Guangzhou Airport to the City: Baiyun & T3 (2026)
How to get from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport into the city — metro, airport buses, intercity rail and taxis, with times, prices and the new T3.
Guangzhou Baiyun is a big airport with a new terminal, and your fastest way into the city depends on which one you land at. This guide covers metro Line 3, the airport buses, the intercity rail and taxis — including the new T3 — with 2026 details.
The terminals and the key fact
Baiyun (CAN) now has T1, T2 and the new T3 (in service since January 2026; most domestic flights moved there in May 2026). T1 and T2 each have a direct metro Line 3 station; T3 does not yet — you take a ¥2 shuttle to Gaozeng metro. Check your terminal before you choose how to leave.
From T1 / T2 — metro Line 3 (the easy route)
- Metro Line 3 runs directly from Airport South (T1) and Airport North (T2) into the city for about ¥7–9, reaching the core in 40–60 minutes with one transfer (change at Jiahewanggang to Line 2 for the old center).
- Runs until about 11pm — land before that and this is your cheapest, most reliable option.
From T3 — the shuttle + metro
- From T3’s transport center, take the ¥2 airport shuttle to Gaozeng metro station (about 15 minutes, every 10–15 minutes), then metro Line 3 into the city. This is the recommended cheap route from the new terminal.
- A traveler tip: head out Gate 73, walk to the transport center’s tour-bus signs (~Gate 70), and the ¥2 bus is two stops to Gaozeng.
Airport buses
- Eight city routes run from the city to the airport (Tianhe, Yuexiu, Haizhu, Panyu, Zengcheng, Nansha, Huangpu, Liwan) from ¥19.9.
- Twelve routes return from T3, mostly stopping near metro stations. Late-night services to five districts run until the last flight — the right call for red-eye arrivals.
Intercity rail & taxis
- Donghuan intercity line: from the city rail network (connecting Guangzhou South, Pazhou, Tianhe East and more) to Baiyun Airport East, a 3–5 minute walk from T3. The official recommendation for travelers connecting between rail and air.
- Taxis: the T3 rank is at Arrivals Gates 72 (domestic) and 75 (international). Baiyun, Huadu and the airport area are short trips; the rest of Guangzhou is long-haul — agree or read the meter, and report any refusal via 12345.
- Ride-hailing: pick-up is at P12 parking building (level 2 / 1M); into the city roughly ¥70–100, more in peak traffic.
Which should you choose?
| Situation | Pick |
|---|---|
| Land at T1/T2, daytime | Metro Line 3, direct |
| Land at T3 | ¥2 shuttle to Gaozeng → Line 3 |
| Late-night arrival | Airport bus late-night lines, or taxi |
| Connecting by rail | Donghuan intercity to the city rail network |
| Group with luggage | Taxi / ride-hailing |
Practical tips
- Use official channels only — the metro, official bus counters, the taxi rank and licensed ride-hailing.
- Set up payment first: Alipay transit codes cover the metro, shuttle and buses — see our payments guide.
- Know your hotel area: the Greater Bay stays cluster in Tianhe or near the old town — see the Guangzhou guide for the neighborhoods.
- Allow time at T3: it’s new and spread out — arrive early for departures.
Where this fits
Guangzhou is the start of the Greater Bay Area route and a major southern gateway on longer trips. For the city, see the Guangzhou guide.
Fares and times as of August 2026, based on official Guangzhou transport announcements — confirm current schedules before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal will I arrive at in Guangzhou Baiyun?
As of May 2026, most domestic flights use the new T3, and T1/T2 host the rest and international services. Terminal matters for your transfer: T1 and T2 have direct metro Line 3 stations, while T3 needs a ¥2 shuttle to Gaozeng metro. Check your terminal before choosing.
How do I get from the new T3 to the city?
T3 has no direct metro yet. From T3's transport center, take the ¥2 airport shuttle (Airport Line 2 branch) to **Gaozeng metro station** (~15 min), then metro Line 3 into the city. It's the reliable, cheap route — see the [Guangzhou guide](https://chinotrips.com/guangzhou/) for the center.
Is the metro the best way from T1/T2?
Yes — metro Line 3 runs directly from T1 (Airport South) and T2 (Airport North) into the city for about ¥7–9, reaching core districts in 40–60 minutes with one transfer (e.g. at Jiahewanggang to Line 2 for the center). Cheap, punctual, and it beats taxi traffic.
What if I arrive late at night?
Airport buses to Baiyun, Tianhe, Haizhu, Yuexiu and Liwan districts run late-night services until the last flight (~150 airport-to-city departures a day). Taxis are the official late-night recommendation after the intercity rail stops (~11pm). See the [payments guide](https://chinotrips.com/how-to/pay-in-china/) to pay with Alipay.
Should I take the intercity rail or a taxi?
The Donghuan intercity line runs from the city's rail network to Baiyun Airport East (3–5 min walk to T3) and is the officially recommended way for travelers connecting from Guangzhou South or other rail hubs. A taxi to the city center runs longer fares (Baiyun/Huadu count as short trips); ride-hailing to the city is roughly ¥70–100.