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 6 for $135, or a larger people carrier that seats 14 for $180. 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. | 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.
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 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,
I am planning to take Mekong Express bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, but may know where is the bus pick up point in Siem Reap town area that I can get the bus? Cheers~
Hi Lina. Is it worth The boat trip? I’m not in a hurry so it seems a more relaxed way to travel. Does it go through any floating village on The way from phnon phem to siem reap? Thanks for your great blog
Usually, I would say no. But since the road is so bad now, the boat is a viable alternative. It does go through some floating villages as it approaches Siem Reap.
Thanks for your answer. I think I’ll finally take the boat, so I ‘ll tell you how the experience has been.
By the way, do you recommend us to book it in advance?
Yes, I would book a few days in advance if possible. A friend took the boat recently and the trip was only 5.5 hours, much less than the bus!
Alberto, Have you travelled yet & if so how did you get on by boat? Thinking of travelling this way on Sunday & deciding bus v boat.
Hi, Dawn. We Have not travelled yet, we are not arriving phnon phem ’til the end of february and we are supposed to be getting The boat by the 28th
Does the boat definitely stop end of March? We are planning to go for SR. to PP on April 1st.
No, the boat usually keeps running in dry season, but if it’s too dry the trip can take 12+ hours or not make it all the way.
Hi Lina,
We are planning to take the boat on the 18th January and I thought it would be good to book it now. Do they have a website or I have to purchase it there?
Thank you,
Rebeka
I don’t know of any online booking options. No problem with buying a day or two in advance (or even same day, in most cases).
We finally took The Giant Ibis bus to Siem Reap and had no issues at all. It took 7 hours with Two small breaks (10 and 30min).Road was quite bumpy.
Be advised that the road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is currently under major construction and not in a great state. I drove it yesterday with my husband (26th December 2014) and most of it was dirt track, not paved, and very bumpy. I was really glad we were in a 4×4. As they are constructing and pulling up the road, there is SO much dust everywhere in the air (I feel so sorry for the villiagers living in it) and even through the car it left us both with sore throats. It was scenic going past all the houses and rice fields, and its cheaper than flying, but be prepared for a bumpy ride!
Yep. It’s been that way for a long time now!
It was not a nice experience when we travelled by bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. It took us 9 hrs. to travel between the cities. Road is very rough and bumpy. Sleeping bus is not actually the comfortable sleeping bus. I rather board a regular bus than a sleeping bus. I think its the Sorya Bus Lines. But inspite of all of these, THE CAMBODIANS ARE VERY NICE PEOPLE. THEY ARE THE NICEST THAT I’VE MET SO FAR. By the way, I am from the Philippines.
so where to find the shared taxi stand in SR?
Hi, Thanks for your advice do you think we can find a taxi for 2 adults and 2 kids with one baby car seat provided ?
Many thanks
Regards
Clemence
I would not trust that you can get a car seat from a taxi driver, as they are not commonly used here. Try asking the Cambodia Parent Network (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=39698772029) someone may be able to give you better advice or lend you one.
We are thinking of hiring a van to drive our group of 7 (ages 11-71). We would like to break up the day by visiting a few things along the way (besides eating spiders -mentioned everywhere), what would you recommend seeing on the way? Or are we just better off going straight through and saving our money for other days? Quote for $165 for the day – reasonable with a few stops?
Thanks-
Yes, very reasonable price. You should tell them in advance where you want to stop (Skun is the spider town), because it’s likely the driver won’t speak a lot of English, if any.
Hi – we are 3 of us traveling with probably 2 bags a person – would there be a problem putting in our bags in Giant Ibis Bus?
On this route it should be fine. Other routes with smaller buses it would be more of an issue.
Hi – I read that they started work upgrading the road between siam reap and Phnom Penh early this year – how is this progressing as I will be doing the trip early December?
The info in this post is up to date. The road is still pretty bad, with 1-2 hours of driving that are not sealed.
Hi. Just wanna ask if there are any night trips for taxis and shared taxis?
and are shared taxis in Siem reap?