PLAN YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY WITH US
CAMBODIA TRAINS & FLIGHTS
Table of Contents
Train
Railroads in Cambodia
Cambodia’s single railway line runs for 160 miles between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand coast. Completed in 1969, a year before the Cambodian civil war began, the train passes through lovely southern Cambodian countryside and is particularly beautiful after Kampot, where the tracks wind along the sea at the edge of the Elephant Mountains. Trains from Phnom Penh to Battambang Province depart from Phnom Penh about 5:00am or 6:00am with travel taking much of the day
Why choose the train?
Cambodia now has one domestic train service, and there are bus links to neighbouring countries. As always, overland travel will be far more interesting than flying, as well as better for the environment, and the journeys will be as much part of your travel experience as the destination cities and sights.
Getting out of Phnom Penh by road at any time of day except very early morning is generally a hassle, due to the volume of traffic. Phnom Penh train station is centrally located, easy to get to, and the train cuts through the suburbs more quickly than buses or taxis.
A Royal Railways sign at the station informs passengers “Never boarding late as the train never waits anyone.” So far, the service has proved to be pretty reliable, more often arriving early than late. Unlike buses, which often make a frustrating number of stops to pick up passengers or drop off bags of mangoes, the train is direct.
Whilst the average speed is somewhat slower than road vehicles, the train travel time compares favorably with similarly priced buses (4.5 hours to Kampot, another two hours to Sihanoukville). If speed is of the essence, the more expensive Giant Ibis buses or a private taxi will likely get you from Phnom Penh to Kampot more quickly, if more queasily.
Getting out of Phnom Penh by road at any time of day except very early morning is generally a hassle, due to the volume of traffic. Phnom Penh train station is centrally located, easy to get to, and the train cuts through the suburbs more quickly than buses or taxis.
A Royal Railways sign at the station informs passengers “Never boarding late as the train never waits anyone.” So far, the service has proved to be pretty reliable, more often arriving early than late. Unlike buses, which often make a frustrating number of stops to pick up passengers or drop off bags of mangoes, the train is direct.
Whilst the average speed is somewhat slower than road vehicles, the train travel time compares favorably with similarly priced buses (4.5 hours to Kampot, another two hours to Sihanoukville). If speed is of the essence, the more expensive Giant Ibis buses or a private taxi will likely get you from Phnom Penh to Kampot more quickly, if more queasily.
How to buy train tickets?
You can buy tickets online from reliable ticketing agency
Or buy at the station or by phone on +855 78 888 582-83.
Or buy at the station or by phone on +855 78 888 582-83.
- In Phnom Penh, the station ticket office is open 08:00-16:30 weekdays, 06:00-16:00 weekends.
- In Kampot, the station ticket office is open 08:00-16:00 Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon. Closed Tuesdays.
- In Sihanoukville, the station ticket office is open 06:00-16:00 Sat & Sun, 08:00-16:30 Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, closed Tuesdays.
Ticket prices
- Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville $7-8
- Phnom Penh – Kampot $6-7
- Phnom Penh – Takeo $4-5
- Kampot – Phnom Penh $6-7
- Kampot – Takeo $5-6
- Kampot – Sihanoukville $4-5
- Takeo – Phnom Penh $4-5
- Takeo – Kampot $5-6
- Takeo – Sihanoukville $6-7
- Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh $7-8
- Sihanoukville – Takeo $6-7
- Sihanoukville – Kampot $4-5
Tickets and Timetable
The ticket office at Phnom Penh station is open 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also call 078 888 583 during the same hours, but the easiest way to buy a ticket is in person. From Sihanoukville, Kampot or Takeo, enquire at the station.
The Friday train is generally less busy than the Saturday and Sunday journeys, but it’s best to buy your ticket a couple of days in advance to be sure of being able to travel. For public holidays, the earlier the better, as trains only carry around 100 passengers each.
Scheduled train times are as follows, but do check at the station — timetable alterations may be made as this new service develops.
Fridays
Phnom Penh 3 p.m., Takeo 4:30 p.m., Kampot 7:40 p.m., arrives Sihanoukville at 10 p.m.
Saturdays
Phnom Penh 7 a.m., Takeo 8:30 a.m., Kampot 11:40 a.m., arrives Sihanoukville at 2 p.m.
Sihanoukville 7 a.m., Kampot 8:40 a.m., Takeo 11:50 a.m., arrives Phnom Penh at 2 p.m.
Sundays
Phnom Penh 7 a.m., Takeo 8:30 a.m., Kampot 11:40 a.m., arrives Sihanoukville at 2 p.m.
Phnom Penh 4 p.m., Takeo 5:30 p.m., Kampot 8:40 p.m., arrives Sihanoukville at 11 p.m.
Sihanoukville 7 a.m., Kampot 8:40 a.m., Takeo 11:50 a.m., arrives Phnom Penh at 2 p.m.
Sihanoukville 4 p.m., Kampot 5:40 p.m., Takeo 8 p.m., arrives Phnom Penh 11 p.m.
Mondays
Sihanoukville 7 a.m., Kampot 8:40 a.m., Takeo 11:50 a.m., arrives Phnom Penh at 2 p.m.
Holidays
There is now expanded holiday coverage, and trains run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during major holidays
The Friday train is generally less busy than the Saturday and Sunday journeys, but it’s best to buy your ticket a couple of days in advance to be sure of being able to travel. For public holidays, the earlier the better, as trains only carry around 100 passengers each.
Scheduled train times are as follows, but do check at the station — timetable alterations may be made as this new service develops.
Fridays
Phnom Penh 3 p.m., Takeo 4:30 p.m., Kampot 7:40 p.m., arrives Sihanoukville at 10 p.m.
Saturdays
Phnom Penh 7 a.m., Takeo 8:30 a.m., Kampot 11:40 a.m., arrives Sihanoukville at 2 p.m.
Sihanoukville 7 a.m., Kampot 8:40 a.m., Takeo 11:50 a.m., arrives Phnom Penh at 2 p.m.
Sundays
Phnom Penh 7 a.m., Takeo 8:30 a.m., Kampot 11:40 a.m., arrives Sihanoukville at 2 p.m.
Phnom Penh 4 p.m., Takeo 5:30 p.m., Kampot 8:40 p.m., arrives Sihanoukville at 11 p.m.
Sihanoukville 7 a.m., Kampot 8:40 a.m., Takeo 11:50 a.m., arrives Phnom Penh at 2 p.m.
Sihanoukville 4 p.m., Kampot 5:40 p.m., Takeo 8 p.m., arrives Phnom Penh 11 p.m.
Mondays
Sihanoukville 7 a.m., Kampot 8:40 a.m., Takeo 11:50 a.m., arrives Phnom Penh at 2 p.m.
Holidays
There is now expanded holiday coverage, and trains run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during major holidays
Seat types and facilities on Cambodia trains
Passenger trains in Cambodia are very basic, and many of the fitting and furnishing are the same as those used in houses and hotels rather than made bespoke for use on a train.
Despite being basic, and having unusual fittings, trains in Cambodia are comfortable. The trains are air-conditioned and well light. The seating is comfortable enough also. The trains have a kitchen in a separate carriage and fairly good toilets. The doors between the carriages have the same type of door handle you would use on an internal door in a private house and do not shut automatically.
The only major weakness in train services in Cambodia is that they are very slow. It takes 7 hours 30 minutes to travel 264 km from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville which means the train travels at an average speed of 35.2 kilometres per hour, which is even slower than the notoriously slow train services in Myanmar. Train services in Cambodia are the slowest in South East Asia, but nonetheless are a good option for travelling around Cambodia because much of the road network is poorly maintained and congested and travel road by Cambodia is pretty slow as well. The only way to travel quickly in Cambodia is to fly.
Standard Seats on Cambodia Trains
The majority of the seating on passenger trains in Cambodia is in carriages which have two padded bench type seats facing each other creating groups of four seats, except for the last rows by the doors which are single two seat benches.
Seats are allocated when you buy tickets, and the conductors on Cambodia train now enforce the seat allocation. If you are allocated a bad seat unfortunately you are likely to be stuck with it for most of the journey. On trains from Phnom Penh to Shinoukville a lot of people leave the train at Kampot and you can normally find, and stay, in a different seat on the last part of the journey to Sihanoukville.
Sofa Seats on Cambodia Trains
The other type of seat on a Cambodia train is a sofa type seat. In these types of carriage, of which there are fewer in Cambodia trains, the whole carriage is taken up by two long well padded seats with a wide passageway in between.
These sofa style seats tend to get booked up a long way in advance by larger groups of Cambodian people, often extended families on weekend breaks to the seaside. You will see families bring picnic lunches and boxes of beer, which are very cheap in Cambodia, and take over entire carriages enjoying the train journey as part of their holiday. Train travel may be slow but it can also be enjoyable.
Despite being basic, and having unusual fittings, trains in Cambodia are comfortable. The trains are air-conditioned and well light. The seating is comfortable enough also. The trains have a kitchen in a separate carriage and fairly good toilets. The doors between the carriages have the same type of door handle you would use on an internal door in a private house and do not shut automatically.
The only major weakness in train services in Cambodia is that they are very slow. It takes 7 hours 30 minutes to travel 264 km from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville which means the train travels at an average speed of 35.2 kilometres per hour, which is even slower than the notoriously slow train services in Myanmar. Train services in Cambodia are the slowest in South East Asia, but nonetheless are a good option for travelling around Cambodia because much of the road network is poorly maintained and congested and travel road by Cambodia is pretty slow as well. The only way to travel quickly in Cambodia is to fly.
Standard Seats on Cambodia Trains
The majority of the seating on passenger trains in Cambodia is in carriages which have two padded bench type seats facing each other creating groups of four seats, except for the last rows by the doors which are single two seat benches.
Seats are allocated when you buy tickets, and the conductors on Cambodia train now enforce the seat allocation. If you are allocated a bad seat unfortunately you are likely to be stuck with it for most of the journey. On trains from Phnom Penh to Shinoukville a lot of people leave the train at Kampot and you can normally find, and stay, in a different seat on the last part of the journey to Sihanoukville.
Sofa Seats on Cambodia Trains
The other type of seat on a Cambodia train is a sofa type seat. In these types of carriage, of which there are fewer in Cambodia trains, the whole carriage is taken up by two long well padded seats with a wide passageway in between.
These sofa style seats tend to get booked up a long way in advance by larger groups of Cambodian people, often extended families on weekend breaks to the seaside. You will see families bring picnic lunches and boxes of beer, which are very cheap in Cambodia, and take over entire carriages enjoying the train journey as part of their holiday. Train travel may be slow but it can also be enjoyable.
Battambang Bamboo Train
The bamboo train is a small plywood-framed cart, with a bamboo mat placed on top whilst resting on top of two independent rail axles recycled from damaged tanks left over from the Cambodian genocide war. A simple two stroke motor sits at the back and accelerates the bamboo train a steady 50km/h. Welcome to the Cambodian Bamboo Train.
This idea first popped up when locals of Battambang city realized the Northern Cambodian Line built by the French and left abandoned for numerous decades could convert into a system to ease the transport of goods during the United Nations Transitional Authority of Cambodia period.
It took only a few years for tourists to hear about this and to offer $5 to the locals to transport them down and back on the single track. When two bamboo trains would meet head on, the train with the least tourists (usually sits up to 5) would need to disassemble and allow the other to pass. The dissembling and reassembling process can take 3 minutes.
In 2018 the local government closed the old bamboo train line as they make way for the tracks to be upgraded to an actual train line that’ll provide a passenger trains between Cambodia and Thailand once completed around 2025.
The government created a new bamboo train tourist zone located 20km out of Battambang which basically circles around a carpark and can only have 6 bamboo train carts working at once. This received a lot of negative feedback from tourists and has been named the tourist trap of Battambang. We certainly recommend avoiding this area.
However, we here at YPT have followed the original tracks from Battambang train station further down the line and found an unofficial bamboo train with families living along the line operating this business.
The cost of $5 includes a return trip per person and takes you 25 minutes out of Battambang passing villages within a jungle and then out to an empty field placing you in the middle of nowhere. There’s a small hut that’s been built for tourists that include water and snacks.
There’s no other experience in the world to ride the rails only a few inches off the ground at speeds of 50km/h from a makeshift cart. A unique experience we highly recommend which is why we’ve included this into our Cambodian tour.
This idea first popped up when locals of Battambang city realized the Northern Cambodian Line built by the French and left abandoned for numerous decades could convert into a system to ease the transport of goods during the United Nations Transitional Authority of Cambodia period.
It took only a few years for tourists to hear about this and to offer $5 to the locals to transport them down and back on the single track. When two bamboo trains would meet head on, the train with the least tourists (usually sits up to 5) would need to disassemble and allow the other to pass. The dissembling and reassembling process can take 3 minutes.
In 2018 the local government closed the old bamboo train line as they make way for the tracks to be upgraded to an actual train line that’ll provide a passenger trains between Cambodia and Thailand once completed around 2025.
The government created a new bamboo train tourist zone located 20km out of Battambang which basically circles around a carpark and can only have 6 bamboo train carts working at once. This received a lot of negative feedback from tourists and has been named the tourist trap of Battambang. We certainly recommend avoiding this area.
However, we here at YPT have followed the original tracks from Battambang train station further down the line and found an unofficial bamboo train with families living along the line operating this business.
The cost of $5 includes a return trip per person and takes you 25 minutes out of Battambang passing villages within a jungle and then out to an empty field placing you in the middle of nowhere. There’s a small hut that’s been built for tourists that include water and snacks.
There’s no other experience in the world to ride the rails only a few inches off the ground at speeds of 50km/h from a makeshift cart. A unique experience we highly recommend which is why we’ve included this into our Cambodian tour.
Food on Cambodia Trains
There is a full catering service on Cambodia trains and the food is freshly cooked on the train in a separate kitchen car. There is no restaurant car or trolley service on Cambodia trains so passengers need to go to the kitchen car, which is generally the last carriage at the rear of the train and order through the door and then consume the food at their seat. Drinks are also sold, as are snacks, from the kitchen car.
The food on Cambodia trains is basic, but its also edible and clean. This chicken lunch cost $2 dollars and it come with a bag of pickles which improved the taste. It was served in a plastic box with a plastic spoon.
The food on Cambodia trains is basic, but its also edible and clean. This chicken lunch cost $2 dollars and it come with a bag of pickles which improved the taste. It was served in a plastic box with a plastic spoon.
Food on Cambodia Trains
There is a full catering service on Cambodia trains and the food is freshly cooked on the train in a separate kitchen car. There is no restaurant car or trolley service on Cambodia trains so passengers need to go to the kitchen car, which is generally the last carriage at the rear of the train and order through the door and then consume the food at their seat. Drinks are also sold, as are snacks, from the kitchen car.
The food on Cambodia trains is basic, but its also edible and clean. This chicken lunch cost $2 dollars and it come with a bag of pickles which improved the taste. It was served in a plastic box with a plastic spoon.
The food on Cambodia trains is basic, but its also edible and clean. This chicken lunch cost $2 dollars and it come with a bag of pickles which improved the taste. It was served in a plastic box with a plastic spoon.
Toilets on Cambodia Trains
The toilets on Cambodia trains are surprisingly good. They are clean and they spacious and don’t simply vent onto the track like they do in standard trains in Thailand.
The one problem with toilets in Cambodia trains is that the water for the taps in the hand basin tends to run out near the end of the journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, so consider using the toilet earlier on in the journey, or bring your own wet wipes to clean your hands, or alternatively use the toilet when the train stops on route at Takeo and Kampot stations
Flights
Cambodia Angkor Air
Cambodia Angkor Air is the national flag carrier airline of Cambodia. Headquartered in Phnom Penh, the airline is owned by the Cambodian government (51 percent) and Vietnam Airlines (49 percent). Cambodia Angkor Air was founded on 31 July 2009, replacing national airline Royal Air Cambodge Cambodia Angkor Air concentrates on serving tourist routes within Cambodia, most notably catering for visitors of Angkor Wat. It serves the following destinations. A) Cambodia: 1) Phnom Penh – Phnom Penh International Airport; 2) Siem Reap – Siem Reap International Airport; and 3) Sihanoukville – Sihanoukville International Airport. B) Thailand: Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport. C) Vietnam: 1) Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport; and 2) Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport. There are plans to start services to : A) China: Guangzhou – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Future; B) Hong Kong – Hong Kong International Airport Future; C) Singapore – Singapore Changi Airport Future
Cambodia Angkor Air is the national flag carrier airline of Cambodia. Headquartered in Phnom Penh, the airline is owned by the Cambodian government (51 percent) and Vietnam Airlines (49 percent). Cambodia Angkor Air was founded on 31 July 2009, replacing national airline Royal Air Cambodge Cambodia Angkor Air concentrates on serving tourist routes within Cambodia, most notably catering for visitors of Angkor Wat. It serves the following destinations. A) Cambodia: 1) Phnom Penh – Phnom Penh International Airport; 2) Siem Reap – Siem Reap International Airport; and 3) Sihanoukville – Sihanoukville International Airport. B) Thailand: Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport. C) Vietnam: 1) Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport; and 2) Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport. There are plans to start services to : A) China: Guangzhou – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Future; B) Hong Kong – Hong Kong International Airport Future; C) Singapore – Singapore Changi Airport Future
How Many Airports Are There in Cambodia?
There are about 17 airports in Cambodia, but out of those, only three are major operating airports with international flights. Those are:
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) = 30 minutes from Phnom Penh Center
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) = 15 minutes from Siem Reap Center
Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) = 40 minutes from Center
The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation is the authority that oversees the operations of all airports in the country.
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) = 30 minutes from Phnom Penh Center
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) = 15 minutes from Siem Reap Center
Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) = 40 minutes from Center
The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation is the authority that oversees the operations of all airports in the country.
Where do you fly into Cambodia?
Cambodia is relatively easy to access by air, given it has 2 major airports: Phnom Penh (PNH) and Siem Reap (REP). Aside from these, Cambodia maintains several other entry points along its borders with Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
Phnom Penh International Airport is your best choice if you’re planning to visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Those interested in visiting the mystical temples of Angkor Wat are better off by landing in Siem Reap International Airport.
Both airports are quite big and offer a good range of services, including ATMs, restaurants, and shops.
Depending on your point of origin, it may be advantageous (and cheaper) to fly into Singapore, Hong Kong, or any other Asian travel hub, and make a connecting flight into Cambodia
Phnom Penh International Airport is your best choice if you’re planning to visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Those interested in visiting the mystical temples of Angkor Wat are better off by landing in Siem Reap International Airport.
Both airports are quite big and offer a good range of services, including ATMs, restaurants, and shops.
Depending on your point of origin, it may be advantageous (and cheaper) to fly into Singapore, Hong Kong, or any other Asian travel hub, and make a connecting flight into Cambodia
Domestic flights in Cambodia
There are currently five domestic airlines in Cambodia, operating flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. There are up to 10 flights a day between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and it is usually possible to get on a flight at short notice.
Some examples of flight times of domestic flights in Cambodia:
Some examples of flight times of domestic flights in Cambodia:
| From | To | Fly Distance | Flight times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap | Phnom Penh | 146 miles = 235km | +/- 50 minutes |
| Shihanoukville | Phnom Penh | 94 miles = 151km | +/- 40 minutes |
| Phnom Penh | Siem Reap | 146 miles = 235km | +/- 50 minutes |
| Shihanoukville | Siem Reap | 143 miles = 230km | +/- 50 minutes |
| Phnom Penh | Shihanoukville | 94 miles = 151km | +/- 40 minutes |
| Siem Reap | Shihanoukville | 143 miles = 230km | +/- 50 minutes |
3 domestic airlines in Cambodia
Before 2014, there were only one airline (Cambodia Angkor Air) licensed to operate the domestic flights within Cambodia and that’s why the ticket prices were kept high that time. But nowadays there are several more airlines and the price is definitely more competitive.
Following is the list of domestic airlines in Cambodia:
Cambodia Angkor Air offer daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. They have totally over 20 flights operated every day.
They suggest arriving an hour before boarding.
The ticket price of Cambodia Angkor Air is getting lower because it no longer dominated the domestic market as before
This airline has only two plans and their number of flight routes is quite limited. The main domestic route of Bassaka Air is between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. On most days, they provide only one flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or versus.
Despite the bad reputation on the customer service, their flights worth your money with their pretty cheap ticket, only from $19 to $50.
Routes Flight number Departure Arrival Frequency
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap 5B901 09:20 10:00 Daily
Siem Reap – Phom Penh 5B902 10:55 11:35 Daily
Cambodia Bayon Airlines offers one flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and another one from Phnom Penh to Siem Ream daily. Beside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Sihanoukville is another destination in the routes of Cambodia Bayon Airlines.
Cambodia Bayon Airlines suggests checking-in at least 30 minutes before boarding.
The ticket price of this airline is also cheap, starting from $32 for an economy class seat.
Besides these 3 popular domestic airlines in Cambodia, we have the others like JC International Airlines, Lanmei Airlines, Small Planet Airlines (Cambodia), Sky Angkor Airlines, etc.
Following is the list of domestic airlines in Cambodia:
- Cambodia Angkor Air
Cambodia Angkor Air offer daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. They have totally over 20 flights operated every day.
They suggest arriving an hour before boarding.
The ticket price of Cambodia Angkor Air is getting lower because it no longer dominated the domestic market as before
- Bassaka Air
This airline has only two plans and their number of flight routes is quite limited. The main domestic route of Bassaka Air is between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. On most days, they provide only one flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or versus.
Despite the bad reputation on the customer service, their flights worth your money with their pretty cheap ticket, only from $19 to $50.
Routes Flight number Departure Arrival Frequency
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap 5B901 09:20 10:00 Daily
Siem Reap – Phom Penh 5B902 10:55 11:35 Daily
- Cambodia Bayon Airlines
Cambodia Bayon Airlines offers one flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and another one from Phnom Penh to Siem Ream daily. Beside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Sihanoukville is another destination in the routes of Cambodia Bayon Airlines.
Cambodia Bayon Airlines suggests checking-in at least 30 minutes before boarding.
The ticket price of this airline is also cheap, starting from $32 for an economy class seat.
Besides these 3 popular domestic airlines in Cambodia, we have the others like JC International Airlines, Lanmei Airlines, Small Planet Airlines (Cambodia), Sky Angkor Airlines, etc.