Getting around Siem Reap — tuk-tuk, bicycle, PassApp and airport
Transport in Siem Reap for expats — PassApp, tuk-tuk, bicycle, bus to Phnom Penh and access to the new SAI airport (50 km from the centre).
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 5 min
In 3 bullets
- Flat and compact city: the centre of Siem Reap can be crossed in 15 minutes by bicycle — the most practical and economical mode of transport for daily life.
- PassApp and Grab available for longer trips or in rainy weather. Street tuk-tuks are still very present but charge unregulated prices.
- New SAI airport 50 km to the south-east: allow 45–60 min travel time and 30–40 USD by taxi. The old central airport closed in October 2023.
Ride-hailing apps
PassApp
The Cambodian reference app. Tuk-tuk, moto-taxi, car. Transparent pricing before confirmation, payment in USD.
- Tuk-tuk in the city centre: 1–3 USD
- Car in the city centre: 3–6 USD
- Download: App Store / Google Play (“PassApp Taxi”)
Grab
Present in Siem Reap but less dominant than PassApp. More international interface, useful if you already know Grab from other Southeast Asian countries.
Bicycle
The bicycle is the ideal mode of transport for daily life in Siem Reap. The city is flat, distances are short (3–5 km from one end of the centre to the other) and traffic is significantly lighter than in Phnom Penh.
- Rental: 1–3 USD/day for a standard bicycle, 5–10 USD/day for an electric bicycle.
- Purchase: second-hand bicycles available via expat Facebook groups (30–100 USD).
- For the temples: bicycles are allowed in the Angkor park and are recommended for early-morning visitors (departing before 7 am for sunrises).
Moto and scooter
Useful for long-term residents and for exploring the province. Second-hand 125cc scooter: 500–1,000 USD. Cambodian driving licence required to ride legally.
Bus and long-distance transport
| Destination | Duration | Indicative price | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 5–7h | 10–18 USD | Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham |
| Bangkok (direct) | ~10h | 20–35 USD | Giant Ibis (Poipet border), Nattakan |
| Battambang | 3–4h | 5–10 USD | Various local buses |
Indicative 2025 fares and durations — book in advance during high season (Nov.–Mar.).
Buses generally depart from the Siem Reap bus terminal (near the old market or depending on the company). Giant Ibis is the value-for-money reference for Phnom Penh.
Airport access
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI)
- Airport taxi: 30–40 USD (one way, fixed price) — book via PassApp car or hotel agency.
- Shared shuttle: 8–12 USD depending on provider — book in advance.
- No direct public transport between SAI and the city centre.
Reference trips
| Route | Tuk-tuk / PassApp | Bicycle |
|---|---|---|
| Centre → Wat Bo | 1–2 USD | 10–15 min |
| Centre → Pub Street | 1 USD | 5 min |
| Centre → Angkor Wat | 3–6 USD | 30–40 min |
| Centre → Banteay Srei | 12–20 USD | Not recommended (35 km) |
| Centre → SAI (airport) | 30–40 USD | Not feasible |
2025 estimates — outside rush hour and high season.
FAQ
Is the old Siem Reap airport still in use?
No — the REP airport (Siem Reap International Airport, 3 km from the centre) has been closed since October 2023. All commercial flights operate from the new SAI 50 km to the south-east. Double-check the airport location before booking your taxi.
Is cycling safe for visiting the temples?
Yes — the Angkor park has marked cycle paths and traffic is very light within the park enclosure. For Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, allow 20–40 min cycling from the centre. For distant temples (Banteay Srei, 35 km), a tuk-tuk is preferable.
Is PassApp available 24/7 in Siem Reap?
Yes, but the number of available drivers decreases significantly after 11 pm. Expect a longer wait at night, or arrange in advance with a street tuk-tuk driver for late returns.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.