How to get from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre

Why visit Siem Reap?

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat come hand in hand with each other. Almost everyone who visits Siem Reap also explores the extensive and remarkable temples of Angkor Wat – the largest religious monument in the world.

Some visitors spend an entire week discovering every corner and carving of the temples, but here’s your reminder to explore beyond Angkor Wat. The city also has cute cafes, a nightly circus that will leave you stunned, never-ending markets, and a lively Pub Street. For many, it exceeds expectations.

Siem Reap’s new airport (SAI)

The old Siem Reap airport (REP) has officially closed, and all commercial flights now arrive at the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI).

This new airport is located about 45 km east of Siem Reap city centre and roughly 51 km from Angkor Wat. It’s significantly farther out than the previous airport, so transfer time and transport costs are higher than before.

In this guide, you’ll find all the transport options between Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport and the city centre, so you can choose what works best for your budget and schedule.

There are 4 ways to travel the 45 kilometre (28 miles) distance from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the airport shuttle bus, shared minivan, private transfer and tuk-tuk. The journey takes 55 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and the quickest way is by private transfer. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by airport shuttle bus with tickets starting at 32,000 KHR ($8).

The airport shuttle bus is an affordable way to get from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre. Bus fares start from 32,000 KHR ($8), and the journey takes around 1 hour.

Buses run daily from 09:30 to 22:00, covering most daytime and evening arrivals. It’s a practical choice if you’re travelling alone and want to keep costs down.

You can buy your bus ticket at the counter inside the terminal after you land. The shuttle drops you off along 7 Makara Street in central Siem Reap, about 2 km of the main tourist area around Pub Street and the Old Market. From the bus stop, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi straight to your hotel.

A minivan ride from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre costs around 49,000 KHR ($12.30). The minivan journey takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.

There are three companies operating on this route: SRL Transport, Gray Line Cambodia and Han Cambodia Transport.

What we like about this option is that some minivan companies offer free hotel drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to your accommodation.

A private transfer from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 55 minutes - 1 hour, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at 96,000 KHR ($24) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 32,000 KHR ($8) each.

Here are your options when taking a private transfer between Siem Reap Angkor Airport and Siem Reap city centre:

Taxi-hailing Apps

Taxi apps Grab and PassApp are usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at 101,000 KHR ($25) for 4 pax.

Just bear in mind that fares can vary throughout the day with these ride-hailing apps.

Private car via BookAway

If you prefer booking in advance, BookAway offers private transfers you can arrange before your flight. It’s a straightforward option with trusted drivers and reliable service. For large groups, prices start from 314,000 KHR ($78) for a minivan that fits up to 10 passengers.

You’ll pay a bit more for the convenience, but everything is sorted before you land.

Airport Taxi

You can also book a private taxi or minivan at the transportation desk on the ground floor of the airport.

Taxi fares from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre are fixed. A private car for one to three passengers costs 141,000 KHR ($35), while a minivan for up to five people costs 181,000 KHR ($45). If you’re heading outside the city, you’ll need to agree on a price with the driver before the trip.

Airport taxis are available from 06:30 to 23:00.

If you want to try local transport straight away, tuk-tuks are available when travelling from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre. Fares usually range from 60,000 KHR ($15) to 101,000 KHR ($25) for a maximum of 4 people.

Tuk-tuk drivers are known for overcharging tourists, and there are no official rates, so it’s important to agree on the fare before you get in.

It’s worth noting that tuk-tuks are often open-air vehicles — prone to heat, rain, and dust. It was a popular mode of transport from the old Siem Reap Airport, which was only 20 minutes away. But now that the journey takes 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s not the most comfortable way to start your trip.

Where to find tuk-tuks at Siem Reap Airport

Most drivers wait in the general car park, a short walk from the arrivals area. If you don’t find any there, you may need to head towards the main road just outside the airport gates.

You can also book a tuk-tuk through Grab or PassApp, with fares starting from 60,000 KHR ($15). It’s cheaper than hailing one on the spot, and you don’t have to haggle.

IMPORTANT: There have been some reports of luggage theft in Siem Reap, even from a moving tuk-tuk. It’s best to place your luggage and smaller bags close to you at all times. Refrain from wearing expensive jewelry and don’t flash your gadgets throughout the ride.