Getting There & Away: Battambang

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Battambang Airport (BBM) handles no commercial passenger flights. Nearest international airports serve as main gateways.

Gateways to Cambodia

Siem Reap International Airport (REP): Approximately 3 hours by road from Battambang. Gateway to Angkor Wat.
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): Approximately 5-6 hours by road from Battambang. Cambodia’s largest airport.
Airlines: REP and PNH are served by regional airlines like Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air. Skyscanner for options.

Flight Routes & Prices

No direct flights from North America, Europe, or Australia. Connections typically occur via major Asian hubs.

Pricing & Airport Facilities

Price Fluctuations: Higher prices during high season (Nov-Feb) and holidays. Lower fares during low season (Jun-Oct). Consider Dollar Flight Club.
Airport Facilities (REP & PNH): Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, official transport services.
Transfers: From REP (3 hrs, US$50-70 taxi) or PNH (5-6 hrs, US$80-120 taxi). Buses are more economical (US$8-15).

Bus Transfers

Economical option from airports to bus stations, then to Battambang (3-7 hours).

Taxi Transfers

Fastest and most convenient. Arrange through hotel or airport taxi stand.

Train Transfers

From PNH (7-8 hours, US$6-10), scenic but slow. Services limited to weekends.

Airport Transfer Tip

Advance Booking

Consider booking your airport transfer to Battambang in advance.
Especially useful if arriving late at night.
Your guesthouse or hotel can often arrange a reliable pick-up.
This saves time and avoids negotiation upon arrival.

Ground Transport Options

Private car: Fastest, direct transfer.
Bus: More economical, requires a taxi to/from bus station.
Always factor in buffer time for unexpected delays.
Confirm pick-up locations and times.

Affiliate Resources for Flights

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights with Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Airlines

Use Skyscanner to compare routes and prices across different carriers.

Car Rentals

Book car rentals at your destination via DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

The most common land border crossing from Thailand is at Poipet (Cambodia side) / Aranyaprathet (Thai side).

Procedures and Travel

Obtain Thai exit stamp, then cross to Cambodian side for Visa on Arrival or e-Visa presentation.
From Poipet, shared taxis (US$7-10/person) or minivans/buses go to Battambang (2-3 hours).
Agree on price and destination before getting in. Beware of touts and unofficial "visa services."

Train Connections

Cambodia’s Royal Railway operates limited passenger train services. A line connects Phnom Penh to Battambang and continues onward to Poipet.

Schedule and Experience

Services are typically available only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Check Royal Railway website.
The train journey is slow (7-8 hours from Phnom Penh) but offers a scenic and relaxed way to see the countryside.
Tickets cost around US$6-10. Book in advance through the website or station.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses are the most popular and affordable intercity travel mode. Numerous companies offer daily services connecting Battambang to major cities.

Routes and Booking

From Phnom Penh: 5-7 hours, day/night buses from various companies.
From Siem Reap: 3-4 hours, regular bus and minivan services.
Book through guesthouses, local travel agents, or directly at the bus station.

Self-Driving & Motorbike Rental

Self-driving a car is generally not advised for tourists. Motorbike rentals are possible but require caution.

Considerations

Traffic is chaotic and unpredictable. International Driving Permit (IDP) and national license are legally needed for motorbikes.
Motorbike rentals: US$5-10/day. Only for experienced riders. Helmets are legally needed and for safety.
Major roads are paved. Rural roads can be unpaved, dusty, or muddy. Night driving holds more hazards.

Road Safety Reminders

Helmets are legally needed for motorbike riders and passengers.
Traffic is unpredictable; expect overloaded vehicles, weaving motorbikes, and livestock.
Night driving is more hazardous due to poor lighting and undisciplined driving.

Self-driving is generally not advised for tourists.
Drive defensively.
Be wary of touts and unofficial "visa services" at border crossings.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Transportation

While Battambang is inland, an unique and seasonal river boat service connects it to Siem Reap, presenting a scenic alternative to land travel.

Battambang River Boat to/from Siem Reap

A slow boat operates via the Tonlé Sap Lake and Sangkae River.
Highly water-level dependent, typically running during the wet season (approx. July to December).
Journey is long (6-9 hours) but offers an immersive experience, passing floating villages and rural life.

Local Water Travel

Shorter trips on local long-tail boats are available on the Sangkae River within Battambang for sightseeing or visiting nearby attractions.

Connections and Cost

River boat tickets cost typically US$20-25. Book through your guesthouse or local agent.
Upon arrival at the Battambang river boat dock, tuk-tuks are readily available to transport you.
Agree on the fare beforehand with your tuk-tuk driver.

Snacks & Water

Pack snacks and water for long river journeys. Sun protection is also important.

Waterproof Bag

A waterproof bag for electronics is useful during the river boat trip.

Sun Protection

The journey can be exposed to elements, so consider a hat and sunscreen.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Airport Procedures

No specific departure taxes are separately payable when leaving Cambodia by air; any relevant airport taxes are typically included in your international flight ticket price.

Timing for Departure

Airports (REP or PNH): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international flight departure.
Factor in travel time from Battambang to the airport (3 hours to Siem Reap, 5-6 hours to Phnom Penh by road).
Bus/Train Stations: Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure for luggage loading.

Station Facilities & Confirmation

International airports (REP & PNH) offer various facilities for departing travelers. Battambang’s bus/train stations are generally more basic.

Facilities and Tips

Airport Facilities: Duty-free shops, dining options, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs.
Battambang Stations: Basic shops for snacks and drinks. Limited facilities.
Reconfirm: Reconfirm your bus or train ticket details (departure time and location) the day before.

Avoiding Unofficial Fees

Land Border Crossings

Be cautious of unofficial "exit fees" that some border officials might attempt to levy. There are no official exit fees.

Report Issues

If approached for unofficial fees, politely decline and ask for an official receipt if insisted upon. Report any issues to tourism authorities.

Getting There & Away