Bus
Cheap, frequent, decent comfort
Private car/taxi
Door-to-door, flexible stops
Flight
Fastest transfer (~45 min)
Boat
Seasonal, indirect, not practical
Quick answer: Travelling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh offers several options: you can take a bus or minivan (budget-friendly), fly (fastest), or hire a private taxi/car (flexible and comfortable). Each mode has trade-offs in time, cost and convenience. You can book tickets or flight to Phnom Penh online.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. ~231 km air distance, ~315 km driving distance.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~5–7 hours. | Flight ~1 hour. | Private taxi/car ~5–6 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~US$8–17 per person. | Flight ~US$70–150 per person. | Taxi ~US$70–270 per car.
- 🚌 Best for budget & ease: Bus or shared minivan from Siem Reap → Phnom Penh.
- ✈️ Best for speed: Direct flight Siem Reap → Phnom Penh.
- 🚖 Best for comfort & flexibility: Private car or taxi transfer Siem Reap → Phnom Penh.
- 🚢 Best for adventure: Boat transfer via Tonle Sap Lake
Last updated in March 2026
From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by bus, minivan, car, plane, boat.
The travel distance from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is about 320 km. You can travel by bus, minivan, private car, direct flight, or boat via Tonle Sap Lake. Buses and minivans are the most popular options, with journey times of about 5–7 hours and tickets starting at around $8 per person.
The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 1 hour, while private cars offer a comfortable door-to-door transfer in about 5–6 hours. There is currently no railway connection between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
You can also travel by boat across Tonle Sap Lake, with journey times of about 6–8 hours. Boat tickets are usually available through travel agencies and hotels in Siem Reap.
From Phnom Penh, you can continue to Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, or even travel by bus to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
| Transfer Mode – Siem Reap to Phnom Penh | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 5–7 hours | $8–17 per person |
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 1 hour | $70–150 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car | 5–6 hours | $70–270 per vehicle |
| Ferry / Boat | 6–8 hours | $20–40 per person |
How do I get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
1. BUS from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
👉 Bus is a budget-friendly and widely used way from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: solo travelers and those looking for affordable transport
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–7 hours
- ✔️ Price: $8–17 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (seat buses or sleeper buses)
- ✅ Best option: Choose a modern bus with reclining seats or sleeper beds for better comfort
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check departure/arrival points carefully.
One of the cheapest ways to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh in Cambodia is by tourist bus. Companies such as Giant Ibis, Mey Hong, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham, Olongpich Transport, Airbus, and Cambotra Express operate modern buses with seats or sleeper berths.
The bus journey takes about 5–7 hours, depending on traffic and the operator. Buses depart from various locations in Siem Reap and arrive at different stations in Phnom Penh.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Phnom Penh ➜
Bus tickets cost about $8–17 per person, making this one of the most affordable transport options. Tickets can be easily booked online in advance.
The bus timetables from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh offer multiple departures daily, making this route popular with both solo and budget travelers.
| Bus Service | Departs in Siem Reap | Arrival in Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Capitol VIP | 06:00 | 12:00 |
| Capitol VIP | 07:00 | 12:30 |
| Capitol VIP | 08:15 | 14:15 |
| Capitol VIP | 09:30 | 16:30 |
| Capitol VIP | 10:30 | 16:30 |
| Capitol VIP | 12:30 | 18:30 |
| Capitol VIP | 14:00 | 20:00 |
| Capitol VIP | 15:30 | 21:30 |
| Virak Buntham | 06:00 | 11:45 |
| Virak Buntham | 07:00 | 13:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 09:00 | 15:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 10:00 | 15:45 |
| Virak Buntham | 11:00 | 16:45 |
| Virak Buntham | 12:00 | 17:45 |
| Virak Buntham | 13:00 | 18:45 |
| Virak Buntham | 14:30 | 20:30 |
| Virak Buntham | 15:30 | 21:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 17:00 | 22:45 |
| Virak Buntham | 18:30 | 23:55 |
| Larryta Express | 06:30 | 12:30 |
| Larryta Express | 07:30 | 13:30 |
| Larryta Express | 08:30 | 14:30 |
| Larryta Express | 09:30 | 15:30 |
| Larryta Express | 10:30 | 16:30 |
| Larryta Express | 11:30 | 17:30 |
| Larryta Express | 12:30 | 18:30 |
| Giant Ibis | 08:45 | 14:45 |
| Giant Ibis | 12:30 | 18:30 |
| Giant Ibis | 22:00 | 04:00 |
| Airbus | 08:00 | 13:30 |
| Airbus | 13:45 | 19:45 |
2. MINIBUS / VAN from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
👉 Minibus/van is a slightly faster and more flexible alternative from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers wanting a quicker trip with fewer passengers
- ✔️ Duration: ~5.5–6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $10–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good (smaller vehicles, fewer people, air-conditioned)
- ✅ Best option: Choose a direct minivan with fewer stops for a smoother ride
- 💡 Tip: Reserve seats online in advance and confirm pickup/drop-off locations before departure.
Another popular transport option in Cambodia is a minivan or minibus. These vehicles are smaller than standard buses, usually carrying up to 15 passengers, and often provide a faster and more comfortable journey.
Minivan tickets from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh cost about $10–15 per person, making them only slightly more expensive than regular buses.
Companies such as Ebooking Express, Larryta Express, Capitol VIP, Seila Angkor Express, Virak Buntham, Saly Express, Cambodia Post, and Cambolink 21 Express operate on this route.
The journey takes about 5.5–6 hours. Tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
3. FLIGHTS from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
👉 Flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers with limited time and higher budgets
- ✔️ Duration: ~4 hours total (including airport transfers & waiting time)
- ✔️ Price: $70–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight, modern aircraft)
- ✅ Best option: Take a direct flight and arrange airport transfer in advance for a smooth journey
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets early due to limited schedules and allow extra time for airport transfer outside Siem Reap.
The fastest way to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is by direct flight. Flights are operated by airlines such as Cambodia Angkor Air and usually take about 1 hour.
Flights depart from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and arrive at Techo International Airport (KTI) in Phnom Penh. The airport in Siem Reap is about 45 km from the city center, so an additional transfer is required.
Including airport transfers and check-in, total travel time is usually around 4 hours. Direct flights cost approximately $70–150 per person, depending on the season and availability.
Flights should be booked in advance as schedules can be limited. Budget travelers will usually find buses or minivans to be a cheaper alternative.
4. TAXI / CAR from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
👉 Private taxi/car provides a comfortable and flexible transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups, and travelers preferring door-to-door service
- ✔️ Duration: ~5.5–6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $70–270 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (air-conditioned vehicles, no transfers, flexible stops)
- ✅ Best option: Choose a direct ride with customizable pickup and drop-off locations
- 💡 Tip: Share the cost in a group and pick the right vehicle size based on number of passengers.
A private car or taxi with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Companies such as SIMA Car, Glassflower, Golden Escape Cambodia, Royal Cambodian Limousine, and Angkor Guide Adventure offer modern cars, SUVs, and minivans.
The journey takes about 5.5–6 hours and private transfers are especially suitable for families, groups, or travelers seeking a direct door-to-door service.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Phnom Penh ➜
Private cars cost about $70–270 per vehicle, depending on the type and size of the car. Minivans can be a good value option for groups.
The main advantage is flexible departure and arrival locations. Private transfers can be easily booked online in advance.
| Taxi Operator | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| SIMA Car | 05:20 | From $69.00 |
| Angkor Guide Adv. | 05:20 | From $69.00 |
| Glassflower | 05:30 | From $180.00 |
| Breksa Travel | 06:00 | From $130.00 |
| Angkor Wat Private | 06:00 | From $107.00 |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 05:30 | From $345.00 |
| Golden Escape Cambodia | 05:30 | From $75.00 |
5. BOAT / FERRY from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
👉 Boat/ferry is a unique and scenic way from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: adventurous travelers and those wanting to explore Tonle Sap Lake
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–8 hours
- ✔️ Price: varies by boat type (usually higher than buses)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (basic boats or more comfortable cruise options)
- ✅ Best option: Choose a daytime boat transfer for scenic views across Tonle Sap Lake
- 💡 Tip: Arrange tickets locally or in advance and bring essentials like water and snacks.
For a different travel experience, you can travel by boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh across Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Cambodia. This route offers scenic views of rural Cambodia and floating communities.
The boat journey takes about 6–8 hours, depending on the vessel and conditions. Tickets can usually be arranged through local travel agencies or hotels in Siem Reap.
Popular operators include Taraboat, while luxury cruises are available through Mekong River Cruises.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
How to book tickets or flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
You can search and book bus tickets, private cars, and flights via Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
Buses and minivans take about 5–7 hours, flights 1 hour, private cars 5–6 hours, and boats about 6–8 hours.
How much does travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh cost?
Bus tickets cost about $8–17, flights $70–150, and private cars approximately $70–270 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
The travel distance is about 320 km by road and approximately 250 km by air.
Is there a train from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
No, there is currently no railway connection. See the Battambang to Phnom Penh route for train alternatives.
What is the best way to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
A direct flight is the fastest option, while buses and minivans offer the best value for most travelers.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Phnom Penh?
The cheapest option is usually a tourist bus or minivan, with tickets starting at about $8 per person.
Is there an alternative route to Phnom Penh?
Yes, you can travel via Battambang and continue by train or bus from Battambang to Phnom Penh.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh?
Choose from cheap hotels, hostels, or luxury hotels in Phnom Penh.
Where can I travel from Phnom Penh?
Popular routes include Sihanoukville, Ho Chi Minh City, and Battambang.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Traveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh covers about 320 km. You can travel by bus, minivan, private car, flight, or boat across Tonle Sap Lake.
- Choose Minivans for Comfort: They are often faster and more comfortable than standard buses.
- Travel Early: Morning departures can help you avoid heavier traffic near Phnom Penh.
- Book Ahead: Popular departures may sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Keep Essentials Handy: Bring water, snacks, chargers, and travel documents.
- Consider Flights: Direct flights are the fastest option and take about 1 hour.
- Arrive Early: Reach bus stations or airports at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
- Plan Your Arrival: Tuk-tuks, taxis, Grab, and hotel transfers are widely available in Phnom Penh.
Tip: Bus, minivan, boat tickets, private transfers, and flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh can be searched and booked online in advance.