Cambodia 101: How to Get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?

If you are going to Cambodia in 2025, you might be wondering about getting from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh or vice versa.

There is an option for every budget, some of which are nice and comfortable, while others are not. We have explored all means of transport between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, some of them quite a few times. Each type of transport will be covered in-depth in this article by Kampá Tour!
 

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 27-02-2025

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How to Travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?

Siem Reap, which serves as the red carpet welcoming you to the magnificent Angkor temples, lies in the northwestern part of Cambodia, about 320 kilometers from Phnom Penh. Although public transportation and a flight are popular for locals, some renegade travelers may ponder crazier ways to take the trip. From beautiful rides across Tonle Sap Lake to serene countryside road trips in Cambodia, here are some alternative ways to travel between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Buses from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Buses are the most affordable and common mode of travel between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. With improved roads, the journey now takes around five hours in light traffic. It’s a smooth ride, making it a good choice for those prone to carsickness.

• Night and Day Travel: Sleeper buses save time, while daytime trips offer scenic views of Cambodia’s countryside.
• Rest Stops: Buses typically stop for about 15 minutes for passengers to stretch, snack, and use the restroom.
• Final Drop-off: Buses drop passengers at their offices, so a short taxi or motorbike ride may be needed to reach hotels.

Bus Details at a Glance:

• Popular bus companies: Mekong Express, Giant Ibis
• Travel time: 5-6 hours
• Fare: $15 to $26 in cost per person
• Amenities: Air-conditioning, reclining seats, and some buses offer WiFi

Private Car from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

For comfort and privacy, the options range from cars accommodating 2-4 people to minivans for 4-8 people, priced from $106-$153. The journey takes approximately four hours, with choices made for pick-up/drop-off/departure times.

Rental cars are also available for hire from companies such as Europcar, Budget, and Avis, starting at about $50 a day. In any case, one-way rentals are uncommon; you will have to return the car to the same location. A valid driver's license and passport are required.

An added convenience is that a private car with a driver is generally preferred, so you can kick back during the ride and not worry about directions.

Note: To easily track and book tickets for buses, private cars, you can track on Rome2rio!

Flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Flying is the fastest way between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, though it’s also the most expensive, with ticket prices ranging from $140 to $540. Airlines on this route include Cambodia Angkor Airlines and JC Airlines. Siem Reap airport is 20 minutes from the city by tuk-tuk or taxi, while Phnom Penh airport can take 30 minutes to 2 hours due to traffic.

You can easily buy the ticket directly or book it online through https://www.skyscanner.net.

So, those are the basics from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Are you up for some adventure or a challenge? Let’s move on to some more adventurous vehicles.

Ferries between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

Ferry services between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are back. It’s a nice ferry ride across the beautiful Tonle Sap River. For the best service, high water levels are from July to March. The service cannot be used from April to June due to low water levels.

Travel tips:

• Seating: Most people sit on the upper deck, exposed to sunlight. Always bring sunblock.
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours of travel time.
• Safety: The ferries are modern, but remember to inquire about life jackets, as some boats have limited supplies.
• Pricing: Tickets cost from $20 to $30 per person, with additional charges for upper deck seating.

Recommended Service Providers:

• Angkor Express Boat Trip: Comfortable seats with good safety standards.
• VIKING Ferries: Clean and safe vessels with both day and night trips available.

So, those are the basics from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Are you up for some adventure or a challenge? Let’s move on to some more adventurous vehicles.

Cycle from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Cycle down to Phnom Penh over these three days, with stops at the jungle temples of Sambor Prei Kuk and Kampong Cham, a laid-back riverside town. Ride around 60 km each day over mostly flat terrain, with plenty of shady, scenic rest spots where friendly locals will surely welcome you with a warm "Hello." Please note that there is no one-way bike rental available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, so you may want to buy a bike and sell it off after the journey. 

A less stressful alternative would be to join a guided cycling tour that provides support, luggage transport, and comfortable accommodation. This otherworldly way of experiencing Cambodia should be suitable for most fitness levels.

Ride a Motorbike from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Motorbiking from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is a fantastic way to see Cambodia. The 320 km ride along National Route 6 takes around 6-7 hours, although many riders break the trip into two days and stop in Kampong Thom or Kampong Cham to check out temples like Sambor Prei Kuk.

Motorbikes, semi-automatic or manual, are available for rent starting from $10 per day. Always remember to bring your IDP and helmet.

The very freedom it offers can sometimes work against you, and the road conditions are worth considering. You may want to think about upgrading the tires or getting additional safety by hiring a skilled driver.

Travel Tip:

• Best time: Dry season (Nov–Apr), which allows for safer roads.
• Essentials: Valid license, protective gear (helmet, gloves, knee guards), repair tools (tire pump, patch kit), snacks, and cash (both USD and local currency).
• While on the road: Take short breaks, follow traffic rules, and carry plenty of water.

Top Stops on the Way from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

On this journey of more than 300 km, you will also pass through many interesting destinations that you cannot miss. If you travel by bus or plane, you may miss them. But if you are using means of transport such as a private car, motorbike, or bicycle, do not miss them; just take your time and explore.

• Battam Bang

Famous for its French colonial architecture and ancient temples, Battambang should not be missed, especially the Bamboo Train that glides over the green fields. Wat Banan, a miniature Angkor Wat, and the Phnom Sampeau Bat Cave, where millions of bats exit at sunset, are worth a visit. Traditional arts are on display at Phare Ponleu Selpak, showcasing circus and theatrical performances as some of the most impressive art forms in Battambang. This makes Battambang a destination for those keen on culture and wanting to enjoy the picturesque beauty of Cambodia.

>>> Learn more about Battam Bang NOW!

• Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom, an ancient site along the route from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, is famous for Sambor Prei Kuk, a mid-seventh-century temple complex which once served as a capital of the nation. View this giant reclining Buddha and the scenic delta panorama after climbing 809 steps to Phnom Santuk. An impressive example of ancient architecture is Prasat Kuh Nokor, a temple dating back to the 10th-11th centuries.

>>> Continue reading - Kampong Thom: A serene stopover on the way to Angkor

• Koh Dach (Silk Island)

Koh Dach, also lovingly referred to as Silk Island, is a gem located 15 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh and makes for a delightful excursion to keep close ties to traditional Cambodian silk weaving. From the weaving workshops, visitors can actually see the handmade silk-making process and buy wonderful silk products themselves. The isle also has rice fields, green gardens, and a peaceful space ideal for cycling. A ferry ride across the Mekong River is a nice experience as well, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic natural beauty and the serene lifestyle here.

>>> Learn More: Silk Island wonders - Koh Dach

• Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is an important historical and cultural symbol in Cambodia, located on a 27-meter-high hill in the heart of Phnom Penh. According to legend, Lady Daun Penh discovered four Buddha statues within a tree trunk floating on the Mekong River and erected the temple upon this hill for their worship in 1372. The temple, originally built in 1926, is extremely beautiful and peaceful, attracting many people, both locals and tourists, who visit to pray inside. This temple also hosts important celebrations such as Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben.

How to get around Phnom Penh?

• Tuk-Tuks: Widely available, tuk-tuks offer an open-air ride costing between $1 and $4. Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp for upfront fares and no haggling.
• Moto-Dop (Motorbike Taxis): Ideal for backpacking, moto-taxis navigate traffic quickly. Always wear a helmet and agree on the price before starting.
• Taxis: Less common but available via apps like PassApp, Grab. They are air-conditioned and charge based on distance and time.
• Buses: Phnom Penh's affordable, air-conditioned buses cost around 1,500 Riel (~$0.40) and cover major city areas.

Hopefully, our post just helps you a bit to choose the most suitable ways to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Want to uncover more secret spots in Phnom Penh? Check out our updated guide for the best things to discover in the city!

>>> Readings you may be interested in:

• Cambodia travel cost: Everything you need to budget like a pro!
• Is Cambodia Safe To Visit? Don't Go Until You Know These 7 Crucial Things!
• Top 10 Cambodian street foods you'll surely crave!
• Angkor Wat Temple: A Timeless Masterpiece of Khmer Civilization
• Cambodia Tourist Map: Your Guide to the Best Places to Visit