If you’re heading to Cambodia in 2024, you may be wondering how to to get from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh).
Check out the view on a Giant Ibis bus between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
There are options to fit every budget, but some are nicer and more comfortable than others. I’ve tried all of these ways to travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, some of them many times (unlike most of the other sites who just copy my content, yawn). The journey by road usually takes between 5 and 7 hours, depending on your mode of transport, traffic, and the ever-changing condition of the road.
Table of contents
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Private Taxi
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Bus
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Mini-bus or Van
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Plane
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Ferry
- Frequently asked questions
Summary
- Taxi: Costs $80-100. Most comfortable option. Best balance of price and convenience. About 5 hours. → Book now.
- Bus: Costs $10-18. Smoothest ride and best views. About 6 hours.
- Mini-bus/van: Costs $10-13. Faster than the bus, but more cramped. About 5.5 hours. → Book now.
- Plane: Costs $100-200. Fastest method, but domestic flights are unreliable. About 1 hour. → Book now.
- Ferry: Costs $35. Best scenery, if you sit outside. About 8 hours, sometimes more. Not currently running.
Taxis from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Taxis between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap usually cost between $80 to $100, but are more expensive on Cambodian holidays.
Private taxis can reserved in advance online (at surprisingly reasonable rates, usually $95). The trip takes between 4 and 6 hours depending on traffic and how often you need to stop. If you reserve online, you will get a large SUV taxi, usually a very comfortable Lexus 4×4 that easily seats 4 with luggage in the back. Booking online allows you to pay in advance by credit card and you won’t have to deal with arguing about last-minute price changes by the driver.
→ Book a private taxi now
If you book through a guesthouse or travel agent, the cars will almost always Toyota Camrys sedans which fit 4 passengers as long as they don’t have a lot of luggage. The trunks are not huge and all in Cambodia will have a large propane tank in the back, so if you’ve got more than one piece per person, it’s going to be a tight squeeze. Guesthouses and travel agents will charge a commission. Make sure to confirm the price with the driver before you set off, as misunderstandings are common (and frustrating). Also, with these sort of taxis, expect your taxi driver to stop multiple times to pick up and drop off packages along the way.
If you are paying on the high end of the scale, it’s fair to ask (in advance) that they do not make extra stops, and most drivers booked online will drive directly and not make extra stops. If you are catching a taxi directly from the airport, expect to pay slightly more. Taxis between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap usually take 4 to 6 hours, road-work permitting.
It is also possible to get mini-vans and bus taxis between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. They cost between $120 and $200 and can carry between 6and 24 passengers. If you’ve got more than a couple people this is a good option. The vans and buses are usually new and clean, but ask to make sure the one you hire has seat belts. You can book a minivan online that seats 7 for $135, or a larger people carrier that seats 14 for $170. Book a minivan or bus taxi now.
Giant Ibis is the most popular full-size bus between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Photo from 2023.
Buses from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
The road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offers a glimpse of Cambodian country life, as it barrels past rice paddies, traditional wooden houses, and water buffalo and cows lazily grazing on the side of the road. The views are best appreciated from a full-size bus, as the mini-buses are more crowded and have smaller windows. If you get carsick, the bus is a better option as it’s a bit slower and significantly less bumpy.
There are dozens of bus companies offering service between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Many are old, overcrowded, make dozens of stops, and break down often (but are cheap). The more expensive ones offer a much smoother ride and extra amenities.
The most popular amongst visitors and expats is Giant Ibis, offer WiFi and power outlets on board. Read our review of Giant Ibis buses and night buses for more detailed info. Giant Ibis also has a night bus between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap that runs in both directions. Tickets cost $18, and you can book online and select your seat in advance. The trip takes between 5.5 and 6 hours.
Giant Ibis bus schedule
| Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | 8:45 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 10:30 p.m. | |
| Siem Reap to Phnom Penh | 8:45 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 10 p.m. | 10:30 p.m. |
→ Buy a ticket on Giant Ibis now
Mini-buses and Vans from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Expats in the know—at least the ones who are not prone to car sickness—travel by mini-bus, as the trip is significantly shorter than by bus. There are many, many mini bus companies covering this route, but we’ve personally vetted the ones below.
Mini-buses are the fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by road.
Cambodia Post VIP Van is my current favorite mini-bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. This government-owned transport company runs new (and very comfortable) Toyota HiAce vans between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. They only carry 13 passengers at a time, so it’s less claustrophobic than other companies. The trip takes about 5.5 hours with two stops and they drive cautiously—they even have a sign on the back of the van saying “How’s my driving?” with a phone number to call. Tickets cost $10.50, and can be purchased online in advance with no booking fee. Read our full review of Cambodia Post VIP Van.
Cambodia Post VIP Van schedule
| Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | 7:30 a.m. | 2 p.m. | |
| Siem Reap to Phnom Penh | 9 a.m. | 2 p.m. |
→ Buy a ticket on Cambodia Post VIP Van now
Larryta Express runs a fleet of 15-passenger Ford Transit Vans twenty(!) times a day in either direction between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The buses are new and clean. The drivers drive fast, but not terrifyingly, and trip takes a little under 5.5 hours, including two stops. Because of the regular departures, you don’t need to purchase tickets more than a day in advance. Tickets cost $13. The 10 p.m and 11 p.m. departures are on sleeping buses and cost $18. Read our full review of Larryta Express.
Larryta Express bus schedule
| Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | On the hour from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. | 9:30 p.m. | 10:30 p.m. | 11 p.m. | 11:30 p.m. |
| Siem Reap to Phnom Penh | On the hour starting at 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. | 9:30 p.m. | 10:30 p.m. | 11 p.m. | 11:30 p.m. |
→ Buy a ticket on Larryta Express now
Seila Angkor is popular mini-bus company that does the Phnom Penh to Siem Reap route with 18 departures every day. The drivers occasionally take some hair-raising liberties, but most of the time the trip takes 5.5 hours and the drivers go at a reasonable pace. Seila Angkor run 16-seat Ford Transit vans, and you can reserve seats by number. Tickets cost $12.50. Read our full review of Seila Angkor mini bus.
Seila Angkor schedule
| Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | On the hour from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. |
| Siem Reap to Phnom Penh | On the hour from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. |
→ Buy a ticket on Seila Angkor Express now
To see other bus companies plying this route, check online and reserve a seat in advance.
Cambodia Angkor Air uses smaller ATR72s for domestic journeys.
Flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Cambodia Angkor Air is Cambodia’s national airline, and are back to running twice daily flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Flights currently cost between $80 and $200 one-way, and are scheduled to take about 50 minutes. You cannot currently make a booking on the Cambodia Angkor Air site, but can book through 12go: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
→ Buy a ticket on Cambodia Angkor Air now
Ferries between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
Ferries are not currently running due to COVID-19. Between July and March ferries run between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (they usually do not run during the dry season when the water levels are low). Most passengers opt for sitting on the top of the boat (so bring sunblock) and watch the countryside go by. Travel is best during the wet season when water levels are high. The boats are, for the most part, not as safe as what you would find at home, and the company who had life jackets has temporarily ceased operations. For that reason, we’re currently not recommending this option.
Taking the bus is the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap…or you can splurge on a taxi!
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap during Covid-19?
At this stage in the pandemic there are no restrictions in place for travel in Cambodia. It is considered polite to wear a mask if you have a cold, and mask-wearing is not uncommon.
How do you travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
Real reviews of all of the ways get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (or vice versa), taxi, bus, or plane. I usually recommend taking a bus or private taxi, unless there’s an airfare sale – read the reviews above, each mode of transport has their own pluses and minuses.
How much is a taxi from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
Taxis between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap usually cost between $80 to $95, but are more expensive on Cambodian holidays. Book a taxi online in advance, or read our taxi section to learn more.
How many hours from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
About an hour for a flight (plus waiting around at the airport), five hours for a taxi or mini-bus, six for a bus, and up to 12 for the ferry. Note that this can change due to traffic, construction, and accidents, but these are the usual times. Scroll up to learn more.
How far is it from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
It’s 146 miles (235 kilometers) from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh if you travel by plane, but by road it’s between 198 and 250 miles (319 and 403 kilometers) depending on which National Road you take.
This can take 40-60 minutes by plane or between 5 and 8 hours by car or bus.
How many kilometers is it from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
It’s 235 kilometers from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap if you fly, but between 319 and 403 kms if you drive. Sometimes bus and taxi drivers choose to take the longer route to avoid construction or traffic on the shorter route.
How to get from Phnom Penh Airport to Siem Reap?
You can book a taxi online in advance that will meet you directly at the airport and take you to Siem Reap. This is definitely the most convenient way to get from Phnom Penh Airport to Siem Reap, although not the cheapest. Alternatively, many bus companies will meet you across the road from the airport if you arrange it in advance.
How many days should I spend in Siem Reap?
At least five days. I’m working on a blog post to explain why. :)
Some links in this post generate affiliate sales for us. This does not affect our reviews for specific bus companies or routes! For more about how we deal with advertising, affiliate sales, and stuff like that, you can read more here.
Are there different boat companies (i.e., different quality levels? Luxury vs Economy). I took the boat about 18 years ago. I am now older and married and would not mind a slice upgrade. Does it exist?
Hello, firstly i would like to thank you for this usefull article. I found it by chance and I am using on my travels in Cambodia every day. Since you do not recommend boat trip from Phnom Penh, I want to see the floating villages on boat and to see true Cambodia countryside what would you recommend? A daily trip from some Reap. I have to mention that I am traveller in budget. Thank you
Hi, thank you for this fantastic post. I will be going to Phnom Penh for an official trip, so I have just one full day free. Now I was hoping to go to Banyon Temples in Angkor for a day trip. So can I set off early in the morning and be back by night? So will start from Phnom Penh in the morning, then Banyon, siem reap and back to Phnom penh by night. I have a workshop the very next day! Where are the bus terminals located in both places? Maybe I can take a bus in the morning and be back by taxi?
Hi Saif, You need more than a full day to explore Angkor, Your schedule is so tight.
MEKONG EXPRESS – a company full of liars, thugs, arrogant and ignorant people. Never expected that we would have such a bad experience.
We boarded the so-called “VIP” bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh (we’d already been travelling all night from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh) at 6:30 am today. When we arrived at Moc Bai (that’s the land border between Cambodia and Vietnam), after exiting Cambodia, one guy from Mekong Express (who was apparently supposed to help us get the visa/entry stamp) asked for $60 for the visa when it’s only $50 for the multiple-entry visa. I know this because this is not my first visa into Vietnam. When refusing to pay $60 for the visa, the guy just gave me my passport back and told me to get the visa myself. I agreed to it because I didn’t want to resort to corruption. I went to the window where they were providing Visa on Arrival and submitted my documents along with $50 (THE ACTUAL VISA FEE). Got the visa in the next 10 minutes. When we came out after the baggage check, the driver had left us behind in the middle of nowhere. We tried looking for him but he was nowhere to be found.
We called the company at this point and asked them politely to ask the driver to come back and pick us but they blatantly refused and asked us to wait for another hour for another bus. We asked them multiple times to contact the driver but all they could do was hang up the phone on us (at least 7 times) and finally just stopped talking to us over the phone.
We even tried calling a different number and the guy who picked the phone there was clueless as to how to help us.
Finally, after talking to these impolite people for one whole hour (felt like banging our heads against the wall), we saw another Mekong Express bus. This wasn’t the same VIP bus but a normal one. Even here, when we boarded the bus, another guy from Mekong Express asked us to pay money for the ride. It was only after we called the company and made them talk to him, he agreed to let us ride.
After reaching their office in Ho Chi Minh, we asked them if we could talk to their manager and suddenly all of them forgot to speak English and could only say “I don’t know”. After a while the manager came in blasting and refused to accept that he is the manager even though the other employees were all contradicting his statement. After talking to these a*#holes for more than one hour, where all they could do was feed the upper management with lies that there were some problems in obtaining our visa and that they had to wait for more than half an hour for us to get out (and some other ridiculous excuses), they all refused to give the refund for the difference between the two buses.
If you’re reading this and you really don’t want to get ripped off or get stuck in the middle of nowhere, please please please, I beg you, DO NOT TRAVEL WITH MEKONG EXPRESS.
Just trying to help fellow travellers who’re looking for a good experience and not get stuck with these stupid people.
I’m a bit confused, Achin. My understanding was that anyone who needs a visa for Vietnam needs to obtain one in advance and cannot get it at a land border. Which visa are you talking about?
I’ve seen guys like you in action in just this kind of situation many times over the years. It’s always embarrassing and unpleasant to watch. I’m sure you have no idea what an arrogant, pompous ass you are or how you project that everywhere you go. News flash: You are and you do.
Hi,
Just checking the bus service between Siemens’s reap and PP is still Ok to do in the rainy season- we are planning a trip in July/August.
THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Does the boat take motorcycles on board?
Is there any interesting towns to spent the night on the way to siem raep from pp?
Thank you so much for this post. Can you please advise where exactly is the terminal of Cambodia Post VIP Van? And how much is the cost? Same price for locals and visitors, or one has to pay bit extra?
Has anyone done a 2 night cruise between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and if so what was the company and was it worthwhile?
is the ferry avail in may–more like towards end of may
Hi! This is great information. We were just looking to see what sort of options there were to get to Siem Reap from PP and here you’ve laid them all out :)
We’ve got our passports in an embassy waiting for visas. Do you know if they need to check your passports for the bus journeys?? Random question I know!
You do not need a passport for journeys.