Cambodia transport guide

Public transport

Cambodia has limited public transport. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have no rail or metro.

Phnom Penh

City buses: Phnom Penh City Bus (government, free to use). Routes cover most districts. Frequency is irregular. Air-conditioned buses on some routes (1,500-3,000 KHR).
Tuk-tuks (remorques): the default transport. A motorbike pulling a passenger trailer. Short trips within the city: 2,000-6,000 KHR (0.50-1.50 USD). Negotiate before departing.
Cyclos (pedaled three-wheelers): rare, mainly tourist-oriented in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap

Tuk-tuks are the primary mode. Short trip 1-3 USD. Day tour of Angkor temples by tuk-tuk: 15-20 USD.
Some hotels offer free bicycle loan.
Siem Reap is walkable in the central area (Old Market / Pub Street).

PassApp: the dominant ride-hailing app in Cambodia ^[1]. Offers tuk-tuk and car. Fares are metered within the app. A typical tuk-tuk trip in Phnom Penh costs 2,000-6,000 KHR based on the app. Pay in KHR or USD at the 4,100 rate. PassApp also works in Siem Reap and some other towns, but fewer drivers.
Grab: operates in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap ^[2]. More expensive than PassApp for similar trips, but more reliable car quality and English support.
Tada: a newer entrant, available in Phnom Penh.

Foreigners may drive on an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention for up to 3 months.
You need a Cambodian driving licence for longer stays.
Conversion: holders of a valid foreign driving licence can apply for a Cambodian licence at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, typically without taking a driving test ^[3].
Requirements: passport with valid visa (E-class or longer), valid home-country licence (with official translation if not in English), certificate of residence, medical certificate.
Fee: roughly 30-50 USD. Processing: 5-10 working days.
Motorcycle licence: requires a separate application.
Practical note: many expats in Cambodia drive with their home licence or IDP indefinitely without issue. Enforcement of the 3-month rule is limited. However, a valid Cambodian licence is useful for insurance claims, vehicle registration, and police checks.

Buying a motorbike: the most common transport for expats. A new Honda Wave or Dream (110cc) costs 1,000-1,500 USD. Second-hand: 300-800 USD. A larger bike for touring (Honda CRF250, Kawasaki KLX): 4,000-7,000 USD new.
Buying a car: Toyota Camry (the default car for expats who need one) from 20,000 USD new, 10,000-15,000 USD second-hand. Import duties on cars are high (50-120% depending on engine size).
Registration: Certificate of Ownership (C/O) is the title document. Verify it at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport before buying second-hand. Plates are attached to the vehicle.
Insurance: cars need compulsory third-party insurance (8-15 USD/year). Comprehensive insurance costs 200-500 USD/year for a standard sedan. Many expats carry only third-party.

Cambodia has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world. The WHO estimated 12 deaths per 100,000 population per year. Road quality is poor outside major towns.
Driving on the right.
Common hazards: unlit vehicles at night, livestock on the road, drivers under the influence, and road construction without warning signs.
Phnom Penh's traffic is dense but less aggressive than Vietnam. The main rule is "slow and predictable".
Helmet law: enforced for both rider and pillion on motorbikes. Fine 5-15 USD.
Seat belts: legally required but enforcement is minimal.
Emergency: 117 (police), 119 (ambulance / fire), 129 (traffic police hotline in Phnom Penh).

Siem Reap is very bicycle-friendly, flat terrain, light traffic outside the main roads.
Phnom Penh has some cycling infrastructure (parks and riverfront paths) but city cycling is not for the faint-hearted.
Countryside cycling is excellent around Battambang, Kampot, and Kep.
Bicycle imports are duty-free (bicycles are zero-rated for import duty). Quality bikes are available in Phnom Penh at expat-oriented shops.

Inter-city buses: Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are the most reputable operators. Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: 6 hours, 10-15 USD. Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville: 4 hours, 8-12 USD. Book online.
Trains: limited. The Royal Railway operates a Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville line (tourist-oriented, irregular schedule) and a Phnom Penh-Battambang line. Not practical for regular travel.
Domestic flights: Cambodia Angkor Air (Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Sihanoukville). Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: 45 minutes, 50-100 USD. Competitive with road travel for time-sensitive trips.
Ferries: Phnom Penh-Siem Reap via the Tonle Sap (speedboat, 6 hours, 35 USD). Scenic but can be cancelled in the dry season (low water).
Cycling routes: the "Bamboo Train" area near Battambang is a popular cycling destination.

This page is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.