Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Trip Overview
Distance 228 km (142.5 miles) | |
Price range US$ 8-US$ 322 | |
Ride Duration Range 45m-7h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 17:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
A bus ride is the most affordable and convenient way to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Another affordable option is by minivan, but book well in advance because there are only eight transports made per day compared to 68 via bus. Bring your backpack to Siem Reap so you can walk and tour its beautiful architecture and study its historic civilization and culture. At night, there are great places to eat and lots of hotspots for nightlife enthusiasts. December and January provide the most pleasant weather, but February through April are the least crowded.
Taking a bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Fastest bus: 4h 45m
Cheapest bus: US$ 8

About the ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital, is a medley of colorful sights and sounds. While in town, don't miss out on visiting its many temples, palaces, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Evenings call for a walk along its happening waterfront and an exploration of the city's fabulous street food scene.
The city of Siem Reap, on the other hand, is the starting point for tours and excursions into the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. Spend a day (or week!) exploring the atmospheric ruins and learning more about this fascinating monument's history.
The distance from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is around 318 km (198 miles) and takes about five to six hours to cover. With well-known operators offering a multitude of travel options and departure times, the only problem you will face is choosing which operator to use.
Buses are the most economical option, but minivans are only a little more expensive than a bus ticket and are a popular choice to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The majority of the buses offer nighttime departures while most minivans cover the route during the daytime. With options to travel throughout the day and night, you will have no problem finding something that fits your budget, timing, and other preferences. Apart from buses and minivans, you can also book a private taxi. Taxis are ideal for families and those who want more flexibility and privacy while traveling.
What to see when traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
As you travel to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh, you will get to experience the Cambodian countryside and get a peek into the day-to-day lives of locals. Lush green paddy fields (particularly beautiful after the rains) and farmers plowing their land are just some of the sights that will catch your attention along the way. If you are traveling by night bus, you can expect to reach Siem Reap well-rested and ready for a full day of sightseeing.
How to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Taking a bus
With multiple bus operators offering close to 30 different day and nighttime departures and affordably priced tickets (prices start from $9), buses are a popular and budget-friendly way to travel to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh.
The daytime buses come with comfortable seats, and some of them even offer snacks. Some of the operators have a toilet on board, but if they don’t, they make restroom stops along the way.
You have a choice between reclining seats or a full bed when you travel on any of the night buses. Do note that while some of the buses come with single beds, you might have to share a double bed if the single beds are sold out. If you’d like some privacy, it is recommended that you purchase two tickets to have the space all to yourself. It is also advisable to have a warm sweater or light jacket ready when the air conditioning is turned up, as things can get a little chilly!
Taking a minivan
With over 40 departures every day and shorter travel times than buses, minivans are another popular way to travel the distance from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. For just a little more than what you would pay for a bus ticket, you get a comfortable ride through the idyllic Cambodian countryside.
For those traveling as part of a group, booking a private minivan is a budget-friendly and convenient option. They are perfect for groups of 8 to 13 passengers and offer hotel pick up and drop off.
Hiring a private car/taxi
A five to six-hour journey can be a bit much, especially if you are traveling with kids or unfortunately suffer from motion sickness. With convenient hotel pick up and drop off and a more flexible travel schedule, private taxis are perfect for families, those who like a more relaxed style of travel, need more space for extra luggage or just prefer the privacy of a car.
You can book a standard car if you are traveling by yourself or a small group (up to 3 passengers) or go for a spacious SUV that is good for up to six or seven passengers.
Companies Operating from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Our travelers reviews about the ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Based on 1354 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
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Popular stations and stops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
Departure stations in Phnom Penh
Mey Hong Transport (Phnom Penh)
Vibol Express - Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh - Any hotel
Seila Angkor Khmer Express
Larryta Express - Phnom Penh
Arrival stations in Siem Reap
Mey Hong Transport (Siem Reap)
Go Ho Travel - Siem Reap
NR6 opposite Phsa Samaki market
Siem Reap - Any hotel
Olongpich Transport - Siem Reap
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
What is the most popular transportation service from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
What is the distance between Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
What is the fastest transportation service from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
What is the cheapest transport option from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap?
Who are the service providers on this route?
CAR: Cambodia Private Car Service | Angkor Guide Adventure | SIMA Car | Sarus Tour
MINIVAN: Cambodia Private Car Service | Angkor Guide Adventure | SIMA Car | Cambolink21 Express
BUS: Olongpich Transport | Cambolink21 Express | Vibol Express | Larryta Express
FLIGHT: Bangkok Airways | Cambodia Angkor Air | Cambodia AirAsia | Cambodia Airways
BUS+FERRY: Chan Moly Roth Transportation
VAN+FERRY: Chan Moly Roth Transportation
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