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
Sla Boutique Hostel - Budget Friendly
Sla Boutique hostel is located just around the corner from the Royal Palace and there are many street food stalls nearby. The staff are very helpful and willing to arrange joint rides for guests to S21 or the Killing Fields. In the dorms, curtains and lockers are provided for extra privacy.
Double Bed from $11
Onederz Hostel - Mid Range
Located along the lively riverside area, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and street food options around Onederz Hostel. The clean and comfortable rooms are perfect to get a rest, while the rooftop bar invites you to enjoy a cold beer and socialize with other guests!
Standard Double Room from $26
TAO Riverside Residence - Treat Yourself
As the name reveals, TAO Riverside Residence is located along the river and sits just 500m away from the Royal Palace. The Residence offers modern, riverfront accommodations. These spacious apartments include kitchenettes, super comfortable beds and excellent Wifi connection. (Hint: Perfect time to upload all the pictures from your trip!)
Deluxe Double Studio $60
Phnom Penh Travel Guides
Top 12 things to do in Phnom Penh
The Ultimate Phnom Penh Travel Guide
Routes from Phnom Penh
Most popular routes in Cambodia
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.
