How to get from Phnom Penh Airport to the city centre

Why visit Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, isn’t the most enticing city. It’s busy and chaotic and doesn’t boast the same charms as Siem Reap. 

But it’s not somewhere you should skip! In fact, it’s probably the most important place to learn about the country’s devastating genocide and traumatic history. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields will open your eyes to what humanity is capable of.

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the busiest and largest airport in Cambodia. This airport is a hub for Cambodia Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, JC International Airlines and Lanmei Airlines

There are 5 ways to travel the 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Phnom Penh Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the airport shuttle*, taxi, train*, City bus and Tuk-tuk. The journey takes 30 minutes - 1 hour and the quickest way is by airport shuttle*. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by city bus with tickets starting at $0.40 (2,000 KHR).

The air-conditioned city bus is the cheapest option when travelling to and from Phnom Penh Airport. Tickets cost only $0.40 (2,000 KHR) and travel time is about 1 hour to the city centre.

You can find the bus stop for Bus Line 3 outside the airport. Buses are available every 10-15 minutes from 05:00 to 20:30.

Bus Line 3 makes 20 stops along the way. It passes through Russian Boulevard and you can get off at Central Market in the city centre.

Note that only Cambodian riel is accepted when buying tickets and change is not given on the bus. It’s best to have the exact fare before boarding the bus.

TOP TIP: One of our readers shared that if you’re carrying bulky pieces of luggage — and if you have a sim card and data connection — it might be better to take Grab from Phnom Penh Airport to the city centre. 

*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (September 2023), the airport railway had been suspended since the pandemic. We will update the route once this option becomes available again.

Pre-pandemic, there used to be an airport railway operated by Royal Railway Cambodia. The airport train was one of the most convenient ways to travel between Phnom Penh city centre and the airport.

However, since 2020, the airport line from Phnom Penh city centre to Phnom Penh Airport has stopped operating because of low passenger numbers and suspended flights. The railway track has been covered and reverted back to a road.

The line could become operational again in the future, or it could be shut down and moved to a bigger road. For now, we suggest taking another option when travelling to and from the airport.

The airport train took passengers directly from the airport to Phnom Penh Railway Station. The train stations are located at the airport parking area and right in the city centre.

Trains were available every 30 minutes. It took only 30 minutes to get to the city because there were no stops along the way.

*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (September 2023), the KK Star Express bus was unavailable. We suggest taking the public bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk instead.

Another good and comfortable option before the pandemic was the shuttle bus. KK Star Express used to operate shuttles between Phnom Penh Airport and the city centre.

Fares were about $5 (20,000 KHR) for a one-way journey. You can buy your shuttle bus ticket at the airport counter in the arrival hall, from hotels or from the driver while boarding the bus.

The shuttle bus at the airport was available at the driveway near the ticket counter. The bus had 7 stops along the way, with the last stop at Tokyo Inn in the centre of Phnom Penh.

The bus was available from 09:00-17:50 daily. During peak hours, the bus used to run every 30 minutes and every 60 minutes during non-peak hours.

If you’re travelling alone, you can save some money by taking a tuk-tuk. Same as the taxis, you can find tuk-tuks lined outside Phnom Penh Airport’s arrival area.

Airport tuk-tuks charge a fixed rate of $9 (36,000 KHR). For cheaper rates, you need to go outside the airport gates and hail one from there. These tuk-tuk drivers will take you for $6 (24,000 KHR) – $7 (28,000 KHR) to the city centre, depending on your negotiation skills.

You can also book a tuk-tuk via hailing apps like Grab. Rates start from $6 (24,000 KHR).

WARNING: There are many reports of pickpockets in Phnom Penh, so don’t put your luggage outside of the tuk-tuk! It’s best to keep your luggage close to you at all times.

The best way to travel from Phnom Penh Airport to the city centre is by private transfer. You can keep your luggage safe and secure at all times and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel’s doorstep.

We recommend booking your ride beforehand via Klook, which offers comfortable cars and enough space for your luggage. Rates for a 3-seater private car start from $15.10 (61,000 KHR) on Klook.

You can find cheaper rates when booking with taxi apps like Grab. From Phnom Penh Airport to the city centre, a Grab ride costs around $8 (32,000 KHR) – $10 (40,000 KHR), though fares can still vary throughout the day.

Note that you’ll need a sim card and data connection to be able to book your Grab car.

Airport taxis are reliable, but a bit cramped

If you don’t have the time to book your private transfer online, you can simply take an airport taxi from Phnom Penh Airport.

These taxis are actually quite convenient because they are already lined outside the arrival hall. You also don’t have to worry about any language barrier because a tenant is waiting there to translate your destination into Khmer for the driver.

The only disadvantage is that taxis in Cambodia are quite small, and might only be able to comfortably fit 2 people with luggage.

Airport taxis offer standard fares, which save travellers from having to negotiate to get a good deal. Fares range from $15.10 (61,000 KHR) – $18 (72,000 KHR), depending on where you’re headed in the city centre.

See below an overview of some rates:

Maarten's insider tip

Always make sure that you are paying the right price by checking the rates displayed at the taxi stands. Take some small money with you because drivers often do not have small changes.

Taxi options from Phnom Penh Airport to the city centre