Getting Around Cambodia (2025 Guide for First-Timers)

Travelling between cities is straightforward. Most people go by bus or minivan, which connect the main routes between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. If you want to save time, there are also domestic flights, scenic train rides and a few boat routes linking towns along the river and coast.

Within the cities, it’s easy to move around. Tuk-tuks and remorks are easy to find, or you can just book one through Grab or PassApp.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at all the main transport options in Cambodia — how they work, what to expect, and which ones are best for your trip.

Buses

Buses are the main way people travel around Cambodia. They’re affordable, easy to book, and reach almost every major destination, something the train network doesn’t match yet.

Buses run regularly across the country, connecting the capital of Phnom Penh with popular destinations like Siem Reap, Battambang and the southern coast.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the main bus companies in Cambodia, along with a few notes to help you choose a reliable option for your route.

Giant Ibis

Launched in 2012, Giant Ibis is one of the most reputable bus companies in Cambodia and is a favourite of many foreign travellers. They are known for their focus on safety, cleanliness, and reliable service.

You’ll pay a little more compared to other local bus companies, but most travellers find the extra comfort and peace of mind worth it.

Where they go: Giant Ibis operates between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kampot. They also offer international routes to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Bangkok in Thailand

Vireak Buntham Express (VET)

Vireak Buntham Express runs several routes across Cambodia, including popular ones like Phnom Penh–Siem Reap and cross-border trips to Vietnam and Thailand. They have multiple departures a day on their main routes.

Fares are usually on the cheaper side. Reviews online are mixed. Some travellers say their trip was smooth, while others mention delays, older buses, or uncomfortable seating. Experiences seem to vary a lot depending on the route and schedule.

Where they go: Virak Buntham covers major routes like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot, and Battambang. They also offer international routes to Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.

Capitol Tours

Capitol Tours is one of Cambodia’s go-to bus companies for local travellers and budget backpackers. They offer a variety of vehicle types, including 45-seat air-conditioned buses, smaller VIP 25-seat vehicles, minivans, and some sleeper buses for longer routes.

Capitol shows its bus and van routes on the website, but you can only pay through bank transfer. They don’t offer real-time booking or instant online payment there. If you want live schedules and immediate confirmation, you’ll need to book through platforms like 12Go Asia or BookAway.

Where they go: From Siem Reap, Capitol runs direct bus routes to Phnom Penh and Svay Sisophon. They also serve Battambang, Poipet, Pursat, Sihanoukville, Kampot, and Kep, though these routes are often operated with minivans or may require a transfer in Phnom Penh.

Larryta Bus Express

Larryta Express has been operating since 2004 and now includes minivans as part of its fleet.

Vehicles are well-maintained, with reclining seats and air conditioning. Drivers are professionally trained, and the company is considered reliable by many travellers, especially on popular routes like Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

Where they go: Larryta connects major destinations across Cambodia with direct services between cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, and Poi Pet.

Cambotra Express

Cambotra Express is a local bus company in Cambodia that runs intercity routes between some of the country’s most popular destinations.

You can book their tickets online through BookAway. Since they don’t have an official website, third-party platforms are the easiest way to check schedules and prices.

Where they go: Cambotra Express operates routes between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Battambang.

Sorya Bus

Sorya has been operating in Cambodia since 2006. The Sorya Bus main terminal is located just behind Phnom Penh’s Central Market, which makes it easy to access if you’re staying in the city centre.

These days, Sorya mainly acts as a ticketing agent for other local bus companies. While some buses still carry the Sorya name, many travellers report being sold tickets for completely different operators.

Reviews are mostly negative, with complaints about overcharging, misleading information, poor vehicle conditions, and disorganised service. A few travellers have decent rides, but overall, Sorya’s reputation has dropped in recent years.

Where they go: Sorya still offers routes from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and other cities. Just keep in mind that if you buy your ticket at their terminal, some of the trips may be operated by partner companies rather than Sorya itself.

How to book bus tickets in Cambodia

Online platforms. The easiest way to compare routes, prices, and bus companies is by booking online. Platforms like BookAway, 12Go.Asia, and Camboticket let you see departure times, read reviews, and secure your seat in advance. You can pay by card and get your ticket straight to your email or phone.

Company websites. Some bus companies, like Giant Ibis and Vireak Buntham, allow direct bookings through their websites. It’s also a good way to check real-time schedules and seat availability.

At the bus station or company office. This is a practical option if you’re already in town or booking last-minute.

Through your hotel or guesthouse. Many hotels partner with local transport companies and can arrange your ticket, sometimes with pickup included. There might be a small extra fee, but it’s convenient if you don’t want to deal with bus stations.

Minivans

Minivans are a faster and often more direct way to travel around Cambodia. They’re smaller than buses (usually 13–15 seats) and make fewer stops, which can save you time.

That said, the trade-offs include less legroom, no onboard toilets, and bumpy rides on poorly maintained roads.

Some operators cram in extra seats or overload luggage, while others maintain better safety and comfort. If you’re prone to motion sickness or carrying large bags, it’s worth checking reviews and choosing a reputable provider.

Here’s a look at the most popular minivan companies in Cambodia.

Cambodia Post VIP

The country’s national postal service runs Cambodia Post VIP. It used to operate reliable intercity minivan routes between major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. These services were known for safe driving, on-time departures, and well-maintained vehicles.

However, those long-distance routes have now been discontinued. Cambodia Post VIP only runs airport transfers between Siem Reap city centre and the new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport. If you’re flying into or out of SAI, this is still a convenient and affordable option.

Route: Siem Reap city centre to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (and back)

Champa Mekong

Champa Mekong is a budget minivan and minibus operator based in southern Cambodia. That said, reviews are mixed.

Some travellerss mention clean vehicles and working air conditioning. Others report breakdowns, delays, and poor communication. There have been cases where passengers were not told that the van had already left or was full. If that happens, you might end up waiting hours for the next one.

Champa Mekong can work if saving money is your top priority. But if you care more about comfort and reliable service, you may want to consider other operators.

Route: Champa Mekong runs routes between Phnom Penh, Kampot, Kep, and Sihanoukville. Some vans also go toward the Ha Tien and Phu Quoc border area in Vietnam.

Selia Angkor Express

Seila Angkor Express, often just called Seila Angkor, is one of the most reliable minivan companies running between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. If you are looking for flexibility, this operator is a great pick.

They run hourly departures throughout the day, starting from six thirty in the morning until six thirty in the evening.

Seila Angkor uses fourteen-seater vans, which come with free Wi-Fi and bottled water onboard. Their vehicles are generally well-kept, and the company has a good reputation for on-time departures and decent comfort.

They also offer an overnight service between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with a night bus that leaves around eleven in the evening.

Route: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Saly VIP

Saly VIP is a Cambodian minivan company that uses a mix of vehicles, mostly smaller vans and SUVs. The type of vehicle depends on demand and passenger numbers, so your ride may vary from one trip to the next.

In general, the service is fairly reliable when it comes to schedules and getting you from A to B. But comfort levels can vary. Some travellers have mentioned cramped seating and luggage being stored inside the cabin, which can make the ride feel tight.

There are also occasional reports of fast or unpredictable driving, along with limited communication from drivers. This is quite common in long-distance travels in Cambodia.

That said, others have had smooth journeys and found the staff helpful, especially when booking in person or making special drop-off requests. If you need to reach them directly, you can contact the company by email at salyvip.transportation@gmail.com

Route: Saly VIP connects Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, and a few other major cities across Cambodia.

Minivan Travel Tips in Cambodia

• Pack light. Storage space is limited, and large bags are often strapped to the roof if there is no room inside the van.
• Sit near the front if you get motion sickness. Roads in Cambodia can be rough, and drivers tend to go fast, which makes the back seats bumpier.
• Don’t expect luxury. Most minivans are quite basic. Air conditioning is hit or miss, and legroom can be tight. Still, they are usually faster than big buses on routes like Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or Kampot to Sihanoukville.
• Book early in high season (November to February). Vans fill up quickly because there are fewer seats compared to buses. Online tickets are available via 12Go.Asia and BookAway.

Trains

Cambodia’s train network is small, but if you’re not in a rush, it offers a scenic and laid-back way to travel. Trains are operated by Royal Railway and run on two main lines: one heading south to Sihanoukville, and the other northwest to Battambang.

Trains are slower than buses or vans, and delays are common. But if you’ve got time, they’re a great way to see the countryside and enjoy a more local travel experience.

You can buy tickets at the station, through travel agents, or online via BookMeBus. You can also check the Royal Railway Cambodia Facebook page.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps

You can find regular car taxis in big cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, especially around airports and transport hubs. Most drivers don’t use a meter, and they ask you to agree on a fare before the ride. Because prices aren’t standardised, some drivers quote higher rates to tourists, particularly at airports or in busy areas.

At Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, recent travellers reported that drivers quoted $40 (160,000 KHR) and accepted $30 (120,000 KHR) after negotiating. Be ready with your bargaining skills!

If you want to skip fare negotiation and see the price upfront, you’ll find ride-hailing apps much easier to use once you reach the city.

PassApp

PassApp is Cambodia’s most widely used ride-hailing app, and a 2025 study found that 62.65% of respondents preferred it over its competitors. It operates in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kampot, Poipet, and Kampong Cham. The app shows the fare before you confirm the ride.

Grab

Grab works in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and Sihanoukville. Travellers say it’s easy to book inside the city and that rides are usually reliable.

At Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, Grab does support airport pickups, but some travellers report that drivers don’t always appear right away during busy periods. Once you’re in town, Grab generally works very smoothly.

WeGo

WeGo Taxi operates in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and its app lets you choose vehicles such as cabs, rickshaws and tuk-tuks. Every ride is marketed as being protected by Forte Insurance (one driver, two passengers). The app indicates that bookings use a metered system, which helps keep pricing transparent.

TADA

TADA is another ride-hailing app active in Cambodia. It offers car bookings (and other vehicle types) in cities where drivers are available. While it’s not as widely used as PassApp or Grab, many travellers keep it installed as a backup when the other apps have longer wait times.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are one of the most common ways to get around in Cambodia, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. These open-air, three-wheeled vehicles are ideal for short trips, airport transfers or getting from your hotel to the night market.

They are cheap, easy to find and a fun way to experience local life. Just be ready for a bit of dust and traffic noise! It is best to agree on a price before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app like Grab or PassApp to avoid haggling and make sure you get a fair rate.

Cyclos

Cyclos are a slower, more traditional way to get around. They are pedal-powered bicycles with a passenger seat in the front, offering a relaxed ride through the city.

You will mostly see them in Phnom Penh, often used by older locals or for short sightseeing trips around the city centre. They are not the quickest option, but they offer a charming and laid-back way to explore.

If you want to take a cyclo, you will need to find one on the street, especially in central Phnom Penh. Fares are negotiated directly with the driver, so it is best to agree on a price before you hop in.

Summary

Getting around Cambodia isn’t always smooth, but that’s part of the fun.

Buses are the go-to for longer trips. They are cheap, easy to book and connect almost every major destination. Minivans are usually faster and more direct, but they are not ideal if you are carrying big luggage becuase of limited space.

If you have time, try taking the train for the experience. It is slower, but scenic and laid-back.

When you’re in the city, tuk-tuks are everywhere and work well for short trips. If you catch one on the street, be sure to agree on a price before the ride. If you’d rather not deal with bargaining, ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp let you book tuk-tuks or cars with fixed fares.

To plan ahead, 12Go.Asia and BookAway are your best options for booking buses and minivans.You can check routes, compare prices, and get instant confirmation online.

Once you know what to expect, getting around Cambodia is easy to figure out.