Overview Compare Public Bus Taxi Tuk-tuk Train Shuttle Bus To Stay
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the busiest and largest airport in Cambodia. This airport is a hub for Cambodia Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, JC International Airlines and Lanmei Airlines
How to travel from Phnom Penh Airport to the city centre
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is located 10 km (5 miles) west of Phnom Penh city centre. The last time we checked (December 2022), there were only 3 options to get from Phnom Penh Airport to Phnom Penh city centre. There used to be a train and a shuttle bus between the airport and the city centre, but these operations were suspended during the pandemic.
Currently, you can choose from the public bus, a taxi, and a tuk-tuk, which will take you to Phnom Penh city centre in 30 to 60 minutes. Fares range between $0.40 and $12.
The city bus is the cheapest way to reach the centre and is a great way to travel like a local. The bus ride costs only $0.40, but you can only pay with Cambodian riel (1,500 KHR).
Another option to travel from the airport to the city centre is to take a taxi. Taxi fares are fixed, starting at $12, but you can also find cheaper rates on taxi apps like Grab. They are a quick and safe way to travel from and to the airport.
Tuk-tuks are the most common mode of transport in Cambodia. The tuk-tuk can be a great experience for backpackers who want to experience an authentic way of travelling. However, be cautious about your belongings!
One of the convenient options to travel from and to Phnom Penh Airport pre-pandemic was the airport railway. However, due to the pandemic, the operations on the railway track have been suspended, and the tracks had been covered with asphalt to turn them back into a road. The plan is to open the railway again in the future, but this will likely be beyond 2022.
The airport shuttle bus was also unavailable the last time we checked (December 2022). Tickets used to cost $5 and the bus can get you to the city centre in 30-60 minutes.
Phnom Penh Airport to Phnom Penh by Bus
The air-conditioned city bus is the cheapest option when travelling to and from Phnom Penh Airport. Tickets cost only 1,500 KHR or $0.40 and travel time is about an hour to the city centre.
You can find the bus stop for Bus Line 3 outside the airport. Buses are available every 10-15 minutes from 05:00 to 20:30.
This Bus Line 3 makes 20 stops along the way. It passes through Russian Boulevard and you can get off at Central Market right within the city centre.
Note that only Cambodian riel is accepted when buying tickets and change is not given on the bus. Be prepared with the exact fare before boarding the bus.
Phnom Penh Airport by Taxi
Taking a taxi is the best way to travel within Phnom Penh since you will always have your luggage close to you. Taxis are lined up just outside of the arrival terminal.
Airport taxis offer standard fares, which save travellers from having to negotiate on getting a good deal. Fares range from $12-$18, depending on which part of the city centre you want to go to.
See here an overview of some rates:
| Phnom Penh City Zone | Standard Taxi Fare |
|---|---|
| Wat Phnom, Riverside, Street 240 | $12 |
| Central Phnom Penh | $15 |
| Across the Tonle Sap River | $18 |
You can find cheaper rates when booking with taxi apps like Grab. From Phnom Penh Airport to the city centre, rates with Grab start from $6, though fares can still vary throughout the day.
Note that taxis do not have luggage space and legroom. That’s why we suggest booking a bigger taxi in advance in case you’re travelling in a group of more than 3 people. Fares start from $20 for a 4-seater taxi with Klook.
Check Private Transfers with Klook
PRO TIP: Always make sure that you are paying the right price by checking the rates displayed at the taxi stands. Take some small money with you since drivers often do not have small changes.
Phnom Penh Airport by Tuk-tuk
If you’re travelling alone, you can save some money by riding a tuk-tuk. Same as the taxis, you can find tuk-tuks lined outside Phnom Penh Airport’s arrival area.
Airport tuk-tuks charge a fixed rate of $9. For cheaper rates, you need to go outside the airport gates and hail one from there. These tuk-tuk drivers will take you for $6-$7 to the city centre, depending on your negotiation skills.
You can also book a tuk-tuk via taxi apps like Grab and rates start from $4.
Warning: There are many reports of pick-pockets in Phnom Penh, so don’t keep your luggage outside of the tuk-tuk! Best to keep your luggage close to you at all times.
Phnom Penh Airport to Phnom Penh by Train*
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (December 2022), the airport railway had been suspended since the pandemic. We will update the route once this option becomes available again.
Pre-pandemic, there used to be an airport railway operated by Royal Railway Cambodia. The airport train was one of the most convenient ways to travel between Phnom Penh city centre and the airport.
However, as of December 2020, the airport line from Phnom Penh city centre to Phnom Penh Airport has stopped operating because of low passenger numbers and suspended flights. The railway track has been covered and reverted back to full road traffic.
The line could become operational again in the future, or it could be shut down and moved to a bigger road. For now, we suggest taking another option when travelling to the airport.
The airport train took passengers directly from the airport to Phnom Penh Railway Station. The train stations are located at the airport parking area and right in the city centre.
Trains were available every 30 minutes. It took only 30 minutes to get to the city because there were no stops along the way.
Phnom Penh Airport to Phnom Penh by Airport Shuttle*
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (December 2022), the KK Star Express bus is unavailable. We suggest taking the public bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk instead.
Another good and comfortable option before the pandemic was the shuttle bus. KK Star Express used to operate shuttles between Phnom Penh Airport and the city centre.
Fares were about $5 for a one-way journey. You can buy your shuttle bus ticket at the airport counter in the arrival hall, from hotels or from the driver while boarding the bus.
The shuttle bus at the airport was available at the driveway near the ticket counter. The bus had 7 stops along the way, with the last stop at Tokyo Inn in the centre of Phnom Penh.
The bus was available from 09:00-17:50 daily. During peak hours, the bus used to run every 30 minutes and every 60 minutes during non-peak hours.
Our favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh
Sla Boutique Hostel - Budget Friendly
Sla Boutique hostel is located just around the corner from the Royal Palace and there are many street food stalls nearby. The staff are very helpful and willing to arrange joint rides for guests to S21 or the Killing Fields. In the dorms, curtains and lockers are provided for extra privacy.
Double Bed from $11
Onederz Hostel - Mid Range
Located along the lively riverside area, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and street food options around Onederz Hostel. The clean and comfortable rooms are perfect to get a rest, while the rooftop bar invites you to enjoy a cold beer and socialize with other guests!
Standard Double Room from $26
TAO Riverside Residence - Treat Yourself
As the name reveals, TAO Riverside Residence is located along the river and sits just 500m away from the Royal Palace. The Residence offers modern, riverfront accommodations. These spacious apartments include kitchenettes, super comfortable beds and excellent Wifi connection. (Hint: Perfect time to upload all the pictures from your trip!)
Deluxe Double Studio $60
Phnom Penh Travel Guides
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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.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Thank you
Are Taxis safe and plentiful at midnight?
Hi Frankie, taxis from Phnom Penh Airport are available 24 hours. They have a good record of safety and quality service. But if you want to ensure your ride, you can also book a taxi online prior to your trip via Klook. They offer more spacious cars and their drivers receive excellent reviews. Safe travels!
Hi,
From airport to Mou Hotel at Street 125 by public bus where do I get down ? If I count the stops how many stops do I get down to my hotel?I have checked the bus stop is Monivong Road 214 Bus stop 36. Does the bus stop at every stop and I prefer to count the number of stops to get down to Road 214 bus stop 36. Thank you.do
Hello Doris,
I just checked the bus stops which are closest to your hotel. Unfortunately, the bus doesn’t stop at Monivong Rd 215. The closest bus stops to your hotel are Sydney Supermarket (also called Bayon Market) or the Central market. Both bus stops are about 20 minutes walking to your hotel, or 10-minute by tuk-tuk. Instead of counting the bus stops, I recommend to tell the driver where you want to get off as the bus might not make a stop at every bus station. Safe travels!
Hi,
Just looked at the price for a Grab to the airport from the citycenter, it’s 31.000 KHR so that is between $7 or $8.
Keep up the good work for this website, we’ve used it a lot!!
Thanks a lot for sharing this taxi fare Madelon! I just updated it in the article. Safe travels!
You didn’t mention Grab.
Hi Mike, thanks for letting us know that Grab works as well. If you have any indication of the fares that would be awesome!
hello maarten,
can u advise how far railway station from airport?
Hello Narissa, by train you can travel between the airport and railway station in just 30 minutes. And from the railway station, it’s only a 10min walk to the city center.
Hello Narissa, by train you can travel between the airport and railway station in just 30 minutes. And from the railway station it’s only a 10min walk to the city center.
Excellent advice, clear and comprehensive.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!