How to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is one of Cambodia’s most-traveled corridors. Your main choices are a comfortable intercity bus/van, a quick domestic flight (SAI→PNH), a private car/charter for door-to-door convenience, or a self-drive. Boats are seasonal and irregular, so overland or air is the way to go. Compare below and follow the step-by-steps.
At A Glance (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Intercity Bus / Minivan | ~6–7.5h (road & traffic) | Budget, simple point-to-point |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$10–17 one-way » compare buses & vans | alt. listings | ||
| ✈️ Flight (SAI→PNH) | ~50–60m flight + city transfers | Fastest overall |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–120 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚐 Private Car / Charter | ~5.5–7h (direct) | Door-to-door, families, gear |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$95–180 per vehicle » instant quotes | GYG transfers | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (Car Rental) | ~6–7h (National Road 6) | Maximum flexibility & stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$40–70/day + fuel/deposit » compare rentals | Trip.com car hire | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly SAI→PNH if schedules/prices suit your dates.
- Cheapest & Simple: Intercity bus/van with frequent daily departures.
- Door-to-door comfort: Private car/charter—great with kids or lots of luggage.
- Flexible itinerary & photo stops: Self-drive via National Road 6 (NR6), adding Kampong Thom stops.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy early for holidays: Seats can sell out—compare departures on 12Go or browse Klook.
- Hotel/airport transfers: In both cities, Grab operates for short hops; for fixed intercity pricing, check GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: If you have time before departure/after arrival, stash bags via Radical Storage Siem Reap or Radical Storage Phnom Penh.
- Road reality: NR6 is mostly paved; expect occasional works and slowdowns at towns. Night travel is possible but daytime is safer.
🚌 Option #1 — Intercity Bus / Minivan (Most Popular & Budget-Friendly)
Low cost Frequent Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Multiple operators run daily between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh along NR6. Choices range from full-size coaches (more legroom, restrooms on some) to faster minivans.
- How to book (with price): ~US$10–17 one-way. Compare timetables, seat types, and reviews on 12Go or browse Klook. Some routes include hotel pickup within town centers.
- Pros: Cheapest, frequent departures, central drop-offs. Cons: Bumpy sections; rest stops vary by operator.
Step-by-step: Intercity Bus / Minivan
- Choose your departure window and vehicle type on 12Go (coach vs. minivan). Note the exact pickup address.
- Get to the Siem Reap pickup (some offer hotel collection; otherwise take a short Grab/tuk-tuk).
- Board 15–20 minutes early; keep valuables with you and confirm the scheduled rest stops.
- Arrive in Phnom Penh (often near the center or at a company office). Use Grab/tuk-tuk for the final hop to your hotel or the riverside.
Getting to the main embarking points (Siem Reap bus offices / Phnom Penh drop-offs)
- Siem Reap: Central offices/stands around the city—your voucher shows the exact meeting spot.
- Phnom Penh: Common drop zones are in the city center; riverfront and BKK districts are a short ride away.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #2 — Flight (Siem Reap–Angkor International SAI → Phnom Penh PNH)
Fastest Multiple daily (seasonal) Airport transfers
- Overview: Direct flights link Siem Reap–Angkor International (SAI) with Phnom Penh (PNH). Great if you value time or want to dodge road fatigue.
- How to book (with price): ~US$35–120 one-way depending on date/airline. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For Phnom Penh hotel transfer, you can arrange a ride in-app (Grab) or book a fixed car in advance.
- Pros: Fastest city-to-city; smoothest in rainy season. Cons: Airport transfers add cost/time; luggage limits apply.
Step-by-step: Flight SAI → PNH
- Compare flight times and prices via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; book an earlier flight to maximize your day.
- From Siem Reap town, take a hotel car, Grab, or tuk-tuk to Siem Reap–Angkor International (SAI) per your airline’s check-in time.
- Land at Phnom Penh (PNH); use Grab/taxi or prebooked car to your hotel or riverside area.
- If you’re continuing same-day, store excess luggage if needed (see Radical Storage links in tips).
Getting to the main embarking points (SAI & PNH)
- Siem Reap: Most hotels can call a car/tuk-tuk; ride-hailing works well for SAI.
- Phnom Penh: Taxis/Grab are at arrivals; hotel shuttles available with some properties.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Private Car / Charter (Door-to-Door, Most Comfortable)
Door-to-door Custom schedule Higher cost
- Overview: A sedan/MPV/van collects you at your hotel and drives directly via NR6 to your Phnom Penh address, with rest/photo stops as you like.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$95–180 per vehicle (size/season). Get fixed quotes on GetTransfer (Siem Reap) or compare providers on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Easiest with kids/elderly and lots of luggage; hotel-to-hotel with no transfers. Cons: Costs more than bus; still road-traffic dependent.
Step-by-step: Private Car / Charter
- Request quotes with pickup time, passenger count, and luggage on GetTransfer (choose sedan/MPV/van).
- Confirm inclusions (fuel, tolls if any, waiting time) and child seats if needed.
- Driver meets you at your Siem Reap hotel; ride ~6–7 hours with planned rest stops (e.g., Kampong Thom).
- Drop at your Phnom Penh hotel or specific address; tip optional but appreciated.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- Pickup: Any hotel/guesthouse in Siem Reap center; airport pickups possible if you’re connecting from a flight.
- Drop: Any Phnom Penh hotel/office or the riverside area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Most Flexible, For Confident Drivers)
Flexibility Scenic stops Local driving norms
- Overview: Rent a car and follow NR6 from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Plan fuel and food stops; traffic slows near towns and at bridges.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$40–70/day depending on vehicle/insurance. Compare pickup points on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Total freedom for side trips (Kampong Kdei Bridge, Silk Island if detouring near PNH). Cons: City traffic, parking, and variable driving standards; consider comprehensive insurance.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your car in Siem Reap (airport or downtown). Check spare tire and documents.
- Set your route to Phnom Penh via NR6; plan breaks every 2–3 hours (Kampong Thom is a good midpoint).
- Drive cautiously through towns and watch for bikes/tuk-tuks; aim to arrive in Phnom Penh before evening rush.
- Return the car (downtown branch or airport) or arrange hotel parking in advance.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & NR6)
- Siem Reap: Airport counters and city agencies—confirm opening hours on Sundays/holidays.
- Phnom Penh: Downtown returns are convenient; airport returns suit next-day flights.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh)
How long is the road journey?
Typically 6–7.5 hours depending on traffic, vehicle type (van vs. coach), and rest stops.
Is there still a regular boat?
Public speedboats are irregular/seasonal on Tonlé Sap and not generally recommended for reliability—most travelers choose road or air.
Which is better, bus or minivan?
Coaches are roomier and feel steadier; minivans can be faster but bumpier. Pick based on comfort vs. time.
How far are the airports from the centers?
SAI and PNH both require short road transfers—plan 20–45 minutes depending on traffic and pickup point.
Can I do it as a same-day trip?
Yes, by flight or early bus/van—though most travelers stay at least a night at either end. Compare central hotels on Booking.com (Phnom Penh) or Booking.com (Siem Reap).
What about luggage?
Buses store big bags below; keep valuables with you. If you’re sightseeing pre-check-in, use Radical Storage Siem Reap or Radical Storage Phnom Penh.