Ginsenoside Re (G-Re) is a major ingredient of the ginseng bud. A novel and rapid method to isolate and purify G-Re from ginseng buds was established. The procedure involves solvent extraction of ginseng bud powder, then pre-purification with an active carbon column and purification by preparative HPLC (prep-HPLC). Active carbon, which can selectively adsorb other kinds of ginsenosides except G-Re, was used as a new media to pre-purify G-Re in this study. In addition, we describe the development and optimisation of prep-HPLC parameters for G-Re purification. Compared to other types of high-purity G-Re preparation methods, this method is efficient, economical, waste-conscious and has the potential to maximise.