🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Cambodia
✈️ Flying to Cambodia
Main Airports
Techo International Airport (KTI) - Cambodia's main international gateway near Phnom Penh, replacing the old Phnom Penh International Airport from September 2025. Modern, efficient, 25km from city center. Taxis and buses connect to the city.
Other International Airports:
- Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) - Gateway to Angkor Wat, popular entry point for temple visits
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) - Coastal access for beach destinations and islands
💡 Insider Tip
Fly directly to Siem Reap if Angkor Wat is your main goal—saves the overland journey from Phnom Penh. Domestic flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap take 50 minutes, cost $45-80.
🚗 From Airports to City Centers
Phnom Penh (Techo International Airport)
Airport shuttle buses run to the city center. Journey time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: $5-10. Taxis available at fixed rates: $25-35 to city center. Book through PassApp or Grab for transparent pricing.
Siem Reap Airport
Tuk-tuks meet all flights. Journey time: 30 minutes to town. Cost: $10-15. Book through hotel for pickup. Taxi costs $15-20. PassApp and Grab also operate.
Sihanoukville Airport
Limited public transport. Taxis cost $20-30 to town or beaches. Pre-arrange pickup through accommodation or use ride-hailing apps.
🚌 Other Ways In
Bus from Thailand—Bangkok to Siem Reap (8-10 hours, $25-35). Bangkok to Phnom Penh via Poipet border (10-12 hours, $30-40). Giant Ibis offers reliable service with WiFi, AC, snacks. Book online.
Bus from Vietnam—Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (6-7 hours, $12-20). Multiple daily departures. Mekong Express and Giant Ibis recommended. Border crossing straightforward with visa on arrival or e-visa.
Land borders: Thailand (Poipet), Vietnam (Bavet, Moc Bai), Laos (Dom Kralor). Most crossings open dawn-dusk. Get visa on arrival at borders or e-visa in advance. E-visa not valid at all borders—check before traveling.
Boat from Vietnam—Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh (5-6 hours). Scenic option. Limited departures. Around $25-35. Only operates in wet season when water levels high.
No train from neighboring countries—domestic rail network limited. Trains connect Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and Thai border. Slow but scenic.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most travelers need a visa for Cambodia. Two main options: E-Visa (online, $36) or Visa on Arrival ($30 cash). Both valid 30 days, extendable once for 30 days. Passport must be valid 6+ months.
E-Visa processes in 1-3 days, saves airport queue time. Visa on Arrival is immediate but cash-only USD. E-Arrival Card also mandatory for air travelers (separate from visa)—complete online within 7 days before arrival.
Get Cambodia e-Visa →🚗 Getting Around Cambodia
Buses (Long Distance)
Extensive network connecting all major cities. Giant Ibis is the premium option—AC, WiFi, outlets, snacks, night buses with flat beds. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: 6 hours, $15-18. Mekong Express also reliable. Book online to secure seats.
Domestic Flights
Cambodia Angkor Air (national carrier) and regional airlines connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville. Flights 45-60 minutes. Cost $45-120 depending on route and advance booking. Worth considering for long distances.
Trains
Limited network. Royal Railway runs Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville (7 hours) and Phnom Penh to Poipet/Thai border. Slow but scenic, cheap ($7-12). Infrequent departures. Not practical for most travelers.
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
No national pass exists. Book buses individually through operators. Giant Ibis offers online booking with mobile tickets. Avoid agents at bus stations—commission inflates prices.
🛺 Local Transportation in Cities
Tuk-tuks are the main transport. Always negotiate price before starting. Typical: $2-5 for short rides, $10-15 for half-day hire, $20-30 full day. PassApp and Grab offer set prices—more reliable than street negotiation.
Ride-Hailing Apps
- PassApp: Local Cambodian app, cheaper fares, more drivers, cash and card accepted
- Grab: International app, operates in major cities, good for food delivery too
- Motorbike rides: $1-3.50, cars $3-7 depending on distance
City buses operate in Phnom Penh—cheap ($0.25-0.50) but routes confusing for tourists. Not practical for short stays. Bicycles available for rent in Siem Reap and Battambang—great for exploring temples and towns.
🏍️ Renting a Car/Motorbike
Motorbike rental is common and cheap—$5-10/day for scooters. International Driving Permit theoretically required but rarely checked. Helmets mandatory by law. Roads in cities chaotic—be careful.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Traffic rules loosely followed—defensive driving essential
- Avoid driving at night—poor lighting, animals, potholes
- Car rental: $30-60/day with driver, $50-80 self-drive (rare)
- Fuel: Gasoline $1.20-1.40/liter
⚠️ Safety Warning
Motorbike accidents are common. Hire experienced drivers for longer distances. If you ride yourself, go slow, wear helmet, avoid night riding. Travel insurance must cover motorbike use.
🚗 Book a Rental Car in Cambodia
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book buses online: Avoid agents who add commission, book direct with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express
- Use PassApp for rides: Cheaper than negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers, set prices
- Withdraw large amounts: ATMs charge $4-6 per transaction, minimize withdrawals
- Negotiate everything: Markets, long-term rentals, multi-day guides—always bargain
- Eat where locals eat: Street food $1-3, tourist restaurants $5-15 for same meal