Guangzhou Airport to City | Transportation Guide & Travel Tips

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Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, is one of China's most dynamic cities, blending rich history, modern architecture, and a thriving food scene. Whether you are traveling for business, leisure, or to explore the city's iconic landmarks like Canton Tower or the Pearl River, getting from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to the city center is straightforward. Below is a guide to the best and most convenient ways to travel from the airport to downtown Guangzhou.

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Transport Options from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to the City

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is located approximately 28 km north of Guangzhou's city center. Here are the main transport options available to get you into the city:

Transport Type

Price (CNY)

Travel Time

Frequency

Pros

Cons

Metro

(Line 3)

One-way: CNY 7

Approx. 30-40 minutes

Every 5-10 minutes

- Cheapest option

- Direct to major city areas like Tianhe & Zhujiang New Town

- Efficient and quick

- May require a transfer depending on your destination

Taxi

CNY 120-160

Approx. 40-50 minutes

24 hours

- Direct to your destination

- Convenient for passengers with lots of luggage or traveling with family

- Can be expensive

- Possible traffic congestion

Airport Shuttle Bus

CNY 10-30

Approx. 40-60 minutes

Every 15-30 minutes

- Very affordable

- Several routes to different districts

- Slower, especially during peak hours

E-hailing (e.g., Didi)

CNY 120-160

Approx. 40-50 minutes

24 hours

- Convenient, door-to-door service

- Can be booked via apps

- Can be affected by traffic

- May not be the cheapest

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Guangzhou Private Day Tour: Chimelong Safari Park
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Metro (Line 3)

The Guangzhou Metro Line 3 connects Baiyun Airport directly to the city center. It's a fast, efficient, and economical option, especially during peak hours. The metro also offers multiple stops in the city like Tianhe, Guangzhou East Railway Station, and Zhujiang New Town, making it a great choice for many travelers.

DetailsInformation

Operating Hours

06:00 - 23:00

Travel Time

From Airport South Station to Zhujiang New Town, approx. 40 minutes

Frequency

Every 4 - 8 minutes

Ticket Price

Varies by destination (Approx. CNY 7 - CNY 10)

Main Stations

Line 3:

Airport South Station, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe, Guangzhou East Railway Station, Kecun

Transfer Stations

Line 1

(at Guangzhou East Railway Station)

Line 5

(at Kecun)

Notes:

  • Travel Time: Travel time varies depending on your destination. For instance, from the Airport South Station to Zhujiang New Town, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
  • Ticket Prices: The ticket price for traveling from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to the city center is approximately CNY 7, but the exact price depends on the final destination.
  • Main Stations: Key stations along Line 3 include Zhujiang New Town (a commercial hub), Tianhe (a popular district), and Guangzhou East Railway Station (for high-speed trains).
  • Transfers: You can transfer to other lines like Line 1 and Line 5 at stations like Guangzhou East Railway Station and Kecun.
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Kuala Lumpur to Guangzhou Flight

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Guangzhou

Taxi

  • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • Travel Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Cost: CNY 120-160
  • Best For: Travelers with lots of luggage or those in a hurry.

Taxis are available around the clock at the airport and provide a comfortable, door-to-door service. They are especially convenient if you have heavy luggage, or if you're traveling with family or in a group. However, taxi fares can vary depending on traffic conditions, and the ride can take longer during peak hours.

Top Things To do In Guangzhou

See All Attractions
247 booked
5/512 reviews
Guangzhou Private Day Tour of Baiyun Mountain, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall
Day tours
IDR 992,154.00
144 booked
5/57 reviews
Guangzhou Private Guided 1-Day Tour: Chen Clan Academy, Museum of the Nanyue King, Liurong Temple, Shamian Island
Day tours
IDR 852,273.00
72 booked
5/53 reviews
Guangzhou Private Tour includes Pearl River Night Cruise
Day tours
IDR 1,092,397.00
253 booked
4.8/524 reviews
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park 1-day tour [Optional private charter in self-drive zone + guide/Guangzhou Circus]
Day tours
IDR 1,423,810.00
4932 booked
4.5/515 reviews
Haizhu Tram Line 1 one-day ticket + commemorative postcard
Shuttle bus
IDR 23,572.00
66 booked
4.5/52 reviews
Canton Tower Revolving Restaurant|Lutetia French Restaurant|Afternoon tea
Local cuisine
IDR 569,048.00
273 booked
5/511 reviews
Guangzhou Private Day Tour to Gulong Canyon and Glass Bridge
Day tours
IDR 1,109,308.00
12 booked
5/51 review
Guangzhou Private Day Tour: Chimelong Safari Park
Day tours
IDR 1,657,873.00

Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Operating Hours: 07:00 - 23:00
  • Travel Time: 40-60 minutes
  • Cost: CNY 10-30
  • Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who don't mind a longer journey.

Airport shuttle buses offer affordable and convenient routes to various locations in Guangzhou, including Tianhe, Haizhu Square, and Canton Tower. While slower than the metro or taxis, the buses are a good option for those who are not in a rush and want to save money.

Route No.

Destination

Operating Hours

Ticket Fare (CNY)

Travel Time

Main Stops

Line 1

Guangzhou Railway Station

00:10–23:45

22

~60 min

T2 → T1 → Baima Complex → Civil Aviation Hospital → Aviation Ticket Office

Line 2

Huashi (GDH) Hotel

23:00–03:00 (Airport) / 05:30, 07:00, 07:40 (Hotel)

25–27

~50 min

T2 → T1 → Garden Hotel → South Gate of Guangzhou Zoo → Teemall Plaza → Gangding → Huashi Hotel

Line 3

Rosedale Hotel

07:00

26

~50 min

T2 → T1 → Rosedale Hotel & Suites Guangzhou

Line 4

Vanke Shangcheng Yufu

17:30, 22:30 (Airport) / 07:30, 09:30 (Hotel)

29–35

~100 min

T2 → T1 → Wa King Town Hotel → Huangpu Yigang Garden → Vanke Shangcheng Yufu

Line 5

Gangrun Hotel

07:00–End of flights (Airport) / 05:00–20:45 (Hotel)

19–24

~50 min

T2 → T1 → Suijing Building → Dong Fang Hotel → Haizhu Square → Gangrun Hotel

Line 6

Meilin Lake Traffic Center

05:20–22:00

15

~60 min

T2 → T1 → Meilin Lake Traffic Center

Line 7A

Panyu Hotel

05:15–21:00

32

~65 min

T2 → T1 → Panyu Hotel

Line 7B

Panyu Qifu Resort

05:35–21:05

30

~70 min

T2 → T1 → Panyu Qifu Resort

Line 8A

Tianhe Passenger Station

06:00–20:30

20

~60 min

T2 → T1 → Tianhe Passenger Station

Line 8B

Xintang Sun City Hotel

06:00–20:00

20

~60 min

T2 → T1 → Xintang Sun City Hotel

Line 8C

Winton Hotel

06:00–20:00

20

~60 min

T2 → T1 → Winton Hotel

Line 9

Guangzhou International Logistics Park

05:30–22:00

6–10

~75 min

T2 → T1 → Guangzhou International Logistics Park

Line 10

Textile Trading Park

06:00–22:00

26–27

~60 min

T2 → T1 → Textile Trading Park

Line 11

Guangzhou South Railway Station

11:00, 13:30, 16:00, 23:30 (Airport) / 13:30, 18:30 (Railway Station)

60

~60 min

T2 → T1 → Guangzhou South Railway Station

Zengcheng Line

Zengcheng Terminal

08:30, 10:30, 13:30, 16:00 (Airport) / 06:00, 08:00, 10:30, 12:30 (Terminal)

55

~100 min

T2 → T1 → Zengcheng Terminal

Conghua Line

Conghua Terminal / R&F Gold Harbor City

11:00, 19:50 (Airport) / 06:00, 17:30 (Terminal)

32

~100 min

T2 → T1 → Conghua Terminal / R&F Gold Harbor City

📝 Notes:

  • Pick-Up Locations at Airport:
    • Terminal 1 (T1): Outside Gate B10–B13
    • Terminal 2 (T2): West side of the Passenger Transportation Center
  • Ticket Purchase:
    • Tickets can be purchased at the designated counters inside the airport terminals.
  • Travel Tips:
    • Operating hours and fares are subject to change; it's advisable to check the latest information upon arrival.
    • Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.

E-hailing (e.g., Didi)

  • Operating Hours: 24 hours
  • Travel Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Cost: CNY 120-160
  • Best For: Travelers who prefer the convenience of using an app and door-to-door service.

E-hailing services like Didi are available at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and provide a more personalized option. You can book a ride in advance or on the spot via the app. Didi also offers different types of vehicles, from standard rides to premium options, depending on your preferences.

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Transportation | Search Transportation by Destination

DestinationSuggested Transportation

Guangzhou East Railway Station

Take the Metro Line 3 from the airport to the Guangzhou East Railway Station.

Canton Tower

Take the Metro Line 3 from the airport to Tiyu Xilu Station, then transfer to Metro Line 1 to Canton Tower.

Beijing Road (Shopping Street)

Take the Metro Line 3 from the airport to the Tianhe Sports Center, then transfer to Metro Line 1 to Beijing Road.

Shamian Island

Take the Metro Line 3 from the airport to the Tianhe Sports Center, then transfer to Metro Line 6 to Shamian Island.

Zhujiang New Town

Take the Metro Line 3 from the airport to Tiyu Xilu Station, then transfer to Metro Line 5 to Zhujiang New Town.

Guangzhou South Railway Station

Take the Metro Line 3 from the airport directly to Guangzhou South Railway Station.

Chimelong Paradise (Amusement Park)

Take the Metro Line 3 from the airport to Hanxi Changlong Station, then transfer to Metro Line 7 to Chimelong Paradise.

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Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Transportation | Late-night or Red-eye flights

Arrival TimeTransportation OptionOperating HoursDestinations

Arriving During Regular Hours

Guangzhou Metro Line 3

06:00 - 23:00

Line 3: Guangzhou East Railway Station, Tiyu Xilu Station, Tianhe Sports Center, and other central locations.

Arriving Late Night (Red-Eye Flights)

Airport Shuttle Bus (Night Service)

23:15 - until last flight (including delayed flights)

Stops include: Guangzhou South Railway Station, Baiyun Airport South Station, Guangzhou Railway Station, Zhujiang New Town, and other key transport hubs.

Arriving Late Night (Red-Eye Flights)

Guangzhou Metro Line 3 (Night Line)

23:00 - 01:00 (limited operation)

Operates until early morning with limited stops, mainly: Guangzhou East Railway Station, Tianhe Sports Center.

Essential Transportation Apps for Guangzhou

Amap (Gaode Map)

Amap is a widely used navigation app in mainland China, known for its accurate traffic information and route planning. It provides detailed maps, real-time traffic conditions, public transportation routes, and bike-sharing options, making it a great tool for navigating the city.

Didi Chuxing

Didi is China’s leading ride-hailing app, offering various services like taxis, express cars, luxury vehicles, and carpooling. It allows users to easily book rides, track vehicles, estimate fares, and view trip histories, making it a must-have app for getting around the city efficiently.

Guangzhou Metro App

The Guangzhou Metro app is essential for anyone using the metro system in the city. It provides information on routes, transfers, travel times, and fares. It’s a handy tool for travelers and locals alike, helping to navigate the metro and other rail systems smoothly.

Baidu Maps

China’s version of Google Maps. It offers detailed directions, metro info, and walking routes. The interface is mostly in Chinese, but it’s reliable and accurate. Use Google Translate’s camera feature or Pleco to help.

Recommended Guangzhou Hotels

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Hotels Near Guangzhou Airport

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Guangzhou Must-see Attractions

Canton Tower

Standing at 604 meters, the Canton Tower is one of the tallest structures in the world. Visitors can enjoy panoramic city views from its observation decks, experience the world's highest Ferris wheel, or take a thrilling skywalk at dizzying heights.

Shamian Island

This tranquil, tree-lined island offers a rare glimpse into Guangzhou's colonial past. With its European-style architecture and serene atmosphere, it's a perfect spot for leisurely walks and photography.

Yuexiu Park

As the city's largest park, Yuexiu Park is home to the iconic Five Rams Sculpture, symbolizing Guangzhou's origin. The park also features the Zhenhai Tower and remnants of the Ming Dynasty city wall, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks

Nanyue King Museum

This museum showcases the tomb of Zhao Mo, the second king of the Nanyue Kingdom from the Western Han Dynasty. Visitors can explore the well-preserved tomb and view over 1,000 artifacts, providing insight into ancient Lingnan culture.

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Guangzhou Airport to City