Getting from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to downtown? See 4 best ways. Compare prices, travel times, and pro tips from me (a Guangdong, China local👀)
About Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Credit: Wikipedia
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (IATA: CAN) is the main airport of Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, China (Airport area: 14.4 square kilometers). It is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the center of Guangzhou and is one of the busiest airports in the country. The airport has two main terminals (T1 and T2), which serve as the hub for major airlines such as China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines.
Guangzhou Airport Information | |
IATA Code | CAN |
Distance from City | 28 km (17 miles) |
Terminals | T1 (Domestic & International), T2 (Modern) |
Major Airlines | China Southern, Shenzhen Airlines |
4 Ways to Get from Guangzhou Airport to City
Credit: Wikipedia
Choose the subway which is fast and cheap, taxis that come to your door conveniently, shuttle buses that arrive late at night, or renting a car for the best flexibility!
Option | Cost (USD) | Travel Time | Availability | Route/Notes |
Metro (Line 3) | $1–1.50 | 45 mins | 6:00 AM–11:15 PM | Direct to Tianhe Coach Terminal; avoid rush hours |
Taxi/Ride Hailing | $14–21 (taxi) | 40–60 mins | 24/7 | Metered taxis or Didi; use Chinese address |
Airport Shuttle Bus | $3–4.20 | 60–90 mins | 5:00 AM–1:00 AM (varies) | Multiple routes (e.g., Railway Station, Tianhe) |
Private Car Rental | $35–70/day | 40–60 mins | 24/7 (pre-book advised) | Includes insurance; IDP & passport required |
407600 booked
Cheap Flights to Guangzhou Airport
If you want to find the cheapest flight to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, you can use comparison tools like Trip.com. Booking in advance and traveling during the off-season can help save costs.
- Platforms like Trip.com track the prices of various airlines, including China Southern Airlines, Emirates Airlines and Air China, which usually offer competitive prices.
- Avoid peak tourist periods like the Spring Festival (January/February) and choose off-peak seasons such as March to April or September to October.
- Cheap flights can land in Shenzhen (SZX) or Hong Kong (HKG), and you can take a high-speed train to Guangzhou (about 1 hour).
Guangzhou Airport to City | By Metro
Credit: Wikipedia
If you are looking for a fast, cheap and reliable way to get from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to the city center, the subway is your best choice! Guangzhou Metro Line 3 (Airport Line) takes you directly to the city center within 45 minutes. The train departs every 5 to 7 minutes from ~ 6 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. every day, suitable for early arrival or late departure.
- Route: Depart from Airport South Station (Terminal 1/ Terminal 2) by metro and get off at Tianhe Long-Distance Bus Terminal. Pass through key stations such as Jiahe Wanggang (transfer to Line 2) and Tiyu West Road (near Canton Tower).
- Cost: 7 to 10 RMB (approximately 1 to 1.50 US dollars) for a one-way trip. Use the automatic ticket vending machine (English option is optional) or swipe your Yangchengtong public transport Card.
Pro Tip: Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM) if you’re lugging heavy bags—trains get packed!
Guangzhou Airport to City | By Taxi/Ride Hailing
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For door-to-door convenience, taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi (China’s Uber) are a stress-free option. Taxis queue 24/7 outside both terminals, while ride-hailing pickups are in designated zones (follow airport signs).
Cost
- Taxi: ¥100-150 (approximately $14- $21), 40-60 minutes' ride, depending on traffic conditions.
- Didi: Economy cars are slightly cheaper, costing 80 to 120 yuan (approximately 11 to 17 US dollars).
Route: Drivers usually take the Guangzhou Airport Expressway, but during peak hours (7-9 a.m. and 5-8 p.m.), traffic congestion can increase the time by more than 20 minutes.
Insist on taking official taxis (with a meter) or Didi. Ignore the salespeople providing hitchhiking services in the terminal building. Fill in the hotel address in Chinese (using a translation software) and show it to the driver. Most taxi drivers can't speak English.
Guangzhou Airport to City | By Airport Shuttle Bus
Credit: Wikivoyage
The 24/7 shuttle bus at the airport is a cost-effective option, especially for those traveling alone or living near major hubs. Multiple lines cover key areas such as the city center of Guangzhou, railway stations and popular regions.
Route | Destination | Operating Hours | Frequency | Fare (≈ USD) |
Airport Express Line 1 | Guangzhou Railway Station | 5:00 AM–1:00 AM | 15–20 mins | ¥22 (≈ $3) |
Airport Express Line 5 | Pazhou Complex | 6:30 AM–10:30 PM | 30 mins | ¥25 (≈ $3.50) |
Night Line | Tianhe District | 1:00 AM–5:00 AM | Hourly | ¥25–30 (≈ $3.50–4.20) |
- Travel Time: 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Tickets: Buy at the shuttle bus counters in Terminal 1 or 2.
Guangzhou Airport to City | By Private Car Rental
Credit: Unsplash
Want ultimate flexibility? Rent a car at CAN! Compare global brands on Trip.com, such as Hertz, Avis and Budget, along with local suppliers, have service desks at both terminals.
- Cost: 250-500 yuan per day for economy class (approximately 35-70 US dollars). Including basic insurance; Fuel and tolls.
- Requirements: Valid driver's license, passport, and international driver's license (IDP).
- Route: Follow the signs to the central expressway of Guangzhou (40-60 minutes). Use apps such as Autonavi Map (Chinese) for real-time navigation.
- Tip: Book online in advance to get discounts and avoid delays in paperwork after the flight takes off.
Guangzhou Airport Departures & Arrivals – Stress-Free Guide
Credit: Wikipedia
As someone who has landed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) many times, I have learned some tips for getting through departure and arrival flights easily.
Departures:
Before taking off, I always check the real-time schedule on the airport's official website or apps like Trip.com. For international flights, I will arrive 2 to 3 hours in advance - believe me, during peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the queues at the immigration office and security checkpoints may last for several days. Domestic flights? Just relax for 1 to 2 hours. Tip: Carry a power bank with you (China has strict regulations on lithium batteries in checked luggage).
Credit: Wikipedia
Arrivals:
Once you land, follow the neon-green “Baggage Claim” signs – they’re everywhere. After grabbing your suitcase, head to customs (if international). I once got stuck behind a tour group here, so move fast if you want to beat the crowd! Free Wi-Fi is available (register with a passport scan), but I pre-download my Didi app or metro map just in case.
Credit: Wikipedia
Aspect | Departures | Arrivals |
Check-In Time | 2-3 hrs (International), 1-2 hrs (Domestic) | - |
Key Steps | Bag drop, security, immigration (international) | Baggage claim, customs, transportation |
Wi-Fi Access | Free (register at hotspots) | Free (same as departures) |
Pro Tips | Use self-check-in kiosks to skip lines | Pre-book a taxi/Didi to avoid queues |
My CAN Airport Tips:
- Departing passengers: A reusable water bottle (empty before passing through security) - Water replenishment station near Gate B50+ of Terminal 2.
- Arrival: Take a screenshot of your hotel address in Chinese - Taxi drivers seldom speak English.
- Download AMAP or Baidu Maps (Google Maps doesn't work well here).
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Guangzhou Airport to City
How much is a taxi from Guangzhou airport to city?
The taxi fare from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the urban area is about 100 - 130 yuan, and it usually takes 30 - 40 minutes to reach the urban area, subject to the specific destination. The starting price within the urban area is 10 yuan, and it is charged by the meter. After exceeding 2.5 kilometers, it is 2.6 yuan per kilometer. If the driving distance exceeds 35 kilometers, a 50% empty - driving fee will be added.How do I get to Guangzhou from Guangzhou airport?
You can choose the following ways. Metro: Take Metro Line 3, get off at Airport South Station for T1 terminal, and get off at Airport North Station for T2 terminal, which can directly reach the urban area. Bus: There are 4 airport express lines, 9 airport shuttle lines, 1 Zengcheng line, 1 Conghua line and 1 Guangzhou South Station line in Guangzhou, which pass through major hotels, large - scale plazas and transportation hubs in the city. Taxi: The taxi pick - up points of T1 terminal are set outside A8 door, and those of B area are set outside B4 and B8 doors of the arrival hall. You can also take a ride - hailing car, which is more convenient for carrying a lot of luggage, but the cost is relatively high.Does Guangzhou airport have a metro?
Yes, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has a metro. Metro Line 3 and its northern extension line pass through the airport. The Airport South Station corresponds to T1 terminal, and the Airport North Station corresponds to T2 terminal. Passengers can take the metro for free between the two terminals, or take the free shuttle bus.What to do in Guangzhou airport for 8 hours?
You can first go to the counter of the free one - day tour in Guangzhou for transit without visa opened by the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports in the airport arrival area. If you are a visa - free entry passenger, you can enjoy a free tour of attractions such as Yuexiu Park and Chen Clan Academy, and taste authentic Cantonese dim sum after online reservation. You can also visit the duty - free shops in the airport to buy various international brand goods. In addition, you can use the free luggage storage service of the airport (transfer passengers within 48 hours (inclusive) can enjoy it), and then go to the free lounge in the restricted area to rest, or experience the free overnight rest area outside the restricted area, which provides free lounge chairs, massage chairs and other services.Does Guangzhou airport have a train station?
Currently, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport does not have a directly - connected train station. However, the Pearl River Delta Hub (Guangzhou New) Airport under construction will have a high - speed rail station. The high - speed rail station of the Pearl River Delta Hub (Guangzhou New) Airport is a underground station, with a yard scale of 6 platforms and 14 tracks, shared by high - speed rail and inter - city rail, which is expected to be put into use with the opening of the Pearl River Delta (Nanshen) high - speed rail next year.How do I pay for public transport in Guangzhou?
- Mobile payment：You can open the "Guangzhou Public Transport Fare Collection Code" in Alipay, WeChat and other relevant mini - programs, and use this electronic code to take the subway and buses in Guangzhou and Foshan. In addition, the Yangchengtong Fare Collection Code mini - programs on WeChat and Alipay have launched the digital RMB payment function. After opening a wallet in the digital RMB APP, you can authorize Yangchengtong to open digital RMB password - free payment, and the payment can be made automatically.
- Digital RMB payment：Guangzhou has achieved full - scene digital RMB application in subways. The Guangzhou Metro APP fare collection code, self - service ticket vending machines, and passenger service processing scenarios all support digital RMB payment. At the same time, all electronic charging terminals of more than 16,000 buses in the city fully support the use of digital RMB for payment, covering various bus lines.
- Physical card payment：You can purchase and recharge the Yangchengtong physical card at the Yangchengtong service center, the customer service center of Guangzhou Metro stations, in - station self - service card vending equipment, and more than 1,000 offline chain channels such as 7 - 11 convenience stores and FamilyMart convenience stores, and use it to take public transportation. In addition, bank cards with quick - pass functions can also be used to take the subway.
- Cash payment：When taking a taxi, you can pay in cash, and the driver will provide change service. When buying a single - journey ticket at the subway self - service ticket vending machine, you can also pay in cash, and the vending machine accepts 1 - yuan coins, as well as 5 - yuan, 10 - yuan and 20 - yuan banknotes.
How much is the 3 - day pass in Guangzhou Metro?
The 3 - day pass of Guangzhou Metro is 50 yuan per ticket. After the first gate - in, you can take the subway unlimited times, regardless of distance and line within 72 hours.