How to Book a Bus Ticket?
3 Answers
There are two methods to purchase bus tickets: at the ticket office of the bus station or online. Online purchasing is very convenient as you can buy tickets anytime and anywhere, and you can check the schedules in advance to avoid unavailability. Here are the ways to collect bus tickets: Window Collection: After booking the ticket, you can collect it at the ticket window of the main passenger station. The main station has dedicated windows for online and phone bookings. Simply bring your ID card to the designated window to collect your ticket. Automatic Ticket Machine: Bus stations are equipped with automatic ticket machines. You only need to bring your ID card to the machine to collect your ticket. Place your ID card in the designated area of the machine, click 'Collect Ticket,' and the machine will automatically display your purchased ticket. Click 'Print' to obtain your ticket, which is very convenient and quick.
As someone who frequently travels for business, I'm quite familiar with booking bus tickets. I usually handle it directly through mobile apps like Ctrip or WeChat Mini Programs, which is extremely convenient. Just open the app, enter the departure and destination, select the date and time, and the system will list all available trips. After choosing a suitable seat, complete the online payment via WeChat or Alipay, and you'll receive an electronic ticket code. Simply show the code before boarding—no need to queue for physical tickets. This method saves time and money, and booking early often comes with discounts. During peak periods like holidays, it's safer to book at least two days in advance. Remember to enter personal information accurately, especially your name and ID number, to avoid issues during ticket checks.
I'm an old-school person who prefers the traditional way of booking bus tickets by going directly to the station. Just bring your ID card, head to the ticket counter, tell the staff your destination and travel date, and they'll check the schedules, help you select a seat, and process payment with cash or card to get a paper ticket. Although it's not as fast as booking online, any issues can be resolved on the spot, which gives me peace of mind. Mornings are less crowded at the station, so queues move faster. During holidays or weekends, it's best to arrive early to avoid sold-out tickets, and bringing small change is a good idea in case the system has issues. Also, if you forget your departure time, station announcements will remind you, but missing the bus is a hassle, so it's important to stay alert.
