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 Lina,
I have really enjoyed reading your blog, so informative. We want to ship 2 suitcases from Phnom Penh to our hotel or shipping store (like FedEx or UPS) in Siem Reap. I found out that FedEx doesn’t ship within Cambodia. I am really hoping you could recommend a reliable and trustworthy courier/shipping company. Our suitcases can take up to 7 days to travel from PP to SR. (We just don’t want to carry our suitcases around until we reach Siem Reap. We will be doing the “backpacking thing” for the first week in Cambodia).
Best Regards!
Hi Christi, you can ship items via bus companies like Giant Ibis. They just bring whatever you want to their office in Siem Reap. You might be able to pay them extra to either hold it or deliver it to your hotel, or you could pay your hotel to pick it up for you. Shouldn’t be a big issue. Good luck and have fun!
Hi Lina. we will be coming phnom penh this august 30 and we are a group of 4 pax, what mode of transport would you recommend to us going to siem reap? Many Thanks
we are considering giant ibis bus or taxi going to SR…if taxi where can we find the best and comfortable taxi around phnom penh? Thank you.
You aren’t going to find a comfortable taxi for 4 people. The Camry’s seat 4 people (if they don’t have luggage), but it’s not a particularly comfortable trip depending on how big the four of you are. You can get an SUV taxi via a travel agent or just take Giant Ibis.
Hi Lina. I’m so appreciative of the information on your site. Would you recommend travelling to SR and PP in June?
Sure! It’s hot, but if that’s the time you can come, there’s no reason not to. It is hot season, of course, but I live here and I travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap all the time without any problems. Even when it’s hot. :)
Hi Lina, I am flying to Phnom Penh in the afternoon and flying out from Phnom Penh 5 days later. What is the best itinerary if I want to cover Siem Reap/Angkor Wat? Appreciate your valuable advise.
Hi Debbie, it really depends on what else you want to do and how long you want to spend at Angkor. Many people find that one day at the temples is enough, others want to spend more time. There’s a 1-day pass or a 3-day pass, so decide which you will get and take it from there. I’d fly if you are willing to pay for it, the trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap takes about 7 hours. If you can’t fly, take the night bus otherwise you’ll spend two of your precious days on the bus!
Hi Lina, it was very nice reading your posts on Cambodia travel. It would help if you could tell us how to break 8 days between SR, PP and Sihanoukville. My family (two boys 13,9) intend to do these places and we need to fly in and out from PP. We would love to spend the most time at the beach.
Thanx a ton for all the feedback.
Prasun.
I would stay in PP for a night, head to Sihanoukville the next day by mini-bus and straight to Koh Rong, stay there for 3 days. Back to Sihanoukville and from there, fly to Siem Reap. Siem Reap and the temples for 2-3 days, then fly to Phnom Penh. 8 days isn’t a lot of time, so I’d fly to avoid spending days on the bus.
There IS a central bus station in Pnom Penh.I know because I arrived there. I then went walk about and found a hotel. Close to the Riverside and thought it was a good area to stay. We did arrive at 2 am which was a bit harrowing being pestered by Tuks Tuks at 2 am and had no idea where I was going. Many good hotels near h bus station and I booked Giant Ibis from there. Virak Buntham has very bad reputation and should avoid them. I would avoid booking through an agent. You are just never sure what you are getting. Book direct.
There is not a central bus station in Phnom Penh, each bus company has their own offices that they leave from. Mekong Express has an office outside of Oressei Market, Sorya is next to Central Market. If you booked a ticket at the Giant Ibis office near the riverside, there are a couple of other crappy bus companies headquartered on that street, but it’s certainly not a bus station.
The rainy season is also from about May/June until November. Vietnam and Cambodia often get hit by cyclones and bad weather so make sure you have a raincoat. Be sure you do not get caught in a thundershower it is also important to check for big storms before you travel if you can.
I would never take the front seat because when those vans crash, then you are the first one the window or the first one to get crushed. Sit in the back or preferably take a bus. There are many accidents on Thai and Cambodia roads. Make sure you travel safely. I refuse to take a van anywhere in Cambodia unless it is under 2 Kms If they have any opportunity to speed they will. Travel safe n something big, like a bus. When there is an accident, you are less likely to get hurt, and they happen often.
Hi Lina, I’m considering using taxi from PP to SR, however my group including myself is already 5 people, is it possible using taxi ? (because with the driver will be 6 person in one car), thank you.
4 passengers is already a tight squeeze. Talk to a travel agent, you can rent a 10-12 seat minivan. The most comfortable re the Starex models.
Which company would you recommend for a tall person. I’m almost 2m and legroom is important for me. Me and my gf are goong from sr to pp the day after tomorrow.
Not a lot of great options in terms of legroom. Giant Ibis are fine–it’s better than economy class flight tickets! The other option is to go with a mini-bus and try and reserve one of the single seats. In the reviews for Seila Angkor and Elephant Express I list the seat numbers with the most leg room.
Hey John, I actually just too Giant Ibis again (after posting my last comment) and actually the leg room is pretty good. So I’d book with them, it’s more legroom than the minibuses.