How to cancel a bus ticket
As travel demand increases, many people may encounter changes to their itinerary after purchasing bus tickets, so knowing how to cancel bus tickets has become a practical skill. This article will introduce in detail the bus ticket cancellation process, precautions and recent hot topics to help you handle ticket refunds efficiently.
1. Common ways to cancel bus tickets

The cancellation methods for bus tickets vary depending on the ticket purchase platform or station regulations. The following are the refund methods through several common channels:
| Ticket purchasing platform | Cancellation method | Refund handling fee |
|---|---|---|
| Station window | Go to the ticket window with your ID card and ticket. | 10% will be deducted 2 hours before departure and 20% will be deducted within 2 hours |
| 12306 official website | Log in to your account and operate in "Order Management" | 5% will be deducted 1 day before departure and 10% will be deducted within 1 day |
| Third-party platforms (such as Ctrip, Fliggy) | Apply for a refund through the APP or website | According to platform rules, it is usually higher than official channels |
2. Recent hot topics and changes in refund policies
In the past 10 days, popular discussions about bus ticket cancellation have mainly focused on the following aspects:
| topic | heat index | Main content |
|---|---|---|
| Peak refunds during holidays | ★★★★★ | As the National Day holiday approaches, the number of refunds increased by 30% year-on-year |
| New rules for electronic ticket refunds | ★★★★ | Some provinces implement "1-hour free refund" pilot |
| Refund scam warning | ★★★ | Cases of false refund links increase by 45% monthly |
3. Matters needing attention when refunding tickets
1.time limit: Most stations require refunds to be processed more than 30 minutes before departure. Refunds may not be available if time exceeds 30 minutes.
2.Documentation requirements: For refunds, you need to bring the original ID card used when purchasing the ticket, and the order number is required for the electronic ticket.
3.Special ticket type: Student tickets and discount tickets may have additional restrictions, so it is recommended to consult in advance.
4.Refund cycle: The online platform usually takes 3-15 working days to arrive, and tickets purchased in cash at the station window can be refunded immediately.
4. Step-by-step refund guide (take 12306 as an example)
1. Log in to the 12306 official website or APP and enter "Untravel Orders"
2. Select the train for which the ticket needs to be refunded and click the "Refund" button
3. Confirm the refund information and submit the application
4. The system generates a refund voucher and the handling fee is automatically deducted
5. The refund will be returned to the payment account (bank card/Alipay, etc.)
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still get a refund if I miss the departure time?
A: Under normal circumstances, the ticket will be invalid after departure. However, some stations provide rebooking services, and you need to pay the price difference.
Q: How to refund group tickets?
A: All members need to refund their tickets at the same time, or contact the station in advance to explain the changes to some members.
Q: Why didn’t I receive a refund after canceling the ticket?
A: It may be due to bank processing delay. It is recommended to check after 3 working days. If the payment is still not received, please contact the customer service of the ticket purchasing platform.
6. Latest policy developments
According to the new regulations of the Ministry of Transport in September, the "tiered refund" system will be trialled in the fourth quarter of 2023:
| Refund time | Handling fee | Scope of application |
|---|---|---|
| More than 48 hours before departure | 5% | National pilot lines |
| 24-48 hours before departure | 10% | Yangtze River Delta region |
| Within 24 hours before departure | 20% | Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region |
It is recommended to pay close attention to local station announcements before traveling, or check the latest refund policies through official channels. Properly planning your itinerary can not only avoid financial losses, but also improve your travel experience.
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