Cambodia Battambang

How to get from Phnom Penh to Battambang

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 295 kilometers (183 miles) from Phnom Penh to Battambang. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: June 12, 2024

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Why visit Battambang?

Battambang is one of the oldest cities in Cambodia, dating back to the 11th century and bursting with rich history. But don’t worry, Battambang isn’t stuck in the past, it’s a brilliant blend of old-world charm and contemporary culture.

This city offers some incredibly unique experiences like riding a bamboo train, visiting a cave home to thousands of bats that create a stunning display every day at dusk and watching an unforgettable performance at Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus.

What are the 4 ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Battambang?

There are 4 ways to travel the 295 kilometers (183 miles) from Phnom Penh to Battambang. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, taxi and train. The journey takes 5 hours to 9 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $10.20 (41,000 KHR).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train

9h 30m

From $10.20 (41,000 KHR)

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Bus

5-6h

From $10.90 (44,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Shared Minivan

From $14.60 (58,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Taxi

5-6h

From $86 (344,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Battambang?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Battambang at the bottom of this page.

Phnom Penh to Battambang by Train

Duration: 9h 30m

Costs: $10.20 (41,000 KHR)

Duration: 9h 30m

Costs: $10.20 (41,000 KHR)

The train from Phnom Penh to Battambang is the cheapest option with a ticket price of $10.20 (41,000 KHR). But the journey takes longer compared to other options. Travel time takes around 9 hours 30 minutes.

Train schedule from Phnom Penh to Battambang

Phnom Penh

Economy Seat

Battambang

06:40

9h 20m

16:00

Cambodia Royal Railway

$10.20 (41,000 KHR)

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Phnom Penh to Battambang by Bus

Duration: 5h - 6h

Costs: $10.90 (44,000 KHR)

Duration: 5h - 6h

Costs: $10.90 (44,000 KHR)

Taking the bus from Phnom Penh to Battambang is a cheap and convenient option. There are many bus companies you can choose from, but not all companies have a good reputation.

In the table below we provide the schedules of three well-known bus companies:

Phnom Penh to Battambang by Bus

Phnom Penh Office

VIP

Battambang 106

07:32

5h 30m

13:02

08:02

5h 30m

13:32

09:02

5h 30m

14:32

09:32

5h 30m

15:02

10:02

5h 30m

15:32

11:02

5h 30m

16:32

13:02

5h 30m

18:32

14:02

5h 30m

19:32

14:32

5h 30m

20:02

15:02

5h 30m

20:32

Cambotra Express

$10.90 (44,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Office

Sleeping

Battambang 106

21:30

03:30

22:00

04:00

22:30

04:30

Cambotra Express

$12.20 (49,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Virak Buntham

Hotel

Battambang

22:00

03:00

23:15

5h 15m

04:30

Virak Buntham Express

$12.30 (49,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh

Sleeping

Battambong

20:15

01:15

Vibol Express

$14.60 (58,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Virak Buntham

Standard

Battambang

06:30

11:30

08:30

13:30

09:30

14:30

10:30

15:30

11:30

16:30

12:30

17:30

13:30

18:30

14:30

19:30

15:30

20:30

16:30

21:30

17:30

22:30

18:30

23:30

Virak Buntham Express

$14.90 (60,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Virak Buntham

Luxury

Battambang

22:30

03:30

Virak Buntham Express

$15.80 (63,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Show 1 more operator(s)

Phnom Penh to Battambang by Shared Minivan

Duration: 5h

Costs: $14.60 (58,000 KHR)

Duration: 5h

Costs: $14.60 (58,000 KHR)

A minivan ride from Phnom Penh to Battambang costs around $14.60 (58,000 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 5 hours, depending on traffic.

There are one companies operating on this route: Vibol Express.

Minivan schedules from Phnom Penh to Battambang

Phnom Penh

Standard

Battambong

07:30

12:30

09:30

14:30

13:30

18:30

Vibol Express

$14.60 (58,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Vibol Express Phnom Penh

Standard

TVK Station

07:30

12:30

09:30

14:30

13:30

18:30

Vibol Express

$15 (60,000 KHR)

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Phnom Penh to Battambang by Taxi

Duration: 5h - 6h

Costs: $86 (344,000 KHR)

Duration: 5h - 6h

Costs: $86 (344,000 KHR)

Travelling via taxi is a great option if you are travelling with more people. You can hail one on the street from $60 (240,000 KHR), but you will need some negotiating skills to get this rate.

You can also book one online through BookAway. Rates start from $86 (344,000 KHR) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $29 (115,000 KHR) per person.

SUV taxis offer more space compared to the standard sedan taxis you find on the streets. Also, you can read reviews about the company before you book.

Travelling in a large group? Don’t worry you can also order your own private minivan which can seat up to 12 people.

Private Transport options from Phnom Penh to Battambang

Comfort

Comfort Car 3 PAX

Price per person = $29 (115,000 KHR)

SIMA Car

$86 (344,000 KHR)

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Standard

Standard Car 4 PAX

Price per person = $22 (88,000 KHR)

Cambodia Private Car Service

$88 (350,000 KHR)

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SUV

SUV Car 6 PAX

Price per person = $20 (81,000 KHR)

Cambodia Private Car Service

$120 (488,000 KHR)

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Standard

Standard Minivan 13 PAX

Price per person = $11.20 (45,000 KHR)

Cambodia Private Car Service

$145 (585,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Comfort

Comfort Minivan 6 PAX

Price per person = $25 (101,000 KHR)

SIMA Car

$150 (605,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Battambang

The city of Battambang is fairly spread out, however, you’ll find the majority of accommodations are located centrally, near the Sangkae River.

The downtown area is less than 5km from the airport so taking public transportation or hopping in a taxi will be an easy & quick trip to your hotel. The bus terminal is located in the downtown area and will likely be within walking distance of your hotel, or just a short taxi ride away.

When looking for a great place to stay in Battambang, we recommend staying in one of these accommodations:

Pomme Hostel - Budget Friendly

Pomme Hostel, Bar & Restaurant is located centrally in the heart of Battambang. Just 200 m from Psar Nat, Riverside Night Market, and Battambang Museum, it’s a great place to stay to see the local sights.

While breakfast is not included with your stay, it’s only an extra $2 for a full English breakfast or a ‘build-your-own’ breakfast. The restaurant offers an array of local, Asian, and international meals for lunch and dinner as well. The hotel staff, who are known to be extremely welcoming and friendly, can also arrange local tours for you.

Perfect location
Build-your-own breakfast available
Onsite restaurant
Amazing staff

Private rooms start at $11 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Family Batcave Homestay - Budget Friendly

Located amongst the rice fields and surrounded by beauty, this homestay is 15km from the city centre of Battambang. If this sounds a bit far, don’t worry, the homestay offers free bicycle rentals.

The hotel has a stunning garden and a relaxing terrace to soak in the sights. The owners and staff will treat you like family, offering a complimentary and delicious vegetarian breakfast every morning. The private bamboo bungalows are small slices of paradise.

Surrounded by rice fields
Free bicycles
Amazing staff
Complimentary vegetarian breakfast

Private bungalows start at $20 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Muni Residence and Spa - Mid Range

Muni Residence is one of the most popular places to stay in Battambang. That’s mostly down to its almost perfect rating and incredible hosts, Liy and his family. They make you feel like you’re part of the family instantly, helping you with anything you need.

The sweet treats that they surprise guests with are such a memorable and considerate touch. The rooms are nicely designed and spacious, whilst the beds are super comfortable.

Very popular
Amazing host
Free sweet treats
Spacious and nice rooms

Private rooms start from $27 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Cambana La Rivière Hotel - Treating Yourself

Situated in the centre of Battambang, Cambana La Rivière Hotel feels like an oasis where you can escape the noise. The pool area with comfy sun loungers and packed with plants is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

Or you can chill out and order room service to your private balcony. The rooms are luxurious, spacious and clean. You won’t want to leave your huge comfortable bed, but hopefully, the complimentary breakfast is enough to entice you.

Outdoor swimming pool
Private balcony
Luxurious rooms
Delicious free breakfast

Deluxe suites start from $60 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Phnom Penh to Battambang

What is the distance from Phnom Penh to Battambang?

The distance from Phnom Penh to Battambang is 295 kilometers (183 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Battambang?

The fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Battambang is by bus and takes 5 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Battambang?

The cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Battambang is by train with ticket costs starting from $10.20 (41,000 KHR).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phnom Penh to Battambang. 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!

About the author(s)

Maarten

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.

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