How to purchase bus tickets in Guangzhou?

Getting around Guangzhou by bus is easy and efficient, you can choose from cash payments, transportation cards, mobile apps, or even intercity reservations to suit your travel needs.

Cash payment

Ticket vending machines: At BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) stations, you can select your route and fare based on your destination and purchase tickets with cash using automated machines.

At ticket counters: Some non-BRT bus terminals have staffed ticket counters where you can buy tickets with cash directly.

Onboard fare box: For certain regular bus routes, you can pay with coins or small bills directly on the bus. Be sure to have the exact change ready.

Transportation card payment

Yang Cheng Tong/Lingnan Pass: Yang Cheng Tong/Lingnan Pass are widely accepted transportation cards in Guangzhou. You can recharge them at self-service machines, convenience stores, or via mobile apps (such as the “Yang Cheng Tong” app). Tap your card when boarding to enjoy cumulative fare discounts on buses and the metro (5 percent off for the first 15 rides, 40 percent off thereafter).

China T-Union Card: A nationwide transit card that works across different cities. It can be used for both buses and metro systems in Guangzhou.

Mobile payment

WeChat/Alipay QR code: Search for “Guangzhou Bus Ride Code” in WeChat or Alipay, claim the virtual ride card, and scan the code to board. Some BRT stations allow direct QR code scanning at entry.

NFC virtual card: Bind your Yang Cheng Tong or Lingnan Pass to your phone’s NFC wallet (such as Apple Pay or Huawei Pay) and simply tap your phone to ride.

Intercity bus routes

Online reservation: For intercity routes like Guangzhou Nansha to Shenzhen, you can reserve and purchase tickets via the “Shenba Travel” mini-program on WeChat.

On-site purchase: Some intercity routes also accept onboard cash payment or have ticket counters at the station.

Key words: public transportation, bus ticket, payment