Wherever you start from, Cambodia is almost always reached with at least one layover in Asia or the Middle East — except from neighboring countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and others). Once your air route is set, the rest is straightforward: on the ground, transport is varied, affordable, and increasingly digital.
Airports in Cambodia
Cambodia has three international airports, each serving a key region of the country.
Phnom Penh (PNH) — main gateway
Pochentong International Airport is the main hub of Cambodia. Modernized, it welcomes flights from major regional platforms in Asia. The terminal is compact — arrival, visa on arrival, baggage claim, and exit can be done in less than an hour if the immigration line is reasonable.
The city is 10 km away. A taxi from the airport costs $9 to $12, a tuk-tuk $5 to $7. Prefer PassApp for a price displayed in advance.
Siem Reap International (SAI) — new since 2023
The new Siem Reap International Airport, inaugurated in November 2023, replaces the old REP airport located in the city. It is larger, more modern, and located 51 km from the city center — expect a 45 to 60-minute journey. The official taxi costs about $25 to $35. Private shuttles are also available from the city.
The distance from the new SAI airport to Siem Reap is much greater than before. Book your transfer in advance, especially if you arrive late at night.
Sihanoukville (KOS)
Mainly served by flights from China and a few Asian cities. Useful if you want to go directly to the coast or the islands without passing through Phnom Penh. Flights from Europe are rare.
International flights to Cambodia
There are no direct long-haul flights between Cambodia and Europe, the Americas, or Africa: you always need a layover in Southeast Asia or the Middle East. From China, South Asia, Oceania, or neighboring countries, routes are often direct or limited to a single connection.
Main connecting hubs
Whatever your departure region, these hubs come up most often:
- Bangkok (BKK/DMK): Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways — the most common connection to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia — good value from many cities
- Singapore (SIN): Singapore Airlines, Scoot — reliable connections, comfortable layover
- Doha (DOH) and Dubai (DXB): Qatar Airways, Emirates — practical from Europe, Africa, and parts of the Americas
- Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND): useful from China, North Asia, and North America (Pacific coast)
- Ho Chi Minh (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN): logical if you combine Vietnam and Cambodia
By departure region
Europe
No direct flights from European capitals. Routes usually go through Doha, Istanbul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. Expect 12 to 17 hours door-to-door from Western Europe, and €500 to €950 round trip in economy depending on season. Fares rise in July–August and December–January (school holidays and year-end holidays in many countries).
North America
From the US and Canada, itineraries typically go through Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, or a West Coast city linked to Asia, then Bangkok or Singapore. Plan for 18 to 26 hours from the East Coast and roughly $900 to $1,500 USD round trip in economy depending on origin and season.
China and North Asia
Often the best-served region: direct flights or one stop from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, or Tokyo to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Typical durations: 4 to 8 hours depending on the city. Also check Chinese domestic flights to Kunming or Nanning if you continue from southern China.
South Asia
From India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or Nepal, most travelers transit through Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. From nearby Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos), short flights or overland border crossings are often simpler than a distant hub — 1 to 3 hours of flying from Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City.
Africa
No direct flights. Common routes pass through Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or sometimes Bangkok depending on the airline. Allow at least 15 to 22 hours from North or West Africa, often more from sub-Saharan Africa.
Oceania
From Australia and New Zealand, usual layovers are Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. From Sydney or Melbourne, expect 10 to 14 hours total travel time to Phnom Penh.
South America
Flights almost always go through Europe, the Middle East, or North America before Asia — a long journey to plan for (often 24 hours or more). Compare open-jaw tickets (arrive Siem Reap, depart Phnom Penh) to avoid an unnecessary round trip across the country.
Indicative door-to-door times (with layover)
- From Western Europe: 12 to 17 h (via Doha, Bangkok, KL, or Singapore)
- From North America: 18 to 26 h depending on coast
- From China / North Asia: 4 to 8 h (often direct or one stop)
- From nearby Southeast Asia: 1 to 3 h
- From Oceania: 10 to 14 h
Book long-haul flights 2 to 3 months ahead when possible. Compare open-jaw tickets (arrive Siem Reap, depart Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville): often more practical than a round trip to the same city.
Compare rates on WayAway and Kiwi: all airlines, all layovers, with price alerts to find the best booking window.
Recommended airlines
Airlines commonly used to reach Cambodia from abroad:
- Qatar Airways: via Doha — good comfort/duration balance from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
- Thai Airways: via Bangkok — dense network to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Malaysia Airlines: via Kuala Lumpur — often competitive fares
- Singapore Airlines: via Singapore — premium, pleasant layover
- AirAsia: low-cost on many regional segments — ideal with light luggage
- Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, ANA, China Southern: relevant from North Asia and North America (Pacific coast)
Intercity buses in Cambodia
The express bus network is the most popular way to travel between major Cambodian cities. Comfortable, punctual, and very affordable.
Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap
This is the most traveled intercity route by travelers. Expect 6 hours of travel for about $12 to $15 depending on the company. National Road 6 is in good condition.
Recommended companies
Giant Ibis is the company we recommend first: the buses are modern, air-conditioned, with wifi and USB ports. Early morning departures (6am-7am) allow you to arrive in Siem Reap by early afternoon. Online booking is recommended, especially in high season.
12Go centralizes the booking of Giant Ibis buses and other companies in Cambodia. Secure payment, electronic ticket sent by email, no waiting in line at the ticket office.
Other possible bus routes
- Phnom Penh ↔ Kampot: 3h, ~ $5-8
- Phnom Penh ↔ Sihanoukville: 4h, ~ $8-12
- Siem Reap ↔ Bangkok (Thailand): direct bus, 8-10h, ~ $20-30
- Phnom Penh ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam): direct bus, 6-7h, ~ $15-20
Tuk-tuk and taxi in the city
Getting around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap has never been easier. Two apps dominate the market:
PassApp — the must-have app
PassApp is the number 1 mobility app in Cambodia. It works like Uber: you enter your destination, choose tuk-tuk, car, or moto-taxi, and the fare is displayed before confirming. Available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Payment can be made in cash or by card. Download it before you leave — it sometimes requires validating a local number.
- PassApp: tuk-tuk, car, moto-taxi — the recommended local option
- inDrive: also available, fares often negotiable
- Street tuk-tuk: still possible, negotiate the price before getting in. Expect $2 to $4 for a city ride, $5 to $10 for a day tour
Always negotiate the price before getting into a non-connected tuk-tuk (without an app). In Siem Reap, some drivers offer day rates including Angkor Wat — this is often worthwhile if you plan to visit several temples.
Moto-taxi (moto-dop)
Moto-dops are motorcyclists who offer quick rides in the city. It is the most local and cheapest option ($1 to $2 per ride), but also the least safe for those not used to Cambodian traffic. For travelers, PassApp (moto-taxi) is preferable.
Scooter and car rental
Renting a scooter
Scooter rental is very accessible in Cambodia: expect $7 to $10 per day for an automatic 110-125cc scooter. Ideal for exploring Kampot, Kep, or the surroundings of Siem Reap at your own pace.
An international license including category A is technically required. In practice, few agencies ask for it — but your travel insurance may refuse to cover your medical expenses in case of an accident if you drive without the required documents. Check your insurance contract before renting.
Traffic in Phnom Penh can be chaotic for newcomers. If this is your first experience riding a motorcycle in Asia, start in quieter towns like Kampot or the roads around Kep.
Renting a car with a driver
Renting a car with a driver is a popular option for excursions from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Expect $50 to $80 per day for a driver + air-conditioned vehicle. This is often the best option for exploring remote temples or destinations like Mondulkiri.
River transport
Cambodia is traversed by the Mekong and Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. It is possible to travel by boat between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap by boat
The express boat trip goes up the Tonle Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Duration: 5 to 6 hours depending on water level. Price: approximately $35 to $45. It is neither faster nor cheaper than the bus — but it is an experience in itself, offering beautiful river landscapes. Available mainly in the rainy season (May-November) when the lake level is high enough.
The boat is not recommended as a practical means of transport — prefer the Giant Ibis bus if you want to go quickly. But if you have time and want to see the floating villages and Cambodian countryside from the water, it is a memorable option.