Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the primary international gateway for Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, located approximately 28 kilometres north of the city centre. Opened in 2004, it replaced the original Baiyun Airport, which had operated since the 1930s. It serves as one of the three major aviation hubs in mainland China alongside Beijing and Shanghai.
Overview
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the primary international gateway for Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, located approximately 28 kilometres north of the city centre. Opened in 2004, it replaced the original Baiyun Airport, which had operated since the 1930s. It serves as one of the three major aviation hubs in mainland China alongside Beijing and Shanghai.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is most useful when its route network, ground transport and terminal setup match the trip you are taking. Before booking, compare the scheduled departure time with the airport location, connection window and any baggage or check-in requirements attached to your airline.
Airlines
China Southern Airlines uses Guangzhou Baiyun as its primary hub, making it one of that carrier's most operationally significant bases. Several other Chinese carriers maintain focus-city operations here. Major international airlines from Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America operate scheduled services, reflecting the airport's role as a key intercontinental connection point.
For any airport, the operating airline matters as much as the marketing airline shown in a search result. Codeshares, partner flights and regional affiliates can affect check-in desks, terminal use, baggage handling and support if a flight is delayed or changed.
Terminals and Transfers
The airport operates two large passenger terminals: Terminal 1 handles the majority of domestic and international flights, while Terminal 2, opened in 2018, significantly expanded capacity. Three parallel runways run roughly north–south, supporting continuous 24-hour operations. A third terminal and additional infrastructure expansions have been under long-term development to accommodate growing demand.
Connections through CAN need more planning when flights are on separate tickets, when checked baggage is involved, or when the itinerary changes between domestic and international processing. Build a wider buffer if you need to collect bags, move between terminals or pass through security again.
Ground Transport and Trip Planning
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport ground transport should be planned around your arrival time, luggage and final destination. Public transport can be efficient where available, while taxis, rideshare and private transfers may be easier for late arrivals, families or travellers with multiple bags.
If you are choosing between airports or routes, compare CAN against the destinations currently tracked from this airport, including Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan. The best itinerary is not always the cheapest one if it creates a difficult transfer, a tight connection or a long onward journey.
Practical guide
Using Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport without guesswork
Plan CAN around the terminal you use, the type of connection you are making and how predictable you need the trip into Guangzhou to be.
Confirm whether your flight uses a domestic, international or regional area at CAN. Airport layouts vary, and terminal assumptions are a common source of missed connections.
The airport operates two large passenger terminals: Terminal 1 handles the majority of domestic and international flights, while Terminal 2, opened in 2018, significantly expanded capacity. Three parallel runways run rou
Leave extra time when changing terminals, travelling with checked luggage, or arriving during busy morning, evening, holiday or event periods.
Before you leave for CAN
- 1Confirm the terminal and operating airline before leaving for CAN.
- 2Check baggage cut-off times if you are travelling with checked luggage.
- 3Leave extra time for international processing or terminal changes.
- 4Compare ground transport options against traffic and arrival time.
- 5Recheck the flight status before travelling to the airport.
Start here
Terminal and transfer notes
Confirm whether your flight uses a domestic, international or regional area at CAN. Airport layouts vary, and terminal assumptions are a common source of missed connections.
The airport operates two large passenger terminals: Terminal 1 handles the majority of domestic and international flights, while Terminal 2, opened in 2018, significantly expanded capacity. Three parallel runways run rou
Leave extra time when changing terminals, travelling with checked luggage, or arriving during busy morning, evening, holiday or event periods.
For Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the safest connection plan is based on the operating airline, the terminal shown on your booking and whether your baggage is checked through. If the itinerary uses separate tickets, choose a larger buffer.
Airlines
Airlines flying from CAN
Compare the carriers connected with CAN, including airline codes, operating brands and routes currently tracked from this airport.
Routes
Top routes from CAN
Use these route cards to scan popular destinations, estimated distance and flight time before checking live schedules and fares.
Official planning details
Transfers, fares, parking and passenger services at CAN
A source-linked planning layer for details that can change: terminal transfers, transport costs, parking, lounges and accessibility.
Terminal transfer links
TransfersGuangzhou Baiyun International Airport transfer details can depend on airline, terminal, baggage handling and whether flights are booked on one ticket. Check the operating airline and airport website before relying on a tight connection at CAN.
Check airport transfer informationTransport fares and local access
FaresTransport costs to and from Guangzhou can vary by public transport, taxi, rideshare, private transfer, tolls and time of day. Confirm current fares before travelling, especially for late arrivals or peak periods.
Review transport informationParking and pre-booking
ParkingParking at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport may vary by terminal, short-stay area, long-stay area and online booking rules. Compare official parking options with drop-off, pick-up and ground transport before choosing how to reach the airport.
Review airport parking optionsLounges and eligibility
LoungesLounge availability at CAN depends on airline, cabin, alliance status, membership or paid-entry rules. Check the operating airline before travel because access rules and opening hours can change.
Check lounge informationAccessibility and assistance
AccessPassengers needing mobility, sensory, medical or other assistance should confirm airport facilities and arrange airline assistance before travel. Airline-provided help is usually requested through the airline or booking channel.
Review accessibility informationTerminal and parking maps
MapsMaps are useful for finding check-in areas, arrivals paths, parking locations and ground transport pick-up points at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Confirm the terminal before leaving for the airport.
Open airport mapBudget check
Useful cost notes
Prices can change, so use these notes to spot likely cost items before checking the official source.
Public transport, taxi, rideshare and private-transfer prices around CAN can change by time, distance, demand and local fees.
Parking prices often vary by car park, stay length and whether online pre-booking is available.
Seat selection, baggage, lounge access, tolls and late-night transport can change the real cost of a trip.
Nearby airports
Other airports in China
Nearby airport options can help when comparing fares, connection times, ground transport and alternate arrival points in China.
FAQ
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
9 common questions
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located in Guangzhou, China (Asia), at coordinates 23.390°, 113.300°.
- Its IATA code is CAN and its ICAO code is ZGGG.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport serves Guangzhou, China. When comparing fares, check whether other airports also serve the same area — prices and transfer times can differ between them.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport operates on Asia/Shanghai local time. Departure and arrival times on tickets are always shown in each airport's local time, so double-check the offset when planning connections or pick-ups.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport sits at latitude 23.390° and longitude 113.300°. The map link in the details panel on this page opens the exact location for driving directions.
- Carriers tracked on routes from CAN include Sichuan Airlines, Air France, Air China, China Southern Airlines, Beijing Capital Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and 8 more.
- Tracked destinations from CAN include Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Taipei, Nanjing, Tokyo and 5 more, spread across 3 countries.
- Its address is Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, the phone number is +86 20 3606 6999, the official website is http://www.baiyunairport.com/. For flight-specific questions (delays, baggage, rebooking), contact the operating airline directly rather than the airport.
- Yes — Originfacts lists 9 other airports in China. The nearby-airports section on this page links to each of them, which is useful when comparing fares or finding an alternative departure point.