Getting around Battambang — tuk-tuk, bus and bamboo train
Transport in Battambang for expats — tuk-tuk, buses to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, regional connections and the bamboo train norry.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 4 min
In 3 bullets
- Flat and compact city: the centre of Battambang can be crossed in 10 minutes by bicycle — the ideal mode of transport for daily life.
- Buses to Phnom Penh (5–6h) and Siem Reap (3–4h) — the two main connections.
- No regular flights: Battambang airport is poorly served. Plan on the bus as the main form of transport.
Local transport
Tuk-tuks
Ubiquitous in town, unregulated prices. Always fix the price before getting in. Expect 2–4 USD for a trip within the city.
PassApp
PassApp is available in Battambang but with fewer drivers than in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Useful for planned journeys.
Bicycle
The bicycle is the ideal way to get around daily in Battambang. The city is flat, distances are short (2–4 km from one end of the centre to the other). Rental available at some guesthouses (2–5 USD/day). Second-hand bicycle via local Facebook groups: 30–80 USD.
Motorbike and scooter
Useful for long-term residents and for exploring the province (rice fields, surrounding temples). Second-hand 125cc scooter: 400–900 USD. Cambodian driving licence required.
Bus and long-distance transport
| Destination | Duration | Indicative price | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 5–6h | 7–12 USD | Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham |
| Siem Reap | 3–4h | 5–10 USD | Local buses, shared taxi |
| Bangkok | ~6–7h | 15–25 USD | Via Poipet (northwest border), international shuttles |
| Poipet | 2–3h | 4–8 USD | Local buses to the Thai border |
Indicative rates and durations 2025 — book in advance for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in high season.
Battambang airport
Battambang airport exists but regular commercial flights are infrequent and irregular. Check airlines and schedules at time of booking. In practice, the vast majority of expats use the bus as their main transport.
Bamboo train (Norry)
The bamboo train is an iconic tourist attraction accessible from the city. Motorised platforms on old colonial railway tracks cross the rice fields to the east of Battambang.
- Price: approximately 5–8 USD per passenger (return trip with guide).
- Duration: 1h30 to 2h, depending on the circuit.
- Access: tuk-tuk from the centre (~4 km). Departures are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
FAQ
How do you get to Phnom Penh from Battambang?
Express bus with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express (5–6h, 7–12 USD) from Battambang bus terminal. Morning departures. Shared taxi also possible (~5h, slightly more expensive). No regular train.
Can you get to Bangkok from Battambang?
Yes — direct bus or with a connection via Poipet (northwest border), 2–3h from Battambang. Allow 6–7h total journey to Bangkok. Several international bus companies operate this route.
Are there overnight buses?
Some companies offer overnight buses to Phnom Penh. Less comfortable than Express daytime buses — best avoided for regular journeys.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.