BEIJING, Sept. 18 -- Transport officials anticipate 644 million passengers on roads and waterways during the National Day golden week holiday this year, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said Thursday.

The expected number of domestic travelers is more than the combined population of European Union and Japan.

A daily average of 92 million people will travel on China's roads and waterways during the week-long holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, MOT spokesman Li Yang said at a press conference.

The MOT has planned 860,000 buses and 21,000 passenger ships nationwide for the travel rush, with the peak hours expected on Oct. 1 and 7.

Toll highways during golden week will be free for cars with no more than seven seats.

The ministry expects a noticeable rise in traffic throughout major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou

The country's railway networks and airliners are likely to attract more long distance travelers.