Buses, Boats & Domestic Flights
Overland Buses
The bus network connects all major cities in Cambodia. The roads have significantly improved in recent years — the main routes (Phnom Penh → Siem Reap, Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville) are paved and easily passable.
| Route | Duration | Price | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh → Siem Reap | 5–6h | 8–15 USD | Giant Ibis, Mekong Express |
| Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville | 4–5h | 8–14 USD | Giant Ibis, BookMeBus |
| Phnom Penh → Kampot | 3–3.5h | 6–10 USD | Giant Ibis, Kampot Express |
| Siem Reap → Battambang | 3–4h | 5–8 USD | Capitol Tours |
| Phnom Penh → Kratie | 6h | 7–10 USD | Sorya, Rith Mony |
| Phnom Penh → Sen Monorom | 6–7h | 8–12 USD | Kim Seng, Rith Mony |
| Phnom Penh → Ban Lung | 9–10h | 12–15 USD | Rith Mony (night bus) |
Giant Ibis is the best bus provider: air-conditioned, comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, snacks included. Booking online possible. Mekong Express is the second-best option.
Boats
- Ferry Sihanoukville → Koh Rong: 45 min, 12–15 USD (Speed Ferry Company, Buva Sea). 3–5 departures daily.
- Ferry Sihanoukville → Koh Rong Samloem: 45–60 min, 12–15 USD.
- Boat Battambang → Siem Reap: Across Tonle Sap Lake (rainy season: 6–8h, dry season often not possible due to low water levels). 20 USD. Scenic but long and uncomfortable.
- Boat Phnom Penh → Siem Reap: Across Tonle Sap (6h, 35 USD). More expensive than bus, but a unique experience.
Domestic Flights
Cambodia Angkor Air and Lanmei Airlines connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Prices: 40–80 USD per route. The route Phnom Penh → Siem Reap takes only 45 min (vs. 6h bus) — often worth the extra 30–50 USD compared to the bus.
Moped/Motorcycle Rental
In Siem Reap, riding a moped is prohibited for tourists within the Angkor Park! In all other cities, you can rent Honda mopeds (125cc) for 5–10 USD/day. An international driver's license is recommended (rarely checked, but relevant for insurance in case of accidents). Helmet mandatory — but rarely enforced.
💡 Tipp
Book Giant Ibis for all major bus routes — the few extra dollars are worth it. The buses have free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a clean toilet on board. Online booking at giantibis.com (night trains to Siem Reap also available).
Achtung
Some minivan providers squeeze 15 passengers into 12-seater vans and drive recklessly. Avoid the cheapest providers and book with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express. The issue of traffic safety in Cambodia is unfortunately no joke — the country has one of the highest accident rates in Asia.
