Getting around Cambodia: Transportation Tips

Traveling in Cambodia is an adventure. The national highway network has improved a lot in recent years, making it easier to travel across the country. Many dirt roads are now paved, and new highways have been built. However, traveling can still take a long time because roads are narrow and bumpy. During the wet season, heavy rains can cause problems and sometimes wash away parts of the road.

Traveling during public holidays, especially Khmer New Year, can be difficult. On New Year’s Eve, everyone goes home, and buses, taxis, and private cars are very crowded. If you plan to travel during this time, expect major transport disruptions. Phnom Penh becomes very quiet, with few motos or tuk-tuks around, except for some drivers who stay and charge higher fares.

Travel by train in Cambodia

Cambodia’s railway network was mostly destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period but is now being slowly restored. Traveling by train isn’t very practical yet, but there are some options. The line between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville reopened in 2016, with stops at Takeo and Kampot. Trains have comfortable modern carriages and run once a day from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and twice on Saturday and Sunday in the opposite direction. The full trip takes about 7 hours and costs around $7. Tickets are only sold at the stations.

The rail line between Phnom Penh and Poipet, near the Thai border, is still under renovation. Progress has picked up in the past couple of years, and some sections are now running. You might get lucky with a short ride, but don’t count on a seamless journey just yet.

If you're craving a rail experience, head to Battambang. The bamboo railway — a bizarre, bumpy ride on a makeshift track — still delivers a dose of local charm and a bit of a laugh.

Bus travel in Cambodia

Buses, known as laan tom, are the cheapest and often the most convenient way to get around Cambodia. They connect all major cities and towns, although some smaller places aren't on the bus network yet. For example, Banlung, Sen Monorom, and Pailin have only a few services a day. Fares start at about $6 from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and $8 to Siem Reap, making bus travel one of the most affordable ways to get around.

Bus Companies

All buses are privately run by several companies. The biggest is Phnom Penh Sorya, with others like Rith Mony, GST, Paramount Angkor, and Capitol Tours. Most buses are old but comfortable. Many have on-board videos, so expect to hear Cambodian pop music or watch Chinese gangster movies during your trip. Companies like Giant Ibis and Mekong Express offer luxury express buses on popular routes, with modern vehicles, snacks, and even wi-fi.

Bus Stations

Buses usually arrive and depart from their company offices. This means there are no central bus stations to get information about timetables and fares. Some guesthouses or tour operators can help, or you may need to visit each office to find the right bus. One of the most practical Cambodia travel tips is to plan ahead, especially if you're traveling during holidays or to remote areas where options are limited.

Minibuses

Minibuses leave from local transport stops and cost about the same as buses—sometimes a bit more. They usually run the same routes as buses, but also cover places buses skip, like the stretch between Sen Monorom and Banlung. They’re faster, but also more cramped and chaotic — not ideal if you’re tall or traveling with kids.

If you're tackling Cambodia with kids, consider splurging on one of the deluxe minibus services along main routes. Operators like Mekong Express offer a more comfortable ride, with fewer passengers and no chickens under the seat. It’s worth the extra cost for a bit of breathing room.

Flying to and around Cambodia

Cambodia Angkor Air is still the closest thing to a national airline, offering international flights to cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Several other carriers also operate in the region. Cambodia Bayon Airlines once flew between Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap, as well as to Ho Chi Minh City, but its operations have become patchy.

Sky Angkor and Bassaka Air previously ran flights between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, though services can be inconsistent. Fares on domestic routes — especially between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville — typically range from $60–80 one way.

By 2025, newer airlines like Lanmei Airlines and JC International Airlines have added more domestic and regional connections, giving you more flexibility when planning your trip to Cambodia. Just double-check flight schedules — routes change often.

Renting a car in Cambodia

Renting a car to drive yourself in Cambodia is not recommended. It's almost impossible to rent a self-drive car, and even if you do, it comes with many challenges:

• Documentation: Your home driving license might not be enough. Some companies require a Cambodian driving license, which means taking a driving test.
• Driving conditions: Other drivers can be unpredictable, and insurance is often insufficient. Any damage to the car is your responsibility.
• Parking: Finding a place to park is difficult.

Given the ongoing road and traffic challenges, it’s still easier — and often cheaper — to hire a car with a driver. A few international rental companies have set up shop in Cambodia since 2023, but self-driving is no less chaotic. Poor signage, unpredictable traffic, and inconsistent road conditions make having a local behind the wheel a much better call.

Getting around Cambodia via shared taxi

Shared taxis are a popular way to travel by road in Cambodia. They are generally a bit more expensive but faster than buses and minibuses. Shared taxis also go to places that buses and minibuses might not reach. Here are some key points:

• You can pay double the standard fare to have the whole front seat to yourself.
• Hiring the entire taxi costs about five or six times the individual fare.
• Shared taxis usually leave from local transport stops.
• There are no fixed schedules; most taxis leave in the morning when they are very full.

Motorbikes and scooters in Cambodia

Motorbikes are a great way to explore Cambodia, especially if you want to visit less crowded areas. Here’s what you need to know:

• Roads are generally empty, making for a stress-free ride.
• Motorbikes can be rented from guesthouses and other places.
• Prices range from $6–8 per day for automatic scooters to more for touring and dirt bikes.
• Always check the bike’s condition before a long trip; repairs are your responsibility.
• Ensure the bike is secure; look for rentals with wheel locks.
• Foreigners aren’t allowed to hire motorbikes in Siem Reap, at least in theory.
• Check local road conditions, as short distances can take a long time.
• Helmets are compulsory for both driver and passengers; fines apply if not worn.
• Road checks are common, especially before holidays and weekends.

Cambodia by boat

Traveling by boat used to be the main way to get between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap due to poor roads. Now, it's easier and quicker by road, but boats still operate. Here’s what to expect:

• Boats run daily between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and Siem Reap and Battambang.
• The trip to or from Battambang is interesting, combining a journey across the Tonle Sap and down the Sangker River.
• Boats are not very comfortable; bring a cushion, water, food, and a hat.
• Daily boats also run south along the Mekong between Phnom Penh and the Vietnamese border at Chau Doc.
• From Sihanoukville, ferries and speedboats go to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem several times a day.
• Ferry schedules can change due to weather, so check in advance, especially during the rainy season.

City and town transport

Getting around Cambodia, especially in towns and cities, usually involves using either a moto or a tuk-tuk (romorque). Here are some key points to remember:

• Fares: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey. Short trips around town typically cost $1, while longer trips start at $2. Fares are generally higher in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Motos are usually cheaper than tuk-tuks for longer trips.
• Usage: Motos and tuk-tuks are great for short tours and trips out of towns. Tuk-tuks are popular around the temples of Angkor, while motos are useful for visiting sites not accessible by paved roads. Longer hire periods will vary in cost depending on the distance and road conditions.
• City taxis: Available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. While Uber isn't available, a local taxi-booking app, Exnet (for Android phones only), was launched in 2016 for Phnom Penh. Since 2023, ride-hailing services like Grab offer more options for travelers.

Motos

• Description: Motorbike taxis, or motos, are a common way to travel short and sometimes long distances. Passengers ride behind the driver. It's safer to sit astride and hold onto the driver.
• Availability: Moto drivers are often found around transport stops, landmarks, and road junctions. Be prepared to be approached for rides regularly.
• Safety: New laws require passengers to wear helmets. If your driver doesn't provide one, don't get on. Drivers can balance bags between their knees and the handlebars.
• Long trips: Motos can be used for longer trips out of town, although they may not be very comfortable.

Tuk-tuks

• Tuk-tuks, introduced in 2001, are more expensive than motos. They consist of a covered passenger carriage pulled by a motorbike, seating up to four people. They offer a fun and secure way to travel.
• The motorbikes pulling tuk-tuks are the same as those used for motos, so they can be slow, especially with more passengers.

Car and driver

• Option for long distances: Hiring a car and driver is the best option for covering long distances quickly and comfortably. However, they are often hard to find outside major tourist centers and are more expensive than other transport options.
• Cost: Expect to pay around $50–100 per day, depending on the distance.

For more useful information, check out our Cambodia travel tips.