Guangzhou Airport (CAN) Guide 2026: Terminals, Transport & Facilities

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is a key gateway to South China. Whether you’re arriving for a business trip, transiting during a long-haul journey, or starting your Guangzhou adventure, this guide will help you navigate Guangzhou airport like a local.

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Overview

• Official name: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Airport code: CAN
• Location: Huadu District, approximately 28 km north of Guangzhou city centre
• Terminals: Two main terminals (Terminal 1/T1 and Terminal 2/T2) with a third terminal (T3) under development
• Popular airlines: China Southern Airlines (hub), China Eastern Airlines, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Delta, Air Asia
• Global connectivity: Serves 233 destinations worldwide, with strong links to "Belt and Road" countries

How to Get to and from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport?

Source: ACI website

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Terminals & Map

Source: gbiac

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport operates two fully connected terminals (T1 and T2) with distinct roles and modern facilities:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The older terminal, split into Area A (domestic) and Area B (international/Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan flights). 
• Terminal 2 (T2): Launched in 2018, a sleek hub. Boasts more retail brands, rest areas, and efficient self-service facilities.

How to Get Between Terminals at Guangzhou Airport?

• Free Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus: Operates 24/7, every 10–15 minutes. Board at T1’s Gate A10 or T2’s West Transport Center (1F). Travel time: 15 minutes.
• Metro: Line 3 North Ext. connects T1 (Airport South) and T2 (Airport North) in 5 minutes
• On Foot: Not recommended (3 km distance), but walkable for those without bags (25–30 minutes).

Terminal Floor Breakdown

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Departure & Arrival

Source: Unsplash

What to Expect When Departing?

• Arrival Time: Aim for 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours for domestic trips. Security and immigration queues can be long during peak hours (7–10 AM, 6–9 PM).
• Check-in: Counters open 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours for domestic. Self-service kiosks are available for most airlines to print boarding passes and tag luggage.
• Security Screening: Standard rules apply (liquids ≤100ml, laptops out for scanning). For international flights, power banks are not allowed in checked baggage.
• Airside Area: Duty-free shopping, lounges, charging stations, and dining options. T2 offers a wider range of amenities.

What to Expect When Arriving?

• Immigration Clearance: Foreign travellers will need to present passports, visas (or visa-free transit documents), and fingerprint scans. Queue times peak 9–11 AM and 8–10 PM.
• Baggage Claim: Clearly marked carousels with free trolleys. Lost luggage counters are available in both terminals (1F).
• Customs Inspection: Green channel for no declarations, red channel for dutiable items. Inspections are random but efficient.
• Arrival Hall: All transport options (taxis, buses, metro, ride-hailing) are accessible from 1F. Ignore unauthorised taxi offers inside the terminal.

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Check-in & Baggage Services

Source: Wikipedia

Check-in Options

• Counter Check-in: Available in both terminals. T1 serves most international airlines; T2 is exclusive to China Southern and partner carriers.
• Self-Service Check-in: Kiosks in T1 (Area A/B) and T2 (4F) let you print boarding passes and luggage tags. Dedicated bag-drop counters save 10–15 minutes.
• Online Check-in: Offered by major airlines 24–48 hours before departure.

Baggage Policies & Services

• Standard Allowance: International flights typically allow 1–2 checked bags (23–32 kg each); check your airline’s rules for domestic flights.
• Excess Baggage: Payment counters are available in T1 (3F) and T2 (4F).
• Baggage Wrapping: Stations in both terminals (¥20–¥40/S$4–S$8 per bag) to protect luggage during transit.
• Special Baggage: Sports equipment, strollers, and medical devices can be checked with prior notice.

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Lounges

Source: Priority Pass

Whether you’re flying business class or need a quiet space to relax, the airport’s lounges cater to all needs:

• Airline Lounges:
• • T1: SkyTeam Lounge (Gate A1, Priority Pass accepted), China Southern Lounge (for business/first class).
  • T2: China Southern Premium Lounge (Gate B160), Juneyao Air Lounge (for eligible passengers).
• Independent Lounges: Plaza Premium Lounge (T1/T2) and Aspire Lounge (T2) offer pay-per-use access (¥150–¥300/S$28–S$57) with showers, buffets, and Wi-Fi.
• Trip.com Member Perks: Platinum members get 1 free lounge access; Diamond members get 2 free visits. Show your digital pass via the Trip.com app!

What to Buy at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport?

Duty-Free Shopping

• Locations: T1 (Area B, post-security) and T2 (3F, international gates) feature extensive duty-free zones.
• Popular Items:
• • Luxury goods: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier (T2 has the largest selection).
  • Cosmetics & Skincare: Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Shiseido, and Asian brands like SK-II.
  • Liquor & Tobacco: Premium whiskey, wine, Chinese baijiu, and international cigarettes.

Local Gifts & Souvenirs

• • Lingnan specialties: Cantonese cured meat (lawei), chicken cakes (jizibing), almond biscuits.
  • Handicrafts: Silk products, jade accessories, and Guangzhou-themed keychains.
  • Tea: High-quality oolong, pu-erh, and osmanthus tea (available in gift sets).

What to Eat at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport?

From local delicacies to global chains, there’s something for every palate:

• Local Flavours:
• • T1: Lanzhou Lamian (¥35/S$6.60) for hand-pulled noodles; Huiru Lou for Cantonese dim sum.
  • T2: Baiyun Snack Street (3F) serves authentic Cantonese dishes like siu mai, har gow, and congee.
• Global Chains: McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, and Pacific Coffee are available in both terminals (24-hour Starbucks in T1 Arrivals).
• Quick Bites: Bakeries (fresh pastries, mooncakes) and bento-style rice meals (¥30–¥50/S$5.70–S$9.50) for on-the-go dining.

Facilities at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

• Currency Exchange & Banking: Counters and ATMs in T1 (1F/3F) and T2 (1F/4F). Foreign cards are accepted at most ATMs—notify your bank in advance.
• Tax Refund Counters: Post-security in T1 (Area B) and T2 (3F). Spend ≥¥500 at tax-free stores to claim refunds (bring receipts and passport).
• Luggage Storage: 24-hour services in T1 (1F) and T2 (1F) – ¥20–¥50/S$4–S$10 per item (varies by size/duration).
• Showers & Rest Areas: Free showers in T1 (Gate B2) and T2 (Gate B260); nap pods near T1 Gate A9 (¥60/S$11 per hour) with power outlets.
• Mobile & Wi-Fi Services: Free Wi-Fi ("AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI") – verify with WeChat or passport scan. SIM card counters (Snail Mobile) in T1/T2 sell data packages (¥40–¥180/S$8–S$34).
• Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, family restrooms, and small children’s play areas in both terminals.
• Medical Services: 24-hour first aid stations in T1 (3F) and T2 (4F) with oxygen supply and basic medical care.

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Overnight Layover

Resting in the Terminal

• T2: Quieter at night with comfortable seating areas near gates B150–B170. Shops and restaurants close by 10 PM, but convenience stores stay open.
• T1: Busier due to late-night international flights, but rest zones are available in Area B (airside).

Pay-per-Use Rest Pods & Lounges

• Nap Zones: T1 (Gate A9) and T2 (3F) offer lie-flat pods with Wi-Fi and power (¥100–¥200/S$19–S$38 for 3 hours).
• Lounges: Plaza Premium Lounge (T2) is open 24 hours for pay-per-use access—great for showers and hot meals.

Hotels Near Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Many hotels offer free shuttle services to/from the terminal. Or you can choose a hotel near Guangzhou Baiyun Airport for a smooth transfer.

Attractions Near Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

If your layover is long enough (and visa rules allow), explore these nearby spots: