Guangzhou Transportation Guide 2025: How to Get Around Easily
Exploring Guangzhou is exciting, but getting around a megacity of over 15 million people can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. The good news? Guangzhou has one of the most efficient and affordable transportation systems in China. From the extensive metro network to affordable taxis and convenient ride-hailing apps, here’s everything you need to know about transportation in Guangzhou.
Guangzhou is well-connected by metro, bus, taxi, and high-speed rail. Most signs are bilingual (Chinese/English), making it easier for international travelers. You can pay for almost every ride using WeChat Pay, Alipay, or a rechargeable “Yang Cheng Tong” transport card.
If you are only staying for a few days, the metro and ride-hailing apps (like Didi, China’s Uber) are your best friends.
Metro (Subway)
The Guangzhou Metro is the fastest and most tourist-friendly way to move around the city. With 16+ lines covering major attractions such as Beijing Road, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Canton Tower, Baiyun Airport, and Chimelong Safari Park, it’s reliable and inexpensive.
- Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Fares: ¥2–¥14 depending on distance
- Payment: Metro ticket machines (accept cash), Yang Cheng Tong card, or mobile payment
- Tips:
- Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM).
- Eating and drinking are not allowed inside trains.
- All stations have English signs and announcements.
- Tips:
- Guangzhou Metro Official App Downloads in Apple Store
- Guangzhou Metro Official App Downloads in Google Play
Public Bus
Buses are everywhere in Guangzhou, reaching even small neighborhoods where the metro doesn’t go.
- Fares: Usually ¥2–¥3 per ride
- Payment: Mobile payment or exact cash (no change given)
- Pros: Cheapest option, a good way to see local life
- Cons: Routes are complex; stops may not have English signs
Taxi
Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to Western cities.
- Starting Fare: ¥12–¥16, then around ¥2.6 per km
- Travel Time: 20–40 min from downtown to airport (depending on traffic)
- Payment: Cash, WeChat, Alipay (credit cards not accepted)
- Tips:
- Always take official taxis (look for the light on the roof).
- Have your destination written in Chinese (drivers may not speak English).
- Tips:
Ride-hailing (Didi)
Didi is the Chinese equivalent of Uber and offers a more foreigner-friendly option than taxis.
- How to Use: Download the “DiDi English” app or switch to English in the main app
- Price: Similar to or slightly higher than taxis
- Advantages: No language barrier, pay directly via app, track your route in real-time
Intercity Travel
Guangzhou is a transport hub in the Greater Bay Area, making day trips to nearby cities easy.
- High-speed Rail:
- Guangzhou South Station → Shenzhen (35–50 min)
- Guangzhou South Station → Hong Kong West Kowloon (50–60 min)
- Guangzhou East Station → Dongguan (30 min), Zhuhai (1h)
- High-speed Rail:
- Long-distance Bus: Connects smaller towns around Guangdong Province
Airport Transportation (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport)
Guangzhou’s airport is about 30 km from the city center.
Options to get to downtown Guangzhou:
- Metro Line 3: 40–50 min, about ¥8
- Airport Shuttle Bus: ¥20–30, stops at major hotels and stations
- Taxi: ¥120–160, 35–50 min depending on traffic
- Ride-hailing (Didi): ¥130–180, convenient with luggage
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Download Didi (English) on Apple store or Google Play before arriving in China.
- Buy a Yang Cheng Tong transport card if staying longer than 3 days.
- Always keep a screenshot of your hotel/attraction name in Chinese characters.
- Use Gaode Maps (Amap) or Baidu Maps for navigation (Google Maps works but may be less accurate in China).
- For airport pickup, consider pre-booking a private transfer if you have large luggage.
Transportation Comparison Table
| Mode | Cost (One Way) | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | ¥2–¥14 | Most tourists | Fast, cheap, English signs | Crowded at rush hours |
| Public Bus | ¥2–¥3 | Budget/local experience | Cheapest option | Complex routes |
| Taxi | ¥12–¥160 | Groups, late nights | Convenient, door-to-door | Possible communication gap |
| Ride-hailing (Didi) | ¥20–¥180 | Foreign travelers | English app, safe, easy | Slightly more expensive |
| High-speed Rail | ¥80–¥200+ | Day trips to nearby cities | Very fast, comfortable | Needs pre-booking |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Guangzhou metro foreigner-friendly?
Yes! All stations have English signs, ticket machines support English, and announcements are bilingual.
Q2: Do I need cash for transportation in Guangzhou?
Most locals use mobile payments (WeChat/Alipay), but you can buy a Yang Cheng Tong card with cash and recharge it.
Q3: Is it safe to take taxis at night in Guangzhou?
Yes, it’s generally safe. Just make sure you take official taxis or book via Didi.
Q4: How do I get from Guangzhou to Hong Kong?
Take the high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon (50–60 minutes).
Q5: What’s the cheapest way to get from the airport to downtown?
The metro (Line 3) is the cheapest and most reliable option, costing only about ¥8.