Provided is a continuously variable transmission capable of solving a technical problem of a complex structure comprising three planetary gear sets including a planetary gear set at an input end, a planetary gear set at an output end and a bucket wheel-based planetary gear set. The continuously variable transmission comprises a planetary gear set (101) at an input end and a planetary gear set (102) at an output end. A planetary carrier (103) having a cavity is provided between the planetary gear set (101) at the input end and the planetary gear set (102) at the output end. The planetary carrier (103) comprises an input end cover (6) and an output end cover (10). The input end cover (6) is connected to an inner side of the planetary gear set (101) at the input end. The output end cover (10) is connected to an inner side of the planetary gear set (102) at the output end. A bucket-wheel housing (11) having a cavity is fixed between the input end cover (6) and the output end cover (10). A bucket-wheel (7) is fixed to a planetary gear connecting shaft (4) located inside the bucket-wheel housing (11).