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.
Hello,
We (3 people) would like to take the Ferry from Phnom Pen to Siem Reap on 10 Feb.
Is there a website to book the tickets in advance? How much does it cost per person?
Thank you
There are no longer online bookings, which means you will need to go through a travel agent or book directly.
Thank you
Hi there, thank you for the article. I went to Cambodia several months ago, and I read this article when I had to choose the mode of transport from Siem Reap to Cambodia. I finally chose Giant Ibis. It was great.
I read Cambodia Post VIP Van is your current favorite mini-bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. May I ask Seat A1 is slightly more roomy or is it the opposite, i.e. Seat A1 is more narrow, small, and not much leg room.
Hello, I’m planning to go to Angkor Wat during 4 days (April 28 – May 01)
I will arrive at Phnom Penh international airport around 3:00pm and I wanted to know if there is any bus / mini van going from Phnom Penh International Airport to Siem Reap and vice versa on a daily basis ? I checked on Bookmebus but can’t find.
Thanks for the tips
Hello. Do you know if I can reach siem riep in middle april by boat? I ve read is not possible. is this true?
We took the ferry from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh in late January 2018 and loved it. We arrived at 7am in a taxi from our hotel. As requested we were 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, but we did not leave until close to 10am! So we had to wait around on the boat for several hours. Some passengers did not turn up until 9am. That might be pushing it, but 7am was way too early. Also, we booked on their website and paid US$38 each. We were travelling with two daughters aged 9 and 11, who also enjoyed the ride, although they travel easily and slept some of the way inside the cabin. Stock up on food and drink before departure or plan to buy some snacks at the dock, as the only facilities on the boat is a unisex WC. They did have lifejackets, but as mentioned elsewhere, I’m not sure there were enough to go round.
We arrived in Phnom Penh just after 3.30pm. There is not much to be seen while you are on the lake except a few fishing boats. However, once you hit the river the villages, boats, temples and landscapes make for a wonderful journey.
It was much more expensive than the air-conditioned bus option with wifi (especially as we had to pay for all four of us), but we would definitely recommend the ferry.
thanks a lot, this is very helpfull! I would like to go from Siem Reap to Phnom penh by boat..but we re with 3 young children (2-5-8) so I think the speedboat is not an option (not so safe and noisy)…so I am looking for a one-day cruise…I readed that Tara Boat offers some connections..but seems that the journey in the boat is very short
and is mostly in a van..do you know any other company or options? thanks a lot!
This is super helpful. We were thinking of flying and i have to say it’s a rip off for the price. My husband and I are travelling 24th December from Phnom Pen to Siem Reap . I wanted to check 2 things .Should we book bus tickets more than week in advance? And if we take a cab is there any risk they’ll stop mid-way and demand more money? It’s happened to someone travelling in Thailand and (I’m sorry to say) in India too – I come from there and hence the sorry.
On that route I have not heard of that happening (I have heard of it in Sihanoukville). If it does, refuse to pay and then will eventually give in. If they don’t, get out and flag down any mini-bus going by who will take you the rest of the way for ~$5. But again, I don’t think it will be an issue.
For the Christmas week I would buy at least two weeks in advance. It’s a busy tourist time then.
There is safety in numbers, so I would stick with the bus. I have not heard of anything like that happening on that route, either.
May I know If I can not rearch the bus on time (e.g. Flight delay of traffic problem) How can I do if booked tickets online?
Same as if you book a flight and don’t show up on time. You’re out of luck.
Intending to visit Phnom penh and siam reap from 12/ 3/2017 to 17/3/2017. Can you plan my visit the important tourist attractions
Of these two places?
Why would I do that?
lol