Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport serves Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, and is one of the world's busiest airports. Located about 28 km north of the city centre, it is a major China Southern Airlines hub connecting mainland China to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It ranks among the top airports globally by passenger volume and expanded with the opening of Terminal 2 in 2018.
Guangzhou is served by one main airport: CAN. The Pearl River Delta region also has Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), both within 140 km and offering additional international options.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has two terminals. T1 is the original terminal with three concourses for domestic and international flights. T2 opened in April 2018, serving China Southern Airlines and Star Alliance carriers. A third terminal is planned for the future.
T1 and T2 are about 2 km apart, connected by a free automated people mover (APM) running between them in minutes. Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for inter-terminal connections to clear any required checks.
The airport has three runways. The main runways (02L/20R and 02R/20L) are each approximately 3,600 metres. A third runway was added to support Terminal 2 traffic, and all are equipped with instrument landing systems for the airport's high-frequency schedule.
Indian passport holders require a visa to enter mainland China. There is no visa on arrival for Indian nationals, so the visa must be secured before departure.
Apply well in advance as processing takes 4 to 7 business days. Check the latest requirements and transit eligibility on the Chinese Embassy or CVASC website before booking.
The official name is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The original Baiyun Airport, located closer to the city, closed in 2004 when the current facility opened.
The IATA code is CAN and the ICAO code is ZGGG.
Both terminals serve domestic and international flights. T2 primarily handles China Southern Airlines and Star Alliance partners, while T1 serves a broader mix of carriers.
The airport is in Renhe Town, Baiyun District, about 28 km north of Guangzhou city centre.
The current airport opened in August 2004, replacing the original Baiyun Airport. Terminal 2 opened in April 2018, significantly expanding capacity.
Yes, CAN operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The airport is about 28 km from the city centre. Metro Line 3 runs to Tianhe district in around 40 to 50 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available.
Airlines at CAN include China Southern Airlines, Air China, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air India, and Thai Airways, among many others.
Yes, the China Southern Sky Pearl Club Lounge operates across both terminals, and the Plaza Premium Lounge in T2 is open to all passengers on a pay-per-use basis.
Domestic Flights
International Flights