Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Guide: Terminals, Transit & Facilities

Complete guide on Guangzhou Airport terminal layouts, transit rules, 240-hour visa-free entry, lounges, food, and metro access to the city center.

Overview of Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the main airport serving Guangzhou and the entire southern China region. It sits about 43 kilometers away from Guangzhou city center. It has three operating terminals, T1, T2 and T3, and is the main home airport for China Southern Airlines.

Guangzhou Airport - Terminal Layout & Map

Credit: china airline travel

Each terminal at CAN has a fixed range of flights and functions. You can check your terminal before heading to the airport to avoid running between buildings.

Free shuttle buses run 24 hours a day between T1, T2 and T3. The ride between any two terminals takes no more than 20 minutes.

How to Travel from Guangzhou Airport to Guangzhou City Center

Credit: Wikipedia

There are four common transport options, for different budgets and travel needs.

• Metro (cheapest): Metro Line 3 runs directly through the airport hub. Passengers departing from Terminal 2 use Airport North Station. Passengers near the Terminal 1 zone use Airport South Station. To reach the Tianhe Central Business District (CBD) or Zhujiang New Town, take the line south to Tiyu Xilu Station, where you can easily transfer across the rest of the urban metro network.
• Airport Bus (good for luggage): Multiple bus routes go to major city areas including Tianhe and Guangzhou Railway Station. Buses have large luggage storage space. Tickets cost 20–30 RMB per person.
• Taxi / Ride-hailing (most convenient): Pickup points are clearly marked on the arrival floor of each terminal. A ride to downtown takes 30–40 minutes and costs 100–150 RMB. Great for families and travelers with heavy luggage.
• Private car: Short-term and long-term parking lots are available at every terminal for personal vehicles.

Guangzhou Airport - Departure, Arrival & Transit Guide

Credit: china airline travel, Guangzhou Airport Departure (International)

This part covers step-by-step rules, timing tips and common notes for departure, arrival and transit, which are the most useful parts for travelers.

Guangzhou Airport Departure Tips (Domestic & International)

• Best arrival time: Arrive at the airport 2 hours early for domestic flights. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early to leave enough time for document checks and customs procedures.
• Terminal check rule: Double-check your flight terminal in advance. Domestic flights are in T1 or T2. International flights almost all depart from T3.
• Check-in options: You can use self-service kiosks to print boarding passes and check in luggage, or queue at airline counters. Most domestic flights support mobile check-in, but you still need to drop checked bags at the counter.
• Security check rules: Liquids over 100ml are not allowed in carry-on bags. Power banks can only be carried on board, not checked in. Laptops and large electronic devices need to be taken out during security screening.
• International departure extra steps: After security check, you need to go through border inspection and customs declaration. Prepare your passport, visa and boarding pass ready for checking. Any carry-on goods that need taxation should be declared truthfully.
• Gate closing reminder: Boarding gates usually close 10–15 minutes before takeoff. Do not leave the waiting area until your flight boarding is confirmed.

Credit: china airline travel, Guangzhou Airport Arrival (International)

Guangzhou Airport Arrival Tips (Domestic & International)

• Domestic arrival process: After getting off the plane, follow the “Baggage Claim” and “Arrival Exit” signs. Collect your checked luggage on the first floor of T1 or T2. You can walk straight out to take taxis, metro or buses.
• International arrival process: All international flights land at T3. After deplaning, go through quarantine inspection first, then border control and customs clearance. You need to fill in the entry health and customs declaration form before arriving.
• Lost luggage support: If you cannot find your luggage, go to the airline service counter in the baggage claim area to register and report the issue.
• Entry restriction note: Do not carry prohibited items such as fresh fruits, plants or meat products into China, to avoid customs inspection penalties.

Guangzhou Airport Transit & Transfer Rules

• Domestic to domestic transfer: No need to exit the secure area or pick up your luggage. Just follow the “Domestic Transfer” signs to the next boarding gate. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. A 30-minute layover is basically enough for most domestic connections.
• Domestic to international transfer: All transfers need to be done in T3. You need to go through border control and customs again. Prepare your passport and outbound flight information in advance.
• International to domestic transfer: You must complete entry formalities first, pick up your luggage, then check in again for your domestic flight.
• 72-hour visa-free transit: Foreign travelers who hold valid passports and connecting flight tickets to a third country can stay in Guangzhou for up to 72 hours without a Chinese visa. This policy only applies to eligible transit passengers in T3.
• Inter-terminal transfer: If your two flights are in different terminals, take the free airport shuttle bus. No ticket is needed, just show your boarding pass.
• Overnight layover: The airport allows overnight stays in the public area. There are paid nap capsules and rest rooms for travelers who need a better rest during long layovers.

Guangzhou Airport Facilities & Basic Amenities

Credit: priority pass

Guangzhou Airport Lounge Information

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport has several lounges for premium passengers and paid visitors. They offer a quiet space away from crowded waiting halls.

• China Southern Lounges (T2): Open for first-class and business-class passengers, as well as airline elite members. It has seating areas, simple work desks, shower rooms and free food and drinks.
• T3 International Lounges: For international premium cabin passengers. The space is newer and quieter, with basic dining and rest facilities.
• Public Paid Lounges: Located in all three terminals. Any traveler can enter by the hour or with lounge pass cards. Suitable for passengers with long layovers.

All lounges provide free hot and cold drinks, snacks and basic seating. No expensive fancy services, just practical rest support.

Guangzhou Airport Food & Dining Choices

The airport has many dining stores for quick meals and casual sit-down eating, covering local and international tastes.

• Local Cantonese food: You can find classic Guangzhou dishes like wonton noodles, dim sum, roasted goose and congee. It is a good chance to try local food before leaving the city.
• Western and fast food: Common chain cafes, burger shops and light salad stores are available for travelers who prefer simple Western meals.
• Quick bites: Rice bowls, noodles and sandwiches are widely distributed across all terminals, perfect for passengers in a hurry.
• Night dining: Several stores in T3 international area stay open 24 hours, serving overnight transit passengers.

Guangzhou Airport Facilities & Basic Amenities

All daily necessary facilities are available in the airport for free or at a low cost.

[10% Off] Hotels Near Guangzhou Airport with Pick-up

If you need a convenient place to sleep during an overnight layover, several hotels located near Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) are available to book on Trip.com. Most of these neighboring properties provide dedicated shuttle buses to and from the terminals.

Additionally, first-time users booking on Trip.com can redeem a discount coupon to apply toward their airport hotel stay. Frequently chosen accommodations include: