A communication network search method and an apparatus are disclosed. The method can include a terminal device sending a first message to a network device, where the first message includes a communication network type of the terminal device and first location information that is used during the sending of the first message. The terminal device receives a second message sent by the network device, where the second message includes N cell identifiers that are used to mark N pre-selected cells, which are determined by the network device based on the first location information and the communication network type. The terminal device determines M target cells in the N pre-selected cells based on second location information and motion status information that are used during the receiving of the second message. The terminal device searches for the M target cells.