Busiest bus station in Guangzhou? That’s the Tianhe Coach Terminal. It stands before you. Let’s delve into the story of this transport hub.
The Tianhe Coach Terminal began operations in January 1997. Its construction area covers more than 20000 square meters. This terminal is a vital part of Guangzhou’s transport network.
Did you know the Tianhe Coach Terminal is the busiest in Guangzhou? On a normal day, approximately 35000 people pass through here. During peak travel seasons, that number can soar to 90000 daily passengers. The terminal operates from 6:10 am to 10:00 pm every day.
Tianhe Coach Terminal boasts a competitive location. You can reach almost any place in Guangzhou downtown within 30 minutes using the metro. The B exit of Tianhe Coach Terminal Station connects directly to the terminal’s main gate. This station serves both Line 3 and Line 6 of the Guangzhou Metro.
The Tianhe Coach Terminal operates numerous inter-provincial and provincial bus routes. It handles 127 inter-provincial routes to East China. These routes include Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian and Jiangxi. It also manages 108 provincial bus routes. These serve destinations like Zengcheng, Huadu, Conghua, Qingyuan and more. You can travel to Shaoguan, Huizhou, Meizhou, Heyuan, Haifeng, and other cities. Buses also go to Lufeng, Shanwei, Jieyang, Shantou, Jiangmen and beyond. Expect routes to Maoming, Zhanjiang, Zhaoqing, Yunfu, and Yangjiang. Don’t forget Dongguan, Shenzhen, Foshan, Zhuhai and Zhongshan. More than 1800 buses depart daily for East, West and North Guangdong. Some even head to East China regions.
Inside Tianhe Coach Terminal, clear signs guide passengers. These signs are in both Chinese and English. They direct you to ticket halls, waiting areas and ticket vending machines.
Tickets are available both online and offline. Self-service machines are on the ground floor. The ticket office is on the 2nd floor. International travelers need to visit the ticket office on the 2nd floor. This is because the machines cannot read passports. A real-name system is in place for bus, flight and train tickets. International travelers must present their passports. Payment is accepted in Renminbi cash. Weekends and holidays see large crowds at the terminal. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Online travel agencies offer a convenient way to secure your seat. Use your passport and e-ticket for boarding.
The service desk is available for passenger assistance. Staff can help with any travel-related issues. Waiting halls are located on both the ground floor and the 2nd floor. Dedicated waiting rooms exist for certain destinations. These include Huizhou Region and Shenzhen Guangming New District. The Tianhe Coach Terminal features 52 ticket gates. Each gate serves different destinations. Passengers should check their tickets for the correct gate. Electronic bulletin boards display departure times and bus delay status. Security checks can take additional time. Arrive at least 30 minutes early with an e-ticket. Allow 60 to 90 minutes to collect or purchase paper tickets.
Tianhe Coach Terminal offers several conveniences. Drinking areas and restrooms are on both floors. Left luggage facilities are available. Charging stations for mobile devices are provided. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the terminal. You will also find restaurants and shops.
So, as you stand here, remember the Tianhe Coach Terminal. It’s not just a bus station. It is a gateway connecting Guangzhou to countless destinations.