The Phnom Penh Capital Administration will deploy 600 buses providing free transportation during the five day Pchum Ben holiday, helping residents travel from the capital to their hometowns while reducing transport costs.
The free bus service will operate from Friday through Tuesday under instructions from Prime Minister Hun Manet, according to a City Hall directive.
Of the 600 buses, 100 will operate within Phnom Penh, including regular public transport services and the Airport Express Bus connecting the capital with Techo International Airport.
The remaining 500 buses will provide interprovincial services, connecting Phnom Penh with provincial destinations across Cambodia.
Key Facts
600 buses will provide free transportation.
100 buses will serve routes within Phnom Penh.
500 buses will operate interprovincial routes.
Services will run for five consecutive days, Friday to Tuesday.
Interprovincial departures are scheduled between 6:30am and 11:30am.
Siem Reap has been allocated 115 buses.
Banteay Meanchey has been allocated 65 buses.
Battambang has been allocated 35 buses.
Transport operators have been urged not to increase fares during Pchum Ben.
Free Buses Connect Phnom Penh With Provinces
The interprovincial services are designed to assist factory workers, civil servants and other residents returning home for the Pchum Ben holiday.
Daily departures from Phnom Penh to the provinces and return services are scheduled between 6:30am and 11:30am.
The largest allocation is for major destinations in northwestern Cambodia, with 65 buses assigned to Banteay Meanchey, 35 to Battambang and 20 to Pailin from Russey Keo Garden Bus Station.
Siem Reap will receive the largest single route allocation, with 115 buses departing from OCIC Chroy Changvar.
Bus Allocations by Departure Station
| Departure station | Destination | Buses |
|---|---|---|
| Veal Sbov, National Road 1 | Prey Veng | 5 |
| Veal Sbov, National Road 1 | Svay Rieng | 15 |
| Chak Angre Leu | Takeo via Kandal | 3 |
| Street 2004 | Kep | 9 |
| Street 2004 | Kampot | 9 |
| Street 2004 | Preah Sihanouk via Kampong Speu | 14 |
| Street 2004 | Koh Kong | 5 |
| Russey Keo Garden | Kampong Chhnang | 10 |
| Russey Keo Garden | Pursat | 20 |
| Russey Keo Garden | Battambang | 35 |
| Russey Keo Garden | Banteay Meanchey | 65 |
| Russey Keo Garden | Pailin | 20 |
| OCIC Chroy Changvar | Kampong Thom | 15 |
| OCIC Chroy Changvar | Siem Reap | 115 |
| OCIC Chroy Changvar | Oddar Meanchey | 15 |
| OCIC Chroy Changvar | Preah Vihear | 10 |
| Kuoch Kanong Roundabout | Kampong Cham | 18 |
| Kuoch Kanong Roundabout | Tboung Khmum | 12 |
| Kuoch Kanong Roundabout | Kratie | 25 |
| Kuoch Kanong Roundabout | Stung Treng | 20 |
| Kuoch Kanong Roundabout | Mondulkiri | 10 |
| Kuoch Kanong Roundabout | Ratanakiri | 10 |
City Hall Urges Transport Operators to Keep Fares Stable
The Phnom Penh Capital Administration has also urged transport companies and vehicle owners not to increase fares during the Pchum Ben holiday.
The measure is intended to prevent holiday travel from placing additional financial pressure on residents, particularly workers and families returning to their home provinces.
Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia's major annual religious and cultural observances, during which large numbers of people traditionally travel from Phnom Penh and other urban centres to their hometowns and family communities.
Angkor Times Analysis
The deployment of 600 free buses represents a significant temporary expansion of public transportation capacity during one of Cambodia's busiest annual travel periods.
The arrangement is particularly relevant for factory workers, civil servants and lower income households, for whom holiday transportation costs can become a significant expense when travelling long distances.
The route allocation also shows the scale of movement expected from Phnom Penh. Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang and other provinces have been assigned substantial bus capacity, reflecting the wide geographic distribution of residents returning home.
Keeping fares stable is equally important. Free services provide direct relief to passengers using the designated buses, while the call for private operators not to raise fares is intended to limit broader price pressure across the transport market during the holiday.
For businesses and employers, the temporary transport programme may also help facilitate the annual movement of workers between Phnom Penh and their home provinces during Pchum Ben.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many free buses will Phnom Penh deploy for Pchum Ben?
The Phnom Penh Capital Administration will deploy 600 buses during the five day holiday period.
How are the 600 buses divided?
One hundred buses will serve routes within Phnom Penh, while 500 will operate interprovincial routes.
When will the free bus service operate?
The service will operate from Friday through Tuesday, covering five consecutive days.
What time will interprovincial buses depart?
Daily departures from Phnom Penh to the provinces and return services are scheduled between 6:30am and 11:30am.
Which province has the largest bus allocation?
Among the listed provincial destinations, Siem Reap has the largest allocation, with 115 buses departing from OCIC Chroy Changvar.
Are private transport operators allowed to raise fares?
The Phnom Penh Capital Administration has urged transport companies and vehicle owners not to raise fares during the Pchum Ben holiday.