The present disclosure discloses a method for transmitting an IP message, negotiating a bandwidth saving capability and saving network bandwidth. The method for transmitting an IP message includes: sending more than one bandwidth saving capability supported by a sender to a receiver; receiving one bandwidth saving capability selected by the receiver; obtaining a type of an IP message for transmitting data according to the bandwidth saving capability selected by the receiver; and sending the IP message to the receiver after constructing the IP message, wherein the one bandwidth saving capability is selected from the more than one bandwidth saving capability and is supported by the receiver. By applying the methods provided by the present disclosure, the bandwidth and resources of an IP bearer network in a communication system are saved.