Bus / Van
Affordable, convenient and popular for overland travel.
Direct flight
Fastest choice with a short flight time.
Train + Bus
Very cheap, but slower and less convenient.
Private car
Flexible door-to-door travel for groups.
Quick answer: Travelling from Bangkok to Siem Reap is fastest by direct flight, while bus or van is the most practical low-cost overland option. Train + bus is the cheapest alternative, while a private car offers the most comfort and flexibility.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 400 km by land via Poipet.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1 h | Bus/van ~7.5–11 h | Train + bus ~10 h | Private car ~6.5–9 h.
- 💰 Price: Flight US$70–250 pp | Bus/van US$25–43 pp | Train + bus US$12–14 pp | Private car US$250–1000.
- 🚌 Bus / Van: The most popular budget option for overland travel.
- ✈️ Flight: The fastest and most convenient option.
- 🚕 Private car: Comfortable and flexible for couples or groups.
Last updated: October 2026
Which is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Direct flight | ~1 h | $70–250/pp | ★★★★★ | Fast travel |
| 🚌 Bus / Van | 7.5–11 h | $25–43/pp | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| 🚆 Train + Bus | ~10 h | $12–14/pp | ★★★☆☆ | Lowest price |
| 🚕 Private car | 6.5–9 h | $250–1000/car | ★★★★★ | Groups & comfort |
Evaluation: ★★★★★ very good ★★★★☆ good ★★★☆☆ acceptable.
For most travelers, the bus or van offers the best balance of price and convenience. The train + bus is cheapest, while a flight is best when time matters most. A private car is ideal for groups seeking flexible door-to-door travel.
You can also read the Bangkok Travel Guide and Siem Reap Travel Guide for practical information.
How do I get from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
1. Bus / Van from Bangkok to Siem Reap
👉 Choose the bus or van if you want the easiest low-cost overland option.
- ✔️ Ideal for: Budget travelers and solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: About 7.5–11 hours
- ✔️ Price: About $25–43 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: Good, depending on the vehicle
- ✅ Best option: Tourist bus or comfortable minivan
- 💡 Tip: Allow extra time for the border crossing
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check the exact arrival point in Siem Reap
The most popular low-cost way to travel from Bangkok, Thailand to Siem Reap, Cambodia is by bus, minivan or minibus. Several companies operate this route, including Giant Ibis, Travel Mart, Virak Buntham, Nattakan Transport, Transport Co LA, Go Ho Travel, Sarah Transport and SRL Transport.
Most services travel through the Aranyaprathet–Poipet border crossing. Departure points in Bangkok vary by company, so check the exact station or pickup point when booking.
💡 Tip: Border procedures can add extra time, so avoid planning an important activity immediately after arrival.
The journey usually takes about 7.5–11 hours, depending on the service, traffic and time spent at the border. Bus and minivan tickets generally cost around $25–43 per person and can be booked online in advance.
Bus and minivan are particularly suitable for travelers who want to save money and do not mind spending most of the day traveling. Mobile e-tickets are often accepted, but always check the latest instructions before departure.
| Bus Company | Departs in Bangkok | Arrival in Siem Reap | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Mart | 01:30 | 10:30 | From $34.00 |
| Travel Mart | 06:30 | 14:00 | From $34.00 |
| Travel Mart | 08:00 | 16:30 | From $34.00 |
| Travel Mart | 10:30 | 18:00 | From $34.00 |
| Travel Mart | 11:30 | 19:00 | From $34.00 |
| Travel Mart | 13:00 | 21:00 | From $34.00 |
| Travel Mart | 18:30 | 16:00 | From $34.00 |
| Giant Ibis | 07:45 | 16:15 | From $34.00 |
| Giant Ibis | 09:00 | 17:30 | From $34.00 |
| Travel Mart | 08:00 | 17:30 | From $38.00 |
| Travel Mart | 13:00 | 00:30 | From $34.00 |
| Go Ho Travel | 01:30 | 10:30 | From $41.00 |
| Go Ho Travel | 08:00 | 17:00 | From $35.00 |
| Sarah Transport | 08:00 | 16:00 | From $25.00 |
| SRL Transport | 08:00 | 16:00 | From $31.00 |
| SRL Transport | 12:30 | 20:30 | From $40.00 |
2. Flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap
👉 Choose a direct flight if you want to save the most travel time.
- ✔️ Ideal for: Travelers with limited time
- ✔️ Duration: About 1 hour flight time
- ✔️ Price: About $70–250 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: Very good
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight from Bangkok
- 💡 Tip: Allow time for airport transfers
- 🌏 Extra tip: Siem Reap airport is outside the city
If you want the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap, a direct flight is the most convenient option. The flight itself takes about one hour, although the complete journey is longer when airport arrival time and the transfer into Siem Reap are included.
Direct flights can depart from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport and arrive at Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport. The airport is approximately 45 km from the city center, so you need an additional shuttle bus, taxi or private transfer.
💡 Tip: Compare the total journey time, not only the one-hour flight.
The source lists Thai AirAsia, Thai Smile and Bangkok Air among the airlines operating direct flights. Economy tickets can range from approximately $45–140 per person, while the broader price range can reach about $70–250 depending on availability and booking conditions.
For travelers who value speed and convenience more than the lowest price, flying is clearly the most practical option. You can search and book flights online in advance.
3. Taxi / Private Car from Bangkok to Siem Reap
👉 Choose a private car if comfort and flexibility are most important.
- ✔️ Ideal for: Couples, families and small groups
- ✔️ Duration: About 6.5–9 hours
- ✔️ Price: About $250–1000 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: Excellent
- ✅ Best option: Private car with a driver
- 💡 Tip: Compare vehicle size and pickup locations
- 🌏 Extra tip: Groups can share the vehicle cost
A private car or taxi with a driver is the most flexible overland option from Bangkok to Siem Reap. Services are offered by companies including Glassflower, SIMA Car, TravelBusAsia, Angkor Guide Adventure and Travel Mart.
You can usually choose your departure and arrival points, which makes private transport convenient if you want door-to-door service. Cars, SUVs and minivans are available for different group sizes.
💡 Tip: A private vehicle becomes more attractive when several travelers share the cost.
Private car transfers are considerably more expensive than buses. The source gives a price range of about $250–1000 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle and service.
Driving time is approximately 6.5–9 hours, depending on traffic, the border crossing and the selected service. This option is therefore best suited to travelers who value comfort, flexibility and a direct transfer rather than the lowest price.
4. Train + Bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap
👉 Choose train + bus if the lowest price matters most.
- ✔️ Ideal for: Very budget-conscious travelers
- ✔️ Duration: About 10 hours
- ✔️ Price: About $12–14 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: Basic
- ✅ Best option: Train to Aranyaprathet + bus to Siem Reap
- 💡 Tip: Allow extra time for the border crossing
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check Cambodian entry requirements before departure
There is no direct train connection from Bangkok to Siem Reap. However, you can travel part of the route by Thai train to Aranyaprathet and then continue by bus or minivan through the Poipet border crossing.
Aranyaprathet is a border town and its railway station is approximately 7 km from Poipet. The train journey from Bangkok takes about 6 hours and uses basic seating. Train tickets to Aranyaprathet can cost as little as about $2.
💡 Tip: Check the latest border and visa information before using this route.
After crossing into Cambodia at Poipet, you continue by bus or minivan to Siem Reap. Companies mentioned in the source include Go Ho Travel, Cambotra Express and Virak Buntham Express. The Poipet–Siem Reap journey takes around 3 hours and tickets cost about $10–16 per person.
This combination is mainly interesting for travelers who want to experience the Thai railway and keep transport costs very low. It is less convenient than a direct bus because it requires several separate transfers and the train timetable is limited.
For the onward journey, see Poipet to Siem Reap transport options for more information.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Siem Reap
Choose your transport according to your available time, budget and preferred comfort level. The border crossing can affect the total journey time, so keep some flexibility in your itinerary.
- Best option: Bus or van for most budget travelers.
- Fastest option: Direct flight when time matters most.
- Cheapest: Train + bus via Aranyaprathet and Poipet.
- Private transfer: Taxi or private car for comfort and flexibility.
- Border crossing: Allow extra time for immigration procedures.
- Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport is about 45 km from the city.
- Tickets: Check the latest schedules and transfer instructions before booking.
Tip: Compare the complete journey, including border and airport transfers, rather than only the advertised travel time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Siem Reap
How can I book tickets or flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
A direct flight takes about 1 hour, bus or van 7.5–11 hours, train + bus about 10 hours, and a private car around 6.5–9 hours.
What is the travel distance from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
The overland distance is approximately 400 km via the Aranyaprathet–Poipet border crossing.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
Bus or van costs about $25–43 per person, flights $70–250, train + bus $12–14, and a private car about $250–1000 per vehicle.
What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
A direct flight is best for speed and convenience. For budget travelers, bus or van offers a good balance between price and comfort.
Can I book a private car or taxi from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
Yes, private cars and taxis with drivers are available. They cost more than buses but offer direct pickup and greater comfort.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
Train + bus is the cheapest option, costing about $12–14 per person. A direct bus or van is more convenient but costs more.
Is it possible to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap by train?
There is no direct railway to Siem Reap. You can take a train to Aranyaprathet, cross at Poipet and continue by bus or taxi. See the Thailand railway map, Cambodia railway map and transport in Cambodia.
Where can I travel from Siem Reap?
From Siem Reap you can continue by bus, taxi or plane to Phnom Penh. Other options include Battambang in Cambodia or Don Det in Laos.
Where else can I travel from Bangkok?
From Bangkok you can also travel to Laos via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. There are also direct flights from Bangkok to destinations such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
🧭 Summary: Organizing your journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap
For most travelers, the bus or minivan offers the best balance between price and convenience when traveling overland from Bangkok to Siem Reap. It is a practical choice for travelers who do not mind a longer journey.
If you have limited time, a direct flight is the best option because it is much faster and more convenient. Travelers looking for the lowest possible cost can consider the train + bus combination via Aranyaprathet and Poipet.
A private car is worth considering for couples, families or groups who prefer a comfortable and flexible door-to-door journey. It can also be convenient when several people share the cost of the vehicle.
