Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is one of the major international gateways to southern China.

Today, the airport has expanded into a large complex with three passenger terminals — Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.

But the airport looked very different when Terminal 1 opened in 2004.

As passenger traffic continued to grow, Terminal 2 was developed and opened in 2018, greatly expanding the airport’s capacity.

This aerial view shows Terminals 1 and 2 together, forming one of the busiest aviation hubs in southern China.

And in 2025, the airport’s newest addition, Terminal 3, was taking shape, further expanding Baiyun Airport’s role as a major gateway to Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area.

Guangzhou to Hong Kong — Route Comparison

This journey from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Kowloon Shangri-La in Hong Kong has two sections: from the airport to Shenzhen Bay Port, and then from the port to Hong Kong.

On iPhone, Apple Maps shows both driving and train options. More importantly, its driving route closely matched the actual route taken by our driver.

Google Maps could not calculate a driving route, while Bing Maps showed a different route.

For this journey, Apple Maps with local map service provider gave us the most accurate route.

When the driver arrives at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 3, Parking Lot 11 is the first choice, thanks to its short walking distance to the arrival hall.

From the parking area, the driver follows the signs to Floor 1 and walks toward Terminal 3.

After passing through the security checkpoint, the driver enters the domestic arrival hall and checks the electronic flight information board for flight ZH8904.

The driver then waits at the designated exit, holding the agreed meeting sign.

A photo showing the exact meeting point is also sent to the passenger in advance, making it easier to find the driver.

After meeting the passenger, the driver escorts them back to the car.

The journey then continues to Shenzhen Bay Port, about 140 kilometers away and approximately one hour and fifty minutes by car.

At the port, a Hong Kong vehicle is ready to take the passengers onward to Hong Kong.

At the first checkpoint, the driver opens the trunk for a preliminary inspection.

The vehicle then proceeds to the mainland customs hall. At the entrance, passengers get out of the car, while their luggage can remain inside.

The car then moves forward to the mainland customs inspection area. The trunk and all windows on the inspection side must be opened for inspection.

Next, the driver goes through mainland immigration, scanning his identification card and completing facial recognition.

After clearing mainland customs, the driver turns right to meet the passengers and continues toward Hong Kong.

At the Hong Kong customs checkpoint, if more than one-third of the passengers are mainland Chinese travelers, they need to use Visitors channel instead of Hong Kong Residents channel.