How to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat come hand in hand with each other. Almost everyone who visits Siem Reap also explores the extensive and remarkable temples of Angkor Wat – the largest religious monument in the world.
Some visitors spend an entire week discovering every corner and carving of the temples, but here’s your reminder to explore beyond Angkor Wat. The city also has cute cafes, a nightly circus that will leave you stunned, never-ending markets, and a lively Pub Street. For many, it exceeds expectations.
What are the 5 ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
There are 5 ways to travel the 320 kilometre (199 miles) distance from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. You can choose between the bus, minivan, taxi, flight and ferry. The journey takes 2 hours 40 minutes to 8 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 38,000 KHR ($9.50).
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Bus fares start from 38,000 KHR ($9.50), and the journey takes around 5 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes.
There are nine bus companies operating on this route, with regular departures throughout the day. That means you can easily find a time that fits your plans.
Buses on this route have a good reputation for safety. They’re generally steady and slower-paced, which makes the journey feel more relaxed.
You’ll find standard seated buses, sleeper buses, and more premium options with extra legroom. Since the travel time from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is at least 5.5 hours, it’s worth upgrading to a premium bus with Airbus or Giant Ibis if your budget allows. The extra space and added comfort can make a long ride feel much more enjoyable.
Bus schedules from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
In Cambodia, transport companies often adjust the vehicle type based on how many people are travelling. You might book a bus but end up in a minivan, or the other way around, depending on demand.
Also, note that each company operates from its own office rather than a central station, so double-check the departure and arrival location when booking.
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Minivan
A minivan ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap costs around 40,000 KHR ($10). The minivan journey takes about 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on traffic.
Minivans depart almost every hour and usually make fewer stops than buses, so the journey can be a bit quicker. That said, legroom is limited, and minivan drivers are known for driving fast.
Below, you’ll find five companies operating on this route. They generally receive good reviews from travellers, but we still recommend checking recent reviews before booking.
Minivan schedules from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Ferry
Taking the ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is a completely different experience compared to travelling overland. Instead of highways and traffic, you’ll cruise along Tonle Sap Lake. and see floating villages and daily life on the water.
Ferries on this route only operate during the wet season (June to November), as water levels need to be high enough.
You can book your tickets with Cambodia River Express, which runs ferry departures every Saturday and Tuesday at 08:30.
Tickets cost 197,000 KHR ($49) per person, and the journey takes around 7 to 8 hours.
Departure and Arrival Stations
In Phnom Penh, the ferry departs from the main pier along Sisowath Riverside Park.
In Siem Reap, passengers are dropped off outside the Cambodian Commercial Bank, right next to Pub Street in the city centre.
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Taxi
A private transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 345,000 KHR ($86) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 115,000 KHR ($28.50) each.
Private Transport options from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Flight
Taking the plane is the fastest way to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
Just know that both airports are located outside the city centre, so you’ll need extra time to get to and from the airport. All in, the journey takes around 2 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes, including airport transfers.
The total cost is around 411,000 KHR ($100).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Phnom Penh city centre to Phnom Penh Airport
Techo International Airport (KTI) is Cambodia’s new international hub, about 20 km south of Phnom Penh. It’s a bit farther than the old airport, so getting into the city takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.
There are 3 ways you can get from Techo Airport to the city centre: by bus (1.5-2 hours), by tuk-tuk (1 hour), and by taxi (45 minutes to 1 hour).
The cheapest way to reach the city centre is via the Airport Express Bus, which runs daily from 05:30 t` o 23:30. A ticket costs 2,000 KHR ($0.40), and you can board from any of these four main stops:
- Canadia Park
- Royal University of Law and Economics
- Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard at Bred Bank
- AEON Mean Chey, AEON Mall 3
You can also take a tuk-tuk to the airport for a more local experience. It’s easy to hail one on the street, but booking through a ride-hailing app like Grab, PassApp, WowNow, or Move usually gives you a better price. Fares start from around 30,000 KHR ($7.50).
If you’re looking for the most comfort and convenience, go for a private transfer. Fares start from 63,000 KHR ($15.70), and booking through a ride-hailing app typically offers the best rates. You can also reserve a ride in advance via Klook or 12Go.Asia.
Check out our full guide for Phnom Penh Airport for more details.
Step 2: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Flight
Air Cambodia is the only airline operating direct flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. They run two flights daily.
Fares start from 377,000 KHR ($94), and the flight takes 55m.
Step 3: Siem Reap Airport to the city centre
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located about 45 km east of the city centre. Since replacing the old airport in 2023, it now takes longer to reach town — around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your transport choice.
The cheapest option is the airport shuttle bus, with fares from 32,000 KHR ($8). It drops you off along 7 Makara Street, about 2 km from the tourist centre. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your hotel.
Private transfers are the most comfortable and fastest option, though they’re also the most expensive. You can choose between airport taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp, or pre-booked cars through BookAway. Prices range from 100,000 KHR ($25) to 181,000 KHR ($45).
There are also tuk-tuks from the airport, but they’re slower and not ideal in bad weather. You can read more about all the transport options on our Siem Reap airport page.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
What is the distance from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
The distance from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is 320 kilometre (199 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
The fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is by flight and takes 2 hours 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
The cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is by bus with ticket costs starting from 38,000 KHR ($9.50).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
