Comprehensive Guide to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: Transportation, Services, and Tips
2024-11-14
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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.
Ticket Counter: Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are accepted.
Mobile Payment: Scan the code on Alipay or WeChat directly at the metro gate.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Transferring from International to Domestic Flights at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
A Chinese traveler passionate about budget-friendly, independent adventures. I love exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and sharing tips on how to travel around China and abroad affordably.
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