Guangzhou Guangdong, China Travel Guide
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the sole international airport serving the city, handling both domestic and international flights. It serves as a major hub for China Southern Airlines. Other Chinese carriers include Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. International carriers like Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and others from Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia operate flights to and from Guangzhou. Typical routes connect Guangzhou to major cities across China, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and increasingly, direct flights to Europe, North America, and Australia.
Flight prices are typically higher during peak seasons and major Chinese public holidays, like the Canton Fair periods in October/November, Chinese New Year (late January/February), and Golden Week holidays (early May and early October). Prices are generally lower during the summer monsoon season (June-September) and winter (outside of Chinese New Year). Booking your flights several months in advance often brings better rates. Flexibility with your travel dates can also lead to savings. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a modern facility with two main terminals (T1 and T2). Both terminals offer extensive duty-free shops, retail stores, numerous restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets, as well as airline lounges.
Metro Line 3 offers a direct, economical, and fast connection from Baiyun Airport to the city center.
Various express bus lines connect the airport to major districts in Guangzhou and other cities in Guangdong.
Taxis are available outside terminals, or use Didi Chuxing for ride-sharing. Private transfers offer high convenience.
Find affordable airfare deals and alerts for various destinations, including Guangzhou. Visit Dollarflightclub.com.
A popular flight comparison site to find the best flight options and prices to Guangzhou. Check out Skyscanner.com.
Helps passengers claim compensation for delayed or canceled flights. More details at Airhelp.com.
Guangzhou serves as a major rail hub with several train stations, each serving different routes. Guangzhou South Railway Station (Guangzhounan) is the main hub for high-speed trains, connecting to major cities like Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai. Guangzhou Railway Station handles conventional trains, and Guangzhou East Railway Station serves some high-speed routes, including intercity trains to Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Booking tickets in advance, especially for popular routes or during holidays, is highly recommended through official channels or reputable agents like Trip.com.
To travel between Guangzhou and Hong Kong, high-speed rail from Guangzhou South to Hong Kong West Kowloon (approx. 1 hour) or intercity trains from Guangzhou East to Hong Kong Hung Hom (approx. 2 hours) are available. Ferry services also connect Guangzhou to Hong Kong and Macau. Remember, Hong Kong and Macau have their own immigration policies. For bus travel, Guangzhou has several long-distance bus stations offering routes within Guangdong and neighboring provinces. Buses are generally cheaper than trains but slower due to traffic and frequent stops.
Self-driving in China for foreign tourists is generally not recommended. International driving permits are not recognized, and obtaining a temporary Chinese driving license can be complex. Chinese traffic conditions are challenging, with heavy congestion, aggressive driving habits, and unfamiliar road rules. Language barriers can also complicate navigation and roadside assistance. Relying on public transport, taxis, or Didi is safer and more practical.
No specific exit fees are typically levied for international departures from Guangzhou beyond what is already included in your air ticket price. For international flights, plan to arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, allow at least 2 hours. For high-speed trains, arrive 30-45 minutes before departure. Major airports and stations offer comprehensive facilities for departing travelers.
Guangzhou's location on the Pearl River provides sea and river connections, mainly for travel to Hong Kong and Macau. High-speed ferries offer a popular way to travel. Terminals in Guangzhou include Pazhou Ferry Terminal (for Hong Kong International Airport, China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui) and Nansha Passenger Port (for Hong Kong and Macau). Journey times are typically 1.5-2 hours. Upon arrival and departure at ferry terminals, you will undergo passport and visa (or relevant entry permits for Hong Kong/Macau) checks. Allow sufficient time for these procedures, especially during peak travel times.
Guangzhou Nansha Port International Cruise Homeport acts as a base for some cruise lines, mainly offering domestic and regional cruises. This option is less common for international tourist arrivals. Beyond cruises, some local ferry routes connect different parts of the city along the Pearl River (e.g., to Fangcun or various islands). These routes are more for local commuters but can offer an alternative, affordable way to cross the river and experience daily life on the water. Ferry terminals have convenient connections to the Guangzhou Metro, local buses, and taxi stands, which eases transfers to your lodging or other city areas.
Online resources like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner assist in finding the best flight deals.
While self-driving is not practical, car rental services like DiscoverCars.com can be explored for other destinations where driving is feasible.
Book high-speed train tickets through official channels or trusted platforms like Trip.com for convenience.
For international flights from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, plan to arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening, and immigration procedures. For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. The airport offers comprehensive facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shops, various dining options, and lounges.
For high-speed trains, arrive at the station at least 30-45 minutes before departure, especially if you need to pick up physical tickets or navigate large, busy stations like Guangzhou South. Security procedures can include bag screening before entering the station. For ferry departures, arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure for immigration and boarding. Major train and ferry stations also feature facilities like waiting areas, dining options, and shops for convenience.
A major airline operating extensive domestic and international routes from Guangzhou.
A foreigner-friendly platform for booking train and flight tickets within China.
China's leading ride-sharing app, suitable for convenient car hailing in Guangzhou.
