Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, named after the city’s nearby mountain, is China’s third busiest airport.
Once mainly used as a hub for domestic travel in China, the airport expanded its operations to include a wide selection of international destinations.
Airport Code, Location, and Contact Information
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is located roughly 18 miles (30 km) from downtown Guangzhou.
Phone Number: +86 20 360 66 999
Website: http://www.baiyunairport.com
Flight Tracker: https://flightaware.com/live/airport/ZGGG
Know Before You Go
The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is split up into areas A and B and mainly serves international departures. Terminal B serves both international and domestic departures and is the main hub of China Southern Airlines and its partners. To get between the terminals, a shuttle bus is available at Door 10 of Terminal 1 and Door 42 of Terminal 2. You can also transfer between terminals via the subway. All information is posted on signs in Chinese and English.1
One frequent complaint is the lack of security channels, which can often lead to long queues and delays. You’re advised to leave extra time for passing through the security check and, if you’re connecting, to pass through immigration.
A new terminal and five new runways were the highlights of the airport’s expansion plan scheduled to finish in 2022.
Airport Parking
Parking at Guangzhou Airport is based on the size of your car, but if you are parking for less than 15 minutes, say to pick up a passenger, parking is free. If you need to park for more than 15 minutes, you will be charged a small fee in Chinese yuan (RMB) for the first two hours, an additional fee for three to 10 hours, and a flat rate for up to 24 hours. If you are parked for more than a day, you will be charged cumulatively based on the standard price.
You can reserve your parking space ahead of time using a WeChat account. Using the WeChat app, you can even pay for your parking via WeChat and skip paying at the toll booth.
Driving Directions
It will take about an hour to travel from downtown Guangzhou to the airport. From the city center, travel north on Highway S41 and follow signs for the airport. If you are coming from the north of the airport, you can take Highway G45 South and connect to S41.2
Public Transportation and Taxis
The cheapest way into the city is by subway. There are two stops for each terminal at the end of Line 3 of the Guangzhou Metro. Ticket fares vary depending on how far you plan to ride the metro, but you can also buy a day pass which allows unlimited use of the subway within the purchased time period.
It’s possible to travel between Guangzhou and the airport via the Airport Express Bus, which operates five different non-stop lines to the city center. Intercity bus service is also available from the airport to cities like Dongguan, Foshan, Zhongshan, Huizhou, Jiangmen, and more.
The taxi pick-up points are located in outside the main terminal of Terminal 1 but in Terminal 2, are only available outside of the international arrival hall, Gate 50, and Gate 52.
Where to Eat and Drink
Guangzhou Airport has a full spread of restaurants, both on the main concourse in arrivals and after security checks in areas A and B of departures. Most food is, naturally, Chinese, most of which is pretty good, although there are also a number of Western options available, as well as a McDonald’s. As with many airports, prices for food and drinks are somewhat inflated although by no means eye-popping. Most restaurants are opened from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.
How to Spend Your Layover
You’ll need at least seven hours to justify leaving the airport for your layover because it takes a while to get downtown and you’ll need time to make it back for your onward flight. As long as you stay less than 72 hours, you don’t need a visa if you are from one of the 53 pre-approved countries, which includes the United States. If you have large carry-on items you’d rather leave at the airport, luggage storage is available in multiple locations. To make the most of your time, the best option is to take a taxi, but it is possible to travel by public transportation as well.
While in Guangzhou, you can take advantage of your time by seeing the city by bike share and trying the local Cantonese cuisine. For a quick view of the city, you can also take the ferry.
