So you’ve explored the bustling streets and heartbreaking history of Phnom Penh, and now it’s time to head to Siem Reap – the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Wat temples. But how do you get there? What’s the best option? And what should you expect along the way?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, based on my own experience and all the options available to you.
Overview: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Distance & Options
Distance: Approximately 315 km (196 miles)
Travel options:
- Bus/Minivan – 6 hours (most popular)
- Private car – 5-6 hours (comfortable but pricey)
- Flight – 45 minutes (quickest but expensive)
My recommendation: For most travelers, the bus or minivan offers the best balance of cost, comfort, and convenience.
Let me break down each option in detail so you can choose what works best for YOU.
Option 1: Bus/Minivan (My Choice & Most Popular)
Why I Chose the Bus
When planning my Cambodia trip, I wanted to:
- Save money (flights are 5-6x more expensive)
- See the countryside
- Have a comfortable journey without breaking the bank
The bus ticked all these boxes!
Types of Buses Available
1. Tourist minivans (most common):
- 10-15 passengers
- Air-conditioned
- Reclining seats
- More expensive but more comfortable
2. Tourist buses:
- 30-40 passengers
- Air-conditioned
- Reclining seats
- Slightly cheaper than minivans
3. Local buses:
- Packed with locals
- Cheaper
- Less comfortable
- Can be an authentic experience (but VERY crowded)
My recommendation: Go with a tourist minivan or bus. The extra few dollars are absolutely worth the comfort for a 6-hour journey.
My Experience: Taking the 6 AM Bus
I booked my ticket through 12Go an online booking platform that makes comparing bus companies super easy. Here’s how my journey went:
Departure time: 6:00 AM from Phnom Penh Arrival time: 12:00 PM in Siem Reap (right on schedule!) Cost: $12 USD
What I loved:
- Reclining seats: They actually reclined properly – crucial for catching some sleep
- Air conditioning: Cambodia is HOT. The AC was a lifesaver
- Midway stop: Around 9 AM, we stopped at a rest area for 20-30 minutes
- Clean(ish) toilets
- Small restaurant for breakfast/snacks
- Chance to stretch your legs and grab coffee
- Smooth ride: The roads have improved dramatically in recent years
- On-time arrival: We actually arrived when promised!
What could be better:
- Cold AC: Bring a light jacket! They blast the AC and you WILL get cold
- Limited legroom: I’m not super tall, but taller folks might feel cramped
- No WiFi: Don’t expect internet on board
Booking Your Bus Ticket
Online booking (recommended):
- 12Go – My choice! Easy comparison, secure payment, e-tickets
- Bookaway – Similar to 12Go, reliable
- GetYourGuide – Sometimes offers combo packages
Pros of booking online:
- Compare prices and departure times easily
- Secure your preferred time slot
- E-ticket sent to email (no paper needed)
- Reviews from other travelers
- Slight peace of mind
Book in person:
- Your hotel/guesthouse can arrange it (usually add $1-2 commission)
- Bus company offices in Phnom Penh
- Often same price as online
Pros of booking in person:
- Last-minute flexibility
- Can see the actual bus/minivan
- Negotiate sometimes (especially low season)
Departure Points in Phnom Penh
Most tourist buses depart from:
- Giant Ibis Station – Central, professional operation
- Hotel pickup – Many companies offer this (usually $1-2 extra)
Pro tip: Confirm your exact pickup point when booking. If you book hotel pickup, be ready 15 minutes early – Cambodian buses are very punctual!
What to Expect During the Journey
First hour (6:00-7:00 AM):
- Navigating out of Phnom Penh
- City streets, traffic, bustling morning life
Hours 2-4 (7:00-10:00 AM):
- Countryside driving
- Rice paddies, small villages, water buffalo
- Great for photos through the window (though windows aren’t always clean!)
- Midway stop around 9 AM – bathroom break and snack/breakfast opportunity
Final 2 hours (10:00 AM-12:00 PM):
- Approaching Siem Reap
- Roads get busier
- More development visible
- Quick nap time before arrival!
Road conditions: The main highway (National Road 6) is actually quite good now! A few bumpy sections, but nothing too wild,
Arrival in Siem Reap
Drop-off point: Most tourist buses drop you at a central location in Siem Reap, usually:
- Near Pub Street area
- Old Market (Psar Chas)
- Or sometimes a company office
Getting to your hotel:
- Tuk-tuk: $2-5 USD depending on distance (negotiate!)
- Grab/PassApp: $1.50-4 USD (transparent pricing)
- Hotel pickup: Some accommodations offer free pickup from the bus station if you arrange it in advance
Pro tip from my trip: I contacted my hotel the day before and they arranged a free pickup! I just had to give them my bus company name and arrival time. Worth asking!
Option 2: Private Car/Taxi
Want more comfort and flexibility? A private car might be your answer.
When to Choose a Private Car
Good for:
- Groups of 3-4 people (cost splits nicely)
- Traveling with elderly family members or young kids
- Wanting to stop at specific places along the way
- Carrying lots of luggage
- Valuing comfort over cost
Costs:
- Private car (sedan): $70-90 USD
- Private minivan (6-7 passengers): $120-150 USD
Where to Book
- Your hotel (they’ll have trusted drivers)
- GetYourGuide private transfers
- Online platforms like Klook or Viator
- Negotiate directly with tuk-tuk drivers (they sometimes offer car services)
Advantages
- Door-to-door service
- Stop whenever/wherever you want
- Faster (5-5.5 hours typically)
- Your own space
- Can store luggage safely
- Can detour to Skun (spider market) or Kampong Thom temples
Disadvantages
- Expensive if traveling solo
- Need to trust your driver
- Less structured than bus companies
My take: If you’re a couple or solo traveler, stick with the bus. If you’re a family of 4, the private car becomes more reasonable when you split the cost.
Option 3: Flight
The Quick Option (But Is It Worth It?)
Flight time: 45 minutes Total time (including airport processes): 3-4 hours Cost: $60-120 USD depending on season and how far in advance you book
Airlines Operating This Route
- Cambodia Angkor Air (most frequent, most reliable)
- Cambodia Bayon Airlines
- Lanmei Airlines
When to Consider Flying
Good for:
- Very short trips (only 1-2 days in Siem Reap)
- Business travelers on tight schedules
- Travelers with mobility issues who can’t handle long bus rides
- Absolutely terrified of bus travel
The Reality Check
Time analysis:
- Get to Phnom Penh airport: 30-45 min
- Arrive 60-90 min before flight: 1.5 hours
- Flight: 45 min
- Luggage claim and exit: 20-30 min
- Get to Siem Reap hotel: 20-30 min
- Total: 3.5-4 hours
Compare that to the 6-hour bus where you board 10 minutes before departure and get dropped closer to your destination.
Cost comparison:
- Flight: $60-120 USD
- Bus: $10-15 USD
- You’re paying 5-10x more to save maybe 2-3 hours
My verdict: Unless time is absolutely critical or money is no object, skip the flight. The bus is totally comfortable and you’ll save significant money
Comparison Table: All Options at a Glance
| Option | Duration | Cost | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus/Minivan | 6 hours | $10-15 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most travelers |
| Private Car | 5-6 hours | $70-150 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Groups, families |
| Flight | 3.5-4 hours total | $60-120 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Time-sensitive travelers |
Practical Tips for the Journey
What to Pack in Your Day Bag
Essentials:
- Light jacket or shawl – AC can be FREEZING
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated
- Snacks – The rest stop food isn’t always great
- Earphones – Music or podcasts make time fly
- Phone charger – Many buses have USB ports now
- Toilet paper/tissues – Rest stop bathrooms may not have any
- Hand sanitizer – Always useful in Southeast Asia
- Motion sickness tablets – If you’re prone to it
Nice to have:
- Downloaded movies or shows
- Book or Kindle
- Travel pillow
- Eye mask
- Antibacterial wipes
Money & Timing Considerations
Best time to travel:
- Early morning (6:00-7:00 AM): Arrive in Siem Reap by lunch, giving you the afternoon to settle in
- Late morning (9:00-10:00 AM): Arrive by mid-afternoon
- Avoid late afternoon departures: You’ll arrive after dark, harder to get oriented
Best season:
- November-February: Cooler weather, more pleasant journey
- March-May: Hot season, ensure AC is working!
- June-October: Rainy season, but roads are still fine
Safety Tips
Bus travel is safe in Cambodia, but:
- Keep valuables with you (don’t put them in storage compartments)
- Watch your bags at rest stops
- Book with reputable companies (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Capitol Tour)
- Screenshot your booking confirmation
- Share your travel details with your hotel or friends
What to Do Upon Arrival in Siem Reap
You’ve made it! You’re in Siem Reap by around noon or early afternoon (if you took the morning bus). What now?
Afternoon Options (After Your Journey)
Since you’ll likely arrive around lunchtime, here’s what I recommend:
Option 1: Floating Village Afternoon Tour This is exactly what I did! After checking into my hotel and freshening up, I headed to Kampong Phluk floating village for an afternoon/sunset tour.
Why it works:
- Tours typically start around 2:00-3:00 PM
- Gives you time to check in, shower, and rest
- You’ll catch golden hour on the water
- Book a small-group tour here (includes pickup and drop-off)
What you’ll see:
- Houses on 6-meter-tall stilts
- Floating restaurants and schools
- Mangrove forests (optional canoe ride)
- Spectacular sunset over Tonle Sap Lake
Cost: $25-35 USD for a small-group tour with guide
Option 2: Rest and Explore Siem Reap Town After 6 hours on a bus, sometimes you just need to chill! And that’s perfectly fine.
Low-key afternoon activities:
- Walk around Old Market (Psar Chas)
- Get a massage on Pub Street ($5 for 1 hour!)
- Have a late lunch at one of Siem Reap’s great restaurants
- Explore the Night Market area
- Book your Angkor Wat tickets for the next day
Evening plans:
- Dinner on Pub Street
- Try Wild Restaurant for their famous spring rolls (seriously, go here!)
- Stroll around the vibrant night market
- Early night to prepare for Angkor Wat adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I book my bus ticket in advance? A: For peace of mind, yes – especially during high season (November-February). But you can usually book 1-2 days ahead without issues.
Q: Is the bus safe? A: Yes! Tourist buses are generally safe. Stick with reputable companies and you’ll be fine.
Q: Can I break up the journey? A: Absolutely! Consider stopping in Kampong Cham or Kampong Thom (Sambor Prei Kuk temples) if you have extra time.
Q: What if I get motion sickness? A: Take medication 30 minutes before departure, sit near the front, look at the horizon, and have ginger candy handy.
Q: Is WiFi available on the bus? A: Some buses advertise WiFi, but it’s unreliable. Download entertainment before you go!
Q: Can I store my big backpack on the bus? A: Yes, storage compartments are available. But keep valuables with you in your day bag.
My Personal Recommendation
I took the 6 AM bus and honestly? It was perfect. I caught up on sleep (those reclining seats!), woke up for the rest stop coffee, watched the Cambodian countryside roll by, and arrived in Siem Reap refreshed and ready for the floating village tour.
The $12 I spent was the best value of my entire trip.
Would I do it again? Absolutely!
Ready to plan your Cambodia adventure? Check out my complete Ultimate 7-Day Cambodia Itinerary for more detailed planning!
Have you traveled from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap? Which option did you choose? Share your experience in the comments!