Getting to the Canton Fair from Hong Kong — Complete Guide

Why fly via Hong Kong for the Canton Fair?

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of the world's top aviation hubs, with direct long-haul connections to virtually every major city on earth. Airlines including Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Lufthansa, United, American and dozens more operate services through Hong Kong.

For buyers from Europe, Australasia and North America, routing through Hong Kong often provides the best long-haul connections — and from Hong Kong, Guangzhou is remarkably easy to reach. Many experienced Canton Fair buyers build their itinerary around Hong Kong: fly in, recover from jet lag overnight in Hong Kong (which is an excellent city), then travel to Guangzhou for the fair.

Hong Kong also serves as an ideal base between Canton Fair phases — some buyers return to Hong Kong for a night or two between phases to rest, meet with Hong Kong-based agents, or simply enjoy the city.

High-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guangzhou

The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) is the fastest and most comfortable land route between Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The high-speed train operates from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (西九龍站) to Guangzhou South Station (广州南站) in approximately 47 minutes.

West Kowloon Station is in Kowloon, approximately 25 minutes by MTR from Hong Kong Airport via the Airport Express (alight at Kowloon Station and follow the signs). It is also easily accessible from hotels across Hong Kong via the MTR.

The station is a major architectural landmark with vast underground platforms. Crucially, it incorporates a joint mainland China–Hong Kong immigration checkpoint at the basement level. This means you clear both Hong Kong departure and mainland China arrival formalities before boarding the train — when you exit Guangzhou South, you walk straight out into the arrivals area without any further immigration procedures. This saves a significant amount of time compared to overland border crossings.

Train services run from approximately 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Hong Kong time, with departures every 10–30 minutes depending on the time of day. During Canton Fair season, morning trains to Guangzhou sell out quickly — book at least several days in advance through the MTR website, the HKIA (for airport passengers) or at the station.

Second-class fares are approximately HKD 220–260 (around USD 28–33). First-class and business class are also available at higher prices.

At Guangzhou South Station, take Metro Line 2 (direction Jiachebei) to Changgang Station (昌岗), then transfer to Line 8 eastbound to Xingang East (新港东) or Pazhou (琶洲). Total metro journey: approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, take a taxi from Guangzhou South — approximately 30–50 minutes to the Canton Fair, cost RMB 60–120.

Ferry from Hong Kong Airport (Sky Pier) to Canton Fair

One of the most unique transport options for Canton Fair visitors is the direct ferry from Hong Kong Airport's Sky Pier to the Pazhou Passenger Terminal — which sits right at the Canton Fair Complex. This service is particularly suited to international travellers arriving in Hong Kong who want to proceed directly to the fair without passing through Hong Kong customs.

The Sky Pier at Hong Kong Airport allows transit passengers arriving on international flights to board the ferry without entering Hong Kong territory — your passport is processed for mainland China entry directly. This saves significant time for passengers who do not need to spend time in Hong Kong itself.

The ferry crossing from Hong Kong Airport to Pazhou takes approximately 75–90 minutes. Services operate several times daily, though schedules and operators should be confirmed as they vary seasonally. Tickets can be booked at the ferry counter in the arrivals hall at Hong Kong Airport.

Upon arrival at Pazhou, you exit directly onto Pazhou Island, steps from the exhibition hall entrances. This is the most stress-free arrival option for many first-time visitors, as it requires no metro navigation, no Guangzhou traffic and no transfers.

Ferry from Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal (Tsim Sha Tsui)

The China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) is a major departure point for ferry services between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, including services that call at Pazhou Passenger Terminal during Canton Fair periods.

This terminal is located at the western tip of Tsim Sha Tsui, accessible by MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station or by taxi. The terminal serves multiple destinations across the Pearl River Delta.

A key advantage of this terminal: several airlines — including carriers operating long-haul routes via Hong Kong — offer in-town check-in services here, allowing passengers to check their baggage for their outgoing international flight up to 24 hours before departure. This is known as the HKIA in-town check-in or ferry transit service. You travel to the fair, spend the day, return to Hong Kong by ferry, and your bags go straight to the plane — an extraordinarily convenient option for buyers doing a day-trip or short visit to the fair.

Airlines that have historically participated in in-town check-in at the China Ferry Terminal include Cathay Pacific, Air China, China Southern and several others. The specific airlines and service availability vary — check with your airline before travel.

The ferry crossing from China Ferry Terminal to Pazhou takes approximately 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the operator and number of stops.

Overland via Shenzhen — Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau

The overland route via Shenzhen is an option for those already in Hong Kong who want to travel overland rather than by direct rail or ferry. Take the MTR East Rail to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau, cross the border into Shenzhen, then board a high-speed train from Shenzhen North Station to Guangzhou South (approximately 30 minutes, trains very frequent).

This overland route is less convenient than the direct XRL high-speed train but can be useful if West Kowloon trains are sold out. Budget extra time for border crossing formalities — queues at Lo Wu can be long, especially during peak periods.

Practical tips for Hong Kong–Guangzhou travel during Canton Fair

Book high-speed rail tickets in advance — during Canton Fair season, morning trains from Hong Kong to Guangzhou sell out days or weeks ahead. Book through the MTR website or app.

Bring your China visa if required (see our Visa Guide). Note that Hong Kong is a separate immigration jurisdiction from mainland China — a standard Hong Kong visa does not grant entry to the mainland.

If you are returning to Hong Kong the same evening, consider the ferry option which arrives and departs at Pazhou — it is the most seamless day-trip option.

WeChat Pay and Alipay work in both Hong Kong and mainland China, though they function slightly differently in each jurisdiction. HKD Octopus card works in Hong Kong but not in Guangzhou.

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is used in Hong Kong; Chinese Yuan/Renminbi (RMB/CNY) in mainland China. Exchange at the airport or use Alipay in the mainland.