The present invention provides a cell selection method and apparatus. The cell selection method includes: sending, by a non-access stratum of user equipment UE, network list information to an access stratum of the UE, where the network list information includes a list of forbidden networks and a list of forbidden networks for a GPRS service; determining, by the non-access stratum, indication information about a cell selection priority according to an operation mode of the UE; and sending, by the non-access stratum, the indication information to the access stratum, so that the access stratum selects a suitable cell according to the network list information and the indication information. The present invention can effectively prevent the UE from entering a state of being able to normally camp but unable to obtain a normal service, thereby improving user experience.