Canton Fair Travel: Cathay Pacific & Ferry to Pazhou
The most convenient route from Melbourne to the Canton Fair with ferry transfer via Hong Kong International Airport
For anyone attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, convenience matters more than ever. After over 15 years of traveling between Australia and China, I finally tried the Cathay Pacific + ferry transfer option via Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Pazhou Ferry Terminal—just steps from the Canton Fairgrounds.
This guide walks you through the entire experience, from check-in in Melbourne to disembarking at the Canton Fair.
Full Itinerary Overview
- Depart: 23:45 – Melbourne (Terminal 2)
- Flight Duration: ~8 hrs
- Layover in Hong Kong: 2 hrs 5 mins
- Ferry Ride: ~2 hrs
- Arrive: 11:15 (+1 day) – Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Guangzhou
- Total Journey Time: ~13.5 hrs
A seamless route for anyone looking for Melbourne to Guangzhou travel tips or planning their Canton Fair transport strategy.
Cathay Pacific: Melbourne to Hong Kong
Check-in at Melbourne Airport was quick and efficient. Cathay Pacific's self-service kiosks made the process easy, and the staff were helpful in confirming my luggage would be transferred directly to Guangzhou—no re-checking required in Hong Kong.
The flight itself was what I've come to expect from Cathay: clean, comfortable, and on time. Even in economy, I was able to rest. The in-flight service was efficient and friendly, making the overnight leg smooth and restful.
Transferring at Hong Kong International Airport
Once you land in Hong Kong, the real advantage of this route begins—you don't leave the airport. You stay in the airside transit area and follow the clearly marked signs that read "Mainland / Macau Ferry Transfer."
The 4-step transfer process:
- Take the internal shuttle train to the ferry transfer desk.
- Show your boarding pass and bag tag to receive your ferry ticket.
- Hop on another short train to the Skypier Terminal.
- Pass through security and wait to board the ferry.
Travel tip: The staff at Skypier were fluent in English and helpful throughout the transfer. Even with minimal sleep, the whole process felt surprisingly simple.
The Ferry to Guangzhou (Pazhou Terminal)
The ferry was comfortable and well-maintained. It took just under 2 hours to cross to Guangzhou's Pazhou district. The cabin was clean, the seating was spacious, and the ride was quiet.
While there aren't luxury features like onboard Wi-Fi, the ferry is an excellent place to relax or review notes before meetings at the Canton Fair.
Upon arrival at Pazhou Ferry Terminal, immigration was smooth, but luggage delivery took about 30 minutes—the only hiccup in an otherwise streamlined journey.
Tip: Be patient at the ferry terminal—baggage processing isn't as fast as airport delivery systems.
Ferry vs High-Speed Train: Canton Fair Travel Comparison
| Feature | Ferry via HK Airport | High-Speed Train from Kowloon |
|---|---|---|
| Time | ~13.5 hrs | ~14–15 hrs |
| Comfort | High – relaxing ferry & smooth flight | Moderate – includes metro transfers & crowds |
| Direct | Yes – Pazhou Terminal next to fairgrounds | No – Guangzhou South (30–40 mins by taxi or metro) |
| Immi | One-time in Guangzhou | Twice – Hong Kong + China |
| Bags | Through-check to Pazhou | Collect and re-check for each leg |
| Best For | Business travelers visiting the Canton Fair | Budget-focused travelers with flexible time |
Why This Route Is Ideal for Canton Fair Attendees
- Direct drop-off at Pazhou puts you steps from your hotel or exhibition center.
- No transfers through crowded metros or train stations.
- Simplified immigration saves time and hassle.
- Luggage goes straight from Melbourne to Guangzhou.
- Less physical strain—perfect if you're carrying samples or business gear.
This is especially valuable during trade show season when every hour counts.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you're a business traveler heading straight to the Canton Fair, this Cathay Pacific + ferry combo is one of the most time-efficient and stress-free ways to reach Guangzhou. It's not just about skipping crowds—it's about arriving ready to do business.
I'll definitely use this route again next time, especially if prices remain close to the train + taxi alternative.
Got Questions or Tips?
Have you tried this route? Prefer the high-speed train? Leave a comment or share your experience below!
Note: This guide is based on my personal experience traveling to the Canton Fair in April 2024. Always check current schedules and requirements before booking.
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Read more →Disclaimer: The Zhujianger was not approached or paid by Cathay Pacific. This blog post is based on personal travel experience and is intended for informational purposes only. Flight schedules, ferry services, immigration policies, and transit procedures are subject to change without notice. Readers are advised to verify all details with relevant travel providers, Cathay Pacific, and official ferry operators before planning their journey. Zhujianger does not receive compensation from Cathay Pacific or affiliated transport providers for this review.
