Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station is a major national railway hub in southwest Baiyun District, Guangzhou. It opened on 26 December 2023, partly on the site of the old Tangxi station, which dated from 1916; the first train, C1893, left at 9:28 am on opening day. It is now Guangzhou's main terminal for conventional-speed trains, and it also handles Beijing–Guangzhou and Guangzhou–Zhanjiang high-speed services and the Guangzhou–Qingyuan intercity line. Despite the shared name, it is not Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: the station sits about 20 km south of the airport and about 5 km north of Guangzhou Railway Station. This guide covers the metro connections, the trains that use the station and how to travel onward. Last updated October 2026.
Quick Answer: Guangzhou Baiyun Station Transfers
To reach central Guangzhou by rail, take Metro Line 12 three stops east to Baiyun Culture Square and change there to Line 2. Alternatively, walk through the transfer passage to Line 8 at Shitan station (Exit B). Metro Line 22 does not serve the station yet; it is under construction. There is also no direct rail link to Baiyun International Airport: the planned Line 22 northern extension has no published opening date, so check a journey planner before you travel. If you take a taxi or ride-hailing car instead, the fare and journey time depend on traffic and your destination.
How to Get from Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station to the City
The station is linked to the Guangzhou Metro by two lines. Line 12 has served it since the line's western section, from Xunfenggang to Guangzhou Gymnasium, opened on 29 June 2025. Line 8 is reached on foot through a transfer passage to Shitan station. Lines 22 and 24 are under construction and will also serve the station in future. The best choice depends on your luggage and final destination, and weekday rush hours bring heavier crowds on the metro.
- Step 1: Leave the Platform and Follow the Signs
- On arrival, follow the signs for 'Metro' or 'Exit'.
- The station is large, so leave yourself time to reach the exits, especially with luggage.
- Check the signs rather than following the crowd, as different exits lead to different transport.
- Step 2: Find the Right Metro Entrance
- For Line 12, follow the metro signs to the Line 12 station.
- If you arrive on a Guangzhou–Qingyuan intercity train, use Exit 4B to go straight to Line 12 without a second security check; you enter the metro at Line 12 Exit J.
- For Line 8, follow the signs for the transfer passage to Shitan station and use Exit B.
- Step 3: Pay for Your Metro Journey
- Buy a ticket at the station machines, or pay with a mobile payment app if you have one set up.
- Fares depend on distance; check the fare on the machine screen or in the Guangzhou Metro app.
- Keep some small notes handy in case a machine will not take larger bills.
- Step 4: Ride Line 12 East and Change at Baiyun Culture Square
- Take Line 12 eastbound for three stops to Baiyun Culture Square, where it meets Line 2.
- Change to Line 2 for onward travel towards the city centre.
- Line 12's middle section, which will run straight into the city centre, was still under construction in October 2026 and is planned to open by the end of 2026. Until it opens, use the change at Baiyun Culture Square or the Line 8 route via Shitan.
- Step 5: Find a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Pickup
- If you prefer a car, follow the signs for 'Taxi' and use the official taxi rank.
- Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you inside the station.
- For ride-hailing, confirm the pickup point with your driver in the app before walking out.
- Step 6: Confirm Your Destination and Payment
- Show your destination address in Chinese to the driver.
- Fares and journey times depend on traffic and distance.
- Confirm how you will pay before starting your journey.
Compare Your Guangzhou Baiyun Station Transfer Options
Each option suits different priorities. The metro avoids road traffic and connects to the wider network, while a taxi or ride-hailing car takes you door to door, which helps with heavy luggage or a late arrival. Road journey times vary with traffic, so allow extra time at peak hours.
- Transfer Options at a Glance
- Metro Line 12: board at the station and ride three stops east to Baiyun Culture Square to change to Line 2. The western section (Xunfenggang to Guangzhou Gymnasium) has been open since 29 June 2025.
- Metro Line 8: walk through the transfer passage to Shitan station (Exit B).
- Taxi or ride-hailing: door to door; fares and journey times depend on traffic and destination.
- To the airport: no direct rail link yet; the Line 22 northern extension to the airport is under construction with no published opening date.
- Future lines: Lines 22 and 24 are under construction and will also serve the station.
Getting to and from Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station by Train
Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station sits on the Beijing–Guangzhou railway and has a spur from the Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed railway. It is now the city's main terminal for conventional-speed (pu su) trains, with high-speed and intercity services running alongside. Book and check train times through China Railway's official 12306 website.
Conventional trains on the Beijing–Guangzhou railway
On 1 July 2025, all 27 pairs of Beijing–Guangzhou railway conventional trains that used to start or end at Guangzhou Railway Station moved here. From 26 January 2026, Guangzhou Railway Station stopped starting or terminating conventional trains altogether. If you are booking a conventional train that begins or ends in Guangzhou, check that your ticket names Guangzhou Baiyun rather than assuming the old central station. Journey times and fares vary by train, so confirm them when you book.
High-speed trains to Zhanjiang
The Guangzhou–Zhanjiang high-speed railway opened on 22 December 2025. The fastest train from Guangzhou Baiyun to Zhanjiang North takes 1 hour 32 minutes. The station also handles some Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed services.
Intercity trains to Huadu and Qingyuan
The station's Pearl River Delta intercity platforms opened on 28 January 2026 as the terminus of the Guangzhou–Qingyuan intercity railway's southern extension. Express trains take about 16 minutes to Huadu and about 34 minutes to Qingcheng in Qingyuan, with 72 trains a day at an average interval of 27 minutes. Arriving intercity passengers can use Exit 4B to go straight to Metro Line 12 without a second security check. Going the other way, from Line 12 use Exit E, which is about a one-minute walk from the intercity entrance.
To Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
There is no direct rail link between the station and the airport yet. The planned connection is the northern extension of Metro Line 22, which will run from this station to the airport terminals, but it is under construction and has no published opening date. Use a journey planner or the Guangzhou Metro app to find the current route, and allow plenty of time if you have a flight to catch.
Troubleshooting Common Transfer Problems
Even with careful planning, issues can arise during transfers. Knowing how to handle common problems will reduce stress. Prepare for potential language barriers and payment method differences. Having essential information readily available can prevent many headaches. Always double-check your booking details before traveling.
Many common issues have simple solutions if you know what to do. Staying calm and asking for help are key. Local staff are often willing to assist, even with language differences.
- Common Problems and Solutions
- Language Barrier: Use a translation app on your phone.
- Mobile Payment Issues: Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay and link a bank card before you travel; carry some cash as backup.
- Delayed Train: Let anyone meeting you know as soon as possible.
- Wrong Station: Guangzhou has several major railway stations, and Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station is not the airport. Check the station name on your ticket before setting off.
- Can't Find a Taxi: Go to the official taxi rank; avoid unofficial drivers who approach you.
- Confused by Station Layout: Look for information desks or ask station staff, showing them your destination in Chinese.
- Lost Items: Report to the station's lost and found office or the metro customer service centre as soon as possible.
- Heavy Luggage on the Metro: Use the lifts at metro entrances and avoid peak hours for less crowded trains.
- Intercity to Metro: Use Exit 4B to reach Line 12 without a second security check.
Essential Tips for Your Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station Guide
A smooth transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station begins with good preparation. Being ready for local customs and logistics will enhance your experience. These tips cover everything from payment to navigation. Consider these points before you even arrive at the station. This proactive approach can save time and prevent frustration.
Guangzhou is a bustling city, and its transport hubs are equally dynamic. Knowing what to expect makes a big difference. Embrace the local way of doing things for a more authentic journey.
- Before You Go: Prepare for Your Transfer
- Download WeChat Pay or Alipay and link a foreign card for easy transactions.
- Save your destination address in Chinese characters on your phone for drivers.
- Get a local SIM card or data plan for navigation and communication.
- Carry small denominations of Chinese Yuan (RMB) for minor purchases.
- Check the weather forecast; heavy rain can slow road traffic.
- Review a Guangzhou Metro map to understand your route and the change at Baiyun Culture Square.
- Check whether Line 12's middle section, planned to open by the end of 2026, is running yet; it will give a direct ride into the city centre.
- Keep your passport handy for ticket checks and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station the same as Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport?
No. They are separate places. The railway station is in southwest Baiyun District, about 20 km south of Baiyun International Airport and about 5 km north of Guangzhou Railway Station, according to reports from its opening.
When did Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station open?
The station opened on 26 December 2023. The first train, C1893, left at 9:28 am. Its intercity platforms for the Guangzhou–Qingyuan line opened on 28 January 2026.
Which metro lines serve Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station?
Guangzhou Metro Line 12 has served the station since its western section opened on 29 June 2025. Line 8 is reached through a transfer passage to Shitan station. Lines 22 and 24 are under construction and will also serve the station.
How do I get from Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station to the city centre?
Take Metro Line 12 east to Baiyun Culture Square and change to Line 2. Or use the transfer passage to Line 8 at Shitan station. Line 12's middle section, which will run straight into the city centre, was still under construction in October 2026 and is planned to open by the end of 2026.
How do I get from Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station to Baiyun Airport?
There is no direct rail link yet. The planned link is the northern extension of Metro Line 22, which will run from this station to the airport terminals, but it is under construction and has no published opening date. Check a journey planner or the Guangzhou Metro app for the current route.
Which trains use Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station?
It is Guangzhou's main terminal for conventional-speed (non-high-speed) trains. On 1 July 2025 all 27 pairs of Beijing–Guangzhou railway conventional trains that used to start or end at Guangzhou Railway Station moved here. From 26 January 2026, Guangzhou Railway Station stopped starting or terminating conventional trains altogether. Baiyun also runs Guangzhou–Zhanjiang high-speed trains (since 22 December 2025), some Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed trains, and Guangzhou–Qingyuan intercity trains.
How long does the train take from Guangzhou Baiyun to Zhanjiang?
The fastest Guangzhou–Zhanjiang high-speed train takes 1 hour 32 minutes from Guangzhou Baiyun to Zhanjiang North. The line opened on 22 December 2025.
Can I transfer between the intercity railway and Metro Line 12 without another security check?
Yes. Arriving intercity passengers can use Exit 4B to go straight to Metro Line 12 without a second security check, entering at Line 12 Exit J. Passengers going from Line 12 to the intercity railway should use Exit E, which is about a one-minute walk from the intercity entrance.
Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station is Guangzhou's main terminal for conventional-speed trains, and it also serves high-speed trains to Zhanjiang North and intercity trains to Huadu and Qingyuan. For the city centre, take Metro Line 12 east and change to Line 2 at Baiyun Culture Square, or walk through to Line 8 at Shitan, until Line 12's middle section opens. For the airport, plan a separate route, as no direct rail link exists yet. Check the station name on your ticket and give yourself time to find your way through this large hub.
To fit your arrival or departure into a full trip, see our Guangzhou itinerary for 1, 3 or 5 days.
Sources: China Railway 12306 (official ticketing); Wikipedia: Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station.
