Key Facts
- Route: Baiyun Airport North / South ↔ Panyu Station (adjacent to Guangzhou South Railway Station).
- Fastest Travel Time & Price: about 31 minutes for a direct trip between Panyu Station and Baiyun Airport South Station (for T1).
- Service Launch: September 29, 2025.
Seamless Air-Rail Travel in Guangzhou
Since September 29, 2025, traveling between Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and Guangzhou South Railway Station (Guangzhounan Station) has become much easier. The new intercity train service offers a direct link between the airport and the Panyu Railway Station, which is located right next to Guangzhou South Railway Station—just a short walk of a few minutes through the station complex is needed to transfer.
This provides a valuable new transportation option that eliminates the need for transfers required when using the metro.
- Currently, there are three daily non-stop “Air-Rail Intercity Express” trains specifically linking Panyu Station and Baiyun Airport South Station (for Terminal 1) in one direction, taking from 31 minutes.
- Additionally, there are five Express trains daily, completing the journey in about 52 minutes with limited stops.
- Slower, all-stops services are also available, taking around 90 minutes. It’s important to check your specific train’s schedule to choose the best option for your time needs.
- Once the new T3 terminal becomes operational, the Baiyun Airport East Station on the intercity line will open to serve it.
Intercity Train Options: Baiyun Airport to/from Panyu Station
| Route | Service Type | Estimated Duration | Daily Frequency (Guide) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baiyun Airport South → Panyu | Direct Express | ~31 min | 3 times (One-way: Panyu → Airport South) | “Air-Rail Intercity Express” |
| Other Airport Stations→ Panyu | Express | ~52 min* | Multiple | Faster option with limited stops |
| Any Airport Station→ Panyu | All-Stops | ~90 min | Frequent | Slowest but most frequent option |
| Search train on www.12306.cn English site | ||||
| Book train on https://www.trip.com/trains/china/ | ||||
Guangzhou Rail Transit:
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- Guangzhou Metro official website (English version): https://cs.gzmtr.com/ckfwEnglish/
Connecting Through the Guangzhou South Hub
Guangzhou South is a major high-speed rail hub. This new intercity link makes transferring between air and rail incredibly efficient.
- After landing at Baiyun Airport, take the intercity train to Panyu Railway Station. A short walk connects you to Guangzhou South, where you can catch high-speed trains to other Greater Bay Area cities like Shenzhen, Hong Kong (West Kowloon), Zhuhai, and Zhongshan, or further to places like Shantou.
- Similarly, after arriving at Guangzhou South via high-speed rail from cities like Hong Kong or Shenzhen, simply walk to Panyu Station and board an intercity train directly to your terminal at Baiyun Airport.
How to Buy Tickets
- 12306 Official Platform: Use the 12306 website or app to buy tickets in advance. Use the blue fare gates for entry or exit at the station if you purchase your ticket via 12306.
- Guangzhou Metro App & Local Cards: Use the “Intercity Ride Code” within the Guangzhou Metro app. You can also use a real-name registered Lingnan Tong or Yang Cheng Tong card. Use the red fare gates for entry or exit at the station if you use any of these methods.
Train Operation Modes
The intercity railway operates on a sophisticated "rail-bus" model, offering different services to match your needs for speed and convenience
- All-Stops Trains: Stop at every station.
- Express Trains: Stop only at major stations (faster).
- Direct “Air-Rail Intercity Express”: Non-stop between Panyu and Baiyun Airport South and North.
Onboard Experience: Seating
The trains feature a 2+2 seat layout for spaciousness. Seating is first-come, first-served, so you can find a seat and stow your luggage easily upon boarding.
Intercity Train or Metro?
| Factor | Intercity Train | Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | ~31-90 min (Direct vs. all-stops) | ~75 min (With transfer) |
| Comfort & Space | High (Spacious, 2+2 seating) | Variable (Can be crowded) |
| Direct Service | Yes | No (Requires transfer) |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Guangzhou East Ring Intercity Stops
The line connecting Panyu and Baiyun Airport North has these stations:
| No. | English Station Name | Chinese Station Name | Transfers / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panyu | 番禺站 | Guangzhou South HSR Station (Walk) |
| 5 | Pazhou | 琶洲站 | Metro Line 8, 11; Near Canton Fair |
| 6 | Keyun Road | 科韵路站 | Metro Line 5 (transfer) |
| 12 | Baiyun Airport South | 白云机场南站 | Serves T1 |
| 13 | Baiyun Airport North | 白云机场北站 | Serves T2 |
| 11 | Baiyun Airport East | 白云机场东站 | Serves T3 (Future) |
Bottom line: choose the intercity train for speed and comfort, especially with bags or tight connections; stay on the metro if you’re budget-focused and time-flexible.
By Metro
It requires you to make a transfer when travelling by metro between Guangzhou Airport and Guangzhou South Railway Station, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes (for reference), and the ticket fare is about 10 yuan per person.
From Guangzhou South Station to Guangzhou Airport: Take metro line 2 from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Jiahewanggang metro station (嘉禾望岗, 24 stops, 52 minutes, CNY7) first, then change to the northern extension line of metro line 3 to Airport South Station (for Terminal 1) or Airport North Station (for Terminal 2). The while journey takes about 73-80 minutes and costs CNY10.
From Guangzhou Airport to Guangzhou South Station: If your flight lands at Terminal 2, just take the northern extension line of metro line 3 at Airport North Station, and if your flight arrives at Terminal 1, you should take the metro line 3 at Airport South Station to Jiahewangchang Station first, then transfer to metro line 2 until arriving at Guangzhou South Railway Station.
Reference: To or from Airport by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport official website.
Airport South Station & Airport Nort Station (Metro station)
By Taxi
A taxi ride from Guangzhou Airport to South Railway Station will probably take 1h15m and the taxi fare is about 162 - 200 yuan. Just for your reference.
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