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.

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.

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 20 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 $8 (32,000 KHR).

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

Buses run daily from 09:30 to 22:00, which covers 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 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 to 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 $12.30 (49,000 KHR). 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 20 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at $25 (100,000 KHR) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $6.30 (25,000 KHR) each.

Here are your options for private transfer:

Taxi Apps

Taxi apps Grab and PassApp are available on this route from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre. They are usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at $25 (100,000 KHR) for 4 pax.

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

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. Prices start from $35 (141,000 KHR) for a car that fits up to four 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.

Fares to Siem Reap city centre are fixed. A private car for one to three passengers costs $35 (141,000 KHR), while a minivan for up to five people costs $45 (181,000 KHR). 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 at Siem Reap Airport. Fares usually range from $20 (80,000 KHR) to $25 (100,000 KHR) for a maximum of 4 people.

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

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 $15 (60,000 KHR). It’s cheaper than hailing one on the spot, and you don’t have to haggle.

Still, we don’t really recommend taking a tuk-tuk from the airport. The ride takes between 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, and most tuk-tuks are open on the sides. After a long flight, sitting in traffic with heat, dust, or rain isn’t the most comfortable way to start your trip.

Tip: Keep your luggage inside the tuk-tuk. It doesn’t happen often, but there have been a few cases in which thieves try to steal bags from the tuk-tuk while passing by on their motorbikes.