Can I buy a bus ticket without an ID card?
2 Answers
No, you cannot buy a bus ticket without an ID card. According to regulations, operators of inter-provincial and inter-city passenger transport routes, or ticket-selling units entrusted by them, as well as departure, destination, and intermediate stop stations, must implement real-name ticket sales and identity verification. For routes under real-name management, passengers must provide the original copy of a valid ID card when purchasing tickets, and the ticket seller must record the passenger's identity information on the ticket. Passengers must carry and present valid identification documents when purchasing tickets and boarding the bus, with one valid document required to purchase one ticket (the person, document, and ticket must match). Passengers who purchase tickets online or by phone must carry their ID cards for verification. Additionally, when handling procedures such as ticket changes or refunds, passengers must present the original valid document used at the time of purchase.
A while ago, I went to the long-distance bus station to buy a ticket and forgot to bring my ID card. I asked the ticket seller, and she said most places now require real-name ticket purchases, so not having an ID can be a bit troublesome, but it's not absolutely impossible. Some smaller stations or short-distance routes might be more lenient, allowing other documents like a household register or passport to be used as substitutes. That time, I managed to buy a ticket using my driver's license. It's best to call ahead and ask about the station's rules or use mobile apps like Ctrip or 12306 to buy tickets online. Just fill in your ID number, and you can get a QR code to board the bus, saving the hassle of on-site verification. This rule is mainly to prevent scalpers and enhance security. If you're traveling last-minute without your ID, you can quickly get a temporary certificate from the local police station, but don't rely on luck too often—missing your bus wastes both time and money. I recommend always keeping your ID in your wallet when you go out; it's a reliable habit to develop. In short, bring your ID if you can, but don't panic if you forget—there's always a way to solve the problem. After all, the key to travel is staying relaxed.
