Getting There and Travelling Around

International Airports

• Pochentong (PNH): 12 km from Phnom Penh.
• Full list of airports in Cambodia with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Banlung, Battambang, Sihanoukville, Sen Monorom and Stung Treng all have airports; however, at the time of writing there are only flights to Banlung from Phnom Penh. Internal flights also operate between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for Angkor, taking 45 minutes. The ancient temples at are then just a 10-minute taxi ride from the city.

Cambodia has extensive inland waterways. The Mekong and the Tonle Sap River, their numerous tributaries, and the Tonle Sap provided avenues of considerable length, including 3,700 kilometres which is navigable all year round. Government-run ferries depart from the Psar Cha Ministry of Transport Ferry Landing and go to Siem Reap, a route popular with travellers. However, the water level can become very low in the dry season, and boat services are often suspended.

Cambodia has two rail lines, totalling about 612 kilometres of track. The lines run from the capital Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville on the southern coast, and from Phnom Penh to Sisophon (although trains often run only as far as Battambang). Currently only one passenger train per week operates, between Phnom Penh and Battambang. This service runs on Saturdays, taking a total of 12 hours. However, visitors are not encouraged to use the trains, and will probably find that the long distance buses that travel from Phnom Penh to destinations such as Kampot, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Siem Reap are quicker and more comfortable.

Driving can be hazardous, due to the poor conditions of the roads. Accidents caused by reckless driving are relatively frequent and other vehicles cannot always be relied on to use headlights at night. Although car hire can be arranged, it is generally not recommended. Visitors are advised to hire a car with driver for approximately the same cost, which can be arranged through tour operators or by private negotiation with a taxi waiting outside the hotels. In Siem Reap, rental outlets have been banned from hiring motorcycles to tourists due to the high number of accidents.

Taxis may be hired in the main cities; however, as they are not metered you must fix a price in advance. Tips are welcome. Motodops (motorcycle taxis) and cyclos (tricycles) are an inexpensive and efficient way to get around the cities. You may find that some of the drivers, especially those found outside main hotels, speak a little English or French.