Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Transportation Complete Guide

Hi there! I’m Dalia Xu, a 30-year-old female travel enthusiast with over a decade of globetrotting experience. Nature landscapes and hotel reviews are my passions—through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m thrilled to share this comprehensive guide to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), designed to cover all your transportation needs. Whether you’re seeking the fastest route, budget-friendly options, intra-city commutes, or intercity connections, this guide packs detailed operation steps and insider tips to help you find the perfect match for your travel plans.

Airport Basic Information Overview

• Airport Code: CAN
• Location: Baiyun District, Guangzhou (north of downtown, adjacent to Huadu District)
• Core Distance: Approximately 30 km from Tianhe CBD, 40-60 minutes by car
• Terminal Distribution:
  • Terminal 1 (T1): Serves domestic and international flights of multiple airlines
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Serves domestic flights of China Southern Airlines and some international flights, connected to T1 via free shuttle
  • Terminal 3 (T3): Under expansion; current key terminals focus on T1/T2, with inter-terminal shuttle coverage

Comparative Analysis of 5 Intra-City Travel Options

Travel Option	One-Way Travel Time	Price Range	Target Audience	Core Advantages	Notes
Airport Express (Line 3 North Extension)	35-50 mins (direct)	$1.00 – $1.71	Budget-conscious travelers, daily commuters	Low cost, wide metro coverage	Crowded during peak hours, luggage-carrying inconvenient
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail (Airport Station)	20-30 mins (to downtown)	$2.83 – $4.24	Time-sensitive travelers, intercity travelers	Fast, connects to intercity rail network	Limited downtown stations, mainly for rail transfers
Taxi	40-60 mins (subject to traffic)	$14.13 – $21.19	Travelers with large luggage, groups	24/7 door-to-door service, no transfers	Prone to rush-hour congestion, night surcharge
Ride-Hailing Services	40-60 mins (subject to traffic)	$11.30 – $18.37	Travelers preferring online booking	Transparent pricing, selectable car models	Need to go to designated pickup areas
Airport Shuttle Bus	50-90 mins (by route)	$2.12 – $3.53	Travelers to specific districts/suburbs	Wide coverage, sufficient luggage space	Long departure intervals (15-30 mins/shift)

Option 1: Airport Express (Metro Line 3 North Extension) (Most Cost-Effective)

As Guangzhou’s core metro line connecting the airport to downtown, it runs through key urban areas, offering high cost-effectiveness and stable operation—ideal for budget travelers.

• Core Information
  • Route: Baiyun Airport North Station → Baiyun Airport South Station → Tianhe Sports Center → Zhujiang New Town (Tianhe CBD)
  • Station Location:
    • T1 Terminal: Arrival Hall B2 floor, follow “Metro Line 3” signs;
    • T2 Terminal: Arrival Hall B1 floor, direct access to metro station
  • Operating Hours: Departs airport 06:00-23:15; Departs downtown 06:00-23:00
  • Departure Interval: 5-8 mins/shift during peak hours (07:30-09:30, 17:30-19:30), 10-15 mins/shift during off-peak hours
• Ticketing & Discounts
  • Ticketing Channels: Station self-service machines, ticket counters, Alipay/WeChat mini-programs (“Guangzhou Metro”)
  • Price Standard: Fare by distance, $1.00-$1.71 (airport to downtown core)
  • Child Policy: Free for children under 1.2m, half fare for children 1.2-1.5m
• Fare & Travel Time Reference

Destination	One-Way Fare	Estimated Travel Time
Tianhe Sports Center	$1.41	40 mins
Zhujiang New Town (Tianhe CBD)	$1.55	45 mins
Guangzhou Railway Station	$1.27	35 mins
Guangzhou South Railway Station (via transfer)	$1.71	1 hour 10 mins

Option 2: Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail (Fastest Intercity & Downtown Transfer)

The airport’s integrated high-speed rail station links Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou’s core and surrounding cities, with high speed and minimal stops—great for time-sensitive travelers.

• Core Information
  • Route: Baiyun Airport North Station → Guangzhou North Railway Station → Guangzhou South Railway Station → Shenzhen/Hong Kong
  • Station Location: T2 Terminal B1 floor, directly connected to terminal; T1 Terminal: Take free shuttle to T2 rail station (10 mins)
  • Operating Hours: 06:00-23:00 (adjusts slightly by season)
  • Departure Interval: 10-15 mins/shift for downtown routes, 20-30 mins/shift for intercity routes
• Ticketing & Discounts
  • Ticketing Channels: 12306 app/website, station ticket counters, self-service machines
  • Price Standard: Airport to Guangzhou South Railway Station $4.24; Airport to Guangzhou North Railway Station $2.83
  • Special Policy: Passengers with same-day flight tickets enjoy 10% discount on rail tickets
• Transfer Guide
  • At Guangzhou South Railway Station: Transfer to high-speed rail to Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Hong Kong, etc.
  • At Guangzhou North Railway Station: Transfer to metro Line 9 for Huadu District or downtown extension

Option 3: Taxi (Door-to-Door Convenience)

Operates 24 hours a day without transfers, suitable for travelers with elderly, children, or large luggage, ensuring a direct and comfortable journey.

• Waiting & Pricing
  • Waiting Points: T1 Terminal Arrival Hall Exit A/B; T2 Terminal Arrival Hall Exit C/D (queue as instructed by staff)
  • Pricing Standard:
    • Daytime (06:00-23:00): Starting fare $1.98 (within 3 km), $0.35/km for 3-15 km, $0.53/km for over 15 km
    • Nighttime (23:00-06:00): Starting fare $2.54, 20% surcharge on subsequent kilometers
• Additional Fees: $0.21/min waiting fee (speed < 12 km/h or stopped), $1.41 airport expressway toll (one-way if applicable)
• Fare Reference for Popular Destinations

Destination	Daytime Fare Range	Nighttime Fare Range	Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak)
Tianhe CBD (Zhujiang New Town)	$15.54 – $18.98	$18.65 – $22.09	45 mins
Guangzhou Railway Station	$14.13 – $17.57	$16.96 – $20.40	35 mins
Guangzhou South Railway Station	$18.98 – $24.73	$22.78 – $28.53	55 mins
Shamian Island	$16.95 – $20.39	$20.34 – $23.78	50 mins

Option 4: Ride-Hailing Services (Flexible and Controllable)

Online booking with clear price estimates, supports economy, business, and 7-seater car selection, avoids on-site queuing—flexible for diverse travel needs.

• Recommended Platforms
  • DiDi Chuxing, Amap Dache, Alipay Dache (supports English operation interface)
  • Cross-Border Option: DiDi International for foreign users with overseas payment methods
• Pickup Points
  • T1 Terminal: P4 Parking Lot Ride-Hailing Dedicated Area
  • T2 Terminal: P8 Parking Lot Ground Floor Zone 2 (follow ground signs and app navigation)
• Practical Tips
  • Book 20-30 minutes in advance, select “Airport Pickup” and bind flight number to sync delay information automatically
  • Rush hours (07:30-09:30, 17:30-19:30) may have surge pricing; avoid Airport Avenue during peak periods
• Price Reference

Destination	Fare Range	Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak)
Tianhe CBD (Zhujiang New Town)	$11.30 – $15.54	45 mins
Guangzhou Railway Station	$10.00 – $14.13	35 mins
Guangzhou South Railway Station	$15.54 – $20.39	55 mins
Shamian Island	$12.72 – $16.95	50 mins

Option 5: Airport Shuttle Bus (Economical with Wide Coverage)

Covers Guangzhou’s downtown districts, suburban areas, and nearby cities (Foshan, Dongguan), with sufficient luggage space—cost-effective for long-distance or multi-city travel.

• Key Route Information

Route Number	Terminus	Departure Time (T1/T2)	One-Way Fare	Passing Stations
Line 1	Guangzhou Railway Station	06:00-23:00 / 06:05-23:05	$2.12	Huanshi Road, Yuexiu Park
Line 2	Guangzhou South Railway Station	06:30-22:30 / 06:35-22:35	$3.53	Tianhe Sports Center, Pazhou
Line 3	Foshan City Center	07:00-21:30 / 07:05-21:35	$3.53	Nanhai Square, Foshan Railway Station
Line 5	Dongguan Humen	08:00-20:00 / 08:05-20:05	$7.07	Huadu Square, Dongguan Railway Station

• Night Shuttle Service
• • Operating Hours: After 23:00 until 30 minutes after the last flight lands
• • Main Routes: Airport → Guangzhou Railway Station, Airport → Tianhe CBD
• • Frequency: Departs every 45-60 minutes, fare same as daytime ($2.12-$3.53)

Inter-Airport/Railway Station Transportation Guide

• Baiyun Airport ↔ Other Cities (Intercity)
  • To Shenzhen: High-Speed Rail from Baiyun Airport North → Shenzhen North ($14.13, 50 mins) or Shuttle Bus Line 7 ($10.60, 1.5 hours)
  • To Foshan: Shuttle Bus Line 3 ($3.53, 60 mins direct) or Taxi ($21.19-$28.26, 45 mins)
  • To Zhuhai: High-Speed Rail (Airport → Guangzhou South → Zhuhai, $14.13 total, 1.5 hours)
• Baiyun Airport ↔ Guangzhou Key Railway Stations
  • Guangzhou Railway Station: Shuttle Bus Line 1 ($2.12, 45 mins) or Metro Line 3 ($1.27, 35 mins)
  • Guangzhou South Railway Station: High-Speed Rail ($4.24, 30 mins) or Shuttle Bus Line 2 ($3.53, 60 mins)
  • Guangzhou East Railway Station: Metro Line 3 + Line 1 ($1.55, 50 mins) or Ride-Hailing ($12.72-$16.95, 40 mins)

Terminal Transfer & Airport Practical Services

• T1 ↔ T2 Terminal Transfer
  • Free Shuttle Bus: Operates 24/7, departs from T1 Exit 4 and T2 Exit 8; 10 mins interval, 5 mins ride
  • Walking: No direct walkway, shuttle bus is the only convenient option
• Airport Practical Services
  • Wi-Fi Connection: Search for “CAN-Free-WiFi”, log in via mobile verification code or passport (free, unlimited time)
  • Luggage Storage: T1/T2 Arrival Halls, charged by size and time: $0.57-$1.41/item/4hrs, $2.12-$3.53/item/day
  • Charging Facilities: Free charging stations in departure/arrival halls; wireless charging in T2 VIP lounges and waiting areas
  • Service Hotline: 020-96158 (multilingual support for consultation and help)
  • Currency Exchange: Available in T1/T2 International Arrival Halls, supports major global currencies

Popular Destinations Traffic Congestion Tips

• Core Congestion Periods (Daily)
  • Morning Peak: 07:30-09:30 (airport to downtown, Airport Avenue and Huanshi Road busy)
  • Evening Peak: 17:30-19:30 (downtown to airport, north-south main roads congested)
  • Special Congestion: Weekends/holidays (09:00-11:00, 14:00-16:00, tourist and intercity travel surge)
• Destination-Specific Congestion Details
  • Tianhe CBD: 08:00-10:00, 18:00-20:00 (office commute peak); Zhujiang New Town surrounding roads queue easily
  • Guangzhou South Railway Station: 08:00-11:00, 15:00-18:00 (high-speed rail peak); entrance roads congested for 1-2 km
  • Airport Avenue: 07:30-09:30, 17:30-19:30 (one-way heavy traffic); choose metro to bypass during peaks
  • Cross-River Routes: 07:00-09:00, 17:00-19:00 (Pearl River bridges busy); avoid taxi/rideshare if crossing rivers at rush hour
• Avoidance Suggestions
  • Rush-hour travel: Prioritize Metro Line 3 or high-speed rail, avoid road transportation
  • Railway station transfers: Arrive 1.2 hours early if taking taxis/rideshares; metro is more punctual
  • Holiday travel: Book rides 1 hour in advance, or take shuttle bus to avoid surge pricing and queuing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Arrived in the early morning, what transportation is available besides taxis?

A: Take the night shuttle bus to Guangzhou Railway Station/Tianhe CBD, or wait for the first metro (06:00) in the terminal lounge.

Q: Traveling with a stroller or wheelchair, which transportation is most convenient?

A: Taxis, ride-hailing services, or airport shuttle buses (all have barrier-free access); Metro Line 3 has elevators but some stations need assistance.

Q: What if I miss the last metro or high-speed rail?

A: Choose taxi/ride-hailing or night shuttle bus; consult the airport service desk for real-time night route information.

Q: Can I book airport shuttle bus tickets in advance?

A: On-site purchase (cash/QR code) is available; intercity routes (Foshan/Dongguan) support advance booking via “Guangzhou Baiyun Airport” official WeChat account.