The distance from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is 320 km (198 miles). In this post, we compare the 5 options to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: by bus (6 hours), by minivan (5.5-6 hours), by taxi (5.5 hours), by flight (55 minutes), and by ferry (8 hours). Ticket prices range from $11 to $80.
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (November 2022), the ferry was unavailable. We will update the route once the ferry resumes operations.
The cheapest way to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is by bus. For a 6-hour trip, tickets only cost $11. You can choose to travel during the day or at night by bus.
The minivan is another low priced and direct way to travel to Siem Reap. The advantage of minivans is that they offer more daily bus trips, but unfortunately, they don’t offer as much leg space.
Taxis are another common method of transport in Cambodia. A taxi ride will be a bit faster and take between 5-6 hours with fares starting at $80. This is a great option when you are travelling with a few people because you can share the costs.
Flying to Siem Reap is the fastest but also the most expensive option. Travel time by flight is just 55 minutes but keep in mind that short-haul flights like this are extremely polluting for the environment. Taking a bus is often ten times better for the environment than taking a short-haul flight.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
During the wet season, there were also ferries operating between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The ferry crosses Tonle Sap Lake and offers a different experience compared to the other means of travel, although it may not be the most comfortable and can get quite hot. The last time we checked (November 2022), the ferries on this route are unavailable.
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Bus
Duration: 6 hours
Cost: $11
Duration: 6 hours
Cost: $11
There are several bus companies operating the Phnom Penh to Siem Reap route. Note that these buses have different departure and arrival points in the city centres.
You can choose between a morning and a night trip. Travelling at night is a great option to save time, but keep in mind it is safer to travel during the day. The roads in Cambodia can be quite narrow and bumpy and are not well-lit at night.
See here the schedules of bus companies with the best reviews and safety records:
Departure from Mey Hong Transport on Street 528 in the city centre
Arrival at the Mey Hong Transport Office along National Road 6, near the city centre
Giant Ibis Transport
Departure from the Giant Ibis Bus Terminal and Giant Ibis Sakura Avenue
Arrival at the Giant Ibis Main Terminal in Siem Reap city centre
Virak Buntham Express
Departure from the Virak Buntham Bus Stop, north of Night Market in the city centre
Arrival at Virak Buntham Bus Terminal next to Nakpeoun Old Market roundabout in Siem Reap city centre
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Minivan
Duration: 5.5-6 hours
Cost: $12
Duration: 5.5-6 hours
Cost: $12
The minivans are a bit cheaper than the buses on this route, with fares starting from $12.
With the minivans, you have more options since the minivans depart almost every hour. The disadvantage is that, unlike the buses, the minivans don’t provide as much leg space.
Travel time by minivan is 5.5-6 hours from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
You can also take your chances by hailing a cab along the road, but you will need to negotiate a good deal with the driver. Expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $130 by taxi-hailing.
Ride-sharing
If you are travelling on a budget or just want to save a few dollars, you can opt for rideshare. You can find rideshares along Psar Thom Thmei near the Central Market in Phnom Penh.
Sharing a ride will cost somewhere between $6 to $12 per person, depending on the price negotiated with the driver.
Keep in mind that the ride may not be as comfortable as the bus or a private taxi. Also, drivers will not leave until the rideshare is completely full, so you might wait a while.
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Flight
Duration: 55 minutes
Cost: $80
Duration: 55 minutes
Cost: $80
Taking the plane is the fastest option and will get you to Siem Reap in just 55 short minutes. However, short flights like this are not the most sustainable option.
Cambodia Angkor Air offers 2 direct flights on this route daily. Flight fares range between $80 and $320 for a one-way flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
We suggest booking your flights in advance to score the cheapest flights. Check the available flights by clicking the button below:
Want to know how to go to the city centre from the airport? Have a look at our page on Siem Reap Airport.
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Ferry*
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: $35
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: $35
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (November 2022), the ferry between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap was unavailable. We suggest taking a bus, a minivan, a taxi, or a flight instead.
Taking the ferry is a completely different experience compared to travelling overland. The journey gives you an idea of how locals live along Tonle Sap Lake. While it will be an interesting ferry journey, it may not offer the spectacular views you were hoping for.
Ferries on this route only operate during the wet season (June to November). Bear in mind that the ferries operating along this route may not have the proper safety and cleanliness standards that you’re accustomed to, and the boat ride can get quite hot.
Ferry tickets cost $35 for the 8-hour ferry ride to Siem Reap.
Departure and arrival ports
If you’re keen on taking the ferry, you can board the boat at the main ferry port along Preah Sisowath Quay in the city centre. You can also book your tickets in advance through your hotel and local travel agencies in Phnom Penh.
In Siem Reap, you will arrive at the Phnom Krom Port. From this ferry port, you can take a 20-minute tuk-tuk or a 10-minute taxi to the city centre. A tuk-tuk ride usually costs around $5 and a taxi will be approximately $10-$15.
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.
You say the taxi from Phnom Penh to Seim Reap is about $75USD. Is that per person or can that price be divided between me and my partner? Lets say its done by flagging a taxi down early one morning… not booking online.
Taxi prices are always given for the whole vehicle. Only when explicitly mentioned it is a shared taxi, the fares are per person. When you flag down a taxi, expect to pay $65-$85 with some negotiation. Or you can also try to order one with the local taxi app “Pass app”. Would be great if you can share your experience! Safe travels!
You say the taxi from Phnom Penh to Seim Reap is about $75USD. Is that per person or can that price be divided between me and my partner? Lets say its done by flagging a taxi down early one morning… not booking online.
Thank you and looking for your reply.
Trever
Taxi prices are always given for the whole vehicle. Only when explicitly mentioned it is a shared taxi, the fares are per person. When you flag down a taxi, expect to pay $65-$85 with some negotiation. Or you can also try to order one with the local taxi app “Pass app”. Would be great if you can share your experience! Safe travels!