Bus / Van
Best price / convenience balance
Private car / taxi
Flexible, door-to-door
Flight
Quickest way between cities
Motorbike
Border crossing complications
Quick answer: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh offers several options for different budgets. The bus is the most popular and affordable (~5.5–7 hours). Flights are fastest (~1 hour), private cars offer comfort and flexibility (~6 hours), and the scenic bus + boat route via Chau Doc takes longer (~13 hours). All bus or private car options cross the Moc Bai–Bavet border, where eVisas are accepted.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 230 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Van ~5.5–7 hours • Flight ~1 hour • Private Car ~6 hours • Bus + Boat ~13 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Van $21–40 • Flight $70–200 • Private Car $140–460 • Bus + Boat $32–75
- 🚌 Best for budget: Bus or Van
- ✈️ Best for speed: Direct flight
- 🚕 Best for comfort: Private car or taxi
- 🚢 Best for scenic route: Bus + Boat via Chau Doc
Last updated in March 2026
From Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by bus, van, taxi or plane
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is one of the most popular routes in Southeast Asia. The main options are tourist bus, minivan, private car or direct flight. There is no railway on this route.
The most common and cheapest option is a bus or minivan, while private cars offer more comfort at a higher price. The route goes through the Moc Bai – Bavet border crossing. An alternative is a boat transfer via Chau Doc.
Distance is about 230 km and the journey by bus takes approx. 5.5–7 hours.
Direct flight is the fastest option
Bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh cost about $21–40/pp. Popular companies include Long Phuong Cambodia, Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, Duc Duong Bus, Vet Air Bus Express, Kumho Samco or Virak Buntham.
Most buses are modern and comfortable. At the border, you can use Cambodia e-visa or get a visa on arrival. Always check current visa conditions before travel and read booking details carefully when purchasing tickets online.
Bus tickets from Saigon to Phnom Penh start at $21–25/pp
The fastest option is a direct flight with Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air or Qatar Airways. Flight time is about 1 hour and tickets cost around $70–200/pp. Flights depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport and arrive at Techo Phnom Penh International Airport near the city.
A private car/taxi is also available, offering the most comfort but at a higher price. Travel time is about 6 hours and costs range from $140–460 per car, making it a good option for groups who can share the cost.
| Transfer Mode – Saigon to Phnom Penh | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 5–7 hours | $21–40 per person |
| Direct Flight | 1 hour | $70–170 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi with a driver | 6 hours | $140–560 per vehicle |
| Bus + Boat (via Chau Doc) | 13 hours | $32–75 per person |
How do I get from Saigon to Phnom Penh?
1. BUS / VAN from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
👉 Bus or minivan is the most popular and cheapest way from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and easy cross-border transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~5.5–7 hours
- ✔️ Price: $21–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern buses or minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Giant Ibis or Mekong Express for reliable service
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check border procedures.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Keep passport and visa documents ready for faster border crossing.
Most travelers use a tourist bus or modern minivan to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. It’s the cheapest and most popular option, with many reliable companies offering comfortable seater or sleeper buses.
Buses depart from various locations in Saigon, often near Pham Ngu Lao area. When booking tickets online, always check departure/arrival details and whether mobile e-tickets are accepted or printing is required.
Bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh cost about $21–40/pp, and the journey takes approx. 5.5–7 hours via the Moc Bai – Bavet border crossing.
It’s the cheapest and most practical option, with modern buses offering solid comfort for the price.
| Bus Company | Departs in Ho Chi Minh | Arrival in Phnom Penh | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuong Heng | 7:00 | 13:00 | From $21.00 |
| Phuong Heng | 8:30 | 14:30 | From $21.00 |
| Phuong Heng | 13:00 | 19:00 | From $21.00 |
| Phuong Heng | 15:30 | 21:30 | From $21.00 |
| Vet Air Bus | 08:45 | 15:00 | From $34.00 |
| Techbus VN | 6:30 | 12:30 | From $27.00 |
| Techbus VN | 7:00 | 13:00 | From $27.00 |
| Techbus VN | 8:15 | 14:15 | From $27.00 |
| Techbus VN | 12:30 | 18:30 | From $27.00 |
| Airbus | 08:45 | 15:00 | From $30.00 |
| Khai Nam | 4:30 | 11:30 | From $28.00 |
| Khai Nam | 5:30 | 12:30 | From $28.00 |
| Khai Nam | 7:00 | 14:00 | From $28.00 |
| Khai Nam | 9:00 | 16:00 | From $28.00 |
| Khai Nam | 10:30 | 17:30 | From $28.00 |
| Khai Nam | 12:00 | 19:00 | From $28.00 |
| Khai Nam | 13:30 | 20:30 | From $28.00 |
| Khai Nam | 14:30 | 21:30 | From $28.00 |
| Khai Nam | 15:30 | 22:30 | From $28.00 |
| Long Phuong | 7:00 | 14:00 | From $26.00 |
| Long Phuong | 11:00 | 18:00 | From $26.00 |
| Long Phuong | 15:00 | 22:00 | From $26.00 |
| Kumho Samco | 8:30 | 14:30 | From $34.00 |
| Kumho Samco | 11:00 | 17:00 | From $34.00 |
| Giant Ibis | 08:00 | 14:30 | From $34.00 |
| Giant Ibis | 09:45 | 16:15 | From $34.00 |
| Virak Buntham | 07:00 | 13:30 | From $31.00 |
| Virak Buntham | 11:00 | 18:00 | From $31.00 |
| Virak Buntham | 15:00 | 21:00 | From $31.00 |
| iHome Transfer | 06:45 | 13:45 | From $28.00 |
| iHome Transfer | 08:45 | 15:45 | From $28.00 |
| iHome Transfer | 16:00 | 23:00 | From $32.00 |
| Go365 | 07:30 | 14:30 | From $36.00 |
| Go365 | 08:45 | 15:45 | From $33.00 |
| Go365 | 16:00 | 23:00 | From $36.00 |
| Vietnam Transfers | 06:00 | 11:50 | From $35.00 |
| CP Express | 07:00 | 13:30 | From $29.00 |
| GoEz Travel | 07:00 | 13:15 | From $34.00 |
2. PRIVATE CAR / TAXI from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $140–560 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (SUVs, vans or minibuses with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like SIMA Car, Ouros Travel or Saigon DMC
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and arrange pickup points in advance.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Confirm border crossing details and required documents beforehand.
Private taxi/car with driver from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. Travel time is about 6 hours and prices range from $140–560 per car.
Companies like SIMA Car, Saigon DMC, Ouros Travel or Thai Duong Limousine offer SUVs, vans or minibuses. This option is ideal for groups who can share the cost.
BOOK TAXI / CAR with 12go.asia ➜
The main advantage of a private taxi is door-to-door service with flexible departure and arrival points. You can easily search and book a private car online in advance.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| SIMA Car | 06:00 | From $150.00 / SUV 4pax |
| SIMA Car | 06:00 | From $250.00 / Premium Van 5pax |
| Saigon DMC | 05:55 | From $149.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Saigon DMC | 05:55 | From $159.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Ouros Travel | 05:55 | From $155.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Ouros Travel | 05:55 | From $165.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Thai Duong Limousine | 06:00 | From $180.00 / Minivan 7pax |
| Thai Duong Limousine | 06:00 | From $555.00 / VIP Bus 18pax |
3. FLIGHT from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
👉 Flight is the fastest and most convenient way from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour (≈3–4 hours total with airport time)
- ✔️ Price: $70–200 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct flights)
- ✅ Best option: Cambodia Angkor Air or Vietnam Airlines direct flights
- 💡 Tip: Book in advance and choose direct flights for this short route.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Choose morning departures for better punctuality and fewer delays.
A direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is the fastest and most comfortable option. Flight time is about 1 hour (around 4 hours total including airport procedures), with prices ranging from $70–200/pp.
Flights are operated by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air or Qatar Airways, though schedules can be limited.
Connecting flights are sometimes available, but for this short route they are usually not worth it. Flights depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport and arrive at Techo International Airport (KTI) in Phnom Penh.
Flights can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
4. BUS + BOAT from Saigon to Phnom Penh (via Chau Doc)
👉 Bus + boat via Chau Doc is a scenic way from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking a unique Mekong River experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~10–12 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $32–75 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus + boat)
- ✅ Best option: Futabus to Chau Doc + speedboat to Phnom Penh
- 💡 Tip: Plan connections carefully and consider an overnight stay in Chau Doc.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Check boat schedules in advance, as departures may be limited.
A) Bus (or taxi) from Saigon to Chau Doc
-
- it is about 210 km by road from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc
- travel by tourist bus from Saigon to Chau Doc takes about 6 hours
- travel by bus from Saigon to Chau Doc costs about $7-10/pp
- bus company to Chau Doc from Saigon: Futabus (Phuong Trang), Hue Nghia
B) Boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
-
- from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh you can travel by boat via Mekong river
- travel by boat to Phnom Penh from Chau Doc takes about 5 hours
- boat tickets to Phnom Penh cost about $25-65/pp
- boats to Phnom Penh from Chau Doc: Mandarin Cruises, Hang Chau Tourist
- read this article: How to get to Phnom Penh from Chau Doc?
BOOK Your HOTEL in Phnom Penh ➜
❓ FAQ – Transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh:
How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
Travel by bus or minivan takes about 5–7 hours, while direct flights take approximately 1 hour.
How much does transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh cost?
Bus tickets cost about $21–40/pp and direct flights from Saigon to Phnom Penh cost approximately $70–170/pp.
How to book tickets or flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
You can search and book buses, minivans, private cars, and flights on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
What is the travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
The travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is about 230 km by land and approximately 200 km by plane.
What is the best way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
The fastest option is a direct flight, while tourist minivans are cheaper and still comfortable for most travelers.
What is the cheapest transport option to Phnom Penh?
The cheapest option is a tourist bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh with tickets starting at about $21/pp.
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City center to Tan Son Nhat Airport?
You can travel by taxi, Grab, airport bus 109, or private transfer from the city center to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Is there a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
No, there is currently no railway connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
Where to get a Cambodia e-visa?
You can apply for a Cambodia e-visa online at www.evisa.gov.kh.
Where can you travel from Phnom Penh?
From Phnom Penh, you can continue to Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, or visit Koh Rong.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Ho Chi Minh City:
If you’re planning your next trip from Ho Chi Minh City, here are other popular routes in southern Vietnam:
These are the most popular travel routes from Ho Chi Minh City for visitors exploring Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is possible by tourist bus, minivan, private car, or direct flight.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights from Saigon to Phnom Penh take about 1 hour.
- Cheapest Transfer: Tourist buses and minivans are affordable and popular among backpackers.
- Border Crossing: Most buses use the Moc Bai / Bavet border crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia.
- Travel Time: Bus and minivan transfers take approximately 5–7 hours.
- What to Bring: Prepare your passport, Cambodia visa, water, snacks, and some US dollars.
- Arrival in Phnom Penh: Tuk-tuks, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are available from bus stations and the airport.
Tip: Bus, minivan, private transfer, and flight tickets to Phnom Penh can be searched and booked online in advance.