Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: Bus or Flight?

Siem Reap to Phnom Penh links Cambodia's temple town with its capital along the improved National Highway 6. The direct bus is the simple, cheap choice at about six hours; express vans shave some time, and a short flight is fastest if your schedule is tight. Here is how they compare.

Distance	About 315 km
Cheapest	Direct coach
Fastest	Flight (about 45 min)
Best value	Giant Ibis direct bus

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Bus	Giant Ibis / Mekong Express coach The traveler favorite: comfortable direct coaches with wifi and a rest stop. Book Giant Ibis early, it sells out.	about 6 hours	approx €12 to €20	No	Check on 12Go →
Bus	Express minivan A little quicker and cheaper but more cramped, with door to door pickup.	about 5 to 6 hours	approx €10 to €16	No	Check on 12Go →
Flight	Cambodia Angkor Air Fastest in the air, though airport time narrows the real saving over the bus.	about 45 minutes	approx €60 to €120	No	Compare on Kiwi →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?

About 6 hours on the direct highway coach, with a rest stop along the way. Express vans can be slightly quicker.

What is the best bus company?

Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are the traveler favorites for comfort and safety, with wifi and assigned seats. Book Giant Ibis a day or two ahead.

Is it worth flying Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?

The flight is only about 45 minutes, but once you add airport time and its higher cost, the direct bus is the better value for most travelers.

How much is the bus fare?

Direct coaches run from roughly EUR 12 to 20, and express minivans a little less, making it one of the cheapest intercity trips in Cambodia.

Can I do it as a day trip?

It is better as a one-way transfer between the two cities than a day trip, since the round trip alone is about 12 hours on the road.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.