Public Buses
Ruijie & Sascha
Trail of China · May 2025
Buses are the cheapest way to get around Chinese cities, but they reward preparation. They work best when you have already mapped the route or when a local has pointed you in the right direction.
Why You Need This
Buses cost only about ¥2 to ¥4 per ride, which makes them the cheapest urban transport option almost anywhere in China.
They are especially useful for airport express routes, tourist shuttle links to attractions beyond the metro, and scenic or sightseeing buses that double as practical transport.
How to Use Buses
Find your route. Use Baidu Maps or apps like Moovit to plan your route before heading out.
Get to the stop. Bus stop signs mostly show routes in Chinese, though major stops may have English announcements.
Pay your fare. Tap a transport card, scan an Alipay or WeChat QR code, or use exact cash in coins or small bills.
Board and ride. Enter through the front door and exit through the back while watching the onboard display for your stop.
Know when to get off. Press the stop button if needed and keep your destination written in Chinese.
When Buses Make Sense
Airport express buses are reliable and far cheaper than taxis. Tourist shuttle buses can take you to major attractions that the metro does not reach directly, and some cities run sightseeing loops that are both transport and soft orientation tour.
Baidu Maps is especially helpful here because it can show bus routes and, in many places, real-time arrival information that makes the system far less opaque.
Pro Tips
Keep exact change if you plan to pay cash because drivers do not give change.
Buses can get extremely crowded during rush hour from 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM.
Last buses often stop surprisingly early, sometimes between 20:00 and 22:00, so check schedules in advance.
Give up your seat for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers.
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