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How to get from Battambang to Siem Reap
The cheapest way to travel the 165 km distance from Battambang to Siem Reap is by bus. This option costs $9 and takes 3 hours. You can also take a taxi, which takes 2,5 hours and tickets start from $4o or a ferry, which takes 8,5 hours and costs $25.
3 ways to get from Battambang to Siem Reap
A bus ride will take a bit over 3 hours and costs $8. There are only 2 bus companies operating on this route. Fortunately, one of them has quite good standards.
Taxis are a little faster than the bus and offer the advantage that they will drop you off at your hotel. You can take a taxi with 4 seats or book one that can seat up to 12 passengers.
The more adventurous option is to take a ferry from Battambang to Siem Reap. This ride will offer a great experience in which you will absorb the local culture! However, don’t expect a high level of comfort. Unfortunately, you cannot book your ferry tickets online.
Itinerary from Battambang to Siem Reap
Ferry
- Battambang
- 8.5 hours
- Siem Reap
Battambang to Siem Reap by Bus
Taking the bus is an easy option to reach Siem Reap. Unfortunately, there is no direct road from Battambang to Siem Reap. This means that all buses go via Sisophon, which makes the journey last at least 3 hours.
The road from Battambang to Sisophon is a paved road and in good condition. But, expect some bumps on the road from Sisophon to Siem Reap.
Bus schedules from Battambang to Siem Reap
We recommend travelling with Mekong Express since they have a good reputation. You can book your bus tickets through the button below.
Mekong Express
- Departure point next to Psar Nat supermarket in the centre of Battambang
- Drop-off at Mekong Express station on the opposite of Asia Market Supermarket
Capital Tours
Capital Tours operates larger buses than Mekong Express. Although not a bad option, we do not really see the advantage of taking the Capital Tours bus.
You cannot book the bus tickets for this company online. Instead, you should go to their office in Battambang.
The bus station is located on the outskirts of the city centre, next to the Battambang Supermarket. Capitol Tours provides a free shuttle service between their office and this bus station.
Battambang to Siem Reap by Taxi
If you share the ride with more people, taking the taxi is very convenient. Taxis are a bit faster and will bring you for $40-$55 from Battambang to Siem Reap.
You can either hail a taxi and agree on a price with the driver, order one at your hotel or book a private taxi online by clicking the button below. The SUV taxi booked online starts at $55.
Battambang to Siem Reap by Ferry
If you want to have a culture trip, this is the way to go. Want to find the quickest, cheapest and most convenient way to get to Siem Reap? In this case, the ferry is not for you.
Ferry rides can be overcrowded, noisy, hot, a little uncomfortable and may take more time than the expected travel time. Some of the passages along the route are quite narrow and you might feel plants brushing past your skin.
On the bright side, it delivers another great travel experience. Taking the ferry offer views of floating villages and some beautiful local landscapes. The ride also includes a lunch stop at a floating restaurant. The restaurant serves local food but you also have the option to buy fresh pineapples if you’re not too keen to sample the local flare.
You can buy the ticket at the ferry dock near Route 5 bridge for $20. There are also hotels and restaurants that sell ferry tickets but they tend to charge more. Ferries operating on this route are wooden, local boats that just have enough space for a passenger compartment, one toilet and some space for your bags.
The ferry ride takes you through the Sangker River and arrives at Phnom Krom ferry port. From this port, you can take a tuk-tuk to the city centre for $5. Drivers may try to charge higher so better use your negotiation skills.
The route will look like this:
Battambang (Route near Route 5 Bridge) – Sangker River – Tonle Sap Lake – Siem Reap River – Phnom Krom Dock
*Note that ferries only operate during the wet season.
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About the author(s)
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.