14/01/2023
The ultimate guide on how to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by train
The most traveled route in Cambodia is from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. This old Khmer capital is on almost everyone's list of places to see in Southeast Asia, and you shouldn't miss it. Almost everyone who comes to Siem Reap comes to see the Angkor Archaeological Park ruins, which are about 4 miles (6.5 km) from the city center. So, if you want to go from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by train, here is your complete guide.
Learn more:
- Phnom Penh Railway Station: All you need to know [2023]
- The complete guide to travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh city by train and other transportations
- The complete guide to get from Phnom Penh to Bangkok by train
What should you know about train service in Cambodia?
The Cambodia Railway is 650 kilometers long and has two lines: the Northern Line and the Southern Line. The Northern Railway was built from 1929 to 1942, while the Southern Railway was developed from 1960 to 1969. The north one is 386 kilometers long and links Phnom Penh with Poipet (Cambodia-Thailand border).
Both lines are now running, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Royal Railway of Cambodia (RRC) work together to keep them safe and up to date with international safety standards.
There has been no train that goes directly from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap yet, so if you want to experience train service in Cambodia. Here is the alternative solution that is actionable for you.
Catch the train from Phnom Penh to Pursat, then take the bus or taxi to go to Siem Reap.
- Step 1: Catch the train from Phnom Penh station to Battambang.
This journey may take you about 7-8 hours. The ticket price ranges from $5 to $8. - Step 2: Take the bus, taxi, or boat for traveling from Battambang to Siem Reap .
The bus is the cheapest method to travel 165 kilometers from Battambang to Siem Reap. This option costs $9 and takes 3 hours to complete. You may either take a cab, which takes 2.5 hours and costs $4, or a boat, which takes 8 hours and costs $25.
What kinds of transportation are available to get you from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
Traveling by rail from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap may be complex and time-consuming because there is no train linking the two cities. However, because the route from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap has undergone considerable renovations in the last year or so (and from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh), travellers may have additional choices to consider. Traveling from one location to another has never been easier because to the emergence of excellent new bus companies, the best cab services, and aeroplanes that bring greater convenience. The most recent information on transportation alternatives from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, including taxis, boats, buses, and airlines, is provided below.
Taxis From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
A private cab is your best bet for a relaxing ride. The entire trip will take around 5 hours, and you'll pass through some breathtaking landscapes. You'll be driven through some stunning Cambodian countryside, and in this video, you can get a sneak peek at it.
Private taxis from Phnom Penh airport to Siem Reap typically cost around $75. There will be plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs, have a cup of coffee, and do a little sight seeing if you so want. The more reliable providers will have clean, comfortable vehicles (such as a Lexus 4x4) waiting for you at the airport or your hotel.
Planning ahead and reserving a cab might save you time and trouble. Cambodian traffic is quite frenetic, so taxi journeys can be intimidating and scary if you don't know your driver; please get in touch with us to arrange for a safe, dependable taxi driver from anywhere in Cambodia, or use the button below to reserve a cab online immediately.
Buses schedule from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Between Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, you may take your pick of several bus companies providing both budget and VIP service. While Giant Ibis and Mekong Express were were the only two recommended services, they have been joined by the likes of Cambodia Post VIP, Larryta Express, Bayon VIP, and Seila Angkor, all of which are excellent. Cambodia Post VIP is our top pick, although Larryta Express and Mekong Express are also viable options. These bus services are vast improvements over the standard Cambodian bus system since they are less crowded, make fewer stops, and have more cautious drivers.
Costing between $5 and $6, a typical budget bus may carry up to 50 passengers. Luxury transportation buses typically seat no more than fifteen passengers and have upgraded amenities for the VIP set. Prices range from $9 to $12 for one way.
The average VIP bus ride takes only six hours, whereas the average economy bus ride takes seven (e.g. you can ask the driver to stop if you desperately need to go to the toilet). Both sorts will take periodic stops to use the restroom and grab some food. Wi-Fi will be advertised, however if you manage to connect, you may expect an extremely poor and unstable connection.
Here are schedules for some of the most frequently used and highly rated bus companies to give you an idea of when buses often arrive and depart (Bayon VIP, Cambodia Post VIP, Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, Larryta Express, and Seila Angkor).
| Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | Siem Reap to Phnom Penh | |
| Bayon VIP Timetable | 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 9.00 am, 2.00 pm, and 3.30 pm | 7.30 am, 9.00 am, 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm, and 3.30 pm |
| Cambodia Post VIP Timetable | 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 9.30 am, and 2.00 pm | 7.30 am, 9.00 am, 11.00 am, and 2.00 pm |
| Mekong Express Timetable | 7.00 am, 8.30 am, 12.30 pm, 2.25 pm, and 5.30 pm | 7.00 am, 7.30 am, 8.30 am, 9.45 am, 12.30 pm, and 2.30 pm |
| Giant Ibis Timetable | 8.45 am, 9.45 am, 12.30 pm, 11.00 pm, and 11.30 pm (night bus) | 8.45 am, 9.45 am, 12.30 pm, 11.00 pm, and 11.30 pm (night bus) |
| Larryta Express Timetable | 6.30 am, 8.15 am, 8.30 am, 9.00 am, 9.30 am, 10 am, 10.30 am, 11.00 am, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm, 4.00 pm, and 4.30 pm | 7.00 am, 8.30 am, 9.00 am, 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm, 3.00 pm, 4.30 pm, and 6.30 pm |
| Seila Angkor Timetable | 6.30 am, 7.00 am, 7.30 am, 8.00 am, 8.30 am, 9.00 am, 9.30 am, 10.00 am, 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 12.45 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.00 pm, 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 5.00 pm, 6.00 pm, and 11.00 pm (night bus) | 6.30 am, 7.00 am, 7.30 am, 8.00 am, 8.30 am, 9.00 am, 9.30 am, 10.00 am, 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 12.45 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.00 pm, 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 5.00 pm, and 11.00 pm (night bus) |
Direct flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Direct flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap are currently offered by a number of airlines, including Cambodia Angkor Air, Lanmei Airlines, and JC International Airlines. Cambodia Angkor Air, the country's flag carrier, consistently receives the highest ratings among these. It operates Phnom Penh–Siem Reap flights using an ATR 72.
The trip will take about 45 minutes and cost $160 one way on average (though as with all flights, there are usually special offers on depending on the booking company, time of year, etc.)
Taking the boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
During the wet season, which is roughly between November and March (climate permitting), you may ride a boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via Tonle Sap Lake.
Traveling by boat or ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap can cost anywhere between US$20 and US$40 per person and can take anywhere from 8 to 10 hours across a distance of 250 kilometres (155 miles). Tickets for the boat to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh may be purchased from tourist agencies, hotels, or booked online. For further information on the businesses that operate these ships.
If you'd rather take your time and relax, the Angkor Express Mekong Dawn offers multi-day tours.
You may avoid the difficulty of travelling to and from the ports at either end of your vacation by booking a full-day tour with Khmerdertours. Food for lunch and between-meal snacks is given as well. On board, you may enjoy unlimited soft drinks at the complimentary snack bar or purchase alcoholic beverages from the bar. Even though it lacks the opulence of the Mekong Dawn, it costs a fraction of that ship. View availability, pricing, and make a reservation.
If you go for the cheaper alternative, get there early to secure a good seat on the boat and a life vest. You should pack some food, water, sunscreen, and an adventurous spirit. Since the travel itself is an experience in and of itself, you should prepare to become wet, muddy, and sweaty on this excursion.
In order to reach one of the floating villages that may be seen on a day excursion from Siem Reap, boats and ferries must land at a location known as Chong Kneas, which is about 7.5 miles (12 kilometres) to the south of Siem Reap. You may ride a tuk-tuk to Siem Reap's downtown area for around $5 or a cab for around $10; the trip takes around 20 minutes.
If you want to go from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, then use this handy little guide! We hope you have a wonderful journey. Follow Luxcity to read more informative and motivational articles about making the most of your time in Cambodia and the rest of South East Asia.
