Transport in Cambodia

Getting around Cambodia

Cambodia is easy to travel around by public transport. The road network has improved a lot in recent years, notably with the expressway between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, and most journeys between tourist towns are made by bus or minibus, at low prices. The train is running again on two lines, boats serve the islands and, in some seasons, link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang via the Tonle Sap. To save time, a domestic flight connects Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

In town, the tuk-tuk is the most common means of transport, and the Grab and PassApp apps let you book one at a fixed price in the big cities. Book your tickets a few days ahead in high season (November to February) and during holidays (Khmer New Year in mid-April, Pchum Ben in September or October, the Water Festival in November).

directions_bus Bus and minibus

This is the most widely used means of transport. The big companies (Giant Ibis, Larryta Express, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham…) link all the tourist towns with air-conditioned buses, often with Wi-Fi and a bottle of water, and night buses with berths on long journeys. Minibuses (vans) are faster but more cramped, with little room for luggage. Allow about $10 to $15 for Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. Tickets can be booked online: you compare times, companies and travellers’ reviews, and receive an e-ticket.

Book a bus ticket

train Train

The Royal Railway company runs two passenger lines from Phnom Penh: the southern line to Takeo, Kampot and Sihanoukville, and the northern line to Pursat and Battambang. Travellers’ favourite route is Phnom Penh – Kampot: one train a day in each direction, leaving Phnom Penh around 7 am and arriving in Kampot around 10:40 am, for about $9. The train is slower than the bus over long distances, but it is a very pleasant way to cross the countryside, quietly, with plenty of legroom.

Tickets are not sold by platforms such as 12Go: buy them on the official Royal Railway website or at the station. Seats are numbered and sell out fast; sales open about a week before departure. Timetables change from time to time and delays are frequent: check them before you go and don’t connect with a flight on the same day.

Book a train ticket on the official Royal Railway website

directions_boat Boat

Fast ferries link Sihanoukville to the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem in 45 minutes to 1 hour, several times a day. Between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, a boat crosses Tonle Sap lake in 7 to 8 hours during the high-water season (roughly June to November); a lovely experience, but more expensive and longer than the bus. Between Siem Reap and Battambang, the boat trip up the Sangker River is one of the most beautiful journeys in the country, when the water level allows. Finally, speedboats link Phnom Penh to Chau Doc, in Vietnam, along the Mekong.

Book a boat ticket

flight Plane

The only really useful domestic flight links Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in 55 minutes, several times a day. Taking into account the journeys to the airports, which are far from the centres, the time saved compared with the bus is small: the plane is mainly worthwhile to connect with an international flight. Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville have flights to Bangkok and other Asian capitals.

Book a Phnom Penh – Siem Reap flight

local_taxi Private taxi and car with driver

For groups, families with children or if you want to stop along the way, a car with driver is very convenient and stays affordable once the cost is shared: allow about $80 to $100 for Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. It can be booked online, through your hotel or with a local agency. Shared taxis are cheaper, but they leave when full and are often overloaded.

Book a private transfer

two_wheeler Scooter and car hire

Scooter rental is common in Kampot, Kep, Battambang, Sihanoukville or Mondulkiri ($5 to $10 a day), but not in Siem Reap, where it is in principle not allowed for foreigners. You need a valid motorbike licence and an international driving permit, and helmets are compulsory: if you have an accident without a licence, your insurance will not cover you. Traffic is chaotic in towns and country roads are sometimes in poor condition: two-wheelers are for experienced riders only. Self-drive car hire is rare and not recommended.

The main routes in Cambodia

Approximate journey times, excluding delays and stops. Click on a route to see the timetables, today’s prices and book your ticket.

Getting around Cambodian towns

The tuk-tuk (a carriage pulled by a motorbike) is everywhere. Agree on the price before setting off, or book it with a ride-hailing app: the price is fixed in advance and you don’t need to explain the address. Grab works in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kampot; PassApp, the local app, also covers Battambang and Kampong Cham and is paid in cash. Keep small dollar and riel notes.