Traffic in Phnom Penh gets worse every year, and the Phnom Penh city bus is one of the easiest ways to skip it without spending a lot of money. The city bus system solves both problems, yet plenty of residents and expats still have not tried it. Here is everything you need to know to start riding.
Riding the Phnom Penh City Bus: A Local Perspective
My first ride on the city bus was from Kouch Kanong Roundabout straight to Techo International Airport, and it left a good impression. The buses run from 5:30am until 11:30pm, and I barely had to wait before mine showed up. The trip itself takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending on traffic, but the bus is new, has AC, and honestly felt more comfortable than I expected. For a distance that far, taking the bus instead of a taxi saves real money, and now it’s my go to whenever I head to the airport.
What Is the Phnom Penh City Bus
The Phnom Penh City Bus is the capital’s official public transport network, run by the Phnom Penh City Bus Authority together with the Phnom Penh Municipal Government. It launched in September 2014 with just three lines and has grown steadily since then. Today the network covers 21 lines across the city, backed by around 235 buses.
This was actually the second attempt at running public buses in Phnom Penh. An earlier project thirteen years before 2014 shut down after only two months due to low ridership. This time, support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency helped the system take hold and expand.
Where the Phnom Penh City Bus Network Covers
The routes stretch across the whole city and into surrounding areas:
- North: Prek Pnov
- South: Ta Khmao, the capital of Kandal Province
- East: Chbar Ampov, across the Monivong Bridge
- West: The Special Economic Zone
Lines pass through major landmarks like Wat Phnom, Central Market, Independence Monument, Orussey Market, and several AEON Malls, so most parts of the city sit within reach of a bus stop.
How Much a Phnom Penh City Bus Ride Costs
A single ride costs KHR1,500, about US$0.37, no matter how far you travel. That flat rate makes it one of the cheapest ways to get around the city.
All official City Buses are equipped with KHQR for scan to pay, so you don’t need cash on hand. Every bus has a unified payment fare box next to the driver, and the KHQR code is printed or displayed right on it. Just scan it with any local Cambodian bank app like ABA, ACLEDA, Wing or Chip Mong and you’re set.
A couple of things worth knowing before you board:
- Technical glitches happen. Occasionally a QR sticker gets scratched, or the driver’s machine has a connection issue.
- Keep a backup. It’s smart to carry a KHR1,500 note in your pocket just in case the digital system fails on that particular bus.
Several groups ride for free, though you need to show ID to confirm eligibility:
- Seniors over 70 years old
- Young children under one meter tall
- People with disabilities
- Monks
- Teachers and students
- Factory workers, a free ride policy in place since September 2017
How to Download the Phnom Penh City Bus App
The official app is called City Bus Official App, and it lets you track buses in real time, search routes, and plan your trip before you head out the door. It works on both Android and iOS.
- iOS: Download on the App Store
- Android: Download on Google Play
You can also scan the QR code on the official City Bus website to get the download link sent straight to your phone. Once installed, search for your stop or destination to see which lines serve it and how long until the next bus arrives.
Useful Phnom Penh City Bus Lines to Know
Instead of scrolling through all 22 lines, here are the ones most riders actually need.
| Line | Terminus | Frequency (mins) | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | Bus Depot ↔ Veal Sbov Bus Station | 15 – 25 | Crossing to Chbar Ampov |
| 2A | Kouch Kanong Roundabout ↔ Prek Samrong | 10 – 20 | City center travel |
| 5 | Russey Keo Freedom Park (Circular route via Aeon Mall 2) | 15 – 30 | Shopping trips |
| 1C | Veal Sbov ↔ Koh Pich ↔ AEON1 ↔ Chipmong 271 Mega Mall (Loop) | 20 – 40 | Weekend outings, extended evening hours |
| Airport Express Bus | Kouch Kanong Roundabout ↔ Techo International Airport | 10 – 20 | Airport transfers |
Want the full route list? Check the City Bus Official App for all 22 lines and live tracking.
Tips for First Time Riders
- Download the City Bus Official App before your first ride so you know exactly when the next bus arrives.
- Carry small bills for the fare, since drivers may not always have change for large notes.
- If you fall into one of the free-ride categories, bring ID that confirms your eligibility.
- Buses can fill up fast near malls and markets in the evening, so plan around peak hours if you prefer a seat.
Traveling Beyond Phnom Penh? Book Your Next Trip with BookMeBus
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Final Thoughts
The Phnom Penh City Bus has grown from three lines in 2014 into a network of 21 lines reaching nearly every corner of the city, all for under forty cents a ride. Whether you commute daily or just need an easy way to reach the airport, downloading the City Bus Official App and finding your nearest stop is the easiest way to get started.
