Bus and train operators have announced that the sale of tickets for the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday rush begins on Tuesday.

While bus tickets will be available both at counters and online, Bangladesh Railway has maintained its policy of selling 100 percent of its advance tickets online.

The railway has decided to split ticket release timings by regional zones, with tickets for the western zone available from 8am and those for the eastern zone from 2pm.

The first phase of the sale will cover journeys on Mar 13.

Trains will carry passengers back home for Eid every day until Mar 19, with tickets for the journeys available until Mar 9.

With offices expected to close on Mar 18, railway officials anticipate the highest demand for tickets on that specific date.

Bus operators centred in Gabtoli and Kalyanpur will also begin selling advance tickets on Tuesday morning.

Shubhankar Ghosh, general secretary of the Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners Association, confirmed that their members will start charging Eid fares from Mar 12.

“Every counter must display the BRTA-fixed fare chart. No company is permitted to charge extra,” Shubhankar said, adding that the same rates would apply to online apps.

While the BRTA regulates fares for non-AC buses, AC and sleeper class services remain outside this price control.

Luxury bus services see fares double or even triple during the Eid season.

Railways Minister Shaikh Robiul Alam on Monday issued a set of directives to its staff to ensure a smooth journey for homebound passengers.

Depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid is expected to fall on either Mar 20 or 21.