This banknote handling apparatus includes multiple units (A to G) each for banknote receiving, disbursing, and the like, and a conveyance drum (1) with a circumferential length greater than length of the longest banknote. Multiple pressure rollers (3) are each pressed against an outer surface of the drum. A circling route (4) for banknote conveyance, having a discrimination sensor (5), is formed around the outer surface of the drum. The units (A-G) are connected to the circling conveyance route by their respective interconnecting route (6a-6g) for banknote conveyance. A route changer is provided for conducting route changes from the circling conveyance route to each interconnecting conveyance route, and vice versa. A rotational direction of a rotary drum (1a) during the conveyance of a banknote into either of the units (B, C, D), and a rotational direction of the drum (1a) during the conveyance of a banknote into either of the units (A, E, F, G) arranged at an opposite side from the units in a diametral direction of the conveyance drum, are also made opposite to each other.