MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Foshan

How to Get to Foshan

Foshan Guangdong, China Travel Guide

Air Travel Hubs

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport CAN

This is the closest major international airport and the main international visitor gateway. Located approximately 40-50 km northeast of Foshan city center.

Airlines & Routes

  • Serves numerous international and domestic airlines.
  • Connects to major global hubs in Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania.
  • Major carriers: China Southern, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways.

Other Airports

Regional airports offering domestic and international connections.

Foshan & Shenzhen

  • Foshan Shadi Airport (FUO): Smaller domestic airport, mainly China United Airlines.
  • Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): ~100 km to the southeast of Foshan, another major international hub.
  • Prices often rise during peak travel seasons (Lunar New Year, National Day Golden Week).

Airport Bus

Direct bus services from CAN to various points in Foshan. Travel time: 60-90 minutes, ¥30-50.

Metro Link

From CAN, Guangzhou Metro Line 3, transfer to Line 1 to Kuiqi Lu (Foshan). Approx 2-2.5 hours.

Taxi/DiDi

From CAN, 45-75 minutes (traffic dependent). Cost: ¥150-250. Services readily available.

Airport Facilities & Booking

Guangzhou Baiyun CAN Services

  • Extensive facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges.
  • Currency exchange, ATMs, car rental services, Wi-Fi.
  • Foshan Shadi Airport (FUO) has more basic facilities.
  • Prices often rise during peak travel seasons; booking 3-6 months in advance assists.

Flight Booking Tools

  • Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
  • Compare flights with Skyscanner.
  • Direct international flights commonly arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) from major cities.
  • Airport Express Bus, Metro, and Taxi/DiDi transfers available to Foshan.

Land Transportation Links

High-Speed Rail

Foshan West Railway Station (Foshanxi) links to Guangzhou South, Shenzhen North, Hong Kong special administrative region West Kowloon, Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities. Shunde Rail Depot also serves high-speed trains. Secure tickets in advance, especially during holidays.

Long-Distance Buses

Foshan has several long-distance bus stations (e.g., Foshan Bus Station, Nanhai Bus Station). An extensive network has connections to metropolitan areas throughout Guangdong province and neighboring provinces. Buses are generally comfortable and affordable.

Self-Driving

Not suggested for most international tourists. An international driving permit holds no validity in China. A temporary Chinese driving permit or a full Chinese license becomes necessary. Traffic can be heavy, and rules of the road at times differ.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry Services

Ferry services present an alternative entry point, notably from Hong Kong special administrative region.

Hong Kong to Shunde Port

  • Direct ferry services are available from Hong Kong (China Ferry Terminal or HKIA Skypier).
  • Travel to Shunde Port (Shunde is a district of Foshan).
  • Travel time is roughly 2 hours.

River Transportation

Limited river transportation for tourist travel within Foshan.

Local Use

  • Mainly used for cargo or local excursions.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports match airport arrivals; present passport and valid visa.
  • From Shunde Port, taxis and local buses connect to other Foshan parts.

Departure Planning

Prepare for your departure to make a smooth exit from Foshan and China.

Considerations

  • No separate exit fees or taxes generally apply; included in ticket prices.
  • Airports: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • Train/Ferry Stations: Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.

Airport Facilities

Facilities available for departing travelers.

Amenities

  • Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) offers a wide range of dining, shopping, and lounge facilities.
  • Train/Ferry Stations offer basic amenities like waiting areas, small shops, and restaurants.
  • CAN's size and potential security lines mean this timing holds specific significance.

Border Information

Internal Travel

Foshan is within mainland China; no internal border crossings apply.

HK/Macau Crossings

If traveling from Hong Kong or Macau, standard border crossing procedures apply. These crossings need valid visas or specific entry permits.

Immigration

At all entry points (air, land, sea), present your passport and valid visa. Immigration officials at times need a completed Arrival/Departure Card.

Travel Reminder

Consider travel insurance before your trip. This helps with unforeseen circumstances.