Although high-speed rail has eaten into long-distance bus travel, coaches still serve smaller towns and scenic spots where there is no railway station. Chengdu's long-distance bus stations (长途客运站) are easy to use once you know which station serves your destination, and they are often cheaper and more frequent than the train for short regional hops. Buy a ticket with your passport, arrive 20 minutes early, and board the correct coach. For remote mountain villages and small county towns, the bus is often the only practical public option.
The Main Stations
- Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子): The gateway to the west, with frequent buses to Dujiangyan, Wenchuan and the mountain counties beyond.
- Xinnanmen Bus Station (新南门): The tourist station, with coaches to Emei Mountain, Leshan and other scenic areas, convenient for travelers staying in the old town.
- Wuguiqiao Bus Station (五桂桥): Serves points east, including several cities along the highway toward Chongqing.
Buying and Riding
Tickets are sold at the station counters or on official apps; pay with Chinese payment methods or Chinese yuan cash. Show your passport to collect the ticket and board. Coaches are usually comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, and most trips under two hours are direct without stops. Luggage goes in the hold under the bus; keep your valuables with you in the cabin. Buses run from early morning until late afternoon, less often on Sundays and holidays, so check the return time before you leave.
When to Take the Bus over the Train
Choose the bus when your destination has no high-speed rail, when the bus station is nearer your hotel than the railway station, or when coaches leave more frequently. For Dujiangyan, the train from Chengdu West is often faster and more comfortable; for remote mountain villages, the bus wins. Ask at your hotel which station and which company serves your target town, because smaller towns may have only one or two departures a day.
Buying Tickets and Timetables
You can buy tickets on the day for most regional routes, but holiday weekends sell out, so book ahead with your passport. Schedules thin out after late afternoon, so plan a return before noon the next day if you sleep in a small town. Keep your ticket until you arrive, as conductors may check it. Some coaches stop midway for a meal break, which is normal. Arrive with time to spare to find the correct bay.
Comfort and Connections
Coaches have reclining seats and air conditioning, but bring a light sweater because the cabin air is often cold. Toilets are limited on board, so use the station toilet before boarding. Keep your phone charged, since there is little to do on the ride. If you miss the last bus, a shared Didi is the fallback, costing more but saving the night. Ask the driver to announce your stop if it is not the terminus. Keep your ticket until you arrive.
Practical Information
- Chadianzi: west, Dujiangyan and mountain counties.
- Xinnanmen: tourist routes, Emei and Leshan.
- Wuguiqiao: eastbound cities.
- Buy with: passport, station counters or official apps.
- Tips: Arrive 20 minutes early. Keep valuables with you. Confirm the station and destination in Chinese.
