Over the past year or so there have been some major changes in how to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (and from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh). From fantastic new bus companies, to the very best taxi services, to more convenient flights, it has never been easier to get from one city to the other. Here’s all the latest information on buses, taxis, boats, and flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

P.S. You can book your tickets online now and save up to 30%:

 

Taxis From Phnom Penh to 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 Siem Reap will cost in the region of $75 (that’s usually the quote from Phnom Penh airport to 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.

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Buses from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

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 Siem Reap

 

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.

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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 (night bus).
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 8.45am, 9.45am, 12.30pm, 11.00pm, and 11.30pm (night bus).

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 (night bus).
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 (night bus).

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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.)

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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).

A Typical Tuk Tuk from Siem Reap Airport to Siem Reap City Centre

 

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.

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

 

FAQs

Q: How do you travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?

 A: If you want to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, you can either take a bus, a private taxi, a flight, or a ferry. If you’re looking for a bit of comfort during your trip and an affordable price, then a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 5 hours in total and will cost about $75.

Q: How much is a private car from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?

 A: On average a private car from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh will cost in the region of $75 (that’s usually the quote from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh airport). You’ll have the option of stopping for toilet breaks, coffees, and even sightseeing if you wish.

Q: How long from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by bus?

 A: A bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap will take approximately 6 hours in total and will cost roughly $9-$12. 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.

Q: How much is a luxury boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?

 A: There is currently no luxury boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, but there are several standard ferry services between the two cities. The ferry 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. 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.

Q: How many days should I spend in Cambodia?

 A: We would recommend that you spend at least 10 days in Cambodia. An itinerary could go something like this:
 
Day 1 – Fly into Phnom Penh.
Day 2 – Visit Phnom Penh Museums.
Day 3 – Travel to Siem Reap.
Day 4 – Visit Angkor Wat.
Day 5 – Explore Siem Reap.
Day 6 – Fly to Sihanoukville.
Day 7 – Travel to Koh Rong.
Day 8 – Relax on Koh Rong.
Day 9 – Travel to Koh Rong Samloem.
Day 10 – Explore Koh Rong Samloem.

Q: How many days should I spend in Siem Reap?

 A: Siem Reap can’t be covered in one day – you’ll need at least three days to cover the huge expanse of the Angkor temples and other attractions in the area. The ideal time to spend in Siem Reap is around 3-4 days, depending on how early you get there. Just make sure you have at least one and a half full days.

Q: How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?

 A: We recommend that you spend about two days in Phnom Penh – one full day for the museums, and one day / half day to take a look around riverside (in particular, the area around the Royal Palace).

Q: How do you travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?

 A: If you want to travel from Siem Reap to phnom Penh, you can either take a bus, a private taxi, a flight, or a ferry. If you’re looking for a bit of comfort during your trip and an affordable price, then a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 5 hours in total and will cost about $75.

Q: How do I get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?

 A: To get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong, you can take either a bus, a taxi, the train, or a flight to Sihanoukville, and then take a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. For all the latest information, please read: Phnom Penh to Koh Rong.

Q: Is Koh Rong a party island?

 A: Please ignore what you might read elsewhere – Koh Rong is NOT just a party island! Yes, the main tourist area, Koh Touch, has a reputation for being quite lively, but there are MANY other areas that are peaceful, relaxing, and truly mesmerising.
 
Even on Koh Touch itself there are beautiful, quiet areas a little further down the beach.
 
Please read our Hotel Guide and Beach Guide for more information.

Q: How do I get to Koh Rong?

 A: To get to Koh Rong, you will first have to get to Sihanoukville. From there, you can take a ferry service directly to the islands. For all the latest information, please read: How to get to Koh Rong.

Q: How do you get around Koh Rong?

 A: It is now quite easy to get around Koh Rong. Depending on where you want to go, you can either travel by road, a shuttle boat, a private long tail boat, or a ferry transfer.

Q: How do you get around Koh Rong Samloem?

 A: Getting around Koh Rong Samloem is straight forward. Depending on where you want to go, you can either buy a transfer ticket ($6) with one of the main ferry companies, or hire a private long tail boat. It is now also possible to walk through the jungle trail (45 min) from Saracen Bay to Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach.

Q: How do you get to Sihanoukville Cambodia?

 A: To get to Sihanoukville Cambodia, you can either take a flight directly into Sihanoukville airport, or if you are already in Cambodia, you can take a private taxi, a bus, or a train.

Q: How many km Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?

 A: The calculated flying distance from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is 143 miles (231 km). If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is 314.7 km. The journey can take 40-60 minutes by plane or 5-8 hours by car or bus.

Q: How populous is Siem Reap?

 A: Siem Reap is the fifth-most-populous city in Cambodia with a population of 189,292 people. The top 10 most populous cities and towns in Cambodia are: Phnom Penh, Ta Khmau, Battambang, Serei Saophoan, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Sihanoukville, Poipet, Chbar Mon, and Kampot.

Q: How populous is Phnom Penh?

 A: Phnom Penh has a population of about 2,011,725 people. It is the 46th-most-populous national capital by population. The top 10 national capitals by population are: Beijing, New Delhi, Tokyo, Manila, Moscow, Cairo, Jakarta, Kinshasa, Seoul, Dhaka.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Cambodia alone?

 A: Yes, it is safe to travel to Cambodia alone, as long as you are sensible (which is the case in any country). Cambodian people are generally very respectful and friendly towards foreign men and women, but as with any poorer country, poverty is an issue. As such, we recommend that you do not wear expensive jewellery, leave your belongings unattended, or get heavily intoxicated. Otherwise, relax, explore, and enjoy yourself!

Q: Is Cambodia safe?

 A: Generally, Cambodia is a safe country – it is ranked the 59th safest country in the world, with violent crime being a rarity. The only exceptions are remote areas of large cities, so please be sensible with where you visit.

Q: What is the best time to go to Cambodia?

 A: We would say that the best time to go to Cambodia is between the middle of November and the start of May. During these months you’ll have beautiful hot days (25°C – 40°C) with very little cloud and low humidity.

Q: What should I do in Cambodia for 10 days?

 A: If you want to spend 10 days in Cambodia, then we would recommend for you to:

Day 1 – Fly into Phnom Penh.
Day 2 – Visit Phnom Penh Museums.
Day 3 – Travel to Siem Reap.
Day 4 – Visit Angkor Wat.
Day 5 – Explore Siem Reap.
Day 6 – Fly to Sihanoukville.
Day 7 – Travel to Koh Rong.
Day 8 – Relax on Koh Rong.
Day 9 – Travel to Koh Rong Samloem.
Day 10 – Explore Koh Rong Samloem.

Q: What is the best currency to use in Cambodia?

 A: The best currency to use in Cambodia is the US Dollar, or the local Khmer Riel – Both currencies are accepted everywhere in the country.

Q: What should you not wear in Cambodia?

 A: Cambodia is a Buddhist country, and local people, especially the older generations, adhere to strict dress codes. As such, if you plan on visiting non-tourist areas, men should not wear shorts or vests, while women should not wear mini-skirts, tight yoga pants, or other revealing clothing.

Q: What should I wear to Angkor Wat?

 A: When visiting the temples in Angkor Wat, men and women should wear long pants (covering the knee) and shirts that cover the shoulders – skirts, small shorts, tank tops, and other items of revealing clothing are not allowed within the temple grounds.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us and we will reply ASAP.