The Phnom Penh Capital Administration will deploy 600 buses to provide free transportation for people travelling from Phnom Penh to their hometowns and returning to the capital during the upcoming Pchum Ben traditional festival.
The free bus service will operate for five days, from October 9 to 13, 2026, following guidance from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during a plenary Cabinet meeting in Phnom Penh.
The initiative is intended to help reduce people's travel expenses during the Pchum Ben holiday while providing safe and convenient transportation for those returning home to reunite with their families and observe traditional customs.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Free bus service | October 9–13, 2026 |
| Total buses arranged | 600 |
| Daily Phnom Penh public transport | 100 buses |
| Free hometown travel | 500 buses |
| Major routes | 6 routes |
| Main purpose | Reduce travel expenses and provide convenient transportation |
| Occasion | Pchum Ben traditional festival |
500 Buses for Free Interprovincial Travel
According to a notice from the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, the 600 buses will serve two purposes during the five-day period.
Of the total, 100 buses will continue providing daily public transportation services within Phnom Penh, including the Techo International Airport Express Bus service.
The remaining 500 buses will be dedicated to free transportation between Phnom Penh and people's hometowns.
The services will operate along six major routes covering different destinations.
This arrangement will allow eligible passengers to travel between Phnom Penh and their hometowns without paying transportation fares during the five-day service period.
Reducing Travel Costs During Pchum Ben
Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia's major traditional festivals, when people travel to their hometowns to reunite with relatives and observe religious and cultural traditions.
The free bus programme is designed to reduce the financial burden associated with holiday travel, particularly for people who need to make long-distance journeys from Phnom Penh to their home provinces.
By providing free transportation, the initiative is also intended to offer a safer and more convenient travel option during the busy holiday period.
Government Continues Free Bus Programme
The Royal Government has annually provided free bus services during major traditional holidays, including Pchum Ben and Khmer New Year, as part of efforts to help reduce people's transportation expenses.
The latest arrangement continues that approach, with the Phnom Penh Capital Administration coordinating hundreds of buses for both urban public transport and interprovincial holiday travel.
Hun Manet also conveyed greetings and appreciation to armed forces personnel serving both at the frontlines and inside the country for fulfilling their duties in the national interest and for the people.
Angkor Times Analysis
The 2026 free bus programme combines social support with public transportation planning during one of Cambodia's busiest annual travel periods.
The allocation of 500 buses specifically for hometown travel provides additional transportation capacity during the Pchum Ben period, while retaining 100 buses for regular Phnom Penh services helps maintain urban public transportation, including the airport express service.
For passengers, the most direct benefit is the elimination of transportation fares on the designated routes during the five-day period. For the government, the programme also provides a mechanism to support domestic mobility during a major national festival.
The source does not specify the exact six routes, departure schedules, passenger capacity, eligibility requirements or booking procedures. Travellers should therefore follow official announcements from the Phnom Penh Capital Administration for detailed arrangements before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the free bus service operate?
The service will operate for five days, from October 9 to 13, 2026, during the Pchum Ben period.
How many buses will be deployed?
A total of 600 buses will be arranged.
How many buses will provide free hometown transportation?
500 buses will be used to transport people between Phnom Penh and their hometowns.
What will the other 100 buses do?
The remaining 100 buses will continue providing daily public transportation services in Phnom Penh, including the Techo International Airport Express Bus service.
How many routes will the free buses cover?
The 500 buses will operate along six major routes covering different destinations.
Why is the government providing free buses?
The programme aims to reduce people's travel expenses and provide safe and convenient transportation for those returning to their hometowns during Pchum Ben.
Will passengers have to pay for the hometown bus service?
According to the supplied AKP report, the designated hometown services will be provided without transportation fares during the five-day period.