How to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok

Why visit Bangkok?

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!

Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.

There are 5 ways to travel the 430 kilometre (267 miles) distance from Siem Reap to Bangkok. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transport, train and flight. The journey takes 1 hour to 12 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 475 THB ($15.10).

The cheapest option when travelling from Siem Reap to Bangkok is by train.

It’s worth noting that this option is a bit complicated as it requires several transfers, but it does offer lovely views along the way.

For the first part of your journey, you will need to take a bus or taxi from Siem Reap to Poipet. Poipet is where the border station of the Cambodia side is located.

Bus ticket prices going to Poipet from Siem Reap start at 335 THB ($10.70) and the journey takes around 2h 15m - 3h. Virak Buntham Express offers 4 bus trips daily, but you must take one of the two morning trips to make it in time for the connecting train to Bangkok.

The buses also depart from Virak Buntham Bus Station located along Sivutha Boulevard, the same station where the direct buses to Bangkok depart from.

Upon arrival in Poipet, you need to first go through Cambodian immigration. If you already have a tourist visa, you just need to pay a small fee of 157 THB ($5). Then, walk past the casinos to the Thailand immigration building to present your documents and receive your passport stamp.

After these steps, you can now head to Aranyaprathet Train Station, where you can find the trains going to Bangkok. The best and quickest way to get to the station is by tuk-tuk, which you can easily find at the exit.

The cost for a tuk-tuk ride ranges from 80 THB ($2.50) to 110 THB ($3.50) for the ride that takes around 10 minutes.

The last leg of this option is to take the train bound for Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. There are only two trains operating this route. They depart at 07:05 and 14:00 daily.

A train ticket costs 60 THB ($1.90) per person, and travel time takes around 5h - 5h 40m. Since there are only 2 train departures daily, it’s important that you arrange your bus/taxi ride from Siem Reap accordingly so that you won’t miss the train.

A minivan ride from Siem Reap to Bangkok costs around 663 THB ($21). The minivan journey takes about 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic.

There are four companies operating on this route: SRL Transport, Sarah Transport, Go Ho Travel and Travel Mart.

Siem Reap

Standard

Bangkok Em Samang

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10:30

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8h

16:00

10:00

8h

18:00

13:30

8h

21:30

SRL Transport

From 663 THB ($21)

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• 24/7 customer support

663 THB ($21)

08:00

8h

16:00

13:30

8h

21:30

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• 24/7 customer support

826 THB ($26.50)

02:30

8h

10:30

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• 24/7 customer support

883 THB ($28)

10:00

8h

18:00

Check on BookAway

If you don’t mind the long travel, the bus is a good alternative when travelling from Siem Reap to Bangkok, especially if the airfares are too expensive.

The cross-border journey takes about 8 hours to 12 hours 30 minutes, excluding the stop at Poipet for immigration. This travel time can take longer, depending on traffic. Bus fares start from 933 THB ($29.50).

There are several bus companies that operate from Siem Reap to Bangkok, such as Virak Buntham Express, Travel Mart and Giant Ibis. The earliest departure is at 07:45 in the morning and the latest is at 14:30 in the afternoon.

Departure and arrival stations

There are two departure points in Siem Reap. Giant Ibis bus departs from Giant Ibis Siem Reap Office, while Virak Buntham Express and Travel Mart depart from Virak Buntham Siem Reap Bus Branch.

These bus stops are located along Sivutha Boulevard, about 1 km from the centre. To get here, you can take a 10 to 15-minute walk or a 5-minute ride from Siem Reap city centre.

The last stop for all buses is at Phra Nakhon, just a few minutes walk to Khao San Road.

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Airfares are a little pricey, but you will be on your way to Thailand’s capital city in just 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

All flights depart from Siem Reap International Airport (REP). You can take a 20-minute ride by taxi, a tuk-tuk, or a motorbike taxi from the city centre to the airport.

AirAsia offers the cheapest flights from Siem Reap to Bangkok, with prices starting from 2,200 THB ($70). Bangkok Airways also offers direct flights for this route, but their airfares are more expensive at around 4,600 THB ($145).

Both airlines offer promo rates during special holidays. We suggest booking your flight in advance as ticket prices tend to increase for last-minute bookings.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Siem Reap to Bangkok.

Rates start from 5,059 THB ($160) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 1,686 THB ($54) per person. Travel time is around 6 hours 30 minutes.