MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Phnom Penh

How to Get to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Cambodia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) serves as the main air gateway to the capital. Located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) west of the city center, it handles international and domestic flights.

Airlines & Routes

  • Major carriers: Cambodia Angkor Air, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates.
  • Budget carriers: AirAsia, Jetstar, Vietjet Air. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
  • Most flights connect to Southeast Asian hubs (Bangkok, Singapore, Kl, Ho Chi Minh City) and East Asian cities (Seoul, Hong Kong, Guangzhou).

Global Connections

Direct flights from Europe, North America, or Australia are generally not available. Travelers from these particular continents typically connect through major Asian hubs.

Connecting Hubs

  • Common connection points: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
  • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
  • Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), or Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Airport Facilities

PNH provides shopping (duty-free, souvenirs), food, financial services (currency exchange, ATMs), SIM card sales, and lounges.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Flight prices increase during peak dry season (Nov-Feb) and holidays. Lower prices during the monsoon (Jun-Oct). Book several months ahead for high season.

Transfer Options

Options from PNH into the city's core: taxi (US$12-15), private car (DiscoverCars.com), ride-sharing (Grab, PassApp, US$8-12 car, US$7-10 tuk-tuk), shuttle to the airport (US$1), train (US$2.50).

Transfer Tips

Pre-Arrival Arrangements

  • Consider pre-booking an airfield transfer for convenience, especially after a long flight.
  • Use Grab or PassApp for transparent and competitive fares from the airport.
  • Tuk-tuks outside the terminal need fare negotiation.
  • Airport shuttle bus and train are low-cost-friendly options.

Onward Travel

  • From the railway station, take a tuk-tuk or Grab to your accommodation.
  • Fixed-price taxis are available at a counter outside the terminal.
  • The the airport provides vehicle hire amenities at designated counters.
  • For convenience upon arrival, especially after a long flight, consider in advance-booking an air terminal transfer.

Airport Facilities & Services

Shopping

Duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and local stores available for last-minute purchases.

Food and Beverages

Various dining options, including local plus global dishes, cafes, and speedy-food outlets.

Financial & Connectivity

Currency exchange counters and ATMs (dispensing USD) are available. SIM card sales desks for local mobile providers.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Cambodia shares land borders with Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. Major crossings facilitate regional travel.

Crossings

  • Vietnam: Bavet/Moc Bai (Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City), Kaam Samnor/Vinh Xuong (Mekong Delta).
  • Thailand: Poipet/Aranyaprathet (less direct for Phnom Penh), Cham Yeam/Hat Lek (the south coast).
  • Laos: Dong Kralor/Veun Kham (main crossing).

Bus & Train Options

An extensive bus the network links Phnom Penh to most major Cambodian cities and surrounding countries. The railway system is limited but offers a scenic alternative.

Connectivity

  • Train: Royal Railway connects Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and Poipet. Slower more so than buses but different travel experience.
  • Long-distance bus: Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham, Capitol Tours. Routes to The City of temples (5-7 hrs), Sihanoukville (3-FIVE hours), Ho Chi Minh City (6-8 hrs).
  • Booking: Book bus tickets online, through your hotel/guesthouse, or directly at coach operator offices.

Self-Driving

Self-driving in Cambodia is generally not recommended for tourists. Traffic can be chaotic, local driving habits differ significantly from Western norms, and road conditions vary. Accident rates are high.

Considerations

  • Challenges: Chaotic traffic, reckless driving, variable road conditions.
  • Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed on top of your home country's driver's license.
  • Recommendation: If you prefer the flexibility of a private vehicle, hire a car with a local driver. This reduces stress.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads between major cities, like the highways linking The Capital of cambodia to Siem Reap or Sihanoukville, are generally paved and in reasonable condition. Roads in a pastoral setting can be unpaved, dusty in the dry season, and muddy/rough in the wet season. Road safety has concerns.

Safety Notes

  • Road Safety: High accident rates due to aggressive driving, speeding, overloaded vehicles, and poor vehicle maintenance.
  • Night Driving: Carries higher risks due to poor lighting and unlit obstacles.
  • Always wear a seatbelt when available.

Border Crossing Tips

  • Confirm visa policies for your passport before planning land crossings.
  • Research specific border post opening hours and procedures.
  • Have exact change for visa application costs at land borders.
  • Be careful of scams at border crossings (e.g., inflated visa prices).
  • Direct buses often streamline the border process.
  • Visas on arrival are often is offered at major land crossings for many nationalities.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Cruises

The City of four faces, being inland, does not have sea ferry services directly connecting to it. However, its river location allows for the riverine travel, notably multi-day Mekong River cruises.

Mekong Journeys

  • Common pause for multi-day Mekong River cruises.
  • Cruises typically originate or end in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) or further upriver in Cambodia (The Gateway to angkor wat via Tonle Sap).
  • These cruises offer a high-end method of experiencing the Mekong Delta and its cultures.

River Transportation

Passenger boat services exist between The Vibrant heart of cambodia and Siem Reap (via the Tonle Sap Lake and River). These services are seasonal, depending on water depth, and often take longer than bus travel. They offer a different perspective of the terrain.

Local Boat Options

  • A Boat operated by locals Trips: Shorter boat trips are available on the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.
  • These include sunset cruises and visits to islands in the vicinity like Koh Dach (Silk Island).
  • Immigration: For international Mekong River cruises, procedures are typically handled onboard or at designated river ports.

Cruise Logistics

Cruise operators typically manage entry processes, providing guidance to passengers.

Port Connections

River ports in Phnom Penh are generally close to the city center for easy access to onward transport.

Seasonal Availability

Passenger boat services (Phnom Penh-Siem Reap) depend on water depth, often less frequent in the dry season.

Departure Information

Exit & Procedures

International departure taxes are generally included in the air ticket price for flights leaving from The City of four faces International Airport. You typically do not pay a separate fee at the airport.

Departure Guidance

  • International Flights: Arrive at PNH at least 2-THREE hours prior to scheduled departure.
  • Domestic Flights/Buses/Trains: 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights, 30 minutes for buses/trains.
  • Have your passport, boarding pass, and any required onward travel documents ready.

Airport & Station Facilities

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) provides a variety of services for departing passengers. Bus stations and the train station also provide amenities.

Amenities

  • PNH Airport: Duty-free shops, a variety of restaurants and cafes, lounges, and currency exchange services.
  • Bus Stations: Generally offer basic waiting areas, small shops for snacks and drinks, and bathrooms.
  • Phnom Penh Rail Depot: Provides a waiting area and ticket counters.

Departure Checklist

Passport & Boarding Pass

Ensure these are easily accessible.

Luggage & Weight

Check airline weight limits to avoid extra fees.

Onward Travel

Have any necessary records for your subsequent destination ready.

Smooth Departure

Keep all travel documents, especially your passport and boarding pass, easily accessible for a smooth departure.

How to Get to Phnom Penh. Flights, Transportation, Airlines