Comprehensive Guide to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: Transportation, Services, and Tips
2026-01-04
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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.
Address: Located at the intersection of Renhe Town in Baiyun District and Xinhua and Huadong Towns in Huadu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (Apple Maps / Amap)
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.
Terminal 3: Mainly serves international and Hong Kong–Macao–Taiwan flights. It will be put into operation in 2025, with a total area of 432,000 square meters.
4 Best Ways to Travel from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Downtown Guangzhou
The most recommended option is taking the metro. Both T1 and T2 terminals have direct metro access. For T3 Terminal, you can first take the free shuttle bus to T2 Terminal and then transfer to the metro. If you arrive at the airport at night, airport buses are available, including services during the early morning hours.
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.
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 CNY
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Frequency: Trains run every 20-40 minutes
Departing from Terminal 3
Currently, T3 Terminal does not have direct metro access. You can take the shuttle bus outside Gate 62 of the T3 departure hall to T2 Terminal, then transfer to the metro.
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 CNY
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 CNY
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
Departing from Terminal 3
Location: T3 Transportation Center – West Coach Station
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 CNY
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 CNY. Fare structure includes a 12 CNY base fare for the first 3 kilometers, followed by 2.6 CNY 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 CNY, with the same fare structure as mentioned above.
Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Departing from Terminal 3
Pickup Points: Outside Gates 72 or 75 on the T3 first-floor arrival level
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Cost: Around 75 CNY, 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 CNY
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 CNY
Travel Time: Around 30 minutes
Departing from Terminal 3
Pickup Locations: P12 Parking Building, 1st and 2nd floors
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Cost: Approximately 50 CNY
Travel Time: Around 30 minutes
3 Best Ways to Travel from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Chimelong Paradise
Taking the metro is recommended. Chimelong Paradise is relatively far from the airport, and the metro is faster and more cost-effective.
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 CNY
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 CNY
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:15 AM – 11:37 PM (Airport South Station)
Departing from Terminal 3
Currently, T3 Terminal does not have direct metro access. You can take the shuttle bus outside Gate 62 of the T3 departure hall to T2 Terminal, then transfer to the metro.
2.Taxi
Departing from Terminal 2
Location: Ground Transportation Center (GTC), East and West pickup points
Cost: Around 120 CNY
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 CNY
Travel Time: About 1 hour
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Departing from Terminal 3
Location: Outside Gates 72 or 75 on the T3 first-floor arrival level
Cost: Approximately 120 CNY
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 CNY
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 CNY
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Departing from Terminal 3
Pickup Location: P12 Parking Building, 1st and 2nd floors
Cost: Around 100 CNY
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
Operating Hours: 24 hours
3 Best Ways to Travel from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Guangzhou Railway Station
The most recommended way to get to Guangzhou Railway Station is by metro. After just one transfer, you can arrive easily without worrying about traffic congestion in the city.
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 CNY
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 CNY
Travel Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:15 AM – 11:37 PM
Departing from Terminal 3
Currently, T3 Terminal does not have direct metro access. You can take the shuttle bus outside Gate 62 of the T3 departure hall to T2 Terminal, then transfer to the metro. For route details, please refer to the T2 Terminal metro instructions.
2.Taxi
Departing from Terminal 2
Location: East and West pickup points of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
Cost: Approximately 100 CNY
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 CNY
Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Departing from Terminal 3
Location: Outside Gates 72 or 75 on the T3 first-floor arrival level
Cost: Around 100 CNY
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 CNY
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 CNY
Travel Time: About 40 minutes
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Departing from Terminal 3
Pickup Location: P12 Parking Building, 1st and 2nd floors
Cost: Approximately 90 CNY
Travel Time: About 40 minutes
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Guide to Services at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
To make travelers’ experience at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport more convenient, essential information is organized here for easy reference.
Tax Refund
International visitors who spend over 500 CNY 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 Guide Between Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Terminals (T1/T2/T3)
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport provides free metro transfers and shuttle buses, making it convenient for passengers to travel between T1, T2, and T3 terminals.
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
Please note that the free metro service is only available when entering and exiting through the designated metro transfer passages.
Shuttle Bus
The airport operates 24-hour free shuttle buses between T1, T2, and T3 terminals:
T2 Terminal: Outside Gate 42 of the T2 departure hall
T1 Terminal: Outside Gate 12 on the 3rd floor of the T1 departure hall
T3 Terminal: Outside Gate 62 of the T3 departure hall
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 CNY
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 CNY (up to 2 hours), 25 CNY (2-4 hours), 30 CNY (4-8 hours), 35 CNY (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 CNY (up to 2 hours), 25 CNY (2-4 hours), 30 CNY (4-8 hours), 35 CNY (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.
How to plan your Guangzhou trip
Guangzhou works well as a short city break (2–3 days) or as the start of a longer Lingnan / Greater Bay Area journey (5–7 days) that links nearby cities. Here are our most popular private tour options:
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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