Traveling from downtown Guangzhou to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is straightforward, with several transport options depending on your departure terminal, flight time and where you are staying in the city.

The airport is located approximately 28 kilometres north of central Guangzhou and serves both domestic and international flights. You can reach it by metro, intercity train, airport bus, taxi, private transfer or rental car.

How to Get from Guangzhou City Center to Baiyun Airport

  • Metro: a convenient way to reach the airport area while avoiding road traffic.
  • Intercity train: a direct rail connection from selected Guangzhou stations to the newer Terminal 3.
  • Airport bus: a practical choice from selected urban districts and transport hubs.
  • Taxi: a direct option if you prefer door-to-door transport.
  • Private transfer: ideal if you want to arrange your airport journey in advance.
  • Car rental: an option if you prefer to drive yourself to the airport.

Check Your Departure Terminal First

Baiyun Airport went through major terminal and transport changes in 2026, so the right route depends on whether your flight departs from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. Check your airline's departure terminal before you leave.

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

The metro is one of the most practical ways to travel from central Guangzhou to Baiyun Airport, especially at rush hour when road traffic is unpredictable.

Metro Line 3 connects central districts, including Tianhe, with the airport area. Depending on where you start, take the northbound line toward the airport or change to another line to reach the right connection.

Metro Connections to Baiyun Airport

Terminal 2

Direct Metro

Take Metro Line 3 toward the airport and get off at Airport North Station, then follow the signs to the terminal.

Terminal 3

Metro + Shuttle

Take Metro Line 3 or Line 9 to Gaozeng Station, leave via Exit B and transfer to the dedicated shuttle bus to Terminal 3.

Terminal 1

Check Updates

Check your airline's current terminal before you travel. The former Airport South metro station stopped regular service in May 2026.

From Tianhe, the metro journey to the Terminal 2 airport station usually takes around 35–40 minutes. For Terminal 3, allow extra time: the shuttle from Gaozeng takes about 15 minutes, and while it runs in line with metro hours, first and last departures can vary.

Tips for Taking the Metro to Baiyun Airport

  • Check your terminal before boarding the metro.
  • Allow extra time for the shuttle if you are departing from Terminal 3.
  • Check first and last train times if you have an early-morning or late-night flight.
  • Add extra time if your journey involves changing metro lines.

The metro is especially suitable if you are staying near a station and want to avoid road congestion.

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

Intercity rail is another convenient option, particularly if you are starting from a station on the Guangzhou East Ring intercity railway.

Terminal 3 is directly connected to Baiyun Airport East Station, on the lower level of its transportation center, so you can reach the terminal without an extra shuttle from a metro station. From Tianhe, a direct train from Keyun Road Station to Baiyun Airport East Station takes approximately 24 minutes.

Where to Take the Intercity Train

Tianhe District

Keyun Road Station is a useful departure point for Terminal 3, with direct trains taking about 24 minutes.

Guangzhou South Railway Station

You can use the intercity network to reach the airport, subject to the current timetable and connections.

Other urban districts

Stations on the Guangzhou East Ring intercity railway may offer convenient connections, depending on where you start.

After arriving at Baiyun Airport East Station, follow the signs to the Terminal 3 departure hall. Schedules vary by station and period, so check the latest timetable before setting off and confirm that your train stops at the station serving your terminal.

Intercity rail is particularly useful if you are departing from Terminal 3 and staying close to a connected station.

How to Get from Guangzhou City Center to Baiyun Airport by Airport Bus

Airport buses connect selected districts and transport hubs in Guangzhou with Baiyun Airport. They are a convenient alternative if you are staying near a stop or travelling when metro services are limited.

Routes serve different parts of the city, including selected locations in Tianhe, and some run overnight, which helps with late-night or early-morning departures.

Airport Bus Connections to Baiyun Airport

Departure points vary by route: depending on your location, you may board at a designated stop or a city transport hub. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 both have dedicated ground transportation facilities for airport buses, so confirm that your route serves your departure terminal before boarding.

Tips for Taking an Airport Bus

  • Check the route's final destination and terminal stop.
  • Confirm the latest departure time, especially overnight.
  • Allow extra time for traffic and possible delays.
  • Check whether you need to transfer to reach your departure terminal.

Airport buses suit travelers staying close to a direct airport route who prefer not to navigate several rail connections.

Take a Taxi from Guangzhou City Center to Baiyun Airport

A taxi takes you directly to Baiyun Airport from your hotel, apartment or business address. The journey from central Guangzhou generally takes around 30–60 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic, and can take longer at rush hour or in busy travel periods.

Unlike public transport, a taxi drops you right at your terminal's departure area, which is especially helpful with heavy luggage.

Tips for Taking a Taxi to Baiyun Airport

  • Confirm your departure terminal before you set off.
  • Have the terminal name and destination in Chinese if possible.
  • Allow extra time for traffic, especially during morning and evening commutes.
  • Ask to be dropped at the correct terminal's departure area.
  • Use an official taxi and confirm the destination before setting off.

A taxi is especially suitable for families, travelers with several bags and anyone who wants a direct journey without transfers.

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

A private airport transfer lets you arrange transport from your accommodation to Baiyun Airport in advance. Your driver collects you from your hotel, apartment or business address and takes you straight to your departure terminal. Depending on the service, you can set a specific pickup time, get help with luggage and choose a vehicle suited to your group.

Why Choose a Private Airport Transfer?

Door-to-door service

Travel directly from your accommodation to the airport.

Advance planning

Arrange your pickup before the day of departure.

Luggage convenience

No carrying bags through metro stations or bus terminals.

Flexible pickup

Choose a collection time that suits your flight.

Before booking, confirm your terminal, pickup address, flight time, luggage needs and expected journey time. A private transfer is especially useful for business travelers, families, groups and anyone unfamiliar with Guangzhou's transport network.

Book Private Transfer Now

Rent a Car to Get from Guangzhou City Center to Baiyun Airport

Driving to Baiyun Airport can be practical if you have rented a car during your stay or plan to keep travelling around Guangdong after your flight. Roads link central Guangzhou with the airport, but journey times vary considerably with traffic, so allow extra time to find the right terminal entrance and parking area.

Things to Consider Before Driving

  • Confirm the terminal your flight departs from.
  • Check the airport's current parking arrangements and access roads.
  • Allow extra time to return a rental car, if applicable.
  • Check the driving documents and licence requirements that apply to you.
  • Plan your route before leaving, especially at peak times.

Licence note: China does not recognize the International Driving Permit, so foreign visitors need a Chinese driving licence or a temporary driving permit to drive.

From central Guangzhou, public transport is often more predictable at busy times, but driving can be convenient if you need a flexible schedule or are travelling with several passengers.

Guangzhou City Center to Baiyun Airport FAQ

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is approximately 28 kilometres from downtown Guangzhou. The actual distance depends on your starting point and the terminal you need to reach.

It depends on your location, departure terminal and flight time. The metro avoids road traffic, intercity rail offers a direct connection to Terminal 3 from selected stations, and taxis or private transfers provide door-to-door transport.

Yes. Metro Line 3 connects central Guangzhou with the airport area. For Terminal 2, use Airport North Station; for Terminal 3, travel to Gaozeng Station and transfer to the airport shuttle bus.

By road, it usually takes around 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point. The metro from Tianhe to Airport North Station (Terminal 2) takes about 35–40 minutes, while the Terminal 3 route needs extra time for the shuttle. Intercity trains from selected stations can be faster.

Yes. Baiyun Airport East Station is directly connected to Terminal 3, and travelers from selected Guangzhou stations can reach it by intercity rail, subject to the current timetable and routes.

Yes. Airport buses connect selected urban districts and transport hubs with the airport. Routes, departure points and operating hours vary, so check the current schedule before you travel.

Yes. Taxis and pre-arranged private transfers are available late at night, and selected airport bus routes run overnight. The metro and the Terminal 3 shuttle have limited hours, so check the latest schedule if you have an early-morning flight.

Check your airline's latest flight information before leaving. Terminal arrangements changed in 2026, so plan your journey using the terminal shown on your booking or boarding pass.

Allow enough time for the journey, check-in, bag drop, security and any terminal transfers. Add a traffic buffer if travelling by road and extra time for the metro-and-shuttle route to Terminal 3, and follow your airline's recommended arrival time.

Confirm your departure terminal, transport operating hours, route and expected travel time. On public transport, check whether you need to change and whether the final station is within walking distance of your terminal.