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.
Hi Lina,
We are a party of 11 and would like to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on May 22. What are the best available options for us? Your suggestion/recommendation will be highly appreciated.
Thank you so much in advance
Hi Lina,
I am looking at arriving in Siem Reap on the 14th May and then travelling onwards after seeing the sights there, I have less then 10 days total in Cambodia. Will there be trouble getting transport considering it is the kings birthday over the 13th 14th and 15th and will certain places be closed or overcrowded?
Thanks.
Hi Ian, you can book your tickets in advance online with Giant Ibis. Most things will not be closed, but the Royal Palace might be.
Planning a trip to Cambodia in Jan 2016 – we have time to travel by boat or bus or mini van but would perfer boat if it is safe. Would you recommomend this that time of year.
From Phon Phen to Siem Reap
How long would the trip take? Thank you
Hi,
We want to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Pen on the 26th April should I book the flight before I leave or make a booking when we arrive in Siem Reap on the 22April
I would book in advance.
hi Linda, we r trying to get to siem reap on Tuesday 14 April from phenom pen. we were planning to go by bus but have been told there is a festival and it will be bumper to bumper and not advisable. we would like to go by boat, is that possible at this time of year? thanks Melissa
Hi melissa,
My friend and myself are travelling to siem reap from PP tomorrow, early morning by private taxi, if you are interested in joining and splitting the cost please contact me
Regards
Jessica
J.haaksma@hotmail.com
That’s a very helpful article, thank you.
Is it true that the boat ride provides some spectacular views and is well worth considering if time isn’t an issue? We are heading out there in August.
Also, the info relates to phnom penh to siem reap – presumably one can go the opposite direction instead?
Many thanks!
Yes, the boats go in both directions. You can book them through most travel agents or guest houses in Siem Reap. When you arrive, you can ask them about the water levels.
Thanks Lina. Is it a particularly picturesque or memorable boat ride?
Hi Lina, Have learnt a lot from your blog so thanks for an excellent insight into life in Cambodia. My wife and I (in our 60’s) will be in Cambodia in May. Most of arrangements made accept for getting from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. We would like to go by road but note that you say they are not in good condition. Is this still the case? Also you mentioned 2 new airlines operating at the moment.
The roads are still terrible, so if you can afford it, I would fly. New airlines are called Bayon and Bassakka, but I wouldn’t book them until closer to the date because small airlines have the tendency to fold without much notice here. Cambodia Angkor Air is okay to book in advance.
Thanks Lina for your very prompt response. Very much appreciated. Looking forward to arriving on 1 May.
Hi Lina – thanks for the information in your blog. Wonder if you could advise on land transportation from Poi Pet (Paoy Paet) on the Thailand border to Phnom Phen please.
We will be coming across on Friday 3rd April around 7am and are looking at travelling straight through to Phnom Phen. From looking at maps the most direct route looks like via Battambang (AH1 and #5 roads) but I’m struggling to find any bus / mini-bus routes as they all seem to go via Siem Reap. I see there is a train line on the maps but again I don’t believe that to be open yet.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated and helpful. Thanks, Kevin
I’m pretty sure Capitol Tours does the Poipet-Phnom Penh route. There is no train.
Hello Lina
First, thank you SO much for taking the trouble to post such a comprehensive blog.
I will be travelling in South East Asia in October – November 2015, with 3 companions. We are likely to have 4 large suitcases and 4 hold-alls/handbags. We will be doing an awful of flying and wondered whether it might be fun to go from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap another way. Is the drive interesting? Are there any reasonable stop off points for toilets, refreshments? We would want to hire a very good quality air-conditioned SUV type vehicle with driver, that would be comfortable and fit for the bumpy roads and have enough space for 4 people plus luggage. I suppose what I am really asking is – is it worth bothering with a road trip, or will it just be 6 hours of uncomfortable driving with nothing much worth seeing en route?
Personally, I think that taking the bus is more comfortable than squeezing 4 people and luggage into an SUV. The road is bad, though, so I’d just fly.
Hey Lisa,
First of all, I must say this is a great blog as it provides thorough information about transportation in Cambodia. I would appreciate it if you could advise me on the transportation method I should use to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh in january 2016.
In particular, I managed to find a direct flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for about 110 Euros and I was wondering whether to use the plane for that amount of money or go with the cheaper option like a boat or a mini bus (minivan).
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
You’re planning this way too early. There are currently two new airlines flying this route for $40-70, but they will probably be out of business by January (new airlines tend to fail here). There’s a new VIP bus company that will be starting soon. Check back in 6 months and see what the flight options are.
Hi Lina,
I really like your blog. We are traveling to Cambodia in November. Would you recommend to take the boat or rather fly from Phnoem Penh to Siem Reap, if money is not an issue?
Thank you so much in advance.
If money is no issue, I’d fly.