Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: Complete Information Guide
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of China's major aviation hubs and the primary gateway to Guangdong Province. Located approximately 28 kilometers north of downtown Guangzhou, the airport serves over 50 million passengers annually and connects travelers to more than 200 destinations worldwide. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about navigating and utilizing this modern international airport.
Airport Overview & History
Basic Information **IATA Code:** CAN **ICAO Code:** ZGGG **Location:** Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province **Distance to City Center:** 28 km (approximately 45-60 minutes by transport) **Annual Passengers:** 50+ million **Global Ranking:** Top 10 busiest airports in China, Top 15 in Asia
Historical Development Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has evolved significantly since its establishment: - **Original Airport (1911-2004):** Historic Guangzhou Airport served the city for nearly a century - **New Baiyun (2004-Present):** Modern facility opened in August 2004 with capacity for 35 million passengers - **Expansion Phase (2008-2015):** Terminal 2 expansion doubled capacity - **Current Status (2020-Present):** State-of-the-art infrastructure supporting over 50 million annually
Strategic Importance CAN serves as: - Gateway to Guangdong Province economic zone - Hub for Asia-Pacific connectivity - Connection point for domestic and international routes - Major logistics and cargo hub for Southeast Asia
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Terminal Overview
Terminal 1 (T1) **Opened:** 2004 **Capacity:** 25+ million passengers annually **Primary Use:** Domestic flights, regional Asia-Pacific **Current Status:** Fully operational, recently renovated
**Terminal 1 Highlights:** - 80+ departure gates - 140+ retail outlets - 15+ restaurants and cafes - Full business class facilities - Modern security systems - Accessibility facilities throughout
**Airlines Operating:** China Southern, China Eastern, Spring Airlines, Air China (domestic focus)
**Best For:** Domestic travelers, regional connections
Terminal 2 (T2) **Opened:** 2008 (expanded 2015) **Capacity:** 25+ million passengers annually **Primary Use:** International flights, premium services **Current Status:** Premier international terminal
**Terminal 2 Features:** - 76+ international gates - 150+ upscale retail boutiques - 20+ premium restaurants - Multiple business lounges - Advanced baggage systems - VIP facilities
**Airlines Operating:** All major international carriers - Star Alliance: United, All Nippon Airways, Asiana - OneWorld: Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways - SkyTeam: Air France, KLM, China Eastern - Other: Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways
**Best For:** International travelers, premium experience
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Passenger Statistics & Growth
**Annual Passenger Volume:** 50.4 million (2022 baseline) **Daily Passengers:** 138,000+ average **Peak Season:** Chinese New Year, summer holidays **Busiest Hours:** 8-11 AM, 4-7 PM
**Route Distribution:** - Domestic Routes: 60% of traffic - Asia-Pacific Routes: 25% of traffic - International Routes: 15% of traffic
**Top Destinations:** - Beijing (5+ flights daily) - Shanghai (8+ flights daily) - Shenzhen (12+ flights daily) - Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Singapore, Manila - 3+ flights daily each) - Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam - 2+ flights weekly each) - North America (LA, San Francisco - 2+ flights weekly each)
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Facilities & Amenities
Check-In & Baggage **Early Check-In:** Available 3 hours before departure **Check-In Hours:** 2-3 hours before domestic, 3-4 hours before international **Baggage Allowance:** Varies by airline (typically 20-30 kg checked) **Special Services:** Oversized baggage, hazmat, valuable item handling
Security & Immigration **Average Wait Time:** 15-30 minutes during peak hours **Off-Peak Wait:** 5-10 minutes **Fast-Track Options:** Available for premium passengers **Technologies:** Advanced scanning, facial recognition
Lounges & VIP Services **Premium Lounges:** 12+ facilities **Services:** Shower facilities, napping pods, dining, WiFi **Access:** First class, business class, airline members, lounge cards **Operating Hours:** 5:30 AM - 11:30 PM
WiFi & Connectivity **Service:** Free WiFi throughout all terminals **Coverage:** 99%+ airport-wide **Speed:** High-speed fiber optic connection **Provider:** Multiple service providers
Currency Exchange & Banks **Locations:** Both terminals, multiple branches **Hours:** 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM **Services:** Currency exchange, ATMs (24-hour), banking services **Rates:** Competitive with city rates, 1-2% fees
Medical Services **Clinics:** Medical clinics in both terminals **Hours:** 24-hour operation **Services:** Basic medical treatment, emergency care **Pharmacy:** Medications, first aid supplies
Wellness & Rest **Sleeping Pods:** Available in Terminal 2 (hourly rental) **Massage Services:** Professional massage facilities **Shower Facilities:** Clean shower rooms with amenities **Relaxation Lounges:** Quiet rest areas throughout airport
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Transportation to/from Airport
Metro (Airport Express) **Service:** Guangzhou Metro Line 3 **Terminals:** Both T1 and T2 **Travel Time:** 28 minutes to city center **Cost:** 5 RMB **Hours:** 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM **Frequency:** Every 10 minutes **Convenience:** ★★★★★ Best value
**Route:** Airport → Kengkou → Xunfenggang → Panyu Square → Zhujiang New Town → City Center
Taxi/Ride-share **Available:** At ground level, all terminals **Wait Time:** 5-15 minutes average **Cost:** 60-100 RMB to city center **Time:** 45-60 minutes depending on traffic **Services:** Didi, traditional taxis, ride-share apps **Convenience:** ★★★★☆
Airport Coach Buses **Service:** Multiple routes to city districts **Cost:** 15-25 RMB **Time:** 60-90 minutes **Frequency:** Every 15-30 minutes **Routes:** 16+ bus lines serving different areas **Convenience:** ★★★☆☆
Car Rental **Locations:** Both terminals, lower level **Major Companies:** Avis, Hertz, Budget, local providers **Cost:** 300-500 RMB daily **Requirements:** International license, passport, credit card **Insurance:** Included in rental price
Private Transfer **Options:** Hotel pickup, pre-arranged drivers **Cost:** 500-1,200 RMB depending on vehicle **Booking:** Through hotel or travel agent **Convenience:** ★★★★★ Most comfortable
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Airlines & Routes
Major Airlines Operating at CAN **Chinese Carriers:** - China Southern Airlines (major hub) - China Eastern Airlines - Spring Airlines - Air China
**International Carriers:** - Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways - Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Lion Air - Asiana, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Korean Air - Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines - Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad
Route Network **Total Destinations:** 200+ **Domestic Cities:** 100+ **International Cities:** 100+
**Most Frequent Routes:** - Guangzhou → Beijing (5-7 daily flights) - Guangzhou → Shanghai (5-7 daily flights) - Guangzhou → Shenzhen (12+ daily flights) - Guangzhou → Chengdu (4-5 daily flights) - Guangzhou → Sichuan (multiple daily) - Guangzhou → Hong Kong (2-3 daily)
**Major International Hubs Connected:** - Bangkok (3+ daily) - Singapore (2-3 daily) - Tokyo (2+ weekly) - Seoul (2+ weekly) - London (2 weekly) - Paris (1-2 weekly)
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Airport Services & Information
Information Desks **Location:** Both terminals, multiple locations **Hours:** 5:30 AM - 11:30 PM **Services:** Airport guidance, hotel booking, ground transport **Languages:** English, Mandarin, Cantonese
Lost & Found **Location:** Terminal 1 & 2 customer service **Hours:** 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM **Contact:** (+86) 020-3606-3600 **Items Held:** 3 months (then discarded)
Luggage Storage **Locations:** Both terminals **Cost:** 10-30 RMB per item per day **Hours:** 5:30 AM - 11:30 PM **Capacity:** Limited spaces during peak times
Internet & Communications **WiFi:** Free throughout airport **Phone Calls:** IDD phones available (credit card/coins) **Mobile SIM:** China Mobile, China Unicom kiosks **Roaming:** International roaming available
Business Services **Business Centers:** Both terminals **Services:** Meeting rooms, printing, fax, copying **Hours:** 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM **Computer Access:** Internet terminals available
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Dining & Refreshments
Full-Service Restaurants (20+) - Tao Tao Ju (Michelin-recognized dim sum) - Guangzhou Restaurant (traditional Cantonese) - Peter Steak House (fine dining) - International cuisines
Fast Food & Quick Service (25+) - KFC, McDonald's, Dicos - Yoshinoya, Lanzhou Noodles - Local quick noodle shops
Cafes & Beverages (15+) - Starbucks, Pacific Coffee, Luckin Coffee - Tea shops, juice bars
Bars & Lounges (10+) - Airport lounge bars - Wine lounges - Cocktail bars
**Dining Hours:** Most 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
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Accessibility & Special Needs
Wheelchair Accessibility - Accessible entrances all terminals - Accessible restrooms throughout - Accessible elevators and ramps - Accessible parking spaces - Assistance animals permitted
Special Assistance Services **Available Services:** - Wheelchair assistance - Mobility device rental - Visual/hearing assistance - Language interpretation - Family rooms - Prayer rooms (multiple faiths)
**Advance Notice:** Recommended 48 hours prior
Family-Friendly Facilities - Family restrooms - Nursing rooms - Kids play areas - Stroller rental - High chairs at restaurants
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Security & Safety
Security Screening - State-of-the-art equipment - Advanced baggage scanning - Facial recognition systems - Professional security staff - Average wait: 15-30 minutes
Airport Safety - 24-hour security presence - CCTV coverage throughout - Police stations in both terminals - Emergency response teams - Safe deposit boxes available
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FAQ - Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
**Q: How far is airport from city?** A: 28 km, approximately 45-60 minutes by metro or taxi.
**Q: Best way to city center?** A: Metro Line 3 (cheapest), Taxi (fastest), Bus (most economical).
**Q: Does airport have WiFi?** A: Yes, free WiFi available throughout all terminals.
**Q: Can I find a hotel at airport?** A: Yes, 5+ hotels available, accessible from terminals.
**Q: Are there lounges for international passengers?** A: Yes, 12+ lounges available by ticket class or membership.
**Q: How early should I arrive?** A: 2 hours domestic, 3-4 hours international flights.
**Q: Can I bring food through security?** A: Solid foods allowed, liquids restricted.
**Q: Is 24-hour airport shuttle available?** A: Yes, limited late-night bus services available.
**Q: Can I use international credit cards?** A: Yes, widely accepted. ATMs available 24/7.
**Q: How do I contact airport authority?** A: Main number: (+86) 020-3606-3600