Minivan / van
Best mix of speed, price and frequent departures
Private taxi/car
Door-to-door, flexible, ideal for groups
Bus (day or sleeper)
Cheapest option, many operators available
Direct Flight
Fast option, but the airport is about 45 km from the city
Quick answer: If you’re traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the most common options are tourist bus/minivan, private car/taxi with driver, or direct flight. Bus or minivan journeys typically take about 5.5–7 hours, private cars around 5–6 hours, and flights approximately 1 hour. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is about 35 km from the town center of Siem Reap.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 320 km (by road)
- ⏱️ Travel time: bus/minivan ~5.5–7 hours, private car/taxi ~5–6 hours, flight ~1 hour
- 💰 Price range: bus/minivan from ~8–25 USD/pp, private car ~80–550 USD per car, flight ~35–120 USD/pp
- 🚕 Best for comfort: private car/taxi or flight
- 🚍 Best for budget: bus or minivan
Last updated: March 2026
From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by bus, minivan, car, plane or boat.
Traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap covers about 320 km. The fastest option is a direct flight (about 1 hour), while buses and minivans are the cheapest and most popular choices, with tickets starting at around $8 per person. You can also travel by private car, taxi, or boat via Tonle Sap Lake.
Bus and minivan journeys take about 5.5–7 hours, while private transfers take about 5–6 hours. There is currently no train connection between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Tickets, private transfers, and flights can be searched and booked online in advance.
Private cars and taxis offer the most comfortable transfer option. Siem Reap is Cambodia’s most visited tourist destination and home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
From Siem Reap, you can continue to destinations such as Bangkok, Don Det, or Mondulkiri by bus or flight.
| Transfer Mode – Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 5.5–7 hours | $8–25 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car | 5–6 hours | $80–550 per vehicle |
| Boat (via Tonle Sap Lake) | 8–9 hours | $20–40 per person |
| Direct Flight | 1 hour | $35–120 per person |
How do I get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
1. BUS from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
👉 Bus is the most popular and cheapest way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and most solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–7 hours
- ✔️ Price: $8–18 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern air-conditioned buses or minibuses)
- ✅ Best option: Buses with companies like Giant Ibis, Mekong Express or Bayon VIP
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check departure/arrival locations carefully.
Traveling by bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is the most popular and budget-friendly transport option in Cambodia. Modern tourist buses and comfortable minivans operate throughout the day, with tickets costing about $8–18 per person.
Buses are usually the cheapest choice, while minivans offer a slightly faster and more comfortable journey. Travel time from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is approximately 5–7 hours, depending on the operator and traffic conditions.
Several reputable companies operate on this route, including Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Vibol Express, Olongpich Transport, Seila Angkor, PSD Express, and others. Most services receive positive reviews from travelers and can be booked online in advance.
Buses and minivans depart from different locations in Phnom Penh and arrive at various points in Siem Reap. Always check departure details and travel instructions before booking your ticket.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
| Bus Service | Departs in Phnom Penh | Arrival in Siem Reap |
|---|---|---|
| Seila Angkor | 06:30 | 12:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 07:30 | 13:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 08:30 | 14:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 09:30 | 15:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 10:30 | 16:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 11:30 | 17:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 12:30 | 18:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 13:30 | 19:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 14:30 | 20:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 15:30 | 21:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 16:30 | 22:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 17:30 | 23:30 |
| Seila Angkor | 18:30 | 00:30 |
| Cambodia Post (Van) | 07:00 | 13:00 |
| Cambodia Post (Van) | 08:00 | 14:00 |
| Cambodia Post (Van) | 09:30 | 15:30 |
| Cambodia Post (Van) | 14:00 | 20:00 |
| Bayon VIP (Van) | 07:00 | 13:00 |
| Bayon VIP (Van) | 08:00 | 14:00 |
| Bayon VIP (Van) | 09:00 | 15:00 |
| Bayon VIP (Van) | 14:00 | 20:00 |
| Bayon VIP (Van) | 15:30 | 21:30 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 07:30 | 13:00 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 08:00 | 13:30 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 09:00 | 14:30 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 12:30 | 18:00 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 14:00 | 19:30 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 15:30 | 21:00 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 17:00 | 22:30 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 18:30 | 00:30 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 20:30 | 02:00 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 21:30 | 04:00 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 23:00 | 07:00 |
| Giant Ibis | 08:45 | 14:45 |
| Giant Ibis | 09:45 | 15:45 |
| Giant Ibis | 12:30 | 18:30 |
| Giant Ibis | 23:00 | 06:00 |
| Giant Ibis | 23:30 | 06:30 |
| Thero Express (Van) | 09:00 | 14:30 |
| Thero Express (Van) | 14:30 | 20:00 |
| Mekong Express (Van) | 07:30 | 13:30 |
| Mekong Express (Van) | 08:30 | 14:30 |
| Mekong Express (Van) | 14:00 | 20:00 |
| Mekong Express (Van) | 15:00 | 21:00 |
| Mekong Express (Van) | 23:30 | 05:30 |
| Saly Express (Van) | 07:00 | 12:10 |
| Saly Express (Van) | 08:15 | 13:25 |
| Cambotra Express | 08:15 | 12:45 |
| Cambotra Express | 09:30 | 14:30 |
| Cambotra Express | 14:30 | 19:30 |
| Cambotra Express | 21:30 | 03:00 |
| Mey Hong | 08:30 | 14:30 |
| Mey Hong | 13:30 | 19:30 |
| Mey Hong | 23:00 | 05:00 |
2. MINIBUS / VAN from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
👉 Minibus / van is a fast and comfortable way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want quicker travel with decent comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $10–18 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern minivans with limited passengers)
- ✅ Best option: Minivans with companies like Virak Buntham, Vibol Express or Bayon VIP
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and choose reputable companies with good reviews.
Minibuses and minivans are another popular way to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. They are smaller than standard tourist buses, usually carrying up to 15 passengers, and often provide a faster and more comfortable travel experience.
A number of private companies operate minivan services on this route, including Virak Buntham, Thero Express, Mey Hong, Olongpich Transport, Cambolink 21, Seila Angkor, Vibol Express, Bayon VIP, and Cambodia Post VIP.
BOOK TICKETS for Minibuses here ➜
The journey by minibus or minivan takes about 5–6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the operator. Most services depart from central Phnom Penh and arrive at various locations in Siem Reap.
Minivan tickets usually cost about $10–18 per person. With many daily departures available, you can easily find and book a suitable connection online in advance.
3. FLIGHTS from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
👉 Flight is the fastest but less practical way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who prefer air travel despite higher cost
- ✔️ Duration: ~45–60 minutes flight (~4–5 hours total with transfers)
- ✔️ Price: $70–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short direct flight with modern airlines)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flights with Cambodia Angkor Air or Lanmei Airlines
- 💡 Tip: Consider total travel time (airport transfers + waiting), as buses or vans may be similarly fast overall.
Traveling by plane from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is the fastest transport option. Direct flights take only about 45–60 minutes, although total travel time will be longer when airport transfers and check-in procedures are included.
Direct flights are usually operated by Cambodia Angkor Air and other regional airlines. Flight prices typically range from $70–150 per person, depending on the season and ticket availability.
Flights depart from Techo International Airport (KTI) and arrive at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). The airport is located about 45 km from Siem Reap city center, so an additional transfer is required.
Flying is the most comfortable and quickest way to reach Siem Reap, while buses and minivans remain better options for budget-conscious travelers.
4. TAXI / CAR from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking door-to-door comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $80–550 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern air-conditioned cars, SUVs or minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Glassflower, SIMA Car or Royal Cambodian Limousine
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and consider direct drop-off at your hotel or Angkor Wat area.
A private car or taxi with a driver is another convenient way to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. This option is especially suitable for families, groups, or travelers who prefer a direct door-to-door transfer.
The journey takes about 5–6 hours, and prices range from $80–550 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Minivans and larger vehicles are available for groups of travelers.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Siem Reap ➜
Most private vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and provide a high level of comfort. Popular operators include Glassflower, SIMA Car, Golden Escape Cambodia, Royal Cambodian Limousine, and other local companies.
Some providers can also arrange transfers directly to the Angkor Wat temple area. Together with flights, private cars are among the most expensive transport options on this route.
5. BOAT / FERRY from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
👉 Boat / ferry via Tonle Sap Lake is a scenic and adventurous way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: adventurous travelers who want a unique travel experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–8 hours
- ✔️ Price: ~$20–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (basic boats with scenic views)
- ✅ Best option: Boat services with Taraboat or Angkor Express Boat
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets locally or via agencies and expect transfer from Chong Khneas port (~12 km from Siem Reap center).
For a different travel experience, you can travel by boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap across Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Cambodia. This option is popular with travelers looking for scenic views and local life along the route.
The boat journey takes about 6–8 hours, depending on water levels and operating conditions. Tickets can usually be arranged through travel agencies or hotels in Phnom Penh.
Most boats arrive near Chong Khneas, about 12 km south of Siem Reap, with onward transport available by taxi or tuk-tuk.
Popular operators include Taraboat and Angkor Express Boat.
BOOK FERRY Ticket with Klook ➜
6. TRAIN from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
There is no railway from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap yet, but there is a plan to open a new railway, so it will probably open in the future. However, an option is to take the Royal Railway train from Phnom Penh to Battambang or Sisophon and from there take a bus or minibus to Siem Reap, this can also be done, but this option will take more time.
Royal Railway trains are not very fast. See the current Cambodia railway map and read more useful information about train travel in Cambodia.
7. BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR + Tickets in Siem Reap
If you are looking for various private trips, tours and other tourist activities in Siem Reap, or other private transfers and, for example, boat transfers across the Tonle Sap Lake, you can use the Klook platform to search. Here you can find a number of different trips, tickets or tickets to tourist attractions such as Agnkor Wat or other popular temples and palaces.
The advantage is that you can also read the ratings and reviews of other travelers who have tried these trips and attractions. Various transfers from airports to city centers such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are also offered on the platform. You can also choose, for example, various food tours in the larger cities of Cambodia.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
How to book tickets from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
How long is the journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
Flights take about 1 hour, buses and minivans 6–7 hours, and private cars around 4–6 hours.
How much does travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap cost?
Travel costs range from $8–17 by bus, $35–110 by flight, and from $80 by private car.
What is the distance from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
The travel distance is approximately 320 km by road.
Is there a train from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
No, there is currently no train connection between these cities.
How do I get from Siem Reap to Bangkok?
You can travel by bus, minivan, train, or plane. Read: How to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok?
What is the best way to travel to Siem Reap?
Flying is the fastest option, while buses and minivans are the cheapest.
Can I travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City by bus?
Yes, direct buses and minivans operate daily. See: Phnom Penh to Saigon – Bus Schedule.
Where do buses depart in Phnom Penh?
Departure points vary by bus company and operator.
How far is Angkor Wat from Siem Reap Airport?
Angkor Wat is about 50 km from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Phnom Penh:
If you’re planning your next trip from Phnom Penh, here are other popular routes in Cambodia:
These are the most popular travel routes from Phnom Penh for visitors exploring Cambodia or neighbouring countries.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is one of the most popular routes in Cambodia. You can travel by bus, minivan, private car, boat, or direct flight.
- Choose Minivans: They are usually faster and more comfortable than standard buses.
- Consider Private Cars: A good option for families, groups, or travelers with extra luggage.
- Travel Early: Morning departures help avoid traffic and maximize your time in Siem Reap.
- Book Ahead: Popular departures can sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Bring Cash: Small US dollar notes are useful at rest stops and local shops.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers, and travel documents.
- Plan Your Arrival: Tuk-tuks, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are widely available in Siem Reap.
Tip: Bus, minivan, boat tickets, private transfers, and flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap can be searched and booked online in advance.