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CAN

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou, China

Where to start
Guangzhou Metro (Line 3)

One of China's three major hub airports, 28 km north of central Guangzhou. The Guangzhou Metro is excellent — Line 3 (North Extension) connects both terminals directly to the city centre in about 35–40 minutes. DiDi is the only major ride-hailing app in China. Guangzhou is also a major high-speed rail hub — Guangzhou South (HSR) and Guangzhou East stations are accessible by metro for connections to Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and beyond.

Ride Options

Guangzhou Metro (Line 3 / Line 8)

transit

Fastest and lowest-cost way into central Guangzhou

AvailabilityApprox 06:00–23:00, every 3–6 min peak, 8–10 min off-peak
Pickup NoteMetro stations are directly inside T1 and T2 — follow the Metro signs inside arrivals. Line 3 (North Extension): Airport T1/T2 → Jichang Nan → Renhe → Tonghe →... → Tianhe Coach Terminal → Guangzhou East Station (~40 min, ). Line 8 (North Extension): Airport T2 → Hua Du →... → connects to Line 8 main network. Buy a stored-value transit card ( incl. deposit) at the Metro service counter for all future trips. Single-journey tokens also available at machines.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

DiDi (滴滴) — International App

rideshare

Door-to-door to any Guangzhou address — only major ride-hailing app in China

AvailabilityAvailable 24/7 — Uber does NOT operate in China
Pickup NoteDownload 'DiDi International' before landing — accepts Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and international cards. Go to the designated DiDi/ride-hailing pickup zone outside arrivals on the ground floor of T1 or T2. Fare estimates: to Tianhe CBD | to Guangzhou East Station | to Yuexiu (old city centre) | to Guangzhou South HSR Station Journey: 30–55 min depending on traffic.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Airport Coach Bus (机场大巴)

shuttle

Budget transfer to specific city districts or nearby cities

AvailabilityMultiple routes, roughly 07:00–last flight
Pickup NoteBus stop outside the arrivals exits of T1 and T2. Fare within Guangzhou, to Shenzhen/Dongguan/Foshan. Key routes: Line 1 → Guangzhou Railway Station | Line 2 → Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town | Line 3 → Guangzhou South HSR | Shenzhen Line → Shenzhen Airport / Futian. Tickets at the kiosk. Useful for direct city connections without changing trains.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Licensed Metered Taxi

taxi

Direct transfer with large luggage — no app needed

AvailabilityAvailable 24/7 at official rank outside T1 and T2
Pickup NoteOfficial taxi rank outside arrivals exits. Join the managed queue. Flag fall then /km day / /km night (23:00–07:00). Estimated Tianhe CBD | Guangzhou East Station | Yuexiu Journey: 30–50 min. Highway toll may apply. NEVER accept offers from touts inside the terminal.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

SIXT Ride — Pre-booked Airport Transfer

Private Transfer

Fixed-rate door-to-door — driver meets you in arrivals

AvailabilityPre-book via SIXT app or website
Pickup NoteDriver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. Fixed price, flight tracking, up to 60 min free waiting. Useful for business travellers or groups with heavy luggage.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Book Transfer

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

DiDi (滴滴) is the only major ride-hailing app in mainland China. Download DiDi International before your flight — it accepts international credit cards and does not require a Chinese phone number. Designated DiDi pickup zones are on the arrivals level outside both T1 and T2.

Taxi

Official taxi ranks are outside the arrivals exits of T1 and T2. Join the official queue only — never accept unsolicited offers from drivers inside the terminal. All taxis are metered. Flag fall then /km.

Shuttle

Airport coach buses depart from outside both terminals. Multiple routes serve Guangzhou districts and nearby cities including Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Foshan. Buy tickets at the kiosk near the exit.

Transit

Guangzhou Metro Lines 3 and 8 stations are directly accessible from T1 and T2 via indoor walkways. Follow the Metro signs inside the terminal.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

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Local Tips

  • Download DiDi International and add your credit card before you land — it is the only major ride-hailing app and is essential for getting around China.
  • Guangzhou South Railway Station connects via high-speed rail to Hong Kong West Kowloon (55 min), Shenzhen (30 min), and cities across China. Accessible by Metro Line 2 or DiDi from the airport.
  • Metro Line 3 (north extension) connects CAN to central Guangzhou in ~30-45 min.
  • DiDi is the dominant ride-hailing app — pickup at the designated rideshare zone outside arrivals.
  • DiDi is the dominant Chinese rideshare at CAN — Uber sold its China business in 2016. Set up DiDi with a foreign card before arrival.