The Guangzhou Metro is the best default for getting around Guangzhou: fares start at ¥2, supported foreign contactless cards can be tapped at the gates, and the network connects the airport, railway hubs, historic districts, Canton Tower, and the Canton Fair complex. The important exception is Baiyun Airport Terminal 3, which currently requires a transfer from Gaozeng Metro Station to a shuttle.
This 2026 Guangzhou Metro guide gives you a reliable process rather than a fragile timetable: find the exact station, check the direction and final transfer, use a current map, and confirm the last train on the day. That matters because Guangzhou's lines, airport arrangements, and service patterns have changed faster than many English-language maps.
Turn this guide into a personal route with our free Guangzhou itinerary planner.
- Map: Open the latest official metro and intercity map update, then verify your station and direction again on the travel day.
- Fare: Metro trips are distance-priced and start at ¥2. Let the station machine, gate, or current route tool calculate the exact fare.
- Foreign cards: Overseas-issued contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB cards are supported at metro gates across all stations.
- Hours: There is no useful single closing time. Check the last train for your station, direction, destination, and final interchange.
- Airport: Terminal 2 has a direct Line 3 station; Terminal 3 uses Gaozeng plus a shuttle; Terminal 1 and Airport South no longer handle passenger service.
- At the station: Expect a bag scan before the gates, confirm the train's destination on the platform, and choose the correct exit before reaching street level.
Use a Current Guangzhou Metro Map
Guangzhou's rail map combines a large urban metro with the APM and expanding intercity services. A city update reported 768.4 kilometers of operating metro mileage after openings in September 2025, and the back section of Line 22 opened in December 2025. A screenshot from an older trip can therefore omit stations or show airport access that no longer works.
Use the official network update above for the big picture. If you want a printable reference, the 2026 Guangzhou Metro map page includes an enlarged map and PDF. Treat any downloaded map as orientation only: check live station information before an airport trip, railway departure, late evening, or route involving a recently extended line.
Plan Every Journey With Four Checks
- Find the exact destination station. Save both the English and Chinese station or landmark name.
- Choose the direction. Metro signs use the terminus or destination of the train, not “northbound” or “downtown.”
- Check every transfer. A route that begins before the last train can still fail if the final connection has ended.
- Check the exit. Guangzhou stations can have entrances on different sides of a large road, so the wrong exit can add a long walk.
| Before you leave | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary sightseeing trip | Station, line, terminus, transfer, and exit | The closest-looking station is not always the easiest entrance or route |
| Late-evening trip | Last train at the origin and last connecting train | Lines and directions do not share one universal closing time |
| Airport trip | Airline terminal and current ground connection | T2, T3, and the closed T1 use different instructions |
| Railway departure | Full station name in English and Chinese | Guangzhou South, East, Baiyun, and Guangzhou Railway Station are different hubs |
How to Ride the Guangzhou Metro Step by Step
Most first-time journeys follow the same sequence: enter the correct station, pass security, choose or tap a payment method, follow signs to the right platform, keep the ticket or card available, and select the best exit at the destination. Allow extra time at large interchanges and transport hubs.
1. Enter and Pass the Security Check
Look for the metro symbol and station name rather than assuming every street entrance reaches every line equally quickly. Before the fare gates, passengers and belongings are screened. Put bags and suitcases through the scanner, keep liquids accessible if staff request a closer look, and follow instructions for any additional inspection.
2. Pay at the Gate or Buy a Ticket
If your overseas contactless card is eligible, tap it on the marked card area. Otherwise, buy a single-journey ticket at the station or ask the customer service counter for help. Keep the same card or ticket available until you have exited at the destination.
3. Follow the Line and Terminus
At an interchange, confirm both the line number and the destination shown for the train. This is especially important on routes with branches or different service patterns. If the platform display does not show the stop you need, pause and ask staff instead of boarding and hoping the train continues there.
4. Choose the Exit Before Street Level
Exit boards list nearby roads, buildings, and landmarks. Compare that directory with your saved destination before leaving the paid area. If you require a particular step-free path or have bulky luggage, ask station staff which current exit arrangement is suitable; do not rely on an old map or assume every exit has the same facilities.
Guangzhou Metro Fares and Payment in 2026
Guangzhou Metro fares are based on distance and start at ¥2. The exact total depends on the trip, so use the price displayed by the current route tool, ticket machine, or gate. This is more dependable than copying a maximum fare or visitor-pass price from an old guide.
Foreign Contactless Bank Cards
Since October 12, 2025, Guangzhou Metro has supported tap-to-ride bank cards from five networks at every station. The official foreign-card payment announcement specifically lists overseas-issued contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB cards, alongside China UnionPay. It says visitors can tap without buying a ticket or downloading an app.
Use the same physical card at entry and exit and keep a second payment method available. Metro-gate acceptance does not mean the same card will work at every shop, restaurant, or attraction in Guangzhou. If a card is declined, do not repeatedly tap different cards at the same gate; move to customer service so staff can resolve the entry state or direct you to another ticket option.
Single-Journey Tickets, Transit Cards, and QR Codes
Single-journey tickets remain the clearest fallback for occasional rides. Local transit cards and ride QR codes may suit travelers who already have them configured, but short-term visitors do not need to install an unofficial metro app just to enter. Interfaces, identity checks, and payment eligibility can change, so use the station's current instructions rather than an old setup tutorial.
Guangzhou Metro Hours: Check the Last Train Correctly
There is no single Guangzhou Metro opening or closing time that is accurate for every journey. First and last trains vary by station, direction, line, terminus, and service pattern. Holiday and major-event extensions are temporary and should not be treated as the normal timetable.
The Last-Train Method That Actually Works
- Enter your origin station and direction, not only the line number.
- Confirm the train reaches the terminus or branch containing your stop.
- If transferring, check the last connecting train at the interchange.
- Read the station display again before boarding in case the final service ends early.
- For a flight, high-speed train, cruise, or timed ticket, leave a substantial buffer and keep a taxi or ride-hailing fallback.
A phrase such as “the metro runs from about 6 a.m. to midnight” is too broad for decision-making. It may describe a rough network span while still sending you to a station after the last train in your direction. Same-day station information should decide the trip.
Baiyun Airport Metro: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Closed T1
Check the terminal in your airline booking immediately before travel. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport changed materially in May 2026, so older instructions for Airport South (T1) are now wrong.
| Terminal | Current metro plan | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Take Line 3 to Airport North (T2) | Check the train destination before boarding the airport branch |
| Terminal 3 | Take Line 3 or Line 9 to Gaozeng, use Exit B, then transfer to the dedicated T3 shuttle | The terminal does not currently have a direct metro station |
| Terminal 1 | Do not route to Airport South (T1) | T1 stopped passenger operations and Airport South became non-stopping on May 7, 2026 |
Terminal 2: Direct Line 3 Access
Airport North (T2) is the metro station for Terminal 2. On the way to the airport, verify that the Line 3 service shown on the platform continues to Airport North rather than assuming every train has the same destination. On arrival, follow airport signs from the station and allow time for the walk to your airline's check-in area.
Terminal 3: Gaozeng Plus the T3 Shuttle
For a metro-based T3 journey, take Line 3 or Line 9 to Gaozeng, leave through Exit B, and transfer to the dedicated shuttle. The official Terminal 3 shuttle update says the ride takes about 15 minutes and costs ¥2.
In the timetable published on May 8, 2026, Gaozeng-to-T3 buses operate from 6:15 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., while T3-to-Gaozeng buses operate from 6:35 a.m. to 10:40 p.m. T3 arrivals use Stop 74 at the terminal's transportation center. These are shuttle hours, not universal metro hours; verify the notice and on-site information close to travel.
Terminal 1: Closed to Passenger Service
The official T1 relocation notice says all remaining Terminal 1 airlines moved to Terminal 3 from 2 a.m. on May 7, 2026. Airport South (T1) became a non-stopping metro station at the same time. If an old article, saved map, or driver instruction sends you to T1, recheck the terminal with your airline.
Major Guangzhou Railway Stations by Metro
Do not tell a driver or route tool that you are going to “Guangzhou station.” The city has several long-distance railway hubs in different districts. Match the full station name and Chinese characters on your ticket, then verify the metro lines against the current network map.
| Railway hub | Useful metro lines on the current map | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou South Railway Station | Lines 2, 7, and 22 | Large high-speed rail hub; allow time for the concourse, security, and finding the correct departure area |
| Guangzhou East Railway Station | Lines 1, 3, and 11 | Do not confuse it with Guangzhou Railway Station; check recent extensions on the live map |
| Guangzhou Railway Station | Lines 2, 5, and 11 | Central hub with several transfer options; use the exact station exit or railway entrance shown for your train |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station | Check the current map for your origin | A newer hub whose best route depends strongly on where you start; do not substitute Guangzhou Railway Station |
Line 22 is not today's airport express. Its opened section provides a fast Guangzhou South connection from Fangcun, but the official Line 22 extension update describes the northern link to Baiyun Airport as a future plan. Ignore maps that already draw it as an operating airport metro.
Best Guangzhou Metro Stations for Tourists
You do not need to memorize every line. Save the stations that match your itinerary, then group nearby sights into the same day. The station exit and final walk still need a live check.
| Destination | Useful station | Line | Route note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chen Clan Ancestral Hall | Chen Clan Academy | Line 1 | The attraction is close, but check the listed exit before leaving the station |
| Shamian Island | Huangsha | Lines 1 and 6 | Continue on foot to the island; Huangsha is not on Line 5 |
| Beijing Road | Beijing Lu | Line 6 | Save the pedestrian-street entrance you want before choosing an exit |
| Yuexiu Park | Yuexiu Park | Line 2 | The park is large, so match the entrance to your planned sights |
| Zhujiang New Town | Zhujiang New Town | Lines 3 and 5 | Useful for the central business district and transfers toward the riverfront |
| Canton Tower | Canton Tower | Line 3 or APM | Check the last return train if visiting after sunset |
| Canton Fair Complex | Pazhou or Xingangdong | Line 8; Pazhou also connects with Line 11 | Allow additional time during fair dates and follow event-day controls |
| Chimelong Tourist Resort | Hanxi Changlong | Lines 3 and 7 | The resort is extensive; follow the current signs for your specific venue |
Three Easy Sightseeing Clusters
- Liwan heritage day: Chen Clan Academy, Yongqing Fang, and Shamian Island. Use the 3-day Guangzhou itinerary for a realistic order.
- Historic-center day: Yuexiu Park, central museums, and Beijing Road. Avoid crossing the city between every stop.
- Modern riverfront evening: Zhujiang New Town, Canton Tower, and a carefully chosen Pearl River night cruise. Check the correct wharf and last train before booking.
Security, Luggage, and Station Navigation
Bag screening is a normal part of every metro journey. Passengers pass through a detector and put belongings through a screening machine before entering the paid area. Flammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive, radioactive, and other prohibited items are not allowed; unclear liquids or objects may receive additional inspection.
- With a suitcase: keep straps secured, remove loose items, and allow more time for screening and long interchange corridors.
- With liquids: keep them reachable in case security staff ask to inspect them.
- With children or a group: agree on the destination station and stay together through gates and transfers.
- With mobility requirements: ask staff for the current suitable entrance, transfer path, and exit rather than assuming every route is step-free.
- At rush hour: stand clear of doors, let passengers exit first, and consider waiting for the next train if boarding with bulky luggage is unsafe.
Guangzhou Metro Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Foreign card will not open the gate | Check that the physical card is contactless, then take it to customer service. Use a single-journey ticket or backup method if the issuer declines it. |
| You entered with one card but reached for another | Use the original entry card. If that is not possible, ask staff to resolve the incomplete journey rather than repeatedly tapping. |
| The platform destination does not include your stop | Do not board. Recheck the branch, terminus, and whether a transfer is required. |
| You passed your station | Get off at the next stop, stay inside the paid area, and follow signs for the opposite direction. |
| You are unsure about the last connection | Ask staff before starting the journey and switch to a surface-transport backup while it is still practical. |
| Your airport instructions say T1 | Recheck the airline terminal. Do not use Airport South: it became a non-stopping station in May 2026. |
| Your phone has no data or battery | Use saved screenshots and the bilingual station map, or show staff the destination name in Chinese. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign tourists tap a credit card on the Guangzhou Metro?
How much does the Guangzhou Metro cost?
What time does the Guangzhou Metro close?
Which Guangzhou Metro station serves Baiyun Airport Terminal 2?
Is there a direct metro station at Baiyun Airport Terminal 3?
Does the metro still stop at Airport South Terminal 1?
Which Guangzhou railway station should I use?
Do bags and suitcases go through security on the Guangzhou Metro?
Does Guangzhou Metro Line 22 go to Baiyun Airport?
Official Sources and Update Notes
This guide was checked on July 29, 2026 against municipal transport and airport notices. Operational information can change, so use these primary sources again before a time-sensitive trip:
- Guangzhou Metro and intercity network update and map — network openings and the official map published in September 2025.
- Foreign contactless card acceptance — supported card networks and system-wide gate access.
- Terminal 1 airline relocation notice — T1 passenger closure and Airport South non-stopping status.
- Terminal 3 shuttle update — Gaozeng connection, Exit B, fare, published hours, and T3 pickup point.
- Line 22 back-section opening — current Fangcun connection and the future airport extension.
Build the Metro Into Your Guangzhou Itinerary
Use the metro to connect neighborhood days, not to zigzag between isolated attractions. Start with the Guangzhou itinerary hub, then choose the 3-day route or 5-day route. Each plan groups sights so you spend less time transferring and more time in the neighborhood.
Once your hotel, airport terminal, railway station, and fixed bookings are known, open ItiMaker's itinerary planner. Add the exact station names, ask it to keep each day geographically compact, and leave a buffer before flights, trains, cruises, and timed attractions. Recheck the live metro route and last connection before you go.