Bus (via Ho Chi Minh City)
Most common route, cheap, widely available
Boat + bus (via Chau Doc)
Scenic Mekong route, smoother border crossing
Private car/taxi
Flexible, door-to-door, faster travel
Direct bus / Train
No reliable direct connections available
Quick answer: The main transport options from Phnom Penh to Can Tho are bus/van (via Ho Chi Minh City), boat + bus (via Chau Doc), plane + bus (via Ho Chi Minh City), private car with driver. Choose based on your time, budget and comfort. You can book tickets or car to Can Tho from Phnom Penh easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 420 km by land via Ho Chi Minh City
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/van via Ho Chi Minh City ~10‑13 h | Boat + bus via Chau Doc ~10‑12 h | Plane + bus ~7‑12 h
- 💰 Price range: Bus/van ~USD 30‑55 | Boat + bus ~USD 45‑55 | Plane + bus ~USD 140‑300
- ✈️ Best for comfort: Plane + bus | private car with driver
- 🚍 Best for budget: Tourist bus or minivan
Last updated in March 2026
From Phnom Penh to Can Tho by Bus, Boat + Bus, Plane + Bus or Private Car
The distance from Phnom Penh to Can Tho is about 420 km. Travelers can choose from tourist buses, boat and bus combinations via Chau Doc, flights to Ho Chi Minh City followed by a bus to Can Tho, or private car transfers. There is no railway connection on this route.
The fastest option is a direct flight from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City and then a bus or minivan to Can Tho. Budget travelers often prefer buses, while the boat route via the Mekong River offers a more scenic travel experience.
From Can Tho, you can continue to Ho Chi Minh City or travel onward to Da Lat. Bus tickets and flights can be searched and booked online in advance.
Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta and is famous for the Cai Rang Floating Market, river life and local cuisine. Before your trip, check the Weather in Can Tho.
| Transfer Mode – Phnom Penh to Can Tho | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus/Van (via Saigon) | 10-13 hours | $30-55/pp |
| Boat + Bus (via Chau Doc) | 10-12 hours | $45-55/pp |
| Plane + Bus (via Saigon) | 7-12 hours | $140-300/pp |
| Private Car via Saigon | 9-10 hours | $200-450/pp |
How do you get from Phnom Penh to Can Tho?
1. BUS / VAN from Phnom Penh to Can Tho
👉 Bus or minivan via Ho Chi Minh City is the most common and budget-friendly way from Phnom Penh to Can Tho.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers looking for an affordable overland option
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~10–13 hours (with transfer in Ho Chi Minh City)
- ✔️ Cost: $30–55 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: low to medium (buses or minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Bus to Ho Chi Minh City + connecting bus to Can Tho
- 💡 Tip: Book both tickets online in advance and allow time for transfer
One of the most popular ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Can Tho is by bus or minivan via Ho Chi Minh City. This route requires a transfer in Saigon and takes approximately 10–13 hours in total.
The journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 6–8 hours, while the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho takes around 3.5–5 hours. Several companies operate on both routes, offering buses, sleeper buses and comfortable minivans.
1. BOOK BUS TICKETS to Saigon ➜
The total cost is about $30–55 per person, depending on the bus type and operator. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, and it is usually easier to purchase the two routes separately.
This transfer option is especially popular among budget travelers looking for an affordable way to reach the Mekong Delta from Cambodia.
2. BOOK BUS TICKETS to Can Tho ➜
2. FLIGHT + BUS from Phnom Penh to Can Tho
👉 Flight + bus via Ho Chi Minh City is the fastest way from Phnom Penh to Can Tho.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to reduce travel time
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~7–12 hours (flight + transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $150–320 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: medium to high (flight + modern bus/minivan)
- ✅ Best Option: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City + bus to Can Tho
- 💡 Tip: Book both tickets online and plan enough time for transfer
The fastest way to travel from Phnom Penh to Can Tho is by combining a flight to Ho Chi Minh City with a bus or minivan to Can Tho. There are no direct flights between Phnom Penh and Can Tho, so the journey requires 2 steps and usually takes about 7–12 hours in total.
Direct flights from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City are operated by Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines. Flights depart from Techo International Airport (KTI) to Tan Son Nhat Airport, with ticket prices ranging from $140–300 per person.
1. BOOK DIRECT FLIGHT to Saigon ➜
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can continue by bus or minivan to Can Tho. The journey takes about 3–5 hours and tickets typically cost $8–17 per person. Several companies operate modern buses, sleeper buses and comfortable minivans on this route.
Both flights and bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance, making this the most convenient option for travelers heading to the Mekong Delta.
2. BOOK BUS TICKETS to Can Tho ➜
3. PRIVATE CAR from Phnom Penh to Can Tho
👉 Private car via Ho Chi Minh City is the most comfortable but most expensive way from Phnom Penh to Can Tho.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers wanting door-to-door service and flexibility
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~9–10 hours (with transfer in Ho Chi Minh City)
- ✔️ Cost: $200–450 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (private cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car to Ho Chi Minh City + transfer to Can Tho
- 💡 Tip: Share costs in a group and arrange both rides in advance
The most comfortable way to travel from Phnom Penh to Can Tho is by private car with a driver via Ho Chi Minh City. This option offers a flexible door-to-door transfer and takes about 9–10 hours in total.
Private companies such as SIMA Car operate transfers from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, while various providers offer cars, SUVs and minivans between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. This option is ideal for families, small groups or travelers seeking maximum comfort.
1. BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Saigon ➜
The advantage is a flexible departure time and direct transfer without using public transport. Private transport from Phnom Penh to Can Tho via Saigon costs approximately $200–450 per vehicle, depending on the car type and number of passengers.
You can easily search and book a private transfer online in advance. This option is best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort over budget while exploring southern Vietnam.
2. BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Can Tho ➜
4. BOAT + BUS from Phnom Penh to Can Tho
👉 Boat + bus via Chau Doc is a scenic and adventurous way from Phnom Penh to Can Tho.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers looking for a unique Mekong River experience
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~10–12 hours (boat + bus transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $40–65 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: medium (boat ride + standard bus)
- ✅ Best Option: Boat to Chau Doc + bus to Can Tho
- 💡 Tip: Check boat schedule and border requirements in advance
For a more scenic journey, you can travel by boat and bus via Chau Doc in southern Vietnam. This route combines a Mekong River boat trip with a short bus transfer and offers a unique alternative to standard road transport.
The journey has 2 steps: a boat from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc and then a bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho. Total travel time is approximately 10–12 hours.
Boats operated by Hang Chau Tourist and Mandarin Cruises travel through the Vĩnh Xương/Sông Tiền border crossing. Boat tickets usually cost $35–60 per person and can be booked online in advance.
From Chau Doc, buses reach Can Tho in about 3–4 hours, with tickets costing around $5–7 per person. While this route takes longer than flying, it is a great way to experience the Mekong Delta and river life between Cambodia and Vietnam.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Phnom Penh to Can Tho
How to book tickets from Phnom Penh to Can Tho?
How long does it take to get from Phnom Penh to Can Tho?
Travel time is about 7–13 hours, depending on the transport option and route.
How much does it cost to travel from Phnom Penh to Can Tho?
Bus tickets cost about $30–55, boat + bus transfers $45–55, flights + bus $140–300, and private cars about $200–450 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Phnom Penh to Can Tho?
The travel distance is approximately 420 km by road via Ho Chi Minh City.
Is there a train from Phnom Penh to Can Tho?
No, there is currently no railway connection between Phnom Penh and Can Tho.
Is there a direct flight from Phnom Penh to Can Tho?
No, you need to fly to Ho Chi Minh City first and continue by bus or private transfer.
Where can you travel from Can Tho?
Popular routes include Phu Quoc Island, Mui Ne and Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Which floating markets are worth visiting?
The most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta are Cai Rang, Cai Be and Phong Dien.
Is Vietnam suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, Vietnam is a popular destination for backpackers and solo travelers. Read more about solo travel in Vietnam.
🧭 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 Can Tho
Traveling from Phnom Penh to Can Tho covers about 420 km and you can travel by bus, boat + bus, plane + bus or private car.
- Choose Flights for Speed: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and continue by bus or minivan to Can Tho.
- Travel by Bus to Save Money: Bus transfers via Ho Chi Minh City are usually the cheapest option.
- Try the Boat Route: Travel via Chau Doc for a scenic journey through the Mekong Delta.
- Prepare for the Border: Keep your passport and travel documents ready for border checks.
- Book Early: Flights, boats and popular bus departures can sell out during peak seasons.
- Plan Your Arrival: Taxis, Grab and local transport are available throughout Can Tho.
Tip: Bus, boat, flight and private car tickets from Phnom Penh to Can Tho can be searched and booked online in advance.