Guangzhou · China
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is situated approximately 28 kilometres north of central Guangzhou in Guangdong Province. The airport operates two primary passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, serving as a major international entry point into southern China and the Pearl River Delta region.
Terminals
- Terminal 1
- Serves a wide selection of international and domestic carriers alongside partner airlines.
- Terminal 2
- Primary hub for China Southern Airlines and major SkyTeam partner carriers operating international and domestic routes.
Arriving
International arrivals follow a structured path from the gate through passport inspection, baggage retrieval, and customs clearance.
- Follow clear overhead signage for International Arrivals and Inspection upon disembarking.
- Complete the arrival card if required, or scan your passport at the self-service registration kiosks prior to immigration queueing.
- Proceed through National Immigration Administration passport control counters for entry stamp processing or visa-free transit checks.
- Collect checked luggage from the designated baggage carousels listed on electronic displays in the reclaim area.
- Pass through China Customs inspection, submitting your baggage for X-ray screening or declaring goods at the red channel if necessary.
Getting to the city
Train
Guangzhou Metro (Line 3)
Departs directly from Airport South Station (Terminal 1) and Airport North Station (Terminal 2) into central Guangzhou locations such as Tiyu Xilu.
- Time:
- roughly 30-45 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically CNY 7-12
Train
Airport Express Bus
Scheduled express coach routes connecting both terminals to key hotel districts, transit hubs, and surrounding cities in Guangdong.
- Time:
- roughly 45-70 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically CNY 18-30
Taxi
Official Taxi
Licenced metered taxis available at designated taxi ranks outside the arrivals levels of T1 and T2; toll fees apply separately.
- Time:
- roughly 40-60 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically CNY 100-160
Ride-hailing
Ride-Hailing App (DiDi)
Pick-up locations are designated in specific airport parking structures via ride-hailing mobile applications.
- Time:
- roughly 40-60 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically CNY 90-150
Connections & transfers
Transfer pathways cater to domestic-to-international, international-to-domestic, and international-to-international passengers.
- Inter-terminal transfers between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 can be made via Guangzhou Metro Line 3 or the free airport shuttle bus.
- International-to-international transfer passengers should follow designated transfer signs inside the terminal to complete security checks without exiting to landside.
- Passengers holding through-tickets should verify with their airline whether checked luggage is transferred automatically to the final destination.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi coverage is provided throughout Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Select the official airport network name displayed on your device.
- Authentication typically requires SMS verification via a mobile phone number or passport scanning at self-service Wi-Fi kiosks.
- Ensure roaming or local connection capability to receive the verification SMS code.
Money, cards & tipping
Currency exchange booths and international ATMs are distributed across both terminals.
- ATMs supporting major international card networks (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay) are situated in the arrival halls.
- Currency exchange counters operate in landside and airside areas for major international currencies.
- Mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are universally accepted, though cash (Renminbi/CNY) remains legally accepted.
Food & drink
A wide variety of Cantonese dining options and international food chains are available in T1 and T2.
- Both traditional Cantonese dim sum restaurants and Western fast-food outlets operate across public and departure areas.
- Options are available both landside before security and airside near departure gates.
- Several dining venues in major departure areas remain open for late-night flights.
Lounges & rest
Airline-branded lounges and independent pay-per-use lounges are located in both terminals.
- China Southern Airlines operates premium passenger lounges in Terminal 2.
- Pay-per-use lounges accessible via lounge membership programmes or walk-in payment are located in T1 and T2 airside.
- Facilities generally offer light meals, quiet seating, Wi-Fi, and shower amenities.
Airport hotels
On-site and nearby accommodation serves travellers with overnight stays or long layovers.
- The Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Hotel is directly connected to Terminal 1 via a covered walkway.
- Short-stay hourly rest zones and sleep pods are available inside the airport precinct.
- Numerous airport hotels in the surrounding district provide complimentary shuttle transfers for guests.
Baggage & customs
Baggage deposit, wrapping, and lost property services operate within the public terminal zones.
- Left luggage storage facilities are available in the main departure and arrival concourses of T1 and T2.
- Baggage wrapping counters operate near main check-in islands prior to security screening.
- Inquiries regarding lost checked luggage should be directed to your airline's baggage service desk in the reclaim area.
Family & accessibility
Travelling families have access to dedicated care rooms and child-friendly facilities.
- Baby care rooms equipped with changing tables and nursing chairs are situated adjacent to major restroom facilities.
- Children's play areas are available airside in both main terminals.
- Stroller assistance can be requested through individual airline customer service desks.
Facilities
- Baby care rooms
- Luggage storage
- Currency exchange
- International ATMs
- Medical clinic
- Charging stations
- Duty-free shopping
- Prayer rooms
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: Police: 110, Medical: 120, Fire: 119.
- National emergency numbers in China are 110 for Police, 120 for Ambulance, and 119 for Fire.
- Airport medical stations located in T1 and T2 provide basic first aid and emergency medical response.
- Contact your embassy or local police desks inside the terminal immediately if your passport is lost or stolen.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Official PortalOfficial airport source
- National Immigration Administration of the People's Republic of ChinaGovernment source
- General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of ChinaGovernment source
- Guangzhou Metro Official SiteOfficial transit source
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of ChinaGovernment source
Guide last reviewed August 15, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.