When it comes to traveling in China in 2025, most tourists opt to either fly or hop on a train. The reasoning is quite simple: flying is fast and trains are cheap. Tourists often use various forms of public transport, including buses. There are times, however, when China’s massive, intercity bus system is your best (or only!) option. In these cases, you’ll want to understand how to travel by bus in China – and that’s where this traveler’s guide will come in handy!
Perhaps you’re traveling China on a budget and flights are too expensive or the train is too full. Maybe you’re heading to a place that isn’t serviced by an airport or train station. City buses and long distance buses play crucial roles in the public transport system in China, offering economical travel options despite some challenges.
Whatever the reason, if you plan to take a bus in China, this 2025 guide to China buses should provide everything you need to know before you travel
Since it has ended up being a relatively long guide, I’ve divided this into multiple “chapters” to help make it easy to digest:
I hope you’ll find this China bus guide useful! If you’d rather download the PDF, you can do so here.
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Pros and Cons of Taking a Bus in China
There are a number of reasons why you might want to take a bus in China…as well as a few reasons you would potentially want to avoid it. Over the decade, I’ve seen my fair share of both while traveling on a Chinese bus.
Let’s start by breaking down a few of the reasons that a bus is a good option for tourists:
- Frequency: Chinese buses often run at a higher frequency than flights in China or trains. Most of the time you don’t have to worry about booking in advance because there will be a bus between two cities that runs at least once every hour, if not more. However, during rush hour, buses can become particularly crowded, making travel more challenging.
- Convenience: Compared to Chinese airports and train stations, security at a bus station is a breeze. I rarely arrive at a bus station any earlier than 30 minutes before my departure and I still end up waiting for 15 minutes.
- Station Location: Most of the time, Chinese bus stations are located in the heart of a city as opposed to airports and train stations which are usually on the edge of town. This can not only save you time, it also saves you the expense of a taxi into town.
- Availability: I have never bought a bus ticket earlier than a day in advance and often I buy it on the day of departure. Unlike flights and trains in China, bus tickets tend to have more availability, giving you the flexibility to change your itinerary at a moment’s notice.
- Affordable Prices: Bus travel in China is generally very affordable. However, ticket prices can vary significantly based on the bus’s condition and the route. It is often worth paying a bit more for a newer, more comfortable bus.
That’s what makes China bus travel good. Here’s a bit of what I don’t like about China bus travel:
- Unreliable Comfort: Sometimes you get a relatively new bus but often you’ll find yourself riding a vehicle that has seen a couple decades worth of use. It’s a gamble you take and sometimes it can be quite uncomfortable.
- Unreliable Delays: Unexpected delays are possible (or in China, rather probable) no matter what form of transportation you decide to take. Unlike planes and trains, buses usually leave right on time. The difficulty comes with the unpredictability of the roads. I have been stuck in horrendous city traffic for hours, my bus has been stopped on the highway for a security checkpoint, my bus has broken down and I’ve run into road construction delays. It sucks but there’s nothing you can do about it.
- A Different Kind of Traveler: Buses are the poor man’s transportation, there’s just no way around it. Don’t get me wrong, the people are great, but since it’s not a high-profile means of transportation the rules don’t always get enforced. Smoking is a great example: it’s not uncommon to see people smoking on a bus despite numerous signs saying it is forbidden. I’ve also seen a man walk onto a bus carrying a car windshield. I’m not even kidding. His seat mate was miserable during the entire ride! These kind of things technically aren’t permitted but the rules are much more relaxed on Chinese buses.
Hopefully I haven’t discouraged you from attempting to take a bus in China, I just want to make sure you have a dose of reality.
There are plenty of good reasons to take a bus in China – and I hope you do! – but make sure you set your expectations before buying your ticket.
Why Take the Bus in China?
Taking the bus in China is a fantastic way to see the country and immerse yourself in the local culture. Here are some compelling reasons to consider bus travel:
- Affordable Prices: Bus travel is one of the most cost-effective ways to get around in China. Whether you’re traveling short distances or embarking on a long journey, buses offer great value for money.
- Extensive Network: China’s bus system is vast, covering long distances and connecting major cities as well as remote areas. This extensive network makes it possible to reach destinations that might not be accessible by train or plane.
- Scenic Routes: Many bus routes in China offer breathtaking scenic views and a glimpse into rural life. Traveling by bus allows you to see parts of the country that you might miss when flying or taking the train.
- Local Experience: Taking the bus is a great way to experience the local culture and meet locals. It’s an opportunity to see how people live and travel in different parts of China, making your journey more enriching and memorable.
A Peek Inside a Chinese Bus
If you’ve never had a chance to look inside a Chinese bus and you’re afraid about what you’re getting into, allow me to walk you through the average bus.
Generally speaking, there are two basic kinds of buses in China: the seated bus and the sleeper bus.
China Seated Buses (Traditional)
The seated bus is exactly what it sounds like. There are usually two sets of two seats with a middle aisle and all the seats facing toward the front of the bus.
As a tall guy, I’ve never had a complaint about the leg room in a Chinese bus but the seats can be somewhat narrow.
Most buses have an entertainment system that will play Chinese movies throughout the duration of the journey and most buses have an air-conditioning and heating system (though not all).
Your seat will recline slightly but don’t expect a great sleeping position. A few seated buses have a bathroom but often they won’t be available for use (or you won’t want to use them anyway).
All seats in a seated bus are priced equally and are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. Prices are fixed.
China’s Sleeper and Long Distance Buses
A sleeper bus is different in that travelers each have a bed instead of a seat. There are usually three rows of beds with two aisles in between and a bathroom toward the back (which again, may or may not be available for use). There is a top and bottom bed the entire length of the bus.
Anybody whose height exceeds 5’8″ will have trouble fitting onto one of these beds, as I do. I don’t have the option to hang my feet over the edge since that is somebody else’s bed so I end up having to scrunch up a little.
These buses also usually have an entertainment system, A/C and heating, although it all depends on the age of the bus you’re riding.
Beds are priced higher for the top bunk than the bottom bunk in a sleeper bus.
Bus Amenities and Services
Bus amenities and services in China can vary depending on the type of bus and the route. Here are some common amenities and services you can expect:
- Air Conditioning: Most buses in China are equipped with air conditioning, which can be a lifesaver during the hot summer months. This makes the journey more comfortable, especially on long-distance routes.
- Entertainment System: Many buses have an entertainment system that includes movies, music, and sometimes even games. This can help pass the time during long journeys and make the trip more enjoyable.
- Bathroom: While most buses have a bathroom, it may not always be available for use during the journey. It’s a good idea to use the facilities at the bus station before you depart and during any mid-journey stops.
- Snacks and Drinks: Some buses offer snacks and drinks for sale during the journey (although not always). However, it’s always a good idea to bring your own snacks and water, especially for longer trips.
Getting to a Chinese Bus Station
To the unseasoned China traveler, it seems simple enough to find a bus station, right? Just look up the word for “bus station” in your handy Mandarin phrasebook and tell the taxi driver. Understanding the public transportation system can help in finding the right bus station.
Boom! You’re done 🙂
Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. With the exception of small towns, most cities in China have a number of different bus stations scattered around.
One may be a “long distance bus station” while the other is an “International Bus Station.” Often, bus stations are categorized by which direction their buses head (north, south, east or west). Others by which specific city or region they service.
The bottom line is that the word “bus station” just doesn’t cut it. You need to know exactly which bus station you want to go to. How do you do this? Here are a couple ways:
- Travel Guide Books: Often, the best China travel guide books will give details on which bus stations go to which cities.
- Ask Your Hotel: Chances are they won’t know off-hand, but they’ll be able to ask the appropriate people and then write down the name of the bus station on a piece of paper that you can hand your China taxi driver (read more on how to take a taxi in China).
- Ask Your Taxi Driver: Don’t just tell the taxi driver to head to a bus station, tell him specifically which city you’re taking a bus to. In many cases, a taxi driver will know where you should go.
How to Find the Bus Schedule in China
In my opinion, the most confusing part about taking an intercity bus in China is figuring out the schedule.
Unlike trains and airplanes, you can’t easily check schedules or even buy tickets online. It’s possible, but it’s always in Chinese and it’s not a simple process.
Note: Understanding the various subway lines and the extensive subway system can be crucial for navigating the public transport network and reaching bus stations efficiently.
For most major intercity connections, China buses commonly depart once every twenty minutes, half-hour or hour. I’m making a major generalization here, I realize. I’m assuming you’re not wanting to go to some po-dunk village that isn’t on any map.
There are some cases where only a handful or even one or two buses depart each day. In this case you’ll want to have an idea of the bus schedule.
I’m going to separate the following recommendations by whether or not you can read Mandarin:
- Yes, I Can Read Mandarin! Congratulations, your job will be a bit easier here. Most bus stations either post their schedule on the wall or have an LED board that lists destinations and departures to each city. Sometimes they are translated into English but often they are not. Since you can read Mandarin, I assume you can also write/type as well. In this case, I’ve had moderate success looking up “[city] to [city] bus schedule” in Mandarin on baidu.com. The results aren’t always up-to-date, but you’ll at least get a general idea of when a bus should depart and how much it should cost.
- No, I Can’t Read Mandarin. That’s ok, it’s really not a big deal. As I mentioned in an above chapter, you can always check out a good China travel guide book for bus schedules, although you should make sure that the book is the latest edition. Other options include using a Chinese voice translator app or just asking the people at the bus ticket counter who can often show you on a computer screen the times of departure and how much a ticket will cost. Alternatively, perhaps your hotel or hostel can give you some good information.
How to Buy Bus Tickets in China
Since buying tickets online for a bus in China has not yet become an option, you’re left with only two options. You can buy a ticket at the bus station or (maybe) have a proxy do it for you.
China now runs on a “real-name ticket system.” This means that you have to have an official form of ID (your passport) in order to purchase bus tickets. Once your ticket is bought, you can’t transfer this ticket to anybody else without returning it and buying a new one.
Ticket prices for long-distance buses can vary significantly based on the bus’s condition and the route. It is often recommended to choose pricier options for better comfort and service.
Standing in line at a Chinese bus station isn’t my favorite activity in the world. It’s usually not as bad as, say, standing in line at a train station though.
Most of the time I arrive on my day of departure, stand in line and purchase a ticket. You’ll want to have cash ready for the purchase since bank cards usually aren’t accepted. They will accept WeChat and Alipay, though, so if you have WeChat setup on your phone you can pay using this as well.
It used to be that hostels would offer a ticket purchasing service for guests (I’m not sure how many still offer this). You would need to provide a photocopy of your passport and they’ll charge you a fee, but at least you don’t have to stand in line yourself.
Safety and Etiquette
Safety and etiquette are important considerations when taking the bus in China. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and respectful:
- Keep Your Belongings Secure: Always keep your belongings close to you and secure to prevent theft. Use a money belt or a secure bag to keep your valuables safe.
- Follow Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when interacting with locals. This includes being polite, not speaking too loudly, and being mindful of personal space.
- Be Mindful of Language Barriers: Not everyone in China speaks English, so be prepared to use hand gestures and simple language to communicate. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can also be very helpful.
- Follow Bus Rules: Adhere to the rules and regulations of the bus, such as not smoking or eating on the bus. Following these rules will ensure a pleasant journey for everyone.
Bus Safety Tips
Here are some additional bus safety tips to keep in mind:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings while on a bus, particularly during times when you disembark for a stop. The last thing you want is to lose your bag while you’re in the middle of a trip. This will help you stay safe and avoid any potential issues.
- Keep Your Valuables Close: Always keep your valuables close to you and secure to prevent theft. This includes your passport, money, and any important documents.
- Follow the Driver’s Instructions: Listen to and follow the driver’s instructions (at least as much as you understand them!). Stay seated during the journey and be mindful of any safety announcements.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable bus journey in China. Happy travels!
China Buses: Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve tried to provide as much information as I can in the above chapter. However, I consistently receive questions that I want to answer here in detail.
The beauty of the Chinese bus is that you can take almost anything you want. People take bicycles, overweight pieces of luggage, instruments…you name it. There isn’t an official weight limit so whatever can easily fit in the underneath hatch is usually permitted.
Like any other form of transportation in China, there are still some things that you can’t take with you through the security checkpoint of the bus station. This includes: knives, bottles of any kind of liquid, fuel canisters (used for camping in China), lighters, etc. For drinks, you can buy water and sodas at shops inside the bus station.
While officially prohibited, unfortunately I’ve seen plenty of passengers and even bus drivers smoke on a China bus. Most people wait for a rest stop to pull out their cigarettes but that’s not always the case. If you don’t like smoking, it’s not impolite to ask the smoker next to you to put out their cigarette. Be bold! You’re a foreigner and you can get away with it.
No. I wish there were but I have yet to see a seated or a sleeper bus with electrical outlets.
Yes, you can. Just tell the driver exactly where you want to get off. Whether it’s a specific village or place along the road, they will stop to let you off.
Yes, they do. If you’re out in the boondocks, you can stand on the side of the road and try to wave down a bus. They won’t stop if they’re full, but if they stop just tell them where you’re going on and hop on. You’ll have to pay the driver directly and they’re usually pretty good about giving a fair price for transport.
Long distance buses are a popular travel option in China, especially for routes not covered by trains. When purchasing tickets, it’s best to buy them in advance either online or at the bus station to ensure availability. There are different types of long distance buses, including seated and sleeper buses. Tourists often face challenges such as language barriers and varying bus conditions. It’s advisable to bring snacks, water, and entertainment for the journey, as amenities can be limited.
Bus Tips from a Seasoned China Traveler
Over the many years that I’ve taken buses all across China, there are a few quick tips I’ve learned. I believe they could be helpful to you or even save you money. Hopefully you find them useful!
- Take the Night Bus: Want to save some money? Take the night sleeper bus to save yourself the money of a hotel. It won’t be as comfortable of a sleep but you’ll manage, I promise.
- Take Your Own Food: The rest stops for buses can be sketchy at best. Food options are limited and the hole-in-the-wall restaurants are usually a recipe for disaster. Stock up on food before you leave to make sure you can survive on what you have in your own bag.
- Keep Valuables Up Top: While I definitely recommend you store your luggage in the lower storage compartments, make sure you have all your valuables with you at your seat. I’ve known a couple people who have had items stolen from the below compartments.
- Bring Your Own Light: This tip is for the overnight sleeper buses. Sometimes you’ll have a light to read by but many times you won’t.
Planning Your Bus Journey
Planning your bus journey in China can be a bit overwhelming, especially for foreigners. However, with some preparation and research, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to help you plan your bus journey:
- Research Your Route: Before you set off, take some time to look up the bus routes and schedules. Online resources like Google Maps or Baidu Maps can be incredibly helpful in finding the best route for your journey. Knowing the bus number and the exact route will save you a lot of hassle.
- Check the Bus Station: Make sure you know the location of the bus station and the specific bus stop where you will be departing from. Chinese cities often have multiple bus stations, so knowing the correct one is crucial. Double-check the bus number and the destination to avoid any confusion.
- Buy Your Ticket: To ensure you have a seat, purchase your ticket in advance. You can buy tickets at the bus station or, in some cases, through a proxy. This is especially important during peak travel times or holidays when buses can fill up quickly.
- Plan for Delays: Be prepared for potential delays and changes in schedules. Bring snacks and water for the journey, and keep your belongings secure. Having a flexible mindset will make your travel experience much more pleasant.
Enjoy Your China Bus Adventure!
That’s it!
I hope you’ve been encouraged to give buses in China try after reading this 2025 guide to taking a bus in China. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience and adventure of taking a bus across China’s beautiful landscape. I hope you have the opportunity to do the same! Additionally, exploring China’s public transportation system, including subways, buses, and trains, can greatly enhance your travel experience by providing efficient and extensive options for getting around.
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below. If this guide has been useful please share it on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or any other social media platform.
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