Getting around Phnom Penh — tuk-tuk, moto, car and transport

In 3 bullets

• PassApp and Grab cover 100% of daily needs in Phnom Penh — prices fixed upfront, payment in USD or KHR, city-centre rides rarely above 3–4 USD.
• No structured public transport: no metro, limited bus network that is impractical for expats.
• Moto or car: useful for families or long-term residents. Moto = freedom + safety risk; car with driver = comfort + 25–40 USD/day.

Ride-hailing apps (recommended)

PassApp

The leading Cambodian app in Phnom Penh. Tuk-tuk, moto-taxi and car. English interface, transparent pricing before confirmation. Pay cash or via ABA Pay (Bakong).

• Tuk-tuk in the city: 2–5 USD
• Car in the city: 4–8 USD
• Download: App Store / Google Play (“PassApp Taxi”)

Grab

Present in Phnom Penh but less dominant than PassApp. More international interface. Useful if you already know Grab from other Southeast Asian countries.

Getting around without an app

Street tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks parked in front of hotels and markets charge unregulated prices — always negotiate before getting in. Indicative fare: 2–4 USD for a city-centre ride (to be negotiated). Useful at night or when apps are busy.

Cyclo and rickshaw

Essentially a tourist option (Royal Palace, Phsar Thmei). Not suited to an expat’s daily life.

Moto and scooter

Renting or buying a moto is common among settled expats. A second-hand 125cc scooter costs 500–1,200 USD to buy.

Rules to follow:

• Helmet mandatory — fined without one (5,000–10,000 KHR in practice).
• Cambodian driving licence required to ride legally. A European licence is recognised for a short stay but not for long-term residency. See the driving licence guide.
• Moto insurance: recommended even if not widespread. Accidents are frequent in Phnom Penh.

Car

Car with driver

The preferred option for expat families. A part-time or full-time driver costs 300–500 USD/month. Per day: 25–40 USD depending on distance.

Platforms: PassApp (car option), local agencies, recommendations in expat groups.

Driving your own car

Perfectly feasible. Cambodian licence required for long-term residency. 4x4s dominate (roads can be rough in rainy season in some peripheral areas). Registration and annual tax required — see the vehicle registration guide.

Airport access

Techo International Airport (KTI)

Phnom Penh’s new airport, located in Kandal province ~30 km south of the city. Opened in 2024, it is progressively replacing Pochentong for international flights.

• PassApp car ride from BKK1: 12–18 USD, 40–60 min outside rush hour.
• Tuk-tuk: not recommended for large luggage.
• Hotel shuttle: available at some large hotels.

Pochentong (old airport)

Still active for some domestic and regional flights. Closer to the centre (8 km from BKK1), PassApp fare: 6–10 USD.

Reference fares

FAQ

Is traffic bad in Phnom Penh?

Yes, significant during rush hours (7–9 am, 5–7 pm) particularly on main roads (Norodom, Monivong, Russian Blvd). A 5 km trip can take 20–40 min at peak times. Prefer the tuk-tuk or moto: they filter through traffic.

Does PassApp accept foreign bank cards?

Cash payment (USD or KHR) is universal. The ABA Pay option (local digital payment) is available for those with an ABA Bank account. Foreign credit cards are not directly accepted in the app.

Do I need to rent a car on arrival?

Not necessary unless you have a lot of luggage or are arriving late at night. PassApp or Grab from the airport is straightforward and cheaper than an airport shuttle.