Domestic flights
Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap in 45 minutes from around $50–90 with Air Cambodia and other regional carriers. Worth it if your time is tighter than your budget: book early in high season.
Plan your trip
Getting around Cambodia
No trip-ruining logistics here: a handful of good bus companies, cheap flights, app-hailed tuk-tuks and a couple of scenic wildcards cover the whole country.
- SR ↔ PP
- 6h bus · 45min flight
- City tuk-tuk
- $1.50–3 by app
- Islands
- 45min speed ferry
City to city
Buses, minivans & taxis
Buses are the backbone of Cambodian travel: cheap, frequent and comfortable enough on the main routes. Book a day ahead in high season.
| Route | Time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap | ~6h | $12–18 | Giant Ibis and Vireak Buntham are the comfort picks; hotel pickup common. |
| Phnom Penh ↔ Kampot | ~3h | $8–12 | Minivans are faster, big buses roomier. |
| Phnom Penh ↔ Sihanoukville | ~4–5h | $10–15 | Connect to island ferries; leave margin. |
| Siem Reap ↔ Battambang | ~3–4h | $6–10 | Or the seasonal boat: slow, scenic, unforgettable. |
| Phnom Penh ↔ Mondulkiri | ~6–7h | $12–15 | Morning departures; winding final stretch. |
Book on CamboTicket or through your hotel. Private taxis run any route for $60–110: worth it split between four, or for families with luggage. Shared taxis exist but cram six into five seats.
Night buses save a hotel night but Cambodia’s roads argue for daytime travel: take the day bus and watch the country go by.
The alternatives
Flights, ferries & the train
Island ferries
Speed ferries link Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem in ~45 minutes ($25–28 return, several companies). They cancel in rough weather: never schedule a same-day ferry-to-flight connection.
Koh Rong guideThe Royal Railway
Slow, charming trains link Phnom Penh to Kampot and Sihanoukville (mainly weekends): a lovely half-day ride. There’s also a line north towards Battambang and the airport shuttle in Phnom Penh.
In town
Tuk-tuks, apps & two wheels
The tuk-tuk is Cambodia’s taxi, and ride-hailing apps made it friction-free: Grab and PassApp give fixed fair prices ($1.50–3 for most in-town hops), no negotiation needed. Hailing one on the street works too. Agree the price before you get in.
For temple days in Siem Reap, hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day ($20–30 including waiting) is the classic move: your hotel can arrange a good one, and a driver who knows the circuits is half the experience.
- Scooter rental runs $8–15/day, but check your insurance covers it, wear the helmet, and skip it entirely in Phnom Penh traffic unless you’re experienced.
- Bicycles work beautifully in Siem Reap, Battambang and Kampot: flat land, short distances, big charm.
- The Angkor park is best by tuk-tuk or e-bike; distances between temples are longer than they look.
- Airport transfers: fixed-price taxi and shuttle counters inside arrivals beat freelance offers outside.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
The ~6-hour day bus ($12–18 with Giant Ibis or Vireak Buntham) is the standard choice and comfortable enough. Flying takes 45 minutes from ~$50–90 and is worth it on tight schedules. Private taxis (~$70–100) suit groups.
How do I get to Koh Rong from Phnom Penh?
Bus or taxi to Sihanoukville (4–5h), then a speed ferry (~45 min) to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. Do it in one day by leaving in the morning; ferries stop by late afternoon and cancel in rough weather.
Are tuk-tuks safe and how much should they cost?
Tuk-tuks are safe and the default way around town. With Grab or PassApp, most in-city rides cost $1.50–3, fixed by the app. Street-hailed rides cost similar: just agree the price first. A full temple day in Siem Reap runs $20–30.
Can foreigners drive in Cambodia?
You can rent scooters almost everywhere, and cars with a Cambodian licence conversion, but most visitors shouldn’t. Traffic rules are loosely observed, insurance often excludes riding, and tuk-tuks plus buses cover everything cheaply. If you do ride, helmet always, and never at night on highways.
Continue planning
More Cambodia travel info
Visa & Entry Requirementse-Visa, visa on arrival, e-Arrival card and entry rules.When to Go & WeatherMonth-by-month weather, seasons and the best time to visit.How Many Days & Itineraries3 days to 2 weeks: routes that actually work.Money & PaymentsDollars, riel, KHQR, ATMs and tipping.Safety & HealthHealth tips, insurance, scams and emergency numbers.Essential AppsThe apps to download before you land.
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