How to get from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Canton Tower
China · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Canton Tower · Guangzhou · Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to the Canton Tower is easy and quick. The fastest route is the Metro (Line 3) from the airport to Canton Tower Station with one cross-platform change at Tiyu Xilu; taxis and private transfers are convenient with luggage; airport shuttle buses work late but need a short metro hop at the end. Details, step-by-steps, and map links below.
At A Glance (Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Canton Tower)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚇 Metro Line 3 → Line 3 (Canton Tower) | ~50–65m platform-to-platform | Fastest + cheapest, predictable |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 8–10 one-way (distance-based) » transit cards/passes | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Ride-hailing (Door-to-door) | ~45–70m (traffic-dependent) | Heavy luggage, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 140–220 incl. tolls & night surcharges » fixed-price quotes | ||
| 🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus + Short Metro/Walk | ~70–100m total | Arrivals when Metro is busy/late |
| 🏷️ Cost: Shuttle ~CNY 20–35 + Metro ~CNY 2–4 » alternatives | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet) | ~50–75m | Groups, VIP comfort, zero navigation |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 230–420 per vehicle » compare vehicles | Canton Tower tickets/tours | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest + best value: Metro Line 3 to Canton Tower Station—frequent, cheap, and direct with one easy change.
- Most convenient with luggage/late night: Taxi / ride-hailing direct to the tower or your riverside hotel.
- When the Metro is crowded or you want a seat: Airport shuttle bus + short metro.
- Door-to-door for families/groups: Private transfer with meet-and-greet in arrivals.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Payments on Metro: Use Alipay/WeChat QR, contactless bank cards, or buy a single-journey token. Transit cards (Lingnan Pass/Yang Cheng Tong) are handy—see Klook.
- Luggage: If you’re sightseeing pre-check-in, consider stashing bags via Radical Storage Guangzhou.
- Tickets & activities: Prebook Canton Tower observation/ticket slots or river cruises to avoid queues.
- Staying nearby: Browse riverside hotels around Zhujiang New Town/Canton Tower on Booking.com Guangzhou.
🚇 Option #1 — Metro Line 3 → Line 3 (Fastest & Cheapest)
Budget Frequent Crowded at peaks
- Overview: From Airport North (T1/T2) or Airport South on Line 3 (North Extension), ride to Tiyu Xilu, make the easy cross-platform transfer to the main Line 3 (toward Canton Tower), and continue to Canton Tower Station (Line 3/APM).
- How to book (with price): No booking. Buy a token or use QR/contactless; fare ~CNY 8–10. Official map/timetable: Guangzhou Metro. Activities at the tower: GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: Fast, cheap, reliable. Cons: Peak-hour crowds; keep an eye on bags.
Step-by-step: Metro
- Follow airport signs to the Metro and enter Airport North (T1/T2) or Airport South station on Line 3.
- Tap in (QR/contactless) and board Line 3 (North Extension) toward the city; ride until Tiyu Xilu.
- At Tiyu Xilu, make the cross-platform transfer to the Line 3 branch heading for Canton Tower.
- Alight at Canton Tower Station and follow signs to the tower entrance or the riverside promenade.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Metro & Canton Tower Station)
- Airport Metro: Stations are connected to both terminals via signed walkways and elevators.
- Canton Tower Station: Exits connect directly to the tower plaza; APM Line also serves the area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Ride-hailing (Door-to-Door)
Convenient 24/7 Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Official taxis queue outside arrivals; ride-hailing (e.g., Didi) uses signed app pick-up areas. You’ll be dropped at the Canton Tower plaza or your hotel nearby.
- How to book (with price): Metered fare typically CNY 140–220 depending on traffic/time. For fixed prices, request a quote on GetTransfer. If staying the night, compare hotels around Zhujiang New Town/Canton Tower on Booking.com.
- Pros: Zero transfers; ideal with bulky luggage or kids. Cons: Most expensive; rush-hour delays possible.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-hailing
- Follow signs to Taxi / Ride App areas outside arrivals at CAN.
- Show the driver “Canton Tower” (or Chinese name from your phone) or pin your hotel nearby.
- Expect 45–70 minutes depending on traffic; pay by cash/card/app and keep the receipt.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport forecourt & Tower plaza)
- Airport: Official taxi queues at both terminals; ride-app zones are clearly signed.
- Destination: Canton Tower drop-off loop or hotel entrance along the river.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Airport Shuttle Bus + Short Metro/Walk
Seated ride Good with luggage One connection
- Overview: Take an airport shuttle coach to a central stop (e.g., around Tianhe/Zhujiang New Town), then ride 1–2 stops on Metro or walk to Canton Tower.
- How to book (with price): Pay onboard or at the kiosk (~CNY 20–35) and connect to Metro (~CNY 2–4). For an all-in alternative, compare shared/private options on Klook.
- Pros: Guaranteed seat; space for bags. Cons: Traffic + a final short Metro/walk.
Step-by-step: Shuttle + Metro
- From arrivals, follow signs to the Airport Shuttle Bus ticket counter/stands and choose a line serving Tianhe/Zhujiang New Town.
- Ride to the downtown stop, then walk or board the Metro to Canton Tower Station (Line 3/APM).
- Exit to the tower plaza and follow signs to the observation decks or riverfront.
Getting to the main embarking points (Shuttle stands & downtown stops)
- Airport shuttle stands: Located just outside arrivals with clear English signage.
- Downtown stops: Common stops around Tianhe/Zhujiang New Town—connect onward by Metro Line 3/APM.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Door-to-Door)
Meet & greet Family-friendly Higher cost
- Overview: A driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign and drives straight to Canton Tower or your hotel.
- How to book (with price): From ~CNY 230–420 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare quotes on GetTransfer or browse options on Klook. Planning to stay nearby? Check riverside hotels on Booking.com.
- Pros: No navigation; good with kids/elders and lots of gear. Cons: Costs more than Metro/shuttle.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter flight number, party size, and drop point (Canton Tower or hotel) when requesting quotes online.
- On landing, meet your driver at arrivals; confirm tolls/parking are included and load luggage.
- Ride 50–75 minutes (typical) to the tower area; drop at the plaza or hotel entrance.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals hall & Tower plaza)
- Meet point: Arrivals hall after customs (driver with name sign) or a designated curbside bay.
- Drop point: Canton Tower plaza / riverside drive; short walk to ticket halls and elevators.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Canton Tower)
How long does the Metro take from the airport to Canton Tower?
Usually about 50–65 minutes including the easy cross-platform change at Tiyu Xilu.
Can I pay Metro fares with my phone?
Yes—Alipay/WeChat QR and most contactless bank cards work. Single-journey tokens are sold at machines.
Is there a direct airport bus to Canton Tower?
No single direct line to the tower; use an airport shuttle to downtown, then a short Metro hop or walk.
What’s the best option late at night?
Taxi/ride-hailing or a prebooked private transfer are simplest if your arrival is after the last frequent Metro services.
Where should I stay if I want tower views?
Look along the Pearl River near Zhujiang New Town or the tower itself—compare options on Booking.com Guangzhou.
Can I prebook Canton Tower tickets?
Yes—reserve timed entry via GetYourGuide or Klook to skip lines at busy times.