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CAN · arrival routes

GuangzhouAirport to city

Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) is the main international airport for the Pearl River Delta. Metro Line 3 north extension runs directly to the airport; an Airport Express bus network covers Guangzhou and adjacent cities. Taxi and Didi are widely available.

Route options

ME
Metro Line 3 (north extension)
Direct rail from CAN T1/T2 to central Guangzhou via Tiyu Xilu and Tianhe districts.
≈ 55–65 min to Tianhe
¥7–10
AI
Airport Express bus
Multiple lines connecting CAN to hotel zones across Guangzhou, plus inter-city routes to Foshan, Shenzhen, Dongguan.
≈ 60–90 min
¥20–40
TA
Taxi (metered)
Use the official queue outside arrivals. Avoid taxi touts inside the terminal.
≈ 45–60 min to Tianhe
¥120–160
DI
Didi (via Alipay)
Foreigners book via the Didi mini-program inside Alipay; pickup at the designated rideshare bay.
Similar to taxi
Taxi or slightly higher

Practical notes

  • Guangzhou hosts the Canton Fair in April and October — book accommodation early in those windows; airport traffic and queue times spike.
  • Metro Line 3 has two branches in central Guangzhou — confirm direction at the platform; the airport line specifically is the north extension.
  • Activate your eSIM before landing; metro QR gates, Didi, and maps all need data.
  • CAN is the gateway for travelers continuing into Shenzhen, Hong Kong, or Macau via Pearl River Delta high-speed rail.

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Sources

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