Navigate Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) with confidence. Discover the current terminal layout, airline check-in areas, inter-terminal transport options, airport transfer procedures and the most practical ways to reach Guangzhou city centre.

Baiyun Airport Navigation at a Glance

Passenger Terminals

T2 and T3 are the principal operating terminals. T1 ceased passenger operations in May 2026.

Terminal Transfers

A complimentary airport shuttle connects the terminal complex. Confirm the latest departure point and schedule.

Rail Connections

Metro and intercity rail services connect the airport area with Guangzhou and other destinations.

Airport Assistance

Contact the airport service hotline at +86 20 96158 for assistance with current terminal arrangements.

Overview

Getting Around Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is a major international aviation hub serving Guangzhou and China's Greater Bay Area. Located north of central Guangzhou, the airport has undergone substantial infrastructure expansion, including the opening of Terminal 3 (T3) in October 2025 and a major operational transition in May 2026.

As of May 7, 2026, Terminal 1 has ceased passenger operations, with its remaining airlines relocated to Terminal 3. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are the principal passenger terminals to consider when planning a current journey. Always check the airport's latest announcements before travelling.

The Most Important Navigation Rule

Always confirm the operating terminal shown on the latest flight information. Terminal assignments can change following airline relocations, and a codeshare flight may use the terminal assigned to the airline actually operating the service rather than the airline whose code appears on the booking.

Terminal Layout

Terminal Layout and Operational Overview

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's expanded layout is designed to handle domestic, international and regional services across its terminal facilities. The current arrangement requires particular attention to T3, which received the remaining passenger operations from T1 in May 2026.

T1

Terminal 1 — Closed

Passenger operations ceased on May 7, 2026.

Do not travel to T1 for a flight unless a new official notice specifically directs you there. Former T1 services have been relocated.

T2

Terminal 2

Operating passenger terminal.

Confirm your airline's assigned terminal and check-in zone before arriving. Follow the terminal's departure and arrival signs.

T3

Terminal 3

Operating passenger terminal and recipient of former T1 airline operations.

Allow time to reach the correct check-in island and transport hub. International and domestic services use designated check-in areas.

Terminal 1 Is No Longer Handling Passenger Flights

Airlines previously operating from T1 have moved their passenger services to other terminals, primarily T3. If your itinerary or an older online guide still refers to T1, verify the latest arrangement with your airline before leaving for the airport.

T2

Terminal 2 (T2)

International and domestic passenger services

Terminal 2 remains an important passenger facility at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, serving domestic and international routes. It offers check-in areas, security screening, baggage reclaim, retail outlets, restaurants and connections to ground transportation.

How to Navigate T2

  • Enter the terminal and locate the flight information displays.
  • Confirm your airline's check-in island or counter zone before joining a queue.
  • After check-in or baggage drop, follow the signs to the appropriate security checkpoint.
  • Check your boarding pass and departure displays for the latest gate assignment.
  • For arrivals, follow the signs to baggage reclaim, customs where applicable, and the ground transport centre.

Useful Navigation Tip

International and domestic passengers may use different check-in zones and processing routes. Do not assume that every flight operated by the same airline uses the same counter area. Check the flight number and operating carrier before proceeding.

T3

Terminal 3 (T3)

Expanded domestic and international operations

Terminal 3 opened in October 2025 and subsequently expanded its role as airlines relocated from Terminal 1. Following the May 2026 transition, T3 became the destination for the remaining airlines formerly operating at T1. Its transport centre provides access to intercity rail connections and other ground transport options.

Check-In and Departure Areas

Published guidance following the May 2026 transition identifies the following check-in arrangements for selected airlines:

Island C

Domestic check-in operations; confirm the individual flight assignment.

Island D

Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Capital Airlines and selected other carriers.

Island E

China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Spring Airlines, subject to the latest operating arrangements.

Islands G, H & K

Primarily international and regional check-in operations; consult the flight displays for your specific counter.

Check-in islands can change. This allocation is a navigation reference, not a guarantee for every flight or date.

Getting Around T3

Use the main departure displays to identify your check-in island.
Follow signs for security, immigration and international departures as applicable.
Allow extra walking time between the check-in hall, security and a distant boarding gate.
For arrivals, follow the designated baggage reclaim and customs route.
For ground transport, follow signs to the T3 transportation centre rather than relying on older T1 station directions.
Airlines

Airline Terminal Allocation

Airline assignments at Baiyun have changed significantly as part of the airport's expansion. The following overview covers selected airline groups and the importance of checking the actual flight assignment.

Air China (CA)

T3

Relocated passenger services. Check the flight-specific counter and terminal.

Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)

T3

Relocated passenger services. Check the operating carrier and check-in island.

Hainan Airlines (HU)

T3

Relocated passenger services. Check the flight-specific check-in assignment.

Shandong Airlines (SC)

T3

Check the check-in island and departure gate.

China Eastern (MU)

Check

Selected services use T3. Check domestic versus international flight and the operating carrier.

Shanghai Airlines (FM)

Check

Selected services use T3. Check the flight number and current airport display.

International & Regional Carriers

T2 / T3

Terminal depends on the current assignment. Check the airline notification and airport flight information.

Always Check the Operating Carrier

Codeshare bookings may display a marketing airline that is different from the company operating the aircraft. Check the flight number, operating carrier and terminal together. The boarding pass and the latest airport or airline notice should take priority over a general terminal guide.

Inter-Terminal Transfers

Inter-Terminal Distances and Transfer Options

Passengers changing terminals should plan the entire transfer, not just the vehicle journey. Walking to the pickup point, waiting for a shuttle, travelling between terminals and completing check-in or security can all add time.

T2T3

Recommended: Intercity rail or complimentary airport shuttle

Rail journey approximately 6 minutes; shuttle journey can take around 30 minutes.

Include station access, waiting and terminal walking time.

T3City

Recommended: Intercity rail, shuttle plus Metro, taxi or airport bus

Journey time varies by destination and service schedule.

Check last train times before planning a late-night transfer.

T1T3

Recommended: Airport shuttle for legacy access or vehicle retrieval needs

Rail connection historically took approximately 5 minutes between the relevant stations.

T1 passenger operations ceased in May 2026. Verify current station access and any temporary arrangements.

T1T2

Recommended: Airport shuttle, where available for the required journey

Actual total time depends on service frequency and traffic.

Do not assume that a legacy T1 entrance or station is open to passengers.

Journey times are indicative and are not guaranteed connection times. Rail and shuttle schedules, access arrangements and transfer services may change.

The Golden Rule for Baiyun Airport Connections

A short inter-terminal vehicle journey does not guarantee a short connection. Allow additional time for shuttle waiting, terminal walking, baggage collection, immigration, customs, airline check-in and security. If your itinerary requires collecting and rechecking baggage or changing from an international to a domestic flight, confirm the exact procedure with your airline before travelling.

Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Terminals

Use this procedure when your arrival and departure flights operate from different terminals at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.

1

Confirm Your Destination Terminal

Check the onward flight number, operating airline and departure terminal using your booking details and current airport displays.

2

Complete Arrival Formalities

Follow the appropriate arrival route. For international arrivals requiring entry into China, complete immigration and customs procedures and collect baggage if required.

3

Use the Correct Transfer Service

Follow official signs to the inter-terminal shuttle or rail connection. Confirm the current boarding point and service hours before leaving the terminal.

4

Check In and Reach Your Gate

Complete any required baggage drop, check-in, immigration or security screening. Check the departure display again before walking to the gate.

At the wrong terminal?

If you discover that you are at the wrong terminal and departure is approaching, contact airline staff immediately. Airport guidance published in 2026 advises passengers with less than 60 minutes before departure to contact their airline directly for assistance.

Ground Transport

How to Travel Between Baiyun Airport and Guangzhou City

The airport's ground transportation network includes Metro connections, intercity rail, shuttle buses, taxis, ride-hailing services and airport coaches. The best route depends on your terminal, final destination, arrival time and luggage requirements.

Metro and Shuttle

Metro Line 3 is a major route between the airport area and central Guangzhou. Since T3 does not have the same direct Metro access as the former T1 facilities, passengers may need to use the dedicated shuttle to Gaozeng Station and transfer to the Metro network.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who can accommodate a transfer and are travelling during operating hours.

Intercity Rail

The airport's intercity rail connections link the terminal transport network with Guangzhou and other cities in the Greater Bay Area. T3 passengers can access Baiyun Airport East Station through the T3 transportation centre.

Best for: Travellers heading to rail-connected districts or destinations outside central Guangzhou.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing

Official taxi ranks and designated ride-hailing pickup areas serve the airport. At T3, published guidance identifies taxi pickup near Gates 72 and 75 on the arrivals level and ride-hailing facilities in the P12 parking area; follow current signs on arrival.

Best for: Families, late arrivals, travellers with several bags and passengers travelling directly to a hotel.

Airport Shuttle and Coaches

Airport shuttle services connect terminal facilities, while airport coaches serve selected urban and regional destinations. Shuttle routes and coach departure points vary, so confirm the destination and the last departure before boarding.

Best for: Passengers travelling to a designated coach stop or transferring between airport facilities.

Essential Navigation Tips for First-Time Visitors

Check Your Terminal Before Departure

Use the latest airline notification and airport flight information rather than an older website or saved itinerary.

Keep Your Boarding Pass Accessible

Your boarding pass and flight number help staff identify the correct check-in island and departure gate.

Allow Time for Security and Immigration

International departures and arrivals can involve additional checks. Do not base your connection plan on the vehicle journey alone.

Plan for Late-Night Travel

Metro and rail services have operating-hour limits. Check the final departure and consider a taxi or other available transport if arriving late.

Check Baggage Transfer Arrangements

Ask whether your baggage is checked through to the final destination or must be collected and checked in again at the connecting terminal.

Ask Airport Staff for Help

For terminal confusion or transfer questions, seek assistance from airport staff or call the airport service hotline at +86 20 96158.

Essential Baiyun Airport Navigation Takeaways

Terminal 1 ceased passenger operations on May 7, 2026; check whether your flight is assigned to T2 or T3.
Terminal 3 now handles the relocated passenger services from T1, including the airlines moved during the May 2026 transition.
Use official flight displays and airline notifications to confirm your check-in island and departure gate.
Inter-terminal transfers may involve a shuttle or rail connection, waiting time and additional security or immigration procedures.
T3 passengers can use the transportation centre for intercity rail, taxis, ride-hailing and other ground transport options.
For current terminal and transfer assistance, contact Guangzhou Baiyun Airport at +86 20 96158.

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Navigation: Frequently Asked Questions

Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are the principal passenger terminals following the May 2026 operational transition. Terminal 1 ceased passenger operations on May 7, 2026. Always check the latest airport notice for any subsequent changes.

Terminal 1 ceased passenger operations on May 7, 2026, when the remaining airlines operating there moved to Terminal 3. Passengers should not go to T1 for a flight unless a new official announcement specifically instructs them to do so.

Check your airline's latest flight notification, booking details and the airport's flight information displays. Confirm the operating carrier as well as the flight number, particularly for codeshare services.

Passengers can use the airport's intercity rail connection or the complimentary terminal shuttle. The rail journey between the relevant stations is approximately six minutes, while the shuttle journey may take around 30 minutes. Allow extra time for walking and waiting, and check current service information before departure.

Airport authorities have published information about a complimentary shuttle connecting the terminal complex. The boarding point, frequency and access arrangements may change, especially during the T1 transition, so confirm the current details with airport staff.

Options include intercity rail, a shuttle connection to Gaozeng Metro Station, airport coaches, taxis and ride-hailing services. The best route depends on your destination and arrival time. Check the final train departure if travelling late at night.

This depends on your itinerary, whether the transfer remains within a designated secure transit area, and the applicable immigration and security procedures. Follow the airport's transfer signs and confirm the requirements with your airline rather than assuming that every terminal change follows the same process.

Published T3 transport guidance identifies taxi pickup near Gates 72 and 75 on the arrivals level and ride-hailing facilities in the P12 parking area. Follow the current airport signs, as access points and vehicle pickup arrangements may be updated.

Contact airline or airport staff immediately and explain your departure time. Ask for the fastest currently available transfer option. If departure is imminent, contact your airline directly rather than relying solely on a shuttle connection.

The airport's published service hotline is +86 20 96158. Contact the airport for assistance with terminal navigation, transfer arrangements and current passenger service information.