It’s always smart to leave some buffer in your schedule.
For travelling between cities, buses en minivans are the most common options. They’re affordable, widely available, en connect almost every major destination.
If you want to save time, domestic flights cut down long overland journeys. And if you’re not in a rush, Cambodja’s train routes offer a slower but scenic alternative. There are also a few seasonal boat routes linking towns along the river en coast, which can be a memorable way to travel when water levels allow.
Within the cities, it’s easy to get around. Tuk-tuks (locally called remorks) are everywhere, en you can also book them through ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp for fixed fares, which means no awkward bargaining on your part.
This guide breaks down all the main transport options in Cambodja — how they work, what they’re really like, en which ones make the most sense for your trip.
Bussen
Bussen are the main way people travel around Cambodja. They run between all major cities, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kampot en Kep, as well as many smaller provincial towns.
On popular routes, departures run throughout the day. On less-travelled routes, schedules are more limited.
Tickets are affordable, air conditioning is standard, en booking is simple — either online or through local offices. Just keep in mind that comfort levels vary depending on the company you choose.
If you’re travelling long distances in Cambodja en want a balance between price en convenience, buses are usually the most practical option.
Below are the main bus companies in Cambodja en what you can expect from each, so you can choose the right one for your route.
Giant Ibis
Launched in 2012, Giant Ibis is one of the most reputable bus companies in Cambodja en is a favourite of many foreign travellers. They’re known for better safety standards, cleaner vehicles en more organised service than many local operators.
Tickets cost slightly more than other buses in Cambodja, but the added comfort en reliability are often worth it, especially for longer journeys.
For cross-border routes to Vietnam or Thailand, Giant Ibis is particularly well organised. Staff guide passengers through the visa process at the border en usually charge around 20,000 KHR ($5) for handling the paperwork. The process tends to be smooth, which makes it one of the more reliable options for international routes.
Waar ze naartoe gaan: Giant Ibis rijdt tussen Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville en Kampot. Ze bieden ook internationale routes naar Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam en Bangkok in Thailand.
Virak Buntham Express (VET)
Virak Buntham Express operates extensively across Cambodja, including popular routes like Phnom Penh naar Siem Reap, as well as cross-border services to Vietnam en Thailand. On major routes, departures run several times a day, which makes it a flexible option.
Fares are generally cheaper than premium operators. That said, reliability can vary. Some journeys run smoothly, while others experience delays or use older vehicles with uncomfortable seating.
If budget is your main priority en the journey is short, Virak Buntham can be a practical choice. For longer trips or border crossings, it’s worth checking recent reviews before booking to avoid surprises.
Waar ze naartoe gaan: Virak Buntham dekt belangrijke routes zoals Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot en Battambang. Ze bieden ook internationale routes naar Ho Chi Minh City en Bangkok.
Airbus (VET Air Bus Express)
Airbus, also known as VET Air Bus Express, is the premium coach service operated by Vireak Buntham. It was introduced in 2022 as an upgraded option with newer vehicles en more spacious seating.
These coaches are designed for longer intercity routes en typically feature wide reclining seats, strong air conditioning en a more spacious layout than standard buses. On some routes, the seating is arranged in a 2–1 configuration, which means fewer passengers per row en noticeably more personal space.
Fares are higher than standard bus services, but reviews are largely positive, especially when it comes to comfort en the quality of the coaches.
Waar ze naartoe gaan: Airbus operates on major routes between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap en Sihanoukville, as well as selected international services to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) en Pakse (Laos).
Capitol Tours
Capitol Tours is een van de meest populaire busmaatschappijen in Cambodja voor lokale reizigers en budgetbackpackers. Ze bieden een verscheidenheid aan voertuigtypes, waaronder bussen met airconditioning met 45 zitplaatsen, kleinere VIP-voertuigen met 25 zitplaatsen, minibusjes en enkele slaapbussen voor langere routes.
Capitol shows its bus en van routes on the company website, but you can only pay through bank transfer. They don’t offer real-time booking or instant online payment there. If you want live schedules en instant confirmation, you’ll need to book through platforms like 12Go Asia or BookAway.
Waar ze naartoe gaan: From Siem Reap, Capitol runs direct bus routes to Phnom Penh en Sisophon. They also serve Battambang, Poipet, Pursat, Sihanoukville, Kampot, en Kep, though these routes are often operated with minivans or may require a transfer in Phnom Penh.
Larryta Bus Express
Larryta Express operates both buses en minivans across Cambodja en is generally considered one of the more reliable mid-range options since 2004.
Vehicles are usually well maintained, with reclining seats en air conditioning. Service is straightforward en dependable, particularly on busy routes like Phnom Penh naar Siem Reap.
If you’re looking for a balance between price en comfort without paying premium rates, Larryta is often a safe choice.
Waar ze naartoe gaan: Larryta verbindt belangrijke bestemmingen in Cambodja met directe diensten tussen steden als Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang en Poi Pet.
Cambotra Express
Cambotra Express is a local transport company in Cambodja operating both buses en minivans between major destinations across the country.
The company does not have an official website, so information can be limited. The easiest way to check schedules, read recent reviews en book tickets is through third-party platforms like BookAway.
Waar ze naartoe gaan: Cambotra Express exploiteert routes tussen Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville en Battambang.
Sorya Bus
Sorya is one of the older transport names in Cambodja en has been operating since 2006. The Sorya Bus Main Terminal is gelegen net achter de centrale markt van Phnom Penh, waardoor het gemakkelijk te bereiken is als je in het stadscentrum verblijft.
In recent years, Sorya has shifted from operating most of its own buses to acting largely as a ticketing agent for other companies. While some vehicles still carry the Sorya name, many tickets are issued for partner operators.
Traveller feedback is mixed, with recurring complaints about unclear information, last-minute operator changes en inconsistent vehicle quality. Because of this, it’s important to confirm which company will actually operate your route before booking.
Waar ze naartoe gaan: Sorya still offers routes from Phnom Penh naar Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, en other cities. Just keep in mind that even when you buy your ticket at their office, some of the trips may be operated by partner companies rather than Sorya itself.
Hoe buskaartjes te boeken in Cambodja
Book online. The easiest way to compare bus routes in Cambodja is through online platforms like BookAway, 12Go.Asia, en Camboticket. You can check departure times, compare prices, read recent reviews en secure your seat in advance. Payment is usually by card, en your ticket is sent straight to your phone or email.
Book directly with the company. Some bus companies, such as Giant Ibis en Virak Buntham, accept bookings through their official websites. This can be useful for checking real-time seat availability or specific departure details.
Buy at the company office. If you’re already in town, you can buy tickets directly from the bus company’s office. Just don’t go looking for a big central bus terminal, as there isn’t one in Cambodja. Each operator departs from its own location, so make sure to double-check the address before you head out.
Book through your hotel. Many hotels en guesthouses can arrange bus tickets for you. Sometimes pickup from your accommodation is included. There may be a small markup, but the convenience is often worth it if you’d rather avoid navigating bus offices yourself.
Minibusjes
Minibusjes are usually faster than buses en make fewer stops along the way, which can save you a noticeable amount of time on your travel.
But there are trade-offs.
Minibusjes typically seat 13 to 15 passengers. Legroom is limited, there are no onboard toilets, en the ride can feel bumpier on uneven roads.
Drivers also tend to travel at higher speeds than buses. If you’re prone to motion sickness, try to sit near the front where the ride feels more stable. The back seats bounce more on rough roads.
For shorter intercity trips, minivans are often the most efficient option. But for longer journeys, some travellers prefer the extra space of a full-sized bus.
Standards also vary by operator. Some companies overload luggage or add extra seats, while others maintain better safety en vehicle quality. Checking recent reviews before booking is especially important for minivan travel in Cambodja.
Here’s a breakdown of Cambodja’s most popular minivan companies.
Cambodia Post VIP
Cambodja Post VIP is operated by the national postal service. It previously ran reliable intercity minivan routes between cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap en Sihanoukville, en was known for safe driving en punctual departures.
Die langeafstandsroutes zijn echter nu stopgezet. Cambodja Post VIP only runs airport transfers between Siem Reap city centre en the new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport. If you’re flying into or out of SAI, this is a convenient en affordable option.
Route: Siem Reap centrum naar Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (en terug)
Champa Mekong
Champa Mekong is a budget minivan en minibus operator based in southern Cambodja. Fares are low, but service quality can vary.
Some travellers report clean vehicles en functioning air conditioning, while others mention delays, breakdowns or unclear communication. There have also been cases of vans being full or departing earlier than expected.
If keeping costs down is your priority, Champa Mekong can be an option. But if you care more about comfort en reliable service, you may want to consider other operators.
Route: Champa Mekong exploiteert routes tussen Phnom Penh, Kampot, Kep en Sihanoukville. Sommige busjes gaan ook richting het grensgebied Ha Tien en Phu Quoc in Vietnam.
Selia Angkor Express
Seila Angkor Express is one of the more reliable minivan companies operating between Phnom Penh en Siem Reap.
Departures run frequently throughout the day, which makes it a flexible option if your plans are not fixed. The company uses 14-seater vans that typically include air conditioning, Wi-Fi en bottled water.
Vehicles are generally well maintained, en the company has a solid reputation for punctual departures. An overnight service is also available between Phnom Penh en Siem Reap.
Route: Phnom Penh naar Siem Reap en Siem Reap naar Phnom Penh
Saly VIP
Saly VIP operates a mix of minivans en SUVs on several major routes across Cambodja. The type of vehicle depends on demand en passenger numbers, so the experience can vary from one trip to the next.
Service is generally reliable in terms of departures en getting you from A to B. However, like many minivan operators in Cambodja, seating can feel cramped en luggage is sometimes stored inside the cabin, which reduces space even more.
There are also occasional reports of fast driving en limited communication from drivers, something that is not uncommon on long-distance routes in Cambodja. You can contact the company by email at salyvip.transportation@gmail.com
Route: Saly VIP verbindt Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap en een paar andere grote steden in Cambodja.
Reistips voor minibusjes in Cambodja
- Pak licht in. De opslagruimte is beperkt en grote tassen worden vaak op het dak vastgebonden als er geen ruimte in het busje is.
- Sit near the front if you’re prone to motion sickness. Roads in Cambodja can be rough en uneven. Drivers also tend to go fast, which makes the back seats feel bumpier.
- Verwacht geen luxe. Most minivans are basic, with limited legroom en inconsistent air conditioning. The upside is speed. They’re usually faster than full-sized buses on routes like Phnom Penh naar Siem Reap or Kampot to Sihanoukville.
- Boek vroeg in het hoogseizoen (november tot februari). With fewer seats than buses, vans fill up quickly. You can secure tickets online through platforms like 12Go.Asia en BookAway.
Treinen
Cambodja’s train network is limited, but if you’re not in a rush, it offers a scenic en relaxed way to travel. Passenger services are operated by Royal Railway Cambodia en currently run on two main lines: Phnom Penh naar Sihanoukville in the south, en Phnom Penh to Battambang in the northwest.
It’s worth keeping in mind that train journeys are slower than buses or vans, en delays are common. For that reason, they’re best suited to travellers with a flexible schedule. Even so, many people choose the train for the calmer atmosphere en countryside views along the way.
On the Phnom Penh naar Sihanoukville route, Royal Railway operates refurbished Japanese KiHa trains from Thursday to Sunday. These trains are noticeably more comfortable than the older carriages, with improved seating, strong air conditioning en better onboard facilities.
On other days, services usually run with older passenger carriages. These are more basic, en some do not have air conditioning, but they are still a decent option if you’re travelling on a budget or simply want the experience.
While the KiHa trains are most consistently used on the southern route, they are occasionally deployed on the Battambang line as well.
You can buy tickets at the train station, through travel agents, or online via booking platforms. You can also check the Royal Railway Cambodia Facebookpagina bekijken.
Taxi's en Ride-Hailing Apps
Je kunt gewone autotaxi's vinden in grote steden zoals Phnom Penh en Siem Reap, vooral rond luchthavens en vervoersknooppunten. De meeste chauffeurs gebruiken geen meter en vragen je om voor de rit een prijs af te spreken. Omdat de prijzen niet gestandaardiseerd zijn, noemen sommige chauffeurs hogere tarieven aan toeristen, vooral op luchthavens of in drukke gebieden.
Be ready to negotiate. At Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, recent travellers reported that drivers quoted 161,000 KHR ($40) en accepted 120,000 KHR ($30) after negotiating. Your haggling skills will come in handy!
Als je de prijsonderhandeling wilt overslaan en de prijs vooraf wilt zien, zul je ride-hailing apps veel gemakkelijker te gebruiken vinden zodra je de stad bereikt.
PassApp
PassApp is Cambodja's meest gebruikte ride-hailing app, waarbij een onderzoek aantoont dat meer dan 60% van de respondenten de voorkeur geeft aan deze app boven zijn concurrenten.
Het is actief in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kampot, Poipet en Kampong Cham. De app toont het tarief voordat je de rit bevestigt.
Grab
Grab also works in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot en Sihanoukville. It’s generally reliable within city centres en easy to use if you’re already familiar with the app from other Southeast Asian countries.
At Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, Grab does support airport pickups, but some travellers have reported that wait times can be long during busy periods. Once you’re in Siem reap city centre, though, Grab service is usually smooth en consistent.
WeGo
WeGo Taxi operates in Phnom Penh en Siem Reap, en its app lets you choose vehicles such as cars en tuk-tuks. WeGo states that rides are covered by Forte Insurance en bookings follow a metered pricing system, which helps keep fares transparent.
TADA
TADA is another ride-hailing app available in Cambodja. It offers car bookings en other vehicle types in cities where drivers are active.
It’s not as widely used as PassApp or Grab, but it can be useful as a backup if wait times are long on other platforms.
Tuk-tuks (Remorks)
Tuk-tuks, locally known as remorks, are one of the most common ways to get around in Cambodja, especially in cities like Phnom Penh en Siem Reap. These open-air, motorbike-pulled carriages are ideal for short trips within the city like getting from your hotel to the night market.
They are cheap, easy to find en a fun way to experience local life. Just be ready for a bit of dust en traffic noise!
If you flag one down on the street, agree on a price before getting in. It’s common for drivers to quote higher prices to visitors at first, so a bit of friendly bargaining is expected. If you’d rather skip the negotiation, book through ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp, where fares are fixed en shown upfront.
Cyclos
Cyclos are a slower, more traditional way to get around Cambodja. They are three-wheeled, pedal-powered rickshaws with a passenger seat at the front en the driver cycling from behind.
Today, you’ll mostly see them in Phnom Penh, particularly around the riverfront en city centre. They’re no longer a common everyday transport option, but they remain popular for short sightseeing rides en a nostalgic way to explore.
They’re not fast, but that’s part of the appeal.
If you’d like to take one, you’ll usually need to find a driver on the street in central Phnom Penh. Fares are negotiated directly, so agree on the price before starting your ride.
Vluchten
Cambodja has three main international airports, en all of them also handle domestic flights.
Phnom Penh – Techo International Airport (KTI)
De gloednieuwe Techo International Airport (KTI) is geopend in 2025, replacing the old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). It’s located about 20 km south of the city centre, so allow extra time for transfers.
All domestic en international flights to Phnom Penh now operate from here.
Siem Reap – Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI)
Sinds oktober 2023 maken alle vluchten nu gebruik van de nieuwe Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI). It’s located around 45 km east of the city centre en roughly 50 km from Angkor Wat.
The longer transfer distance is important to factor into your travel time en budget.
Sihanoukville – Sihanouk International Airport (KOS)
Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) is the third-largest airport in Cambodja. It’s about 25 km east of the city centre en mainly handles domestic flights, with occasional international routes depending on the season.
Samenvattend
Getting around Cambodja is fairly straightforward once you know your options.
For long distances, buses are the most practical choice. They’re affordable, widely available en connect all major cities. If comfort matters, premium operators offer noticeably better coaches on popular routes.
Minibusjes are faster en more direct, but space is limited en the ride can feel less smooth. They work best for shorter trips or when you want to save time.
Treinen are slow en schedules can change, but they offer a relaxed journey through the countryside. If your plans are flexible, they’re worth considering for the experience alone.
Within cities, tuk-tuks (remorks) are everywhere en ideal for short distances. Agree on a price before getting in, or use ride-hailing apps like PassApp or Grab to see the fare upfront.
If you’re short on time, domestic flights connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap en Sihanoukville quickly. Just remember that the new airports are located farther from the city centres, so factor in transfer time.
With a little planning, getting around Cambodja is easy to manage en part of the experience.
Maarten woont op Bali en zijn passie voor reizen is onmiskenbaar. In 2016 besloot hij zijn baan als aandelenanalist op te zeggen en te doen waar hij altijd van droomde: reizen door Zuidoost-Azië en andere mensen helpen bij het plannen van hun reizen. Als hij niet aan Gecko Routes werkt, vind je hem surfend in de oceaan of de beste pareltjes van Indonesië aan het ontdekken.
