How get around Cambodia by bus, motorcycle, boat and more

08.01.2025 - 15:43 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 8, 2025 • 8 min read

Nick Ray wrote the chapters on Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for the 14th edition of Lonely Planet’s guide to Cambodia, scheduled for publication in September 2025.

It’s not hard to navigate between the famed temples, jungles and beaches of Cambodia.

Still, even though the country’s roads have improved massively in recent years, conditions can vary widely from the dry to the wet season. And any traveler should count on trips between points of interest being cheaper than they are quick.

Buses and minivans offer the most popular form of transport for travelers, with routes connecting all major towns, cities and tourist hubs. Renting a private car or 4WD with a driver is an affordable option for those who value time over money, while renting a motorcycle is a highly rewarding way for experienced riders to take in the magnificent countryside.

Domestic flights link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville – though cruising at altitude denies you the adventure of traveling by road. Boat travel is less common than it used to be, yet many fast speedboat services connect the the islands off the South Coast, and ferries ply Tonlé Sap Lake and the Mekong and Sangkae Rivers. Train services connect Phnom Penh to the coast and the Thai border at Poipet in the northwest, even if departures are infrequent.

However you prefer to travel, here are our top tips for getting around Cambodia.

While you should always give thought to the carbon cost, domestic flights provide a great way to avoid Cambodia’s unpredictable roads. Shuttle flights are frequent between the country’s three functioning airports – in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville – and provide generally good value (unless you book at the very last minute).

Airlines tend to come and go in Cambodia, with many of the newer carriers oriented to serve the booming Chinese market. Reliable options include Cambodia Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air and Sky Angkor Airlines, all of which offer a mix of domestic routes and links to other hubs in Asia.

Travelers will find a wide range of options for traveling by road in Cambodia. On paved roads, large and comfortable air-conditioned buses and speedy express minivans are the most popular choices. Elsewhere in the country, a shared taxi or local minibus is the way to go.

All of Cambodia's major cities are now well connected to Phnom Penh by modern express buses that follow paved highways – though if your’e traveling from one end of the country to the other you may have to change buses in Phnom Penh or another hub, which can add to the overall journey time. While it doesn’t cover all of Cambodia’s bus companies, the Bookmebus platform provides a great option for booking bus tickets across the country.

Unlike crowded