Guangzhou Airport has two terminals, with the buildings designated as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
The two terminals are interconnected to form one huge complex.
The airport is one of the most modern in the world and the individual buildings are very spacious. Both security and passport control are efficient and can handle huge numbers of passengers in reasonable times.
Queues for security check are usually around 20 minutes maximum. You will wait between 30 and 60 minutes for passport control on arrival.
For a map of the terminals, visit the airport's official website at baiyunairport.com/terminalMap.
Which terminal?
Both terminals handle domestic flights within China as well as international flights abroad.
The terminals are divided by airline.
- Terminal 1 - 9 Air, Air Asia, Air China, Air Guilin, All Nippon Airways, Beijing Capital Airlines, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cebu Pacific, Chengdu Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China United Airlines, Egyptair, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva Air, Guangxi Beibu Gulf Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Iraqi Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kunming Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lanmei Airlines, Lion Air, Loong Airlines, Lucky Air, Mahan Air, Malaysian Airlines, Malindo Air, MIAT Mongolian, Myanmar Airways, Okay Airways, Philippine Airlines, Scoot Airways, Shandong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Tibet Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Urumqi Air, US-Bangla Airlines, Vietjetair, West Air,
- Terminal 2 - Aeroflot, Air Tanzania, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Chongqing Airlines, Garuda, Hebei Airlines, Japan Airlines, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Sichuan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai, Vietnam Airlines, Xiamenair
Transportation between terminals
An airport shuttle bus connects the two buildings via the public area.
- Frequency - 5 minutes during the day, 15 minutes at night
- Travel time - 7 minutes
- Price - free
- Operating hours - 24/7
In addition, you can also use the metro for free between the terminals, which runs from 6:15am to 11:30pm.
There is a bus that runs on the tarmac only between the international sections of both terminals and you need to visit the transit desk first.
Book a hotel near Chengdu Airport
Transfer between flights
China Southern Airlines in particular makes the airport one of the most important transfer hubs in Asia.
Book a hotel near Guangzhou Airport
Transferring at Guangzhou Airport is clear and simple if you don't need to change terminals.
The vast majority of guaranteed transfers (i.e. both flights are on the same booking) take place within the same terminal.
What checks do I go through when connecting?
Find out what procedures you will face during your transfer.
- International -> International: security check
- International -> domestic: immigration and security check
- Domestic -> International: Immigration and security check
- National -> national: no check
Routes from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan also count as international flights.
Do I have to leave the transit zone?
If you have luggage all the way to your destination or are travelling with hand luggage only, you do not need to leave the transit area.
Do I have to collect my luggage?
If both flights are booked on the same reservation and you have less than 24 hours to transfer, you do not need to collect your baggage.
Do I need a visa for China?
You do not need to arrange a visa for China for an international transfer.
Visa-free entry for transfers within 144 hours
Many airlines also offer long layovers of several days.
Guangzhou Airport is included in the visa-free entry program up to a maximum of 144 hours.
Upon arrival, before passing through immigration, look for the special counter where these visa-free entries are processed.
Please note that if you transfer within 24 hours, the official may refuse to issue a visa-free entry permit and you will therefore have to spend time in the transit zone.
For transfers over 24 hours, visa-free entry permits are always issued without any problems. However, you need to present your flight ticket from China and your accommodation reservation.
Free hotel on transfer
China Southern Airlines offers passengers with a ticket in selected fare classes a complimentary hotel at Guangzhou Airport for longer layovers.
However, a number of conditions must be met, which are detailed on this website: csair.com.
