How to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (and vice versa) in 2024

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).

Giant Ibis bus Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

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

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 6 for $135, or a larger people carrier that seats 14 for $180. Book a minivan or bus taxi now.

Giant Ibis bus between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in 2023

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. 9:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 11 p.m.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh 8:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 10 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.

Cambodia Post VIP Van Siem Reap

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 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.  10 p.m. 11 p.m.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh On the hour starting at 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. 10 p.m. 11 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 ATR72

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.

Cat Mekong Express bus Cambodia

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.

258 Responses to How to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (and vice versa) in 2024

Newer Comments →
    Bill says:

    Hi Lina,
    Your information is proving very helpful. My friends and I (4 in our group) are planning a trip to Siem Riep at the end of this year. I just have one question, the prices that you have mentioned in your above article are set in what currency?

    Jamie says:

    Hi Lina,
    Im thinking of travelling from PP to SR during the night.
    Are the bus/taxi fare the same as travelling in the day or do they charge more for travelling at night?

      Lina says:

      I’d recommend against traveling by bus or taxi at night in Cambodia as this is when many accidents happen. The roads aren’t lit, people often drive really fast, without lights and without enough sleep and there have been several accidents in recent years with night buses.

    Zawani says:

    Hi, may i know what bus station in Phnom Penh I’ll arrive at if I take Mekong Express from Siem Reap? Thank You.

    Joanna says:

    Hi Lisa,
    we are planning to take a boat from SR to PP and we are planning to buy tickets today in SR. Please let us know where we may buy tickets? Is it possible to buy tickets this evening?
    Best Regards, Joanna

      Lina says:

      Hi Joanna, I haven’t bought tickets in Siem Reap, but I would go talk to any of the many travel agents that are in town. I have had good luck with the one across from Viva (next to Laundry Bar), but they are all pretty much the same. Good luck!

    Isa says:

    Hi Lina,
    We are planning to take the boat from SR to PP. Do they make stops in some villages during the 6 hours trip ? If not, what is the best transportation to see the local people and there village ? Thank you so much :))

      Lina says:

      Hi Isa, the boat does not actually stop in any of the villages, but it does go right by them. So you can get a great view of village life if you sit on the top of the boat. Honestly most (if not all) of the tours that go through the floating villages are very scammy, so seeing them from the boat is a better option.

    Eera says:

    Hi, may I know what do you think of Elephant Expresses mini bus? Is it safe and reliable?

    mbx says:

    How to buy tickets for speed boat in advance? Is there any possibility for online booking?

    Chris says:

    How long is the journey fm Phnom Penh to Siam Reap?

    Mohit Sharma says:

    Hi Lina
    Thanks for the detailed info. It’s really helpful.
    But i have a question, if you can help.
    Can we travel from Phnom Penh (airport) to Siem Reap in night. My flight will land in Phnom Penh around 8pm and i’m planning to go directly to Siem Reap from PP airport. Is it possible? what are the possible modes? Can i get a taxi ? and most importantly is it advisable?
    Thanks

      Lina says:

      There are night buses or you can take a taxi at night. However, I personally would not take this option as the roads in Cambodia are considerably more dangerous at night and road accidents are common. To be blunt, you couldn’t pay me to get on a night bus here. I’d recommend getting a hotel in Phnom Penh and taking an early morning bus or taxi.

        Mohit Sharma says:

        Thanks a lot. We managed to get a taxi at night and travelled to Siem Reap over night. The roads are a bit dangerous, but if your driver is good and experienced then nothing to worry. I saw lot of other travellers going in night, even 2 lone girl travellers.

          Sarah Jane says:

          Thanks Linda for the detailed information! Really helpful in my planning for our trip in Dec!

          How much does taxi-ing cost from the bus station to the airport either way (REP – PP / PP – REP)?

            Lina says:

            Sorry, I don’t understand. You want to take a taxi from the bus station in Siem Reap to the airport in Phnom Penh or vice versa?

            Sarah Jane says:

            Yup travel time and cost from the PP bus station to the PP airport. Same for Siem reap as I’m thinking of flying into siem reap and flying home from PP.

              Lina says:

              PP doesn’t have a central bus station, each bus company has a different location in Phnom Penh. From most locations in Phnom Penh the cost of a tuk tuk to the airport is $5, the cost of a taxi will depend on traffic, etc. but is around double that. From the SR airport into town it’s a flat fee of $7 for a taxi, a tuk tuk is about $5. Add an extra few bucks for the bus station because it’s outside of town. If you’re going from the bus station to the airport, tuk tuks will be your only easy option as they will already be waiting there, so be prepared to bargain.

    […] trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by bus is not particularly long–it’s about six hours–but can feel like an […]

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