π Guangzhou Metro Guide
Navigate Guangzhou like a local - complete subway guide for international visitors
Operating Hours
6:00 AM - 23:30 PM
Some lines extended to 00:00 on weekends
Ticket Prices
Β₯2 - Β₯16 per trip
Distance-based fare system
Payment Methods
Guangzhou Metro Card, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Single-ride tickets available
Recommended App
Guangzhou Metro App
Official app with English support
Guangzhou Metro Map
High-resolution official English metro map. Click to zoom or download for offline use.
Essential Metro Information
π Operating Hours
Most Guangzhou metro lines operate from 6:00 AM to 23:30 PM daily. First trains typically depart around 6:00 AM, and last trains depart around 23:30 PM.
β οΈ Note: Operating hours may vary by line and station. Check station notices for specific timetables.
π° Ticket Prices
Metro fares are distance-based, typically ranging from Β₯2 to Β₯16 per trip:
- 0-6 km: Β₯2
- 6-12 km: Β₯3
- 12-22 km: Β₯4
- 22-32 km: Β₯5
- Over 32 km: Β₯6+ (additional Β₯1 per 20 km)
Children under 1.3 meters travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
π« How to Buy Tickets
Option 1: Single Journey Ticket
Purchase at ticket vending machines (available in English) or staffed counters at any station. Cash and mobile payments accepted.
Option 2: Rechargeable Card (Recommended)
Buy a transit card at any station for a refundable deposit (usually Β₯20). Top up at machines or counters. Offers convenience and avoids ticket queues.
Option 3: Mobile Payment
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes to enter and exit stations. Look for the QR code scanner at gates.
π Riding Rules
- Queue up and let passengers exit before boarding
- Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left
- No eating or drinking on trains or in stations
- Keep your ticket/card until you exit (you'll need it to leave the station)
- Priority seating is reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with young children
- No smoking anywhere in the station or on trains
Top Attractions & Nearest Stations
Quick reference for foreign tourists: attraction name, nearest metro station, line, exit, and walking time.
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line | Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canton Tower | Canton Tower | Line 3 / Line APM | Exit A | 1 min |
| Shamian Island | Huangsha | Line 1 / Line 6 | Exit B | 8 min |
| Chen Clan Ancestral Hall | Chen Clan Academy | Line 1 | Exit D | 2 min |
| Beijing Road Pedestrian Street | Gongyuanqian | Line 1 / Line 2 | Exit A | 3 min |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) | Airport South / Airport North | Line 3 (Airport Express) | Exit A/B | Direct access |
| Zhujiang New Town | Zhujiang New Town | Line 3 / Line 5 | Exit A | 2 min |
| Tianhe Sports Center | Tianhe Sports Center | Line 1 | Exit B | 5 min |
| Yuexiu Park | Yuexiu Park | Line 2 | Exit B1 | 3 min |
| Guangzhou South Railway | Guangzhou South | Line 2 / 7 / 22 | Various | Direct access |
| Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street | Changshou Lu | Line 1 | Exit D1 | 8 min |
Line Guide & Transfer Tips
Guangzhou Metro Line 3 (Orange Line)
Route: Tianhe Passenger Terminal β Panyu Square
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 23:30 PM
Major Attractions: Canton Tower, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe Sports Center
Key Transfer Stations:
- Tianhe Sports Center (Transfer to Line 1)
- Zhujiang New Town (Transfer to Line 5)
- Panyu Square (Transfer to Line 7)
How to Transfer Between Lines
- Follow the signs: Look for transfer signs with line colors and arrows
- Allow extra time: Transfers can take 5-15 minutes depending on station size
- Keep your ticket: You don't need to exit and re-enter; just follow transfer paths
- Use navigation apps: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps show transfer routes
π‘ Pro Tips:
- During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), transfers can be very crowded
- Some stations have multiple transfer passages - follow signs carefully
- If lost, ask station staff for help (many speak basic English)
π Guangzhou Food & Culture Tips
Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine! Don't miss these food experiences during your metro journey:
π₯ Must-Try Foods
- Dim Sum (ζ©θΆ) - Line 1/2, any station near old town
- Wonton Noodles (δΊει’) - Shangxiajiu area
- Roasted Goose (η§ιΉ ) - Line 2, Panyu Square area
- Rice Noodle Rolls (θ η²) - Breakfast everywhere
πΊοΈ Day Trip Suggestions
- Half Day: Chen Clan Academy β Shangxiajiu β Shamian Island (Line 1 + walking)
- Full Day: Yuexiu Park β Beijing Road β Tianhe (Line 2 + Line 1)
- Food Tour: Start at Line 1, explore old town eateries
Travel Tips for Foreigners
π± Essential Apps
- Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps: For route planning and real-time navigation
- Alipay / WeChat: For mobile payments (set up before your trip)
- Google Translate: Download offline Chinese package before traveling
- Guangzhou Metro App: For metro maps and planning
π£οΈ Language Barriers
Most metro signs are in both Chinese and English. However:
- Announcements are primarily in Chinese (some lines have English announcements)
- Station staff may not speak English - use translation apps
- Keep your destination written in Chinese characters as a backup
- Metro maps in English are available at information counters
π³ Payment Methods
Recommended: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip (requires Chinese bank account or international card binding).
Alternative: Buy a rechargeable transit card (Β₯20 refundable deposit + fare balance). Available at any station.
Emergency Option: Single journey tickets can be purchased with cash at vending machines (English interface available).
β° Rush Hour Avoidance
Avoid traveling during peak hours if possible:
- Morning Rush: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Trains can be extremely crowded, and you may need to wait for several trains to board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport by metro?
Take Metro Line 3 (Airport Express) directly to Airport South Station (Exit A or B). The journey from city center (Zhujiang New Town) takes about 40-50 minutes and costs Β₯8-12 depending on your starting point. Make sure to budget extra time during peak hours as the airport line can be very crowded.
What's special about the APM line?
The APM (Automated People Mover) is a driverless metro line running through the Zhujiang New Town area. It operates from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM and connects major attractions including the Canton Tower, Grandview Mall, and swimming stadium. It's perfect for sightseeing within the Haizhu district.
How do I reach Shamian Island from the metro?
Take Metro Line 6 to Huangsha Station (Exit B), then walk south for about 8 minutes following signs to Shamian Island. Alternatively, take Line 1 or Line 6 to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and walk to the ferry pier for a short ferry ride across the Pearl River to Shamian.
Is Guangzhou Metro English-friendly?
Yes, major stations have English signage, and the Guangzhou Metro app offers English language support. However, English announcements are limited. At ticket machines, you can switch to English interface. Station staff at tourist-heavy areas like Changshou Lu (Shangxiajiu) often have basic English skills.
What's the best way to travel to the Canton Fair?
Take Metro Line 8 to Pazhou Complex Station (Exit C). The station is directly connected to the Canton Fair complex. During the fair period, additional metro service is provided and hours are extended. Pazhou is also on Line 7 and the new Ring Line (Line 11) for easier access from different parts of the city.