Cambodia News

Cambodia's 600 free Pchum Ben buses are now running

October 9, 2026Event date

Cambodia's state news agency AKP reported travellers boarding buses early on the opening day, including at a stop in Phnom Penh's Russey Keo district. The service had been announced by the capital administration on 25 September; the 9 October reports confirmed that operations had begun.

The service continues after the public holiday ends

Pchum Ben, when Cambodian families honour deceased relatives and ancestors, falls on 10–12 October in 2026. The free transport programme covers 9–13 October, allowing one day before the official holiday and another for the journey back. This is particularly relevant for people travelling from Phnom Penh to visit family elsewhere in the country.

The fleet is split by purpose. Five hundred buses have been assigned to return journeys between Phnom Penh and the provinces along six main corridors. The other 100 serve urban passengers in the capital, including services connected with Techo International Airport. Those figures describe the government's designated public bus operation, not every bus available for hire or commercial intercity service in Cambodia.

For practical context, see Cambodia economy and finance. This development also connects with Cambodia launches official information sites nationwide.

A free fare still requires the right departure point

Provincial authorities have published details for individual routes. On the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville connection, for example, Preah Sihanouk provincial officials allocated 14 buses. They identified the bus station on Street 2004 in Phnom Penh and the January 7 Square area in Sihanoukville as boarding locations; the first departure from the capital was scheduled for 6:30 am on 9 October.

Passengers heading elsewhere should not assume those locations or departure times apply to their destination. The six corridors have their own arrangements, and the programme does not make all journeys across Cambodia free. Published announcements also do not separately specify boarding eligibility for foreign passengers, so that detail should be confirmed with the service operator before relying on a free trip.

For anyone arranging a return to Phnom Penh, 13 October is the final stated day of this holiday service. The actual departure time matters just as much as the end date, particularly where work or school commitments leave little room for delay.

Sources

Phnom Penh Capital Administration; AKP report on the 600-bus Pchum Ben service — 25 September 2026.
Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP), “Free Bus Services Facilitate Travel During Pchum Ben Holiday” — 9 October 2026.
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration; provincial television notice on 14 Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville buses — 7 October 2026.