Guangzhou Airport to City: Best Transport Options & Travel Tips

Arriving in Guangzhou might feel overwhelming at first, but reaching the city is actually straightforward. From Baiyun International Airport (CAN), you have several easy options. The Airport Express metro line gets you downtown quickly, while airport shuttle buses are a budget-friendly choice if you don’t mind a slightly longer ride. For comfort and door-to-door service, taxis or Didi rides are always available. Whether you’re heading to Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town, or Beijing Road, there’s always a convenient way to get into the heart of Guangzhou.

🛬 How to Get from Guangzhou Airport to the City

Landing in Guangzhou? Don’t worry. Getting downtown to places like Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town, or Beijing Road is simple and straightforward. From Baiyun International Airport (CAN), you have plenty of options depending on your time, budget, and comfort.

✈️ From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to City

🚇 Guangzhou Airport Metro: Your Easy Ride to the City

Taking the metro from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to reach the city. If you’ve tried the MRT in Manila, think of this as a wider, more modern, and air-conditioned ride—clean, safe, and efficient.

🛤️ Train Line & Route

Metro Line 3 (Airport Express)

• Station: Airport South Station (Terminals 1 & 2, just follow signs for “Metro/地铁”).
• Route: Airport South → Jiahewanggang → Tiyu Xilu (Sports West) → Zhujiang New Town → Kecun.
• Key Transfers:
• • Jiahewanggang – connect to Line 2 (for Guangzhou Railway Station).
  • Tiyu Xilu – huge shopping area, transfer to Line 1.
  • Zhujiang New Town – Guangzhou’s CBD, luxury hotels, near Canton Tower.
  • Kecun – connect to Line 8, easy access to Pazhou (Canton Fair complex).
• Travel time: About 45–60 minutes to downtown (Tianhe/Zhujiang New Town).

Source: Wikipedia

🕒 Operating Hours

• First train: 6:10 AM (Airport South → City)
• Last train: 11:00 PM (Airport South → City)
• Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes during the day.

💸 Ticket Price

• Standard fare: ¥7–10 (₱55–80), depending on your stop.
• Tickets available from vending machines (accept coins, small bills) or counters.
• Contactless options:
• • Yang Cheng Tong (Guangzhou Metro IC card) – works like Manila’s Beep card.
  • Alipay / WeChat QR code – fast and convenient if you have a Chinese e-wallet.
  • Single-journey tickets also available.

🚆 Guangzhou Airport Express Train (Intercity Rail)

Source: baiyunairport

If you’re not just staying in Guangzhou but planning to head to nearby cities like Foshan, Dongguan, or even Shenzhen, the Intercity Rail from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) is your fastest option. Think of it as a convenient high-speed link straight from the airport to the Greater Bay Area.

🚉 Where to Find the Train

• The Intercity Rail station is connected to Terminal 1 & Terminal 2, clearly signposted as “Airport North Station” (机场北站).
• Follow the “Train/高铁” signs after baggage claim.
• Ticket counters, machines, and QR-code ticketing (Alipay/WeChat) are available.

📍 Main Routes & Destinations

🕒 Operating Hours

• First train: Around 6:30 AM
• Last train: Around 10:30 PM
• Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes, depending on route.

💸 Ticket Price

• Short trips (within Guangzhou): ¥10–20 (₱80–160).
• Longer trips (Foshan, Dongguan, Shenzhen): ¥30–80 (₱240–640).
• Tickets available at counters, vending machines, or via China Railway app (12306).

🚌 Guangzhou Airport Bus: Budget-Friendly and Bag-Friendly Way to Reach the City

Source: baiyunairport

If you want the cheapest, simplest ride into Guangzhou without worrying about train transfers or crowded carriages, the airport shuttle bus is your best bet. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) has multiple routes connecting directly to key transport hubs, railway stations, and hotel areas.

🚍 Where to Find the Bus

• After clearing immigration, go to the Arrival Hall (T1 & T2).
• Look for “Airport Shuttle Bus” (机场大巴) signs.
• Ticket counters and machines are available inside the terminal.
• Board the bus at designated platforms outside each terminal.

📍 Main Routes & Destinations

⏱️ Travel Time

• Around 50–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Buses depart every 15–30 minutes from early morning (around 6:00 AM) until midnight.

⚠️ Tip: No 24-hour service. If you land very late at night, consider a taxi, Didi, or private transfer.

💳 How to Ride the Airport Bus

1. Go to the bus counter or vending machine in the Arrival Hall.
2. Tell the staff your destination (e.g., “Tianhe” or “Haizhu Square”).
3. Pay by cash (RMB) or bank card.
4. Collect your ticket and check the bus number/gate.
5. Go outside to the boarding platform and wait for your bus.

🚖 Taxi & 📱 Didi (Ride-Hailing)

A direct ride from the airport to your hotel is often the most convenient choice. You can either take a taxi from the official stand or book a Didi on your phone. Both are safe and reliable, especially if you arrive late at night, carry heavy luggage, or travel with family.

🚖 Taxi

Source: Chinaairline Travel

🚍 Where to Find Taxis

• Official taxi stands are located outside the Arrivals Hall in both T1 and T2.
• Follow the signs for “Taxi/出租车.”
• Staff will guide passengers to the correct queue.

💸 Fares & Travel Time

• Downtown (Tianhe or Zhujiang New Town): ¥120–180 (~₱950–1,400)
• Travel time: 45–70 minutes, depending on traffic.

✅ Why Choose a Taxi

• Direct drop-off at your hotel with no transfers.
• Best for late-night arrivals when buses and the metro are no longer running.
• Official taxis are safer than unlicensed drivers, so always queue at the designated stand.

⚠️ Tip: Traffic in Guangzhou can be heavy during peak hours. Travel time and cost may increase if you get stuck on the road.

📱 Didi (Ride-Hailing App)

🚍 How to Book

• Download the Didi app (iOS or Android).
• An English interface is available in the settings.
• Payment options include WeChat, Alipay, or an international credit card.

💸 Fares & Travel Time

• Similar to taxis: ¥120–180 (~₱950–1,400) for downtown areas.
• Travel time: 45–70 minutes, depending on traffic.

✅ Why Choose Didi

• Skip the taxi queue and order directly from your phone.
• The app shows the price estimate before the ride starts.
• Choose between different ride options:
• • Express for a budget-friendly ride.
  • Premier for a more comfortable car.
  • Luxe for a business-class experience.

⚠️ Tip: Add your international credit card in the Didi app before your trip. This ensures you can book smoothly without relying on Chinese e-wallets.

✨ Traveler Choice

• Take a taxi if you want the simplest option upon arrival.
• Choose Didi if you prefer cashless payment, price transparency, and avoiding queues.

🚘 Private Transfer

If you want the smoothest start to your Guangzhou trip, a private transfer is the most comfortable option. You can pre-book a car with a driver who will meet you at the arrival hall and take you straight to your hotel. This is especially helpful if you are tired from a long flight, traveling with kids, or carrying a lot of luggage.

🚍 Where to Book

• Book online through platforms like Trip.com or local travel agencies.
• The driver will wait for you at the arrival hall holding a sign with your name.

💸 Fares & Travel Time

• Downtown areas (Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town): from ₱2,000+ (2–3 passengers)
• Travel time: 45–70 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Larger vans and premium cars are also available for bigger groups.

✅ Why Choose a Private Transfer

• Fixed price with no hidden fees.
• Door-to-door service with your driver waiting inside the airport.
• No language barrier, since everything is arranged online in advance.
• Comfortable vehicles with options for families, groups, or business travelers.

⚠️ Tip: If you are arriving late at night or want peace of mind after a long flight, booking a private transfer in advance saves you from queuing for taxis or figuring out public transport.

✈️ What’s the Best Way from Guangzhou Airport to the City?

Just landed in Guangzhou and wondering how to reach downtown? Don’t worry, kabayan! Whether you want to save money, travel with family, or arrive late at night, there is always a transport option that fits your needs. Here’s a quick guide:

Whether you are heading to Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town, or Beijing Road, getting into the city from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is simple. Just choose the option that suits your budget, schedule, and comfort.

🇨🇳 Enjoy your trip, kabayan! Welcome to Guangzhou 🐉🏮