Overall1/10Among the 1% hardest cities to reach
Good to know
Good to Know
- New Techo International Airport (September 2025) is 20–30 km from city centre, making journey longer than old Pochentong. Allow 40–90+ min depending on traffic.
- Ride-hailing apps (Grab, PassApp) offer the best value and transparency for airport/city transport; download before arrival.
- Luggage theft is a real risk in tuk-tuks and crowded transit; keep bags secure and visible at all times.
- USD is dominant for prices above $10–20; smaller transactions use local Riel. Bring clean small USD bills to avoid shortages.
- Phnom Penh traffic is unpredictable; departure times can add 30–60 min beyond quoted journey times, especially rush hours.
- Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) is 5 hours by road or 45 min by flight; day-tripping is possible but 3–4 days is ideal.
- Buses are cheapest land transport to other cities; luxury express options (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express) offer comfort if budget allows.
- Train service is scenic but slow; ferry to Siem Reap is longest (8+ hours) and seasonal (closed April–June).
- Khmer New Year (April) causes severe transport disruptions; book early if travelling then.
- Official airport taxi coupon system (pay at counter, not to driver) eliminates scams; recommended for first-time arrivals.
Airport
- Airport Details
- New main international gateway opened September 2025, replacing Pochentong Airport. Located approximately 20–30 km south of Phnom Penh city centre in Kandal Province. Modern facility with solar power and greenery. Journey to city 40–90+ minutes depending on traffic.
- Primary Airport
- Techo International Airport (KTI)
Airport To City Transport
Ride-hailing Apps (Grab, PassApp, WowNow)
- Cost
- KHR 30,000
- Designated Pickup
- Outside terminals
- Notes
- Fastest, most transparent option. Download app before arrival; free WiFi available. ~20–45 min journey.
Official Airport Taxi (Coupon System)
- Cost
- KHR 48,000
- Designated Pickup
- Taxi rank outside arrivals
- Notes
- Fixed-fare coupon purchased inside arrivals hall. Avoids negotiation. ~40–60 min journey.
Tuk-tuk (Negotiated)
- Cost
- KHR 240,000
- Designated Pickup
- Rank outside arrivals
- Notes
- Classic experience; agree on fare before boarding. Can be 30000–60000 KHR when booked via app (~$7–15). Luggage theft risk reported; secure bags.
Airport Express Bus
- Cost
- KHR 1,600
- Designated Pickup
- Bus stop near airport
- Notes
- Cheapest option, under $0.40. Practical only if arriving daytime with light luggage. Longer journey; less convenient for first-time visitors.
Bus Connections
- Booking
- Book online via BookMeBus, Klook, or visit company offices directly (Phnom Penh Sorya, Giant Ibis, etc.). No central bus station; each company operates own terminal.
- Notes
- Buses connect all major Cambodian cities. Often economical; modern options available. Schedule changes during Khmer New Year (April); expect major disruptions.
Main Routes
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
- Distance Km
- 240
- Cost Typical
- KHR 320,000
- Travel time
- 5 hours
- Notes
- Most popular route. Multiple daily departures. Express luxury buses (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express) offer modern vehicles, snacks, WiFi; standard buses also available.
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
- Distance Km
- 230
- Cost Typical
- KHR 240,000
- Travel time
- 4.5 hours
- Notes
- Frequent service, daytime and overnight options.
Phnom Penh to Kampot
- Distance Km
- 150
- Cost Typical
- KHR 240,000
- Travel time
- 3 hours
- Notes
- Regular departures. South-coast beach access.
Domestic Flights
- Notes
- Swift, comfortable alternative to buses. Good value. Three main airports: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor), Sihanoukville.
Main Routes
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
- Duration Minutes
- 45
- Typical Cost USD
- Fast, avoids long road journey. Regularly scheduled.
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
- Duration Minutes
- ~45–60
- Typical Cost USD
- Available; less common than road/bus.
Phnom Penh to Other Cities
- Notes
- Limited domestic network; main hubs are Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville.
Rail Connections
- Booking
- Reserve online or visit station in advance. Schedule changes frequently.
- Train Station
- Phnom Penh Central Station, Street 106, ~1.5 km from city center. Open Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat–Sun 6am–4pm.
Primary Routes
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
- Cost
- KHR 280,000
- Frequency
- Friday–Sunday (one trip daily); twice on Saturday–Sunday in reverse direction
- Travel time
- 7 hours
- Notes
- Modern comfortable carriages, air-conditioned. Reopened 2016 with stops at Takeo and Kampot. Scenic but slow.
Phnom Penh to Poipet (Thai Border)
- Status
- Under renovation; some sections operational but service unreliable
- Notes
- Do not rely on this route for planning; progress ongoing.
Practical Tips
- Currency Cash
- Bring small USD denominations ($1, $5, $10) for transport. USD widely accepted. You will receive Riel change. ATMs dispense $100 notes; fees charged.
- Visa On Arrival
- Tourist visa $30 USD on arrival at Phnom Penh airport; requires one passport photo. E-visa recommended (faster process).
- Holiday Disruption
- Khmer New Year (April) causes transport chaos; buses fully booked, higher fares, few taxis available.
- Traffic Conditions
- Phnom Penh traffic unpredictable; journey times can vary 40–90+ minutes. Early morning preferred for faster transit.
- Luggage Theft Warning
- Reports of bag snatches, especially during tuk-tuk and airport transport. Keep belongings visible and secure.
Day Trip Access
- Nearby Attractions
- Kampong Chhnang (pottery, floating villages, mid-way to Siem Reap), Silk Island ferry, Tonle Sap Lake day tours.
Kampot
- Distance Km
- 150
- Feasibility
- Viable day trip for nearby attractions (Bokor National Park, salt fields, cave temples).
- Travel Time
- 3 hours by road
Siem Reap Angkor Wat
- Distance Km
- 240
- Feasibility
- Possible same-day round-trip (early departure, fast itinerary) but best as overnight. 3–4 days recommended to properly explore temples.
- Travel Time
- 5–5.5 hours by road; ~45 min by flight
Sihanoukville Beaches
- Distance Km
- 230
- Feasibility
- Day trip possible; overnight recommended for relaxation. Ferry options available but longer.
- Travel Time
- 4.5–5 hours by road
Ferry Connections
- City Ferry Jetties
- Seven jetties in Phnom Penh: three for intra-city use, four for inter-city.
Phnom Penh To Siem Reap
- Travel time
- 8+ (speedboat); 12–14 (ferry)
- Operational Status
- Most of the year; check in advance, especially rainy season.
- Notes
- Scenic but not most picturesque. Tonle Sap Lake vast and sea-like. Seasonal: closed April–June (peak season) when water levels too low.
Ground Transport Within City
- Primary Modes
- Tuk-tuk, moto (motorcycle taxi), ride-hailing apps, city bus, official taxi.
- Typical Fares
- Short trips $1–2 USD; longer trips $2+ USD. Fares higher in Phnom Penh than elsewhere in Cambodia.
- Notes
- Negotiation required for traditional tuk-tuk/moto; tuk-tuk drivers at tourist areas often overcharge. Ride-hailing (Grab, PassApp) eliminates haggling and offers transparency. USD widely accepted; expect Riel change. Luggage theft risk in transit; keep belongings secure.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.