major banks with ATMs:

• Bank of China
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
• China Construction Bank
• Agricultural Bank of China
• China Merchants Bank

Currency exchange:

• Bank of China counters in arrivals and departures
• Exchange rates are typically 2-4% worse than city center banks

Tips:

• Chinese Yuan (CNY/¥) is the only accepted currency in China
• International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) have limited acceptance in China—most local shops and restaurants only accept Chinese payment apps
• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay if possible—these apps are essential for daily transactions in China (international visitors can now link foreign credit cards)
• ATM withdrawal limits vary; some machines limit foreign cards to ¥2,500-3,000 per transaction
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks

Terminal 2 (Best Selection):

Duty-Free (Airside):

• China Duty Free (CDF): Extensive selection of cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, Chinese goods
• Luxury brands: International designer stores
• Chinese specialties: Tea, silk, traditional crafts, local Guangzhou products

Landside:

• Shopping areas with fashion, electronics, souvenirs
• Convenience stores for last-minute items

Local Guangzhou products to look for:

• Cantonese preserved meats: Lap cheong (Chinese sausage)
• Tea: Chinese teas, especially from nearby Chaozhou
• Silk and embroidery: Traditional crafts
• Chinese medicine: Traditional remedies (check customs regulations)
• Snacks: Cantonese pastries, dried fruits

Terminal 1:

• Limited shopping compared to T2
• Basic duty-free and convenience stores

Tip: Duty-free prices at CAN are generally competitive for Chinese products. Compare prices before purchasing international brands.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 2:

• BGS Premier Lounge: Priority Pass access available. Hot food, drinks, basic amenities. Can be crowded during peak departure times.

Terminal 1:

• Limited Priority Pass options; check Priority Pass app for current availability

Airline Lounges

China Southern Lounges (SkyTeam):

• China Southern First Class Lounge (T2): Premium lounge for First Class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus
• China Southern Business Class Lounge (T2): Business Class passengers and SkyTeam Elite
• Domestic lounges in both terminals for elite members

Features include Chinese cuisine, hot dishes, showers, and rest areas. As the China Southern hub, CAN has extensive lounge facilities for their passengers.

SkyTeam Partner Access:

• SkyTeam members can access China Southern lounges based on status

Other Lounges:

• VIP lounges: Various paid VIP services available
• Check with specific airlines for lounge availability

Pay-Per-Use Options

• BGS Premier Lounge: Walk-in access available for approximately ¥200-350 (~$28-49 USD)
• Airport VIP Services: Paid VIP terminal services with private security lanes available

At/Near the Airport:

• Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: Connected to Terminal 2 via covered walkway. Modern business hotel with good amenities. ¥600-1,000/night (~$84-140 USD).

• Novotel Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: Adjacent to the airport with shuttle service. Mid-range option with reliable facilities. ¥400-700/night (~$56-98 USD).

• Ibis Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: Budget-friendly option near the airport with shuttle service. ¥250-400/night (~$35-56 USD).

Transit/Day Rooms:

• Transit hotels: Airside rest facilities available for layover passengers
• Hourly rest facilities: Available in some lounges and designated rest areas

Budget Options:

• Various budget hotels along the airport expressway offer free shuttles
• Hotels near Jiahe Wanggang metro station offer easy airport access

Tips:

• For early morning flights, airport-connected hotels eliminate traffic concerns
• Transit hotels airside are ideal for long layovers without a visa
• China's 144-hour transit visa exemption allows travelers from many countries to leave the airport for layovers—check eligibility for Guangzhou

Guangzhou is one of China's largest cities, a historic trading port, and the capital of Guangdong Province. Known for its Cantonese cuisine, vibrant markets, and mix of ancient and modern attractions:

From CAN to Guangzhou city center (40-60 minutes by metro):

Must-see attractions:

• Canton Tower: Guangzhou's iconic landmark, observation deck with panoramic views. Metro Line 3 to Canton Tower Station.
• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: Beautiful traditional architecture and folk art museum. Metro Line 1 to Chen Clan Academy Station.
• Shamian Island: Historic colonial architecture, peaceful walks. Metro Line 1 to Huangsha Station.
• Yuexiu Park: Home to the Five Rams Statue, symbol of Guangzhou. Metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station.
• Temple of the Six Banyan Trees: Historic Buddhist temple dating to 537 AD.

For food lovers:

• Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: Street food and traditional shops
• Beijing Road: Shopping and dining area
• Liwan District: Traditional dim sum restaurants
• Night markets: Various locations for street food

Day trips from Guangzhou:

• Shenzhen: 30 minutes by high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station
• Hong Kong: 50 minutes by high-speed train (Guangzhou South to West Kowloon)
• Macau: 1 hour by bus or ferry (via Zhuhai)
• Foshan: 20 minutes by metro extension, famous for ceramics and martial arts

Practical tips:

• Get a Yang Cheng Tong card (Guangzhou Transportation Card) for metro, buses, and convenience stores
• Download a translation app: Google Translate works offline; Baidu Translate works well in China
• VPN is essential for accessing Western internet services—install before arriving
• Cash is rarely used: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments (now available to foreign visitors)
• Weather: Guangzhou has a subtropical climate—hot and humid in summer (April-October), mild in winter
• Language: Cantonese is the local language, though Mandarin is widely understood. English is limited outside hotels and tourist areas.
• Visa-free transit: Many nationalities eligible for 144-hour visa-free transit in Guangdong Province

Getting around Guangzhou: The metro system is extensive and efficient. Line 3 connects the airport to major destinations. The network covers most tourist areas and is the easiest way to navigate the city.