If you are planning your visit and wondering how to get to Canton Fair, understanding the city’s transportation system in advance can make your trip much smoother. The Canton Fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou, a major exhibition district well connected by airport expressways, metro lines, and taxi services.
For many first-time international buyers, arranging Canton Fair transportation is one of the most important steps after booking flights and hotels. Whether you need to travel from the airport, downtown Guangzhou, or nearby accommodations, there are several convenient options available. In this guide, we will explain the best ways to travel from Guangzhou airport to Canton Fair, along with practical instructions for taking the metro to Canton Fair Pazhou and choosing the most efficient transportation method based on your schedule and location.
1.Where Is the Canton Fair Located?
The Canton Fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, the largest exhibition center in China. The complex is located in Pazhou, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, a modern exhibition and convention area with well-developed transportation and business facilities.
Pazhou sits across the Pearl River from Zhujiang New Town and is also close to Tianhe District, Guangzhou’s main commercial and financial center. Because of this convenient location, many international buyers choose to stay in nearby business districts and commute daily to the exhibition halls.
If you are planning your visit, selecting the right accommodation can significantly reduce commuting time. You can explore recommended Hotel Near Canton Fair options to find convenient stays within metro distance of the Pazhou exhibition complex.
2.How to Get to Canton Fair from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
For most international visitors, the first step in planning how to get to Canton Fair is arranging transportation from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to the Pazhou exhibition complex. The airport is approximately 45 km from the Canton Fair venue, and several transportation options are available depending on budget, luggage, and arrival time.
2.1 By Metro (Recommended)
Taking the metro is one of the most economical and reliable methods, especially during Canton Fair seasons when road traffic can be heavy.
Typical route:
Airport South Station → Metro Line 3
Transfer to Line 8
Get off at Pazhou Station
Estimated travel time: 60–70 minutes
Cost: Low compared with other transportation options
The metro system has clear English signage, making it convenient even for first-time visitors. For buyers staying near metro lines, this is often the most efficient daily commuting method and a popular choice for metro to Canton Fair Pazhou travel.
2.2 By Taxi
Taxis provide door-to-door convenience and are suitable for travelers with heavy luggage or late-night arrivals.
Estimated travel time: 40–60 minutes (longer during peak traffic)
Estimated cost: Typically 150–200 RMB depending on traffic and tolls
During Canton Fair opening days and rush hours, congestion around Pazhou may cause delays, so travelers should allow extra time when choosing this option for Guangzhou airport to Canton Fair transportation.
2.3Airport Shuttle Options
Many international hotels and some sourcing service providers offer airport shuttle services during the Canton Fair period. These services are especially convenient for buyers traveling with multiple suitcases or product samples.
Airport shuttles usually require advance reservation and may follow fixed schedules, but they provide a comfortable and straightforward transportation solution, particularly for first-time visitors who prefer pre-arranged Canton Fair transportation services.
3.Daily Transportation to Canton Fair from Hotels
Once you arrive in Guangzhou, choosing the right daily commuting method is essential for saving time and maintaining an efficient exhibition schedule. Most buyers travel to the exhibition complex each morning from hotels located in Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town, or nearby Pazhou areas. Understanding the advantages of metro and taxi transportation helps you select the most suitable option.
3.1 Metro Transportation Tips
The Guangzhou Metro Line 8 runs directly to the Canton Fair complex and is the most commonly used commuting route for international buyers. Stations such as Pazhou, Xingangdong, and Modiesha provide convenient access to different exhibition halls.
During the Canton Fair period, morning rush hours can be busy, so it is recommended to leave the hotel earlier than usual, especially if you have scheduled supplier meetings. Many experienced buyers prefer the metro because travel time is predictable and unaffected by heavy road traffic around the exhibition center.
3.2 Taxi vs Metro: Which Is Better?
Choosing between taxi and metro depends mainly on the number of travelers and convenience needs.
- For individual buyers or small groups, the metro is usually the best option because it is faster during peak hours, economical, and easy to navigate.
- For teams, business delegations, or visitors carrying product samples, taxis or ride-hailing services may be more convenient, offering door-to-door transportation without transfers.
In practice, many buyers combine both methods — using the metro for daily commuting and taxis for evening meetings, dinners, or group travel — creating a flexible and efficient Canton Fair transportation plan.
4.Transportation Tips During Canton Fair Season
Transportation demand increases significantly during the Canton Fair, so planning ahead can help you avoid delays and travel more smoothly.
4.1 Peak hours: 8:00–10:00 AM
Morning traffic around the Pazhou exhibition area is usually busiest between 8:00 and 10:00 AM. If you have early meetings, leaving the hotel earlier than usual is recommended to ensure on-time arrival.
4.2 Avoid taking taxis immediately after closing hours
When the exhibition halls close, a large number of visitors try to book taxis at the same time, which often leads to long waiting times and traffic congestion. Waiting 20–30 minutes or using the metro can often be faster.
4.3 Prepare your hotel address in Chinese
Keeping a Chinese version of your hotel name and address ready on your phone can make taxi rides smoother and help drivers quickly identify the correct destination, especially for first-time visitors to Guangzhou.
5.Should You Stay Near Pazhou to Save Transportation Time?
Choosing where to stay can greatly affect your daily commuting efficiency during the exhibition. Hotels located in the Pazhou area offer the biggest advantage in terms of transportation, allowing many buyers to reach the exhibition halls within 5–15 minutes. This option is ideal for visitors with tight schedules, early supplier meetings, or plans to visit the fair multiple times per day.
However, many buyers also choose to stay in Tianhe District, Guangzhou’s main commercial and shopping area. Tianhe offers more dining, entertainment, and international hotel options while still providing convenient metro access to the exhibition complex, typically requiring 30–40 minutes of travel.
The best choice depends on your itinerary, meeting schedule, and personal preferences. If minimizing commuting time is your top priority, staying near Pazhou is recommended. If you prefer a wider range of lifestyle conveniences while maintaining reasonable access to the fair, Tianhe can be a good alternative. You can explore recommended Best Hotels Near Canton Fair to compare accommodation options based on distance, metro access, and travel time.
Conclusion
Planning your transportation in advance can save a significant amount of time during the Canton Fair, allowing you to focus more on sourcing and supplier meetings. With Guangzhou’s well-developed public transportation network, the metro remains the preferred option for most buyers, offering stable travel times even during peak exhibition traffic.
When organizing your trip, it is also important to consider both accommodation location and transportation methods together, as choosing hotels with convenient metro access can greatly improve daily commuting efficiency.
Planning your Canton Fair visit? Read our complete Canton Fair Guide for hotel, restaurant, and sourcing tips to prepare your trip more efficiently.
Tennie Chen is responsible for sourcing and supplier evaluation, with a focus on balancing product quality, cost efficiency, and supply chain reliability. My role involves identifying trustworthy manufacturers, comparing quotations, analyzing total landed costs, and ensuring compliance with international standards. I always prioritize long-term partnerships over one-time deals, aiming to work with suppliers who can provide consistent quality, competitive pricing, and flexible solutions. When making purchasing decisions, I evaluate not only the product itself but also the supplier’s production capacity, lead time, and after-sales support, ensuring that every cooperation contributes to sustainable business growth.
