A method for data forwarding in a small cell system comprises: sending by a master base station (MeNB) to a target secondary base station (SeNB) information of a source SeNB or a source SeNB cell where a user equipment (UE) is located; determining by the target SeNB whether a direct data forwarding is feasible; notifying, by the target SeNB, the MeNB whether the direct data forwarding is feasible; and determining by the MeNB whether it is a direct data forwarding or an indirect data forwarding. The method for data forwarding provided in the present application may support both the direct data forwarding and the indirect data forwarding based on actual situation of the network, reduce data loss and failure of data forwarding, and improve the efficiency of data forwarding.