Overview Compare Bus Taxi Flight Ferry To Stay
How to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
You have 4 options when travelling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. You can take a bus, which takes 6-7 hours; a taxi, which takes 5-6 hours; a plane, which takes 45 minutes; or a scenic ferry, which takes 8 hours.
4 ways to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
We suggest travelling by bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh as the recommended buses are quite comfortable and cheaper than flying. The bus will bring you in 6-7 hours to the city centre of Phnom Penh.
Taking the taxi is more expensive than the bus, but comes with more convenience since you can travel door to door. Taxi fares from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh start at $75.
Catching the plane is by far the fastest way to get to Phnom Penh. The flight only takes around 50 minutes but fares can get quite expensive and it’s also not the most sustainable option. Taking the bus is about 10 times better than taking the plane, especially for short-haul flights like this.
It is also possible to take the ferry on this route, but don’t expect a high standard. Also, keep in mind that they do not run during the dry season and are quite expensive for the level of comfort you get.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Bus
The bus from Siem Reap is a great option if you’d like to see the beautiful landscape throughout Cambodia while travelling to the capital city of Phnom Penh. The roads along this route are generally in good condition although they can be a little bumpy at times and you may come across the occasional construction site.
Mey Hong Transport, Mekong Express and Giant Ibis offer daily trips along this route. Their schedules are displayed in the table below:
Bus schedules from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Alternative: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Van
We suggest booking with either Bayon VIP and Mekong Express as these are long-term operators with a good track record in Cambodia.
See their schedules below:
Van schedule from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Although night-travelling saves you some time, it is not as safe as travelling during the day. That’s why we recommend booking a day trip.
In the table above you find the most reputable bus companies. But if you prefer to book with Cambodia Post VIP Van, you can go to BookMeBus.
Bayon VIP
- Departure from Golden Bayon Guesthouse, Siem Reap city centre
- Drop-off at Bayon VIP Office, Phnom Penh city centre
Mekong Express
- Departure from Wat Svay Village Station, near the city centre
- Drop-off at Mekong Express Office near Chroy Changvar Bridge II in the city centre
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Taxi
If you choose to take a taxi for this 6-hour journey, be sure to agree on the fare with the driver prior to departure. Hailing a taxi will cost between $75-$100, depending on your negotiation skills.
Inform your taxi driver beforehand if you need to arrive in the capital by a certain time, as some drivers may make a few stops along the way. If you are not in a rush, sit back, enjoy the ride, and the local stops along the way!
To secure your rate in advance, you can book a taxi online by clicking the button below. Rates start at $75, and if you are travelling in larger groups there are options for bigger vehicles.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Flight
Flying is the fastest option, however, flights can be quite expensive if they are not booked in advance.
There is a new inner-city train in Phnom Penh which makes it very easy to get from the airport to the city centre.
The three well-known flight operators for this route are Cambodia Angkor Air, Lanmei Airlines and Cambodia Airways, with the cheapest flights starting at $30. Be sure to check all airlines as Cambodia Angkor Air tends to be more expensive than the others.
Click the button below to check current schedules and book your flights online.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Ferry
The ferry is another good option if you’re not in a hurry and want to take in some countryside views along the Tonle Sap Lake.
Ferries along this route only operate during the wet season which is from June to November. Bear in mind, the ferries may not have the proper safety and cleanliness standards that you are accustomed to, and it can get quite hot along the journey.
If the water level is not optimal for river cruising, the ferry may take more than 8 hours to arrive. If you are on a deadline to get to the capital, this may not be a great option for you.
Book your ferry tickets with Mekong Explore. The ferry departs from the Phnom Krom Port at 07:30 and drops off at 15:30 at the main ferry port in the centre of Phnom Penh.
To get to the port, you can hire a tuk-tuk for $5. You can also hail a taxi although this might be more expensive and cost up to $15.
Our favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia, split into a number of districts that each offer something different. Here’s a quick rundown of the best districts to stay in:
- Daun Penh is the city centre and historic area of Phnom Penh. It’s where you’ll find the Royal Palace, government buildings and the most colonial architecture. Here is the place to stay if you want to be close to the top things to do in the city.
- BBK1 boasts a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It’s close to the city centre, without being as hectic. There are plenty of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and hipsters cafes here.
- Riverside is, as the name suggests, along the river. You’ll wake up to river views and be close to plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and street food.
Check out our favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh:
White Corner Hotel - Budget Friendly
As the name suggests, White Corner Hotel has a very white colour scheme both inside and out, giving it a clean and modern feel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing everything that you need.
If you stay here, you’ll be located in the BBK1 neighbourhood, a very fun place to be staying. It’s also within walking distance of the must-visit S-21 prison.
- Clean and modern
- Great location
- Comfortable and spacious rooms
- Bikes are available
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Stay Sweet Homestay - Mid Range
With only four rooms available in this intimate homestay, you’ll need to book Stay Sweet in advance if you want to guarantee yourself a room. The almost perfect rating is mainly down to the incredible owner, Panha, who provides a friendly welcome and the best recommendations.
Staying here you’ll also receive a discount at the local swimming pool and gym. The onsite restaurant is also a must-try, the food is delicious!
- Gets booked up
- Amazing owner
- Access to local swimming pool and gym
- Delicious onsite restaurant
Private rooms start from $30 per night.
TAO Riverside Residence - Treating Yourself
TAO Riverside Residence is located right on the river offering spectacular views. Most of the rooms have private balconies where you can relax after a long day of exploring and just watch the boats gliding along the river.
The rooms are mainly studio style with most rooms having their own kitchenette and seating areas. They’re beautifully designed and super modern, creating an environment you won’t want to leave. On top of that, the Wi-Fi is great!
- Amazing river views
- Private balconies
- Large and modern rooms
- Great Wi-Fi
Deluxe double studios start from $60 per night.
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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.
