Transportation From Phnom Penh To Siem Reap And Back

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is a 200 mile journey. There are many transportation options from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap to suit every travel style and budget.

Now that Cambodia is back in the tourism business, you might be wondering how to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (and vice versa) in 2022.

It is about 200 miles between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (318 km). And there are several transportation options from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap to suit every travel style and budget. Of course, flying to Siem Reap is the most convenient option, taking just under an hour. However, if you want to save money, you might be better off taking a bus or minibus.

You can also arrange for a private car, which will take you to Siem Reap in just five hours and allow you to stop wherever you want along the way. If you happen to be in Cambodia during the rainy season and are looking for a real adventure, there is even a boat connection.

As of August 20, 2022, all of the options listed below are operational.

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Taxis Between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

Taxis from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap usually cost between $65 and $100, but during Cambodian holidays, the price goes up.

Private taxis can be reserved online in advance (at surprisingly low rates, usually $85). The journey takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on traffic and how frequently you must stop. If you make an online reservation, you will be given a large SUV taxi, usually a very comfortable Lexus 4X4. When you book online, you can pay in advance by credit card and avoid arguing with the driver about last-minute price changes.

Buses Connect Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

The road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap winds through the countryside, past rice terraces, traditional wooden cottages, and water buffalo and cows grazing on the side of the road. This gives travelers a chance to see how people live in rural Cambodia.

The views may be better from a full-size bus than from a minibus, since the latter has bigger windows and the former has fewer people. If motion sickness is a problem for you, traveling the bus is the way to go because it moves more slowly and has less bumps.

There are numerous bus companies that run between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Most of them are outdated, overcrowded, make dozens of stops, and frequently break down (but are inexpensive, costing around $6 or $7). The more expensive ones provide a much smoother ride as well as additional amenities.

Giant Ibis and Vireakbuntham are the most popular among expats because they provide WiFi and power outlets on board.

There is also a night bus that runs in both directions between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Tickets are $15, and you can reserve your seat in advance online. The journey lasts between 5 and 6 hours.

Vans and Minibuses from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Expats who know what they’re doing—or who aren’t car sick—travel by minibus because it’s much faster than taking the bus. This route is served by a plethora of minibus companies.

Larryta Express operates a van of fifteen-passenger Ford Transit Vans with many departure times per day between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The vans are brand new and spotless. The drivers drive quickly but not frighteningly, and the trip takes just under 5.5 hours, including two stops. Tickets can be bought up to a day in advance because the buses leave so often. Tickets are $13.

You can download the Larryta app from the Google Play Store.

Flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

Cambodia’s national airline, Angkor Air, has resumed twice-daily flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Flights are currently priced between $80 and $200 one-way and are scheduled to last approximately 50 minutes.

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Ferries from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Between the months of July and March, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh may be reached by ferry (they usually do not run during the dry season when the water levels are low).

Our suggestion

Book your transportation between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap here. With theworldtrip.com, your journey can arranged in a car, van, or bus, depending on the size of your group. It’s about a six-hour drive, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and snap some stunning photos.