How to get from Phnom Penh to Bangkok
Phnom Penh to Bangkok is a classic Southeast Asia hop. Your main choices are a fast flight (PNH→BKK/DMK), a direct international bus, a bus/minivan with a straightforward walk-through at the Poipet–Aranyaprathet border, or a private car/charter for maximum comfort. Here’s how to pick, book, and connect—plus step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Phnom Penh to Bangkok)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (PNH → BKK / DMK) | ~1h10 flight + 45–75m city transfer | Fastest overall, least hassle |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 60–180 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Direct International Bus | ~12–14h (border & traffic dependent) | Budget travelers who want one ticket |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 25–40 one-way » compare buses | ||
| 🚐 Bus/Minivan + Border Walk (Poipet/Aranyaprathet) | ~11–13h (connection-dependent) | Lower cost + flexibility |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 22–35 total (two tickets) » PNH→border | border→BKK | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Car with Driver | ~9–11h door-to-door | Families, heavy luggage, door-to-door ease |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 180–350 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly PNH→BKK/DMK, then Skytrain/metro or taxi into the city.
- Cheapest one-ticket ride: Direct international bus—simple but slower.
- Cheapest with flexibility: Bus/minivan + border change—book legs separately to match times.
- Door-to-door comfort: Private transfer/charter—no hauling bags at the border.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Visas & documents: Check Thai visa rules for your nationality. Carry passport photos (sometimes requested), and keep cash for border fees where applicable.
- Avoid scams at Poipet: Ignore “visa agents” before the official checkpoints. Stick to the marked Cambodian exit and Thai entry buildings.
- Cash & SIMs: ATMs and SIM sellers are available on both sides; however, rates may be better in major cities. Download offline maps.
- Luggage storage: If you have hours before departure/after arrival, stash bags via Radical Storage Phnom Penh or Radical Storage Bangkok.
- Bangkok transfers: From airports, consider prebooked pickup via Welcome Pickups or compare shuttles on Klook.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight (Phnom Penh PNH → Bangkok BKK/DMK) — Fastest
Fastest Many daily flights Airport transfers
- Overview: Nonstop flights connect PNH to both Bangkok airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK, best for Skytrain) and Don Mueang (DMK, many low-cost carriers). Expect ~1h10 airtime plus immigration and a 45–75 minute city transfer.
- How to book (with price): Fares ~USD 60–180 one-way depending on season. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. For arrivals, prebook a car on GetYourGuide or Welcome Pickups.
- Pros: Quickest border formalities, least fatigue. Cons: Airport transfers add cost; baggage fees on low-cost carriers.
Step-by-step: Flight PNH→BKK/DMK
- From central Phnom Penh, take a taxi/ride-hail to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). Arrive 2–3 hours before departure.
- Search and book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Check baggage rules for your fare.
- Land at BKK (fast rail link via Airport Rail Link → BTS) or DMK (A1/A2 buses to BTS/MRT). For door-to-door, arrange Welcome Pickups or a Klook transfer.
- Head to your hotel; if arriving early/late, luggage storage options are abundant across Bangkok via Radical Storage.
Getting to the main embarking points (PNH & BKK/DMK)
- PNH access: Taxi/Grab from riverside or BKK1 takes ~30–50m depending on traffic.
- Bangkok airports: BKK has Airport Rail Link; DMK has dedicated buses to BTS/MRT. Taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Direct International Bus (One Ticket, Budget)
One ticket Daily departures Border timing varies
- Overview: Through-buses run Phnom Penh→Bangkok with luggage kept on the same vehicle (you’ll disembark for passport control). Drop-off is usually at Bangkok’s large terminals (e.g., Mo Chit) or near transit.
- How to book (with price): ~USD 25–40 one-way. Check departure times and seat classes on 12Go. Some include a light snack/water.
- Pros: Simple, cheaper than flying. Cons: Long day; queues at Poipet can add hours during peak times.
Step-by-step: Direct International Bus
- Reach the stated Phnom Penh pick-up (often central depots or company offices). Use a tuk-tuk/Grab for the last mile.
- Show e-ticket and passport; keep valuables with you and pack a small day bag for the border stop.
- At Poipet, exit Cambodia, walk to Thai entry (Aranyaprathet), clear immigration, then rejoin your bus on the Thai side.
- Arrive in Bangkok (often Mo Chit (Chatuchak) Bus Terminal); connect by BTS/MRT, taxi, or ride-hail to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Phnom Penh depot / Mo Chit)
- Phnom Penh depots: Most are near the city center—confirm the exact office/terminal on your voucher.
- Bangkok arrival: Mo Chit connects to BTS/MRT (short taxi or shuttle connection).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Bus/Minivan + Border Walk & Thai Connection (Cheapest & Flexible)
Budget More departures DIY connection
- Overview: Take a Phnom Penh→Poipet bus/minivan, walk through formalities, then continue Aranyaprathet→Bangkok by Thai bus/minivan or train (if schedules align). Splitting tickets often widens your choice of times.
- How to book (with price): ~USD 22–35 total for both legs. Book PNH→border and Aranyaprathet→Bangkok separately on 12Go.
- Pros: Flexible, potentially faster if you time connections well. Cons: Managing your own transfer at the border; keep an eye on schedules.
Step-by-step: Bus/Minivan + Border Change
- From Phnom Penh, board your bus/minivan to Poipet (or Aranyaprathet). Book on 12Go the day before.
- At the border, exit Cambodia, walk to Thai immigration, and enter Thailand. Decline any unofficial “visa service” offers.
- On the Thai side, board your prebooked bus/minivan to Bangkok. If you prefer a taxi for the last leg, negotiate at the stand or use ride-hailing once in Bangkok.
- Arrive at your Bangkok terminal (often Mo Chit) and connect to the city by BTS/MRT or taxi.
Getting to the main embarking points (PP city / Poipet / Aranyaprathet)
- Phnom Penh boarding: Company offices or central depots—verify pickup time/location on your voucher.
- Thai side: The Aranyaprathet transport area has frequent Bangkok-bound minivans/buses.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Charter (Door-to-Door, Most Comfortable)
Comfort No bag hauling Higher cost
- Overview: A driver picks you up at your Phnom Penh address and drops you at your Bangkok hotel. You’ll still exit/enter at Poipet–Aranyaprathet, but your driver coordinates vehicle positioning—great with kids or lots of luggage.
- How to book (with price): From ~USD 180–350 per vehicle (sedan→van, season/time). Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer. For Bangkok airport arrivals only, prebook meet-and-greet via Welcome Pickups or Klook.
- Pros: Door-to-door, flexible breaks, safer bag handling. Cons: Cost; border waits still apply.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter your pickup/drop details and luggage count on GetTransfer to see vehicle options and total pricing.
- On the day, ride to Poipet, exit Cambodia, walk through to Thai immigration, then meet your vehicle on the Thai side as instructed.
- Continue directly to your Bangkok hotel; the driver will handle fuel/rest stops on request.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door / Border)
- Phnom Penh pickup: Any city hotel/airport/apartment—confirm parking or lobby pickup.
- Bangkok drop: Hotels across the city; note that traffic is heavier 16:00–20:00.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Phnom Penh to Bangkok)
Is flying worth it vs. bus?
If your time is tight, yes—flying cuts the travel day to a few hours door-to-door. Buses cost less but can lose time at Poipet.
Which Bangkok airport should I pick?
BKK (Suvarnabhumi) has the Airport Rail Link and more long-haul connections; DMK (Don Mueang) is used by many low-cost carriers and has express buses to BTS/MRT.
How early should I arrive for buses?
30–45 minutes before departure. For popular morning buses in high season, arrive earlier to sort baggage and seating.
What about the train?
There’s no practical, fully through rail from Phnom Penh to Bangkok at the moment for most travelers; bus/van via Poipet or flying is faster.
Can I rent a scooter for onward travel?
Cities are busy; if you’re experienced and licensed, compare rates on BikesBooking Bangkok. Helmets and insurance are essential.
Where to stay on arrival?
Look near BTS/MRT for easy airport/town access. Browse Bangkok hotels or, if overnighting before your bus/flight, see Phnom Penh stays.