Hello everyone! I’m Alex Chen, a traveler from China with a passion for independent exploration. I especially enjoy discovering the hidden gems that most travelers overlook. For me, travel isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about uncovering each destination’s unique charm on a budget. Today, I’m excited to share a comprehensive guide to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, covering transportation options and on-site facilities to help you navigate your journey through Guangzhou smoothly.


Summary


Overview of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

  • Airport Code: CAN
  • Address: Located at the intersection of Renhe Town in Baiyun District and Xinhua and Huadong Towns in Huadu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
  • Distance to Downtown: Approximately 28 kilometers
  • Terminal Information:
    • Terminal 1: Primarily serves domestic flights, opened in 2004, with a floor area of 523,000 square meters.
    • Terminal 2: Mainly serves international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights, opened in 2018, covering 658,700 square meters.
Night aerial view of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

4 Best Ways to Travel from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Downtown Guangzhou

1. Taking the Metro from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Downtown Guangzhou

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Location: Follow the signs to the metro at the main hall exit, and take the escalator down to Line 3.
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:15 PM
  • Cost: 7 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 48 minutes
  • Frequency: Trains depart every 20-40 minutes
Sign for metro and transport options at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

How to Buy Tickets

  • Ticket Machines: Accept cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
  • Ticket Counter: Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are accepted.
  • Mobile Payment: Scan the code on Alipay or WeChat directly at the metro gate.
Guangzhou metro system map

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Location: Follow signs to the metro at the main hall exit, and take the escalator down to Line 3.
  • Operating Hours: 6:15 AM – 11:37 PM
  • Cost: 7 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes
  • Frequency: Trains run every 20-40 minutes

2. Taking the Airport Shuttle Bus from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Downtown Guangzhou

The airport shuttle is an excellent choice for late-night arrivals.

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Location: West Passenger Station at the Transportation Center
  • Operating Hours: Runs at set times, including 11:20 PM, midnight, 12:20 AM, 12:40 AM, 1:10 AM, and so forth until early morning. Schedules may vary.
  • Cost: 35 RMB
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour
Airport Express bus route map from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Location:
    • Zone A: Outside Gate A3 to A5
    • Zone B: Outside Gate B10 to B13
  • Operating Hours: Fixed times such as 11:30 PM, 12:10 AM, 12:30 AM, 12:50 AM, 1:20 AM, and similar intervals. Times may be subject to change.
  • Cost: 35 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
Ticket counter for Airport Express buses at Terminal 1

3. Taking a Taxi from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Downtown Guangzhou

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Pickup Points:
    • East Pickup Point: Outside Gate 53 of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
    • West Pickup Point: Outside Gate 50 of the GTC
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • Cost: Approximately 75 RMB. Fare structure includes a 12 RMB base fare for the first 3 kilometers, followed by 2.6 RMB per additional kilometer. A 30% surcharge applies from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
  • Travel Time: About 32 minutes
Taxi queue area at Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Pickup Points:
    • Zone A Arrival Hall: Outside Gate A9
    • Zone B Arrival Hall: Inside the original P5 parking lot
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • Cost: Around 75 RMB, with the same fare structure as mentioned above.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes

4. Taking a Ride-Hailing Service from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Downtown Guangzhou

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Pickup Locations:
    • Level 3, Zone C of Parking Lot P8
    • Basement Level 1, Zone J of Parking Lot P8
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • Cost: Roughly 50 RMB
  • Travel Time: About 32 minutes
Ride-hailing pickup point at Parking Lot P8 in Terminal 2
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Pickup and Drop-off Service

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Pickup Locations:
    • Zone A: Parking Lots P1, P2, and Level 2 East Zone of Parking Lot P4
    • Zone B: Parking Lots P2 and Level 1 West Zone of Parking Lot P4
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • Cost: Approximately 50 RMB
  • Travel Time: Around 30 minutes
Ride-hailing pickup area at Terminal 1 parking lot

3 Best Ways to Travel from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Chimelong Paradise

1. Metro

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Route: Take Line 3 from Airport North Station on the metro’s northern extension. Transfer at Hanxi Changlong Station to reach Chimelong Paradise.
  • Cost: Around 10 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:15 PM (Airport North Station)

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Route: From Airport South Station, board Line 3 on the northern extension. Transfer at Hanxi Changlong Station to reach Chimelong Paradise.
  • Cost: Around 10 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 6:15 AM – 11:37 PM (Airport South Station)

2. Taxi

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Location: Ground Transportation Center (GTC), East and West pickup points
  • Cost: Around 120 RMB
  • Travel Time: About 1 hour, depending on traffic
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Location: Outside Gate A9 or P5 parking lot
  • Cost: Approximately 120 RMB
  • Travel Time: About 1 hour
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

3. Ride-Hailing Service

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Pickup Location: Level 3, Zone C of Parking Lot P8, or Basement Level 1, Zone J of Parking Lot P8
  • Cost: Around 100 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Pickup Location: Parking Lots P1, P2, or Level 2 East Zone of Parking Lot P4
  • Cost: Around 100 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

3 Best Ways to Travel from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Guangzhou Railway Station

1. Metro

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Route: Start at Airport North Station on Line 3, transfer at Jiahewanggang Station to Line 2, which will take you directly to Guangzhou Railway Station.
  • Cost: Around 7 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:15 PM

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Route: Board Line 3 at Airport South Station, transfer to Line 2 at Jiahewanggang Station, and travel directly to Guangzhou Railway Station.
  • Cost: Around 7 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 6:15 AM – 11:37 PM

2. Taxi

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Location: East and West pickup points of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
  • Cost: Approximately 100 RMB
  • Travel Time: About 40 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Location: Outside Gate A9 or in the P5 parking lot
  • Cost: Around 100 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

3. Ride-Hailing Service

Departing from Terminal 2

  • Pickup Location: Level 3, Zone C of Parking Lot P8, or Basement Level 1, Zone J of Parking Lot P8
  • Cost: Around 90 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

Departing from Terminal 1

  • Pickup Location: Parking Lots P1, P2, or Level 2 East Zone of Parking Lot P4
  • Cost: Approximately 90 RMB
  • Travel Time: About 40 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

International to International Transfers at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

  1. Arrival and Entry Check: Upon arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, international transfer passengers don’t need to exit through customs but should proceed to the transfer security and baggage screening area. Follow the signs for “Transfer.”
  2. Transfer Security Check: Here, your luggage and personal items will be screened to ensure they meet safety requirements. Have your boarding pass, passport, and travel documents ready for a quicker process.
  3. Transfer Waiting Area: Once through security, proceed to the transfer waiting area. You’ll find plenty of amenities, including dining, shopping, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations, so you can relax comfortably during your layover.
  4. Boarding: When it’s time for your flight, head to your designated gate, showing your boarding pass and passport. Double-check your gate and flight times, as they may change.
Sign for international transfers at Terminal 2

Transferring from International to Domestic Flights at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

  1. Entry Inspection After Landing: For international passengers transferring to domestic flights at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, the first step is to complete the entry process. Follow the signs to the “Entry” area and have your passport and visa ready.
  2. Baggage Claim: After entry inspection, head to the baggage claim area to collect any checked luggage. Some airlines offer through-check baggage services; if your luggage is already checked through to your domestic flight, you can skip this step.
  3. Customs Check: After collecting your luggage, proceed to customs for inspection. Customs officers may conduct random checks, so be sure to comply with China’s regulations and declare any necessary items.
  4. Domestic Transfer Check-In: Once you’ve completed entry and customs, go to the domestic transfer counter. If your luggage hasn’t been checked through to your final destination, recheck it here and collect your boarding pass for your domestic flight.
  5. Security Screening: After handling the transfer check-in, proceed through domestic security. Have your boarding pass and passport or ID ready to expedite the process.
  6. Proceed to Domestic Departure Area: After security, head to the domestic departure area. Guangzhou Baiyun Airport’s waiting area offers dining, shopping, and other amenities to make your wait more comfortable.
  7. Boarding: When it’s time to board, go to your gate and show your boarding pass and passport or ID. This process will ensure a smooth transfer to your domestic flight.
Sign for domestic transfer and arrivals at Terminal 2

Guide to Services at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Tax Refund

International visitors who spend over 500 RMB in China are eligible for an 11% tax refund (9% after processing fees).

  • Tax Refund Process
    • Terminal 2:
      • Goods Inspection: After security and health checks, but before customs, go to the “Customs Declaration” counter for a goods inspection and to get your receipt stamped.
      • Refund Counter: After clearing customs, follow the “Tax Refund” signs to locate the refund counter.
    • Terminal 1: The tax refund counter is located on the third floor, after international security, at the entrance of the East Concourse.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

Transportation Between Terminals T1 and T2 at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport provides free metro and shuttle bus services for convenient travel between Terminals 1 and 2.

Metro

The airport metro line offers a complimentary ride between T1 and T2 terminals.

  • From T2 to T1: Board at Airport North Station (Terminal 2) and travel to Airport South Station (Terminal 1).
    • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:15 PM
  • From T1 to T2: Take the metro from Airport South Station (Terminal 1) to Airport North Station (Terminal 2).
    • Operating Hours: 6:15 AM – 12:08 AM

Shuttle Bus

A free shuttle bus also connects Terminals 1 and 2 for added convenience.

  • From T2 to T1: Catch the shuttle outside Gate 42 in the departure hall.
    • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • From T1 to T2: Board the shuttle outside Gate 10 in the departure hall.
    • Operating Hours: 24 hours

Payment App Assistance Counter (Foreign Visitors Service Center)

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport offers a Foreign Visitors Service Center in Terminal 2’s International Arrival Hall. Here, international travelers can get assistance with downloading and using popular Chinese mobile payment apps like WeChat and Alipay.

  • Location: Terminal 2, International Arrival Hall, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
  • Hours: 24/7

SIM Card Purchase

If you need a local SIM card, head to the SIM card purchase center conveniently located in Terminal 2. This service offers a data plan ideal for travelers.

  • Location: Terminal 2, Arrival Level, right after baggage claim
  • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM
  • Cost: 180 RMB
  • Includes: 20GB of data

Note: Google, Facebook, and other Western sites may be inaccessible without a VPN.

SIM card information and pricing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Dining Options and Hours at Guangzhou BaiyAun International Airport

Most dining spots at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport close by 10:00 PM, so be mindful of operating hours. Here are some options available after security:

Terminal 2 (After Security)

  • Ajisen Ramen
    • Location: Third-floor dining area, Southwest side, Domestic departures
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tian Qi Lou
    • Location: Third-floor duty-free area, International departures
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • KFC
    • Location: Near Gate B266, Domestic departures
    • Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Starbucks
    • Location: Near Gate A151, International departures
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Terminal 1 (After Security)

  • Starbucks
    • Location: East concourse, Domestic departures
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Meet Xiaomian
    • Location: West concourse entrance, Domestic departures
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Ajisen Ramen
    • Location: Near Gate A126, Domestic departures
    • Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Pacific Coffee
    • Location: Near Gate B214, Domestic departures
    • Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Duty-Free Shopping Hours at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Terminal 2

  • General Duty-Free (Alcohol and Tobacco)
    • Location: Duty-Free area on the third floor, after international security
    • Hours: 24/7
  • Cosmetics and Fragrances Duty-Free
    • Location: Duty-Free area on the third floor, after international security
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • COACH
    • Location: Duty-Free zone in the international departure area
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Terminal 1

  • Alcohol and Tobacco Duty-Free
    • Location: Duty-Free shopping zone after international security
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Cosmetics and Fragrances Duty-Free
    • Location: Duty-Free area in the international arrival section
    • Hours: 24/7
  • COACH
    • Location: Duty-Free shopping area after international security
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Luggage Storage Locations and Prices at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Terminal 2

  • Storage Locations and Hours:
    • Behind Check-in Zone C in the departure hall, open from 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM
    • Behind Check-in Zone P/N in the departure hall, available 24 hours
    • Across from Gate 53 in the arrival hall, open from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Pricing (based on duration and bag size):
    • Large suitcases: 20 RMB (up to 2 hours), 25 RMB (2-4 hours), 30 RMB (4-8 hours), 35 RMB (8-24 hours)
  • Free Storage for Transfer Passengers:
    • Location and Timing: For international-to-international transfers within 48 hours, storage is complimentary. For domestic transfers, you can store luggage at Terminal 1.

Terminal 1

  • Storage Locations and Hours:
    • Gate 16 on the third floor of the departure hall, available 24 hours
    • Between Gates 3 and 4 in the B Area of the arrival hall, open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Pricing (based on duration and bag size):
    • Large suitcases: 20 RMB (up to 2 hours), 25 RMB (2-4 hours), 30 RMB (4-8 hours), 35 RMB (8-24 hours)
  • Free Storage for Transfer Passengers:
    • Location and Timing: Available at Gate 16 in the departure hall, third floor, 24 hours, for flights transferring within 48 hours.
Free baggage storage for transfer passengers at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Currency Exchange Locations and Hours at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Terminal 2

  • Before Security: Third floor, in front of the international security checkpoint, open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Departure Hall: Behind Check-in Zone N, open 24 hours
  • Duty-Free Area: Third floor, after international security, open 24 hours
  • Arrival Hall: To the west of the international arrival exit, open 24 hours

Terminal 1

  • Arrival Hall: First floor, Zone A, near Gate A5, open 24 hours
  • Duty-Free Area: Third floor, after international security, East Concourse entrance, open 24 hours
  • Main Terminal: Third floor, near Gate 7, open 24 hours

With these conveniently located currency exchange services, travelers can easily access foreign exchange no matter their arrival or departure time.


Free Wi-Fi at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi service under the network name “AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI.” Travelers can log in through three convenient methods:

  • Mobile SMS Login
  • WeChat Login
  • Access Code Login via kiosks in the terminal

This service allows travelers to stay connected throughout the airport with ease.


Overnight Stay Options at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer overnight rest areas for passengers with extended layovers. Arrive early, as space is limited.

  • Terminal 2 Rest Area
    • Location: First floor, opposite Gate 51 in the domestic arrival hall
    • Hours: Open from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM the following day
    • Requirements: Provide your flight number and contact information upon arrival

These rest areas offer a basic yet comfortable option for those staying overnight at the airport.

Overnight rest area for travelers at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Check-In Times at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

  • Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
  • International Flights: Check-in closes 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Essential Guangzhou Travel Resources