Over the past year or so there have been some major changes in how to get from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (and from Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh). From fantastic new bus companies, to the very best taxi services, to more convenient flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, it has never been easier to see the wonderful temples. Here’s all the latest information on transport between Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.
NOTE: To get to Angkor Wat, you will first have to get to Siem Reap, unless you take a private taxi directly from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat. You can book your tickets online now and save up to 30%:
Taxis From Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Via Siem Reap)
If you’re looking for a bit of comfort during your trip, then a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 5 hours in total and there is some absolutely stunning scenery along the way. Watch this video to see some of the beautiful Cambodian country side you’ll pass during your taxi drive:
On average a private taxi from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat will cost in the region of $80 (that’s usually the quote from Phnom Penh airport to Angkor Wat (via Siem Reap)). You’ll have the option of stopping for toilet breaks, coffees, and even sightseeing if you wish.
The better services offer nice comfortable cars (e.g. a Lexus 4 x 4) and the drivers will pick you up from your hotel, the airport, or any other location convenient for you.
One thing that we recommend however is to book your taxi in advance. Not only is it cheaper, but Cambodian traffic is very hectic, so the taxi rides can be daunting and frightening if you don’t know your driver – please contact us to book a safe, reliable taxi driver from anywhere in Cambodia, or click below and book online now (note: If you book a taxi from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, it can take you directly to Angkor Wat).
30% OFF Taxis – Book Now
Buses From Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Via Siem Reap)
Note: Most bus companies tend to stop at Siem Reap. From there, it is very easy to get to Angkor Wat – just ask a nearby Tuk Tuk (it’ll take about 15 minutes to get there from Siem Reap city centre).
There are many bus companies offering economy and VIP buses between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Although companies such as Giant Ibis and Mekong Express used to be the only recommended services a few years ago, there are now several fantastic (and even better) options including Cambodia Post VIP, Larryta Express, Bayon VIP, and Seila Angkor. Of these, we recommend Cambodia Post VIP, with Larryta Express and Mekong Express as good alternatives.
Bayon VIP Bus from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat
These bus companies are much better than the typical Cambodian bus services – they are less crowded, make less stops, and drive more carefully.
In general, an economy bus ranges from $5-$6 on average and sits roughly 50 people. VIP buses are smaller and more comfortable, sitting around 15 people. They are a bit more expensive at $9-$12 one way.
VIP buses tend to be quicker (6 hours) than economy buses (7 hours), and the journeys are more convenient (e.g. you can ask the driver to stop if you desperately need to go to the toilet). Both types will stop along the way for short toilet and snack breaks.
Although you will see Wi-Fi advertised, if you do actually have a connection it will be very slow and unreliable.
30% OFF Buses – Book Now
To give you an idea of bus times, here are the timetables for some of the most popular and best reviewed services (Bayon VIP, Cambodia Post VIP, Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, Larryta Express, and Seila Angkor).
Bayon VIP Timetable
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 7.00am, 8.00am, 9.00am, 2.00pm, and 3.30pm.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 7.30am, 9.00am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm, and 3.30pm.
Cambodia Post VIP Timetable
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 7.00am, 8.00am, 9.30am, and 2.00pm.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 7.30am, 9.00am, 11.00am, and 2.00pm.
Mekong Express Timetable
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 7.00am, 8.30am, 12.30pm, 2.25pm, and 5.30pm.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 7.00am, 7.30am, 8.30am, 9.45am, 12.30pm, and 2.30pm.
Giant Ibis Timetable
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 8.45am, 9.45am, 12.30pm, 11.00pm, and 11.30pm.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 8.45am, 9.45am, 12.30pm, 11.00pm, and 11.30pm.
Larryta Express Timetable
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 6.30am, 8.15am, 8.30am, 9.00am, 9.30am, 10am, 10.30am, 11.00am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.00pm, and 4.30pm.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 7.00am, 8.30am, 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.30pm, and 6.30pm.
Seila Angkor Timetable
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 6.30am, 7.00am, 7.30am, 8.00am, 8.30am, 9.00am, 9.30am, 10.00am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 1.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm, and 11.00pm.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 6.30am, 7.00am, 7.30am, 8.00am, 8.30am, 9.00am, 9.30am, 10.00am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 1.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, and 11.00pm.
How to Get From Siem Reap to Angkor Wat
Once in Siem Reap, it is very easy to get to Angkor Wat – just ask a nearby Tuk Tuk (it’ll take about 15 minutes to get there from Siem Reap city centre).
A Typical Tuk Tuk from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat
A typical Tuk Tuk can take up to 4 people but doesn’t have as much room for luggage – if you have a lot of bags you’ll struggle to get more than 2 people in the back.
Siem Reap Tuk Tuk drivers are well-known for dropping you off at your hotel and then offering very cheap temple-tours, only to change the prices half way. If you’re considering to take a temple tour, it’s best to book one through your hotel.
Flights From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
There are now several airline companies that fly direct between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, including Cambodia Angkor Air, Lanmei Airlines, and JC International Airlines. Of these, Cambodia Angkor Air (the national carrier of Cambodia) tends to be the best reviewed. It uses an ATR 72 for domestic flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
On average, the flight will take approximately 45 minutes and will cost $160 return (though as with all flights, there are usually special offers on depending on the booking company, time of year, etc.)
Check Flights
How to Get From Siem Reap Airport to Siem Reap Centre
Getting from Siem Reap Airport to the city centre is pretty straight forward – there’s no line-jumping, and all of the prices are set (the drivers are under strict instructions to not undercut each other). This means that once you find your taxi, moto, or Tuk Tuk, you’re all set to go.
The taxi rank is immediately in front of you as you exit the arrivals building. On average, it’ll cost you about $10 to Siem Reap city centre. If you need a bigger taxi (for 6+ people), it will cost a little more.
If you prefer to book your taxi in advance, you can do so here:
Book Your Taxi Now
Although you can also book a Tuk Tuk at the taxi rank, it’s best to walk a little further and exit the airport – here you’ll find the cheapest Tuk Tuk’s (and motos) which will charge roughly $6 to the city centre (a moto will cost $2).
Ferry Boats From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
If you’re up for a little bit of adventure during your trip, there is the option of taking a ferry boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Although the journey will be substantially longer (8+ hours), it will be a memorable experience for sure, with some truly stunning scenery along the way.
The ferry boat services are operational throughout most of the year, closing at the height of peak season (April, May, and June) where the water levels are too low.
There are now several companies offering the trip, including a couple of speed boat services. Of these, we would probably recommend Mekong Explore, as it is one of the few companies that enforce life jackets on its boats.
Mekong Explore sets off at 7.30am from both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and costs $35. Most people tend to sit on the top for a better view, so bring plenty of sun tan lotion with you and enjoy the ride! You can book Mekong Explore online here:
Book Mekong Explore
Comments