Minivan / van
Fast, comfortable and widely used option
Private taxi/car
Door-to-door, no waiting, flexible travel
Bus
Cheapest option, many daily departures
Train
Very limited and slower, indirect via Battambang
Quick answer: Traveling from Poipet to Phnom Penh offers several options including bus, private taxi, and train. The bus and minivan are affordable and take about 7-9 hours, while a private taxi provides more comfort in roughly 8 hours. The train is the slowest, taking around 12 hours but offers a unique scenic route.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 400 km from Poipet border to Phnom Penh via Battambang.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan 7–9 hours | Private taxi/car ~8 hours | Train ~12 hours.
- 💰 Cost: Bus/minivan $10–20 per person | Train $7–10 per person | Private taxi/car $130–230 per vehicle.
- 🚌 Bus/minivan: Most cost-effective and widely used.
- 🚆 Train: Slowest option but scenic.
- 🚕 Private taxi/car: Best for comfort and flexibility.
Last updated March 2026
From Poipet to Phnom Penh you can travel by bus, minivan, train or private taxi.
The distance from Poipet to Phnom Penh is about 400 km. The most popular option is a bus or minivan, with travel times of around 7–9 hours and tickets from $10–20 per person.
You can also travel by train or private taxi. A private transfer takes about 8 hours and offers the most comfort. Tickets and transfers can be booked online in advance.
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital and main transport hub. From the city you can continue to Sihanoukville and the nearby islands, or visit southern Cambodia.
| Transfer Mode – Poipet to Phnom Penh | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 7–9 hours | $10–20 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car | 8 hours | $130–230 per vehicle |
| Train (Royal Railway) (Temporarily suspended) | 9 hours | $7–10 per person |
How do you get from Poipet to Phnom Penh?
1. BUS / MINIVAN from Poipet to Phnom Penh
👉 Bus / minivan is the cheapest and most common way from Poipet to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and most solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~7–9 hours
- ✔️ Price: $10–20 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (buses with seats/sleepers or minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Direct bus or minivan without extra transfers
- 💡 Tip: Arrive early and check departure point near the border.
The most popular and affordable way to travel from Poipet to Phnom Penh is by bus or minivan. Companies such as Virak Buntham, Capitol VIP, Saly Express and Cambolink 21 operate regular services on this route.
Travel time is approximately 7–9 hours, depending on traffic and the type of vehicle. Both larger buses and comfortable minivans are available.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Phnom Penh ➜
Bus tickets cost about $10–20 per person. Departure and arrival locations vary by operator and are displayed when booking online.
It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. For most travelers, buses and minivans offer the best combination of price, comfort and convenience on this route.
| Bus Company | Departs in Poipet | Arrival in Phnom Penh | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol VIP | 06:15 | 13:45 | From $12.00/pp |
| Capitol VIP | 07:30 | 15:00 | From $12.00/pp |
| Capitol VIP | 08:30 | 16:30 | From $11.00/pp |
| Capitol VIP | 13:30 | 21:30 | From $11.00/pp |
| Capitol VIP | 15:00 | 22:30 | From $11.00/pp |
| Capitol VIP | 20:00 | 10:00 | From $15.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 06:30 | 14:15 | From $17.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 07:30 | 15:15 | From $17.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 08:30 | 16:15 | From $17.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 09:00 | 16:45 | From $17.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 10:00 | 17:45 | From $17.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 11:15 | 19:00 | From $17.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 13:00 | 20:45 | From $17.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 14:30 | 22:15 | From $17.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 19:50 | 03:50 | From $16.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 20:30 | 05:30 | From $16.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 21:00 | 05:00 | From $16.00/pp |
| Cambolink 21 | 22:00 | 05:30 | From $16.00/pp |
| Go Ho Travel | 07:30 | 14:30 | From $15.00/pp |
| Saly Express | 07:30 | 14:15 | From $15.00/pp |
| Saly Express | 09:30 | 16:15 | From $15.00/pp |
| Saly Express | 11:00 | 18:15 | From $15.00/pp |
| Saly Express | 14:30 | 21:30 | From $15.00/pp |
| Saly Express | 20:00 | 04:30 | From $15.00/pp |
| Saly Express | 21:00 | 05:30 | From $15.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 08:00 | 15:30 | From $20.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 10:30 | 18:00 | From $20.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 12:30 | 19:30 | From $20.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 13:00 | 20:30 | From $27.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 14:30 | 22:00 | From $20.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 20:30 | 04:20 | From $20.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 21:00 | 06:00 | From $20.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 21:30 | 06:30 | From $20.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 22:00 | 06:00 | From $20.00/pp |
| Virak Buntham | 22:30 | 06:30 | From $16.00/pp |
2. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Poipet to Phnom Penh
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way from Poipet to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking comfort and privacy
- ✔️ Duration: ~8 hours
- ✔️ Price: $130–230 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Door-to-door transfer with flexible departure time
- 💡 Tip: Share costs in a group and confirm pickup location in advance.
A private car or taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Poipet to Phnom Penh. The main advantage is a direct door-to-door transfer with flexible departure times.
Companies such as SIMA Car and Royal Cambodian Limousine operate on this route, offering modern cars, SUVs and minivans for groups. Travel time is approximately 8 hours.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Phnom Penh ➜
Private transfers cost about $130–230 per vehicle. Larger minivans are more expensive, but the cost can be shared between several passengers. See more transport options in Cambodia.
Private cars can be booked online in advance and are ideal for travelers seeking comfort, privacy and a hassle-free journey.
3. TRAIN from Poipet to Phnom Penh (Suspended)
👉 Train is a scenic but currently limited option from Poipet to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking a unique and low-cost experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~11–12 hours
- ✔️ Price: $7–10 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (seated train, slower journey)
- ✅ Best option: Alternative via Battambang with train connection
- 💡 Tip: Check current availability as service may be suspended.
UPDATE: Train services from Poipet are currently unavailable. Travelers can instead reach Battambang by bus or minivan and continue by train from there.
When operating, the Royal Railway train is an interesting alternative to buses. It offers seated transport and is one of the cheapest ways to travel across Cambodia.
The journey from Poipet to Phnom Penh takes about 11–12 hours. Trains depart from Poipet Railway Station and arrive at Phnom Penh Railway Station. See the Cambodia Railway Map.
BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Phnom Penh ➜
Train tickets cost about $7–10 per person and can be booked online in advance. This option is best suited for travelers who have more time and want to experience Cambodia by rail.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Poipet to Phnom Penh:
How to book tickets from Poipet to Phnom Penh?
How long does it take to travel from Poipet to Phnom Penh?
Bus and minivan transfers take about 7–9 hours. Private taxis take around 8 hours.
What is the distance from Poipet to Phnom Penh?
The distance from Poipet to Phnom Penh is approximately 400 km.
How much does it cost to travel from Poipet to Phnom Penh?
Bus tickets cost about $10–20 per person, while private cars cost around $130–230 per vehicle.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually a bus or minivan, with fares starting at around $10 per person.
What is the fastest way to travel to Phnom Penh?
Minivans are usually the fastest direct transport option, taking about 7 hours.
Are there direct flights from Poipet to Phnom Penh?
No, there are no direct flights from Poipet. Flights are available from nearby Siem Reap.
Can you travel via Siem Reap?
Yes, you can travel by bus or minivan to Siem Reap and continue to Phnom Penh by bus, taxi or flight.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh offers budget guesthouses, hotels and luxury resorts. Book accommodation here: Book your accommodation in Phnom Penh.
Where can you travel from Phnom Penh?
Popular routes include Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville and Kampot.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Poipet to Phnom Penh
Traveling from Poipet on the Thailand–Cambodia border to Phnom Penh covers about 400 km. You can travel by bus, minivan or private taxi, with buses and minivans being the most popular and affordable options.
- Allow Time at the Border: Border formalities can take longer during busy periods.
- Use Buses or Minivans: Most services take about 7–9 hours and offer good value.
- Choose a Private Taxi: Ideal for more comfort, flexibility and direct transfers.
- Book Early: Popular departures can sell out on weekends and holidays.
- Bring Essentials: Carry water, snacks, chargers and a light jacket.
- Arrive in Advance: Be at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Plan Your Arrival: Taxis and tuk-tuks are widely available in Phnom Penh.
Tip: Bus, minivan and taxi tickets from Poipet to Phnom Penh can be searched and booked online in advance.