Ho Chi Minh City is preparing for one of the biggest public transport initiatives in Southeast Asia. From July 1, 2026 travellers will be able to journey for free by bus on 134 intra-city routes throughout the City. Authorities hope the fare exemption program will help lower congestion, encourage rides on public transit and spur a change in transit.
The project has been given a pull-through of part of the city budget of 665 billion VND to help the city cover operational costs of subsidized and non-subsidized bus lines. It could mean a huge cost cut for millions of people getting to and from work every day, students getting to school and visiting sites, and it could make public transport easier for these people.
Ho Chi Minh City Offering Free Bus Travel
The city government wants to urge a change of people’s habits regarding private motorbikes and cars as key factors contributing to congestion and air pollution. The authorities are promoting public transport by phase-out fares so it becomes more attractive and affordable.
The program is also in the context of a wider plan for urban mobility modernisation. The project is expected to boost ridership and cut down on emissions, while simultaneously gathering useful transportation data that can aid in future planning and service development.
The Two-Phase Rollout Explained
There will be two distinct phases to the free bus program in 2026.
Phase 1: July 1 to September 30, 2026
In the first phase, passengers are able to embark on selected buses without any registration, and without paying any fare for the whole trip. People aren’t going to need ID cards, electronic cards, QR codes or their mobile apps.
The first few months are aimed at getting people to experience public transit and get used to the city’s expanded bus network.
Phase 2: October 1 to December 31, 2026
The passengers will be able to travel free of charge as well, from October 1st but verifications will have to be made with devices built on a digital system.
QR codes and approved electronic payment and ID platforms provide free rides to commuters. All three formats (VNeID, e-wallet integration, bank cards) are accepted, as is the MultiGo application.
To gather accurate ridership data and assist the city in moving towards a full-digital ticketing system, but not to collect passenger data.
What Routes Are Included?
The free ride program consists of 134 lines of Ho Chi Minh City intra-city bus. There are 109 subsidized and 26 non-subsidized lines that go through the key residential areas, business centers, educational institutions, hospitals and the transport clusters in the city.
Authorities have said all the routes will be marked clearly to show that they are part of the fare-free program. New itineraries and timetables will be accessible via official transport websites and apps as well.
Which Bus Services Are Not Free?
The program is a very large one, but not all buses are covered. The inter-provincial routes running from HCMC to other adjoining provinces will still charge regular rates. The exemption does not cover popular routes, like Vung Tau or other places that connect the city.
Open top sightseeing buses are not also included in the program since they are tourist oriented. In addition, the existing fare structure will continue to apply to any airport shuttle services that are already at work. Before you ride, be sure to check if the route is eligible for passengers or not.
Supporting Ho Chi Minh City’s Green Transportation Goals
The fare exemption program is closely tied in with the city’s environment goals. About 68% of the bus fleet in HCMC is already fully equipped with electric or other clean energy technology buses.
Some 1,649 out of the 2,432 buses in the city are using environment-friendly fuels. On the horizon are plans for the entire fleet to become green energy-powered, creating a more environmentally, noise, and cleaner public transport system, which is being planned to begin sometime in early 2027.
The free bus as a scholarship to promote residents to adopt this greener mode of transportation.
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What Commuters Should Do Before July 1?
It is important for residents to be aware of other routes and transportation hubs near the area, if they plan to utilize the free bus network. It is also important for passengers to download relevant transport apps, which will also be necessary for digital verifications later this year.
The program offers a solution for daily commuters looking to ease their commuting costs amidst traffic congestion in Southeast Asia’s heavily trafficked city.
FAQs
When will the free bus program in Ho Chi Minh City start?
The programme starts on July 1st, 2026 and runs until December 31st, 2026.
Does free travel include airport transfers?
No. Airport shuttles will remain at regular rates.
Are inter-provincial buses free?
No. The fare exemption only takes effect for the eligible intra-city routes within Ho Chi Minh city.
