When you arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), you have several ways to reach downtown Guangzhou. Whether you are visiting for business, sightseeing or a connecting trip, you can choose between the metro, intercity trains, airport buses, taxis and private transfers.

28 km Distance

Located 28 km north of central Guangzhou, with direct road and rail connections.

30–60 Min Travel

Metro, intercity rail or taxi journeys to Tianhe and the central districts.

Late-Night Options

Official taxis, private transfers and night express buses for late-night arrivals.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located approximately 28 kilometres from downtown Guangzhou. Travel times depend on your final destination, traffic conditions and the terminal where you arrive.

Main Transportation Options at a Glance

  • Metro: a convenient way to reach central Guangzhou while avoiding road traffic.
  • Intercity train: fast rail connections from the airport to several urban districts and railway hubs.
  • Taxi: a direct, door-to-door option from designated airport pickup points.
  • Private transfer: a pre-arranged, comfortable choice straight to your hotel door.
  • Airport bus: a practical option for reaching different parts of the city, including selected overnight routes.
  • Car rental: suitable if you want to explore Guangzhou and the wider region independently.

How to Get from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to the City Center by Metro

The metro is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to the city center. It reaches the major urban districts and lets you avoid road congestion during busy periods.

Guangzhou Metro Line 3 connects the airport area with key destinations, including Guangzhou East Railway Station and Tiyu Xilu in Tianhe District. Depending on your destination, the journey to Tianhe usually takes around 35–55 minutes.

Metro Stations at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

The airport has several terminals, and the nearest metro connection depends on where your flight arrives:

Terminal 2 Direct Metro

Follow the signs to the transportation center and the northern rail and metro connections. Metro Line 3 is directly accessible at Airport North Station.

Terminal 3 Shuttle + Metro

Take the dedicated shuttle bus (about 15 minutes) from the transportation center to Gaozeng Metro Station, then transfer to Metro Line 3 or Line 9.

Terminal 1 Check Updates

Check current station information before travelling. Following the May 2026 terminal changes, the former Airport South Station is no longer a regular stop.

Metro services typically run from around 6:00 AM to about 11:00 PM, although first and last trains vary by station and direction. Always check the latest timetable before you travel.

Tips for Taking the Metro

  • Follow airport signage to the metro and check your direction of travel before boarding.
  • Allow extra time if you are taking the shuttle bus from Terminal 3 to Gaozeng Station.
  • If your hotel is outside Tianhe, check whether you need to change lines.
  • Keep your luggage manageable, especially during peak commuting hours.

How to Get from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to the City Center by Intercity Train

Intercity rail is another way to reach Guangzhou's urban districts. It is especially useful if you are heading to a railway hub or a destination on the wider regional rail network.

Terminal 3 has its own station, Baiyun Airport East Station, inside its transportation center. From there, intercity services connect with destinations across the Guangzhou metropolitan area and neighbouring cities. If you are heading to Tianhe, trains to Keyun Road Station offer a direct connection (about 24 minutes from Terminal 3 and about 31 minutes from Terminal 2).

Terminal 3 Station

Follow the signs to the western transportation center and Baiyun Airport East Station for direct rail departures.

Terminal 2 Station

Head to the northern transportation hub and follow the signs for intercity rail services.

Take a Taxi from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to the City Center

A taxi takes you directly from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to your hotel or any address in the city. Unlike public transport, you do not need to change lines or carry luggage through stations.

The journey to central Guangzhou generally takes around 30–60 minutes, depending on your destination and traffic. It can take longer during rush hour or busy holiday periods.

Official Taxi Pickup Stands

  • Terminal 2: designated taxi stands on the east and west sides of the transportation center.
  • Terminal 3: domestic arrivals near Gate 72; international arrivals near Gate 75.

Important Taxi Tips

  • Always use official taxi ranks and never accept unsolicited ride offers inside the terminals.
  • Have your destination address printed or displayed in Chinese characters.

How to Book a Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to the City Center

A private airport transfer suits travelers who prefer to arrange transport before arriving in Guangzhou. With a pre-booked transfer, your driver meets you at an agreed pickup point and takes you directly to your hotel or business address.

Door-to-Door Convenience

Travel straight to your destination without metro line changes or carrying heavy luggage through stations.

Flight Tracking and Meet Service

Drivers monitor your flight, wait for delayed arrivals, help with baggage and provide a personal meet-and-greet.

Book Private Transfer Now

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to City Center by Airport Bus

Airport buses connect Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with several parts of the city. They are useful for reaching selected neighbourhoods and transport hubs without taking the metro or booking a private vehicle.

Terminal 3 Bus Services

Depart from the western bus terminal in T3's transportation center and connect to central locations such as Tianhe Sports Center, with selected routes running late at night.

Terminal 2 Bus Services

Depart from T2's transportation center and serve major commercial hubs in Tianhe and other key districts of Guangzhou.

Rent a Car at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Renting a car gives you more flexibility if you plan to visit several places during your stay or travel beyond the city across Guangdong Province. However, driving into central Guangzhou can be slowed by congestion, and parking around commercial districts can be difficult.

Check your licence first: China does not recognize the International Driving Permit, so foreign visitors need a Chinese driving licence or a temporary driving permit to drive. Also consider peak-hour traffic and hotel parking before choosing a rental car over public transport or a direct transfer.

Baiyun Airport to City Center FAQ

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is approximately 28 kilometres from downtown Guangzhou. The actual travel time depends on your destination district and traffic conditions.

It depends on your needs. The metro is ideal for avoiding road congestion and reaching commercial hubs. Taxis and private transfers offer door-to-door convenience, while intercity trains and airport buses suit specific hotels or regional destinations.

Yes. Guangzhou Metro Line 3 connects the airport area with central districts such as Tianhe, including Tiyu Xilu and Guangzhou East Station. From Terminal 3, take the 15-minute shuttle to Gaozeng Metro Station to reach Line 3.

By taxi or private transfer, it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. The metro to Tianhe typically takes 35 to 55 minutes, while intercity trains take around 24 to 31 minutes to stations such as Keyun Road.

Yes. Express airport buses serve several districts, including Tianhe Sports Center and other city hubs. Routes and frequencies vary by terminal and time of day.

Yes. Taxis and pre-arranged private transfers run 24/7, and selected express bus routes operate overnight after the metro closes (around 11:00 PM).

Follow official signage to the designated ranks. At Terminal 3, taxi stands are near Gate 72 (domestic) and Gate 75 (international). At Terminal 2, follow the signs to the east or west taxi stands in the transportation center.

No. Although the airport is open 24/7, Metro Line 3 typically runs between about 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM. If you arrive after 11:00 PM, use a taxi, private transfer or night bus.

The airport has three terminal buildings: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. After airlines moved from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in 2026, most flights use Terminals 2 and 3, so always check your airline's assigned terminal before planning ground transport.

Confirm your arrival terminal, have your destination address in Chinese characters, check public transport operating hours and allow time for the shuttle if you are taking the metro from Terminal 3.