Plan Your Trip

Getting Around Cambodia

Every transport option — costs, comfort, and when to use each.

Quick Answer

Within cities: tuk-tuk or Grab. City to city: bus ($8–12) or private taxi ($35–60). Short on time: domestic flight (Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap, 45 min). Islands: speedboat from Sihanoukville.

Transport Options

Tuk-tuk

$3–10 per trip

Best for: Within cities & short trips

✓ Fun, flexible, easy to negotiate. Perfect for Siem Reap temple runs.

✗ Slow on longer distances; no A/C.

Bus

$5–15 per route

Best for: City-to-city travel

✓ Cheapest intercity option. Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham are reliable.

✗ Slow (Phnom Penh to Siem Reap = 5–6h). Comfort varies by operator.

Private taxi / car

$35–60 per route

Best for: Comfortable intercity travel

✓ Door-to-door, air-conditioned. Great for 2–4 people splitting cost.

✗ More expensive than bus but far more flexible.

Domestic flight

$40–100

Best for: Saving time on long routes

✓ Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap in 45 min. Cambodia Angkor Air + budget carriers.

✗ Adds airport time. Best booked 2–3 weeks ahead for good prices.

Speedboat / ferry

$10–25

Best for: Coastal islands

✓ Sihanoukville to Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloem. Scenic and efficient.

✗ Seasonal — can be rough in wet season. Ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is slow (tourist option, not recommended).

Scooter / moto

$5–10/day rental

Best for: Kampot, Kep, rural areas

✓ Total freedom. Kampot is made for scooter exploration.

✗ International licence required. Roads and traffic can be unpredictable.

Bicycle

$2–5/day rental

Best for: Angkor temples, flat towns

✓ Angkor Archaeological Park is very bikeable in cool season. Eco-friendly.

✗ Not for long distances. Hot in summer. No gears on most rental bikes.

Grab / PassApp

From $1.50

Best for: Phnom Penh & Siem Reap

✓ Grab (ride-hailing) works well in both cities. Metered, no negotiation needed.

✗ Limited outside major cities. Tuk-tuk option available in-app too.

Key Routes & Costs

Route Bus Taxi/Car Flight Boat
Phnom Penh → Siem Reap 5–6h / $8–12 5h / $40–50 45 min / $50–80 — (not recommended)
Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville 3.5–4h / $8–12 3h / $40–50 — (no service) —
Phnom Penh → Kampot 3h / $7–10 2.5h / $35–45 — —
Siem Reap → Battambang 3h / $6–10 2.5h / $35–45 — 4h scenic / $15–25
Sihanoukville → Koh Rong — — — 45 min speedboat / $15–20

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an international driving licence in Cambodia? ▾
Technically yes for a scooter or motorbike. In practice, enforcement is lax in tourist areas, but your travel insurance may be invalid without a valid licence. Always carry it.
Is it safe to drive in Cambodia? ▾
Cambodia has high road accident rates. Traffic is unpredictable and rules are loosely followed. Stick to tuk-tuks and private cars if you're not an experienced rider. If you do rent a scooter, wear a helmet (always).
What is the best app for getting around Cambodia? ▾
Grab works well in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for tuk-tuks and cars. PassApp is the local alternative and often cheaper. Both are reliable and metered.
Can I take a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap? ▾
Yes — direct international buses run Bangkok to Siem Reap (8–9 hours, $15–25). Cross at Poipet/Aranyaprathet border. Giant Ibis and others operate this route.
How do I get from Phnom Penh airport to the city? ▾
Tuk-tuks from the airport cost around $9–12. Grab operates at the airport (slightly cheaper). The 10–15 minute ride takes you to the city centre.

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