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China Long-distance Bus Tickets to Adopt Real-name Policy as from March 2017

Published: Feb. 28, 2017
Starting from March 1, 2017, passengers who plan to take an intercity or interprovincial long-distance bus in China will need to show valid ID documents when buying tickets, checking into the bus station and getting on the bus. Each ticket will carry information about the passenger. Those who can't provide such documents won't be allowed to get on the bus. Passengers who buy tickets for someone else will need to show the ID documents of both parties.
Buy bus ticket at a window
Buy bus ticket at a window
Check in to get on the bus
Check in to get on the bus
 

What ID documents can be used?

 For foreigners, they can use any of the following documents: passport, passport loss certificate issued by a China Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau, Chinese temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, China Exit and Entry Permit, diplomat certificate, certificate issued by the embassy or consulate of the passenger's country in China, seaman's book, the foreigner's identity proof issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of China.

 For Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Residents: passport or mainland travel permit.

 Those who don't have the above documents can go to the police station near the bus station to get an identity certificate.
 

How to buy bus tickets after the real-name system is adopted?

Foreign travelers or expats in China can only buy tickets at the Bus Station's ticket windows or outlets, or through an agent. Currently, self-service ticket machines are only available to Chinese ID card holders. Besides, there is no English-language website selling bus ticket at the moment.
 

One ticket per ID document

In the past, one ID document could be used to buy as many as five tickets for the same bus. Since the implementation of the real-name system, one ID document will only be valid to buy one ticket on the same bus.
 

Children traveling for free also need to obtain a ticket

Previously, children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) could take the bus for free and did not need to buy a ticket. However, according to the new rules, an adult can take one child under 1.2 meters (including infant) for free if the child does not occupy a seat. When the adult buys the ticket, he or she should also claim a ticket for the child by showing the child's passport or birth certificate.

TCG reminds all passengers to take their passports or other identity certificates when taking a long-distance bus. Remember to handle tickets carefully as they carry personal information.
 

  • Questions & Answers on China Tourism News
    Asked by Audrey from INDONESIA | Apr. 28, 2024 19:08Reply
    Bus Reservation
    I want to go to Haikou from Shenzhen, I already got the ticket. But to go back to Shenzhen from Haikou, I didn't get flight, trains ticket. I tried to buy bus ticket on Chinese travel apps, but they said they don't support passport. Is it possible to buy offline in the arrival station (Shenzhen bus station) before the departure dates?
    Answers (1)
    Answered by John | May. 08, 2024 18:51
    00Reply


    You can give it a try. FYI: The tickets, any type, out of Hainan are in damands and hence at a high level. You should make a thorough preparation before going.
    Asked by Marco Vendittelli from ITALY | Sep. 18, 2018 00:03Reply
    Bus reservation
    But Can I book the bus?
    Answers (1)
    Answered by Banner from NEW ZEALAND | Sep. 18, 2018 18:50
    00Reply


    As I know, there is no bus reservation service in English at present. Thus you need to purchase bus tickets in the bus station in an early time. Good luck!
    Asked by Marco Vendittelli from ITALY | Sep. 16, 2018 01:47Reply
    Can I buy ticket online
    Can I buy ticket online From Kunming to Fugong?
    Answers (1)
    Answered by Ben from UNITED KINGDOM | Sep. 17, 2018 23:35
    00Reply


    Hi, there is no direct train between the two places. However, you can take a train from Kunming to Dali and then take a bus from Dali Bus Station to Fugong and the bus departs at 10:00 am.

    There is also direct bus from Kunming to Fugong. It departs from Kunming West Bus Station at 19:00 and it takes about 19 hours on the way.
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