Overview Compare Bus Taxi Ferry To Stay
How to get from Siem Reap to Battambang
The cheapest way to travel the 165 km distance from Siem Reap to Battambang is by bus, which takes 3 hours and costs $8. Alternative options are via taxi, which takes 2.5 hours and costs $40 or via ferry, which takes 8 hours and costs $25.
3 ways to get from Siem Reap to Battambang
Taking the bus is an easy and cheap way to travel from Siem Reap to Battambang. We provide an overview of two bus companies for this route.
A taxi ride will cost somewhere around $40 to $55. The taxi will be a bit faster than the bus and is a great choice if you are travelling in a group.
If you want to add a new travel experience to your travel diary, taking the ferry might be the option for you. However, don’t expect a high level of comfort during this ride.
Itinerary from Siem Reap to Battambang
Ferry
- Siem Reap City Centre
- 20min
- Phnom Krom Port
- 8 hours
- Battambang
Siem Reap to Battambang by Bus
Unfortunately, there is no direct road from Siem Reap to Battambang. This means that all buses have to go via Sisophon, which makes the journey take 3 hours.
The first part from Siem Reap to Sisophon is a red soiled road and can be quite bumpy, but the paved road from Sisophon to Battambang will make up for that.
We recommend booking with Mekong Express as they are one of the best-rated companies in Cambodia. Also, they depart from the centre of Siem Reap and arrive in the centre of Battambang.
Bus schedule from Siem Reap to Battambang
Mekong Express
- Departure next to KFC, close to the hospital in the centre
- Arrival next to the Psar Nat supermarket in the centre of Battambang
Capitol Tours
Capital Tours operates larger buses than Mekong Express. Although not a bad option, we do not really see the advantage of taking the Capital Tours bus.
You cannot book bus tickets for this company online. Instead, you should go to their office in Siem Reap city centre, near the Old Market.
In Battambang, their bus station is located on the outskirts of the city centre, next to the Battambang Supermarket. Capitol Tours provides a free shuttle service between their office and this bus station.
Siem Reap to Battambang by Taxi
The taxi will get you a bit faster from Siem Reap to Battambang and is the best option if you are travelling in a group.
Expect to pay $40 to $50 for the ride when you hail a taxi on the street. Always agree on the price beforehand and let the driver know where he should drop you off.
You can also book your taxi online by clicking the button below. SUV taxis booked online cost $55 for the Siem Reap to Battambang route.
Phnom Krom Port to Battambang by Ferry
If you want a more extraordinary experience, consider travelling by ferry from Siem Reap to Battambang.
This ride gives you a great experience of how the locals live along the river, but don’t expect extraordinary views. Also, bear in mind that ferries don’t maintain the best safety measures.
The ferries on this route are local, wooden boats that don’t offer a lot of comfort. Also, it can get quite hot and you will hear the loud boat motor throughout the journey.
Regardless, the ferry ride is a good experience for those who wish to see sights that are usually not visited by tourists. Taking the ferry from Siem Reap to Battambang can be quite an adventure.
How to get to Phnom Krom Port?
To get to the ferry port, you can get a tuk-tuk for $5 to Phnom Krom. You can buy your tickets normally on the same day at the port. The ride will take about 8 hours and tickets costs around $20.
It’s always a good idea to check with your accommodation for the current schedule or book your ferry tickets in advance.
The route from Siem Reap to Battambang goes as follows:
Phnom Krom Dock – Siem Reap River – Tonle Sap Lake – Sangker River – Battambang (near Route 5 Bridge)
Our favourite 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 to your hotel, or just a short taxi ride away.
If you're hoping to visit the circus while here, it's located just a few kilometers from the airport in the opposite direction of downtown. You can still easily stay in the downtown area and grab a taxi for just a couple of bucks.
When looking for a great place to stay in Battambang, we recommend the accommodations below.
Pomme Hostel
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 just an extra $2 for a full English breakfast or '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.
- Central location
- Restaurant & Bar
- Tour desk
- Excellent staff
Private room start at $7 per night
Family Batcave Homestay
Located amongst the rice fields and surrounded by beauty, this homestay is 15km from the city center of Battambang.
They offer a stunning garden, free bicycle rentals, and a relaxing terrace to soak in the sights. The owners and staff will treat you like family, great food, and a private bamboo bungalow, this is the perfect place to stay. Also, a delicious vegetarian breakfast is included with your stay.
- Located on the outskirts of Battambang
- Great breakfast included
- Private bungalow
- Free bicycle rentals
Private bungalow start at $20 per night
Sangker Villa
If you're looking for a little more luxury without breaking the bank, then Sangker Villa is definitely the place to stay.
This centrally located villa offers a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, and each room has air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, a minibar, and en suite bathrooms with toiletries, they even offer hot showers!
The on-site French restaurant and bar is the perfect place to cool down after walking around town and enjoy the river views, just a 200 m walk away.
- Centrally located in downtown Battambang
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Restaurant & bar
- Luxury accommodations within a travelers budget
Private rooms start at $23 per night
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About the author(s)
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.
