Book transport around the shape of your trip, not around the cheapest fare shown on one screen. In Cambodia, pickup location, road conditions, luggage, arrival time and the final connection can matter as much as the vehicle. This guide covers the main ways to travel, typical journey times on popular routes, and how to book with confidence.
Compare the complete journey
| Mode | Often useful for | Confirm before paying |
|---|---|---|
| Bus or minivan | Popular city-to-city routes | Operator, vehicle, pickup, drop-off, luggage and breaks |
| Private car | Families, groups and flexible stops | Vehicle, total price, route and waiting time |
| Domestic flight | Selected long distances | Operating date, airport transfers and baggage |
| Boat or ferry | Islands and seasonal waterways | Pier, weather policy, last connection and hotel transfer |
| Train | Where the current timetable fits | Running day, station and onward connection |
Popular routes at a glance
| Route | Approximate road time | Usual options |
|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh – Siem Reap | 5–6 hours | Bus, express minivan, private car, flight |
| Phnom Penh – Kampot | 3–4 hours | Minivan, bus, private car, train on some days |
| Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville | 3–4 hours by expressway | Bus, minivan, train, flight |
| Siem Reap – Battambang | About 3 hours | Bus, minivan, private car, seasonal boat |
| Phnom Penh – Kratie | 5–6 hours | Minivan, bus, private car |
| Kratie – Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) | About 3–4 hours | Minivan, private car |
Journey times are approximate and depend on traffic, roadworks, stops and weather. We do not list fares here because operators change them often; the travel costs guide gives indicative ranges, and the booking platforms below show current prices. Last checked 21 September 2026.
How to book
Online
Booking platforms
Sites and apps such as BookMeBus and 12Go list many bus, minivan, ferry and train operators, with seat choice and e-tickets.
In person
Operator offices
Buying at the operator’s office lets you confirm the exact departure point and ask about luggage. Keep the printed or photographed ticket.
Through your stay
Guesthouses and hotels
Many will book for you and arrange pickup. Ask which operator they use and whether a small booking fee is included.
Buses, minivans and sleepers
Large buses are steadier and have more luggage space. Express minivans are faster but can be cramped, and luggage may travel on the roof or in the back seats. Overnight sleeper buses save a hotel night on long routes, but berths are narrow and often shared. Choose daytime travel if you want to see the countryside or prefer not to arrive before dawn.
Trains, boats and flights
Rail
Royal Railway
Trains run south from Phnom Penh via Takeo and Kampot to Sihanoukville. Other lines have been limited or suspended, so check Royal Railway’s official booking page before planning around any train. Services are limited and change seasonally, so check the current timetable on authorized booking sites before planning around them.
Water
Island ferries
Speedboats to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem leave from Sihanoukville. Confirm which pier and beach the boat serves, and expect cancellations in rough weather, especially in the wet season.
Air
Domestic flights
Useful mainly between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Both cities’ airports are some distance from the center, so add the transfer time before comparing with the bus.
Before you press book
- Check recent operator information and the exact departure point.
- Ask whether the ticket includes hotel pickup or only a station transfer.
- Allow a generous buffer before an international flight.
- Save the booking and operator contact offline.
- Reconfirm boat and remote-road journeys when weather is unsettled.
Protect the final connection
Do not combine a long intercity road journey with a same-day international departure unless the buffer is substantial. An extra night near the airport is often cheaper than rebuilding a missed itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Should I book buses in advance?
For most routes a day or two ahead is enough. Book further ahead around Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and long weekends, when many people travel home.
Are night buses safe?
Many travelers use them without problems, but road travel at night carries more risk. Choose an established operator and keep valuables with you.
Can I travel overland to Thailand or Vietnam?
International buses run to Vietnam on some routes. Land crossings with Thailand have been subject to closures, so do not assume an overland route is open. Check current official information and your visa requirements before booking.