Getting Around Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh offers visitors multiple transport options to navigate the city. Road-based transport is the primary form of transportation, with options ranging from public buses and taxis to ride-hailing apps and traditional tuk-tuks. The city is logically laid out with clear street signage, making navigation relatively straightforward for visitors.
Public Buses
Phnom Penh operates a public bus system managed by the Phnom Penh Municipal Government. Air-conditioned buses run along several main routes across the city. Line A travels north and south along Monivong Boulevard, passing major landmarks including Wat Phnom, the Central Market, the Royal Palace, and the National Museum of Cambodia. Line B serves the western side of the city along Mao Tse Tung Boulevard, extending south toward Kandal Province. Line C runs east to west along Russian Confederation Boulevard, connecting to Phnom Penh International Airport.
Public buses operate between 5:30am and 8pm. The fare is a flat rate per journey regardless of distance. Students and senior citizens travel free. The city is also testing the use of electric buses on its routes.
Airport Express Bus Service
The Airport Express Bus (AEB) service provides direct connections from Techo International Airport to the city. The service operates from 5:30am to 11:30pm, running approximately every 10 minutes for most of the day. The bus terminates at Kouch Kanong Roundabout Bus Station and makes stops at Canadia Garden, Royal University of Law and Economics, BRED Bank, and AEON Mall 3 on Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard. The journey takes approximately one hour. Fares are 1,500 riel (exact change required, no change given). To reach the bus stop from the airport arrivals area, walk straight out and across the parking lot (approximately 500 meters) to reach the stop. You can download the free City Bus app to track buses in real time.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Traditional taxis operate throughout Phnom Penh, though many are non-metered and require agreeing on fares in advance. Taxis can be found in tourist areas such as the riverfront and near major hotels, or you can call a taxi company for pick-up.
Ride-hailing via mobile apps has become popular in Phnom Penh. Grab is the largest ride-hailing service, offering car, tuk-tuk, and motorbike services through its app. PassApp is a local ride-hailing app also widely used in the city. Both services allow you to book and see fares through their apps before confirming your journey.
Tuk-Tuks and Motorbike Taxis
Tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles consisting of a motorcycle with a passenger cabin attached) are cheap and plentiful throughout the city. Traditional tuk-tuk fares within the city typically range from a few dollars per trip, with higher fares to the airport. Drivers in tourist areas may speak some English, though many drivers do not know the city well and may need to ask for directions.
Metered tuk-tuk services are available through ride-hailing apps. PassApp offers metered tuk-tuks that work on an app-based system similar to Uber, eliminating haggling over fares. Grab also operates tuk-tuk services in the city, with options ranging from smaller three-wheelers to larger versions with doors. Electric tuk-tuks operated by a company called TADA are also available through their own booking app.
Motorbike taxis (motodops or motos) are another cheap option for getting around the city. Fares are typically low, though they increase at night and with multiple passengers. Helmets are generally not provided by motorbike taxi services.
Walkability
Phnom Penh's main streets are in good condition and the city is logically laid out, making it navigable on foot. However, smaller streets and footpaths can be rutted, potholed, and cluttered with parked motorbikes, garbage, and building materials, which may make walking less pleasant in some areas.
Other Transport Options
Cyclos—three-wheeled pedal cycle-rickshaws—are slow and scenic but are waning in number. Bicycles can be rented in the city, though cycling requires caution in traffic. Motorcycles can also be rented, though traffic is chaotic and dangerous; wearing a helmet is essential, and riders should expect to potentially pay small police fines as part of riding in the city.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Phnom Penh is served by Techo International Airport (which became the main airport in September 2025), located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. Several options are available for reaching the city:
- Airport Express Bus: The most economical option, costing 1,500 riel with a journey time of approximately one hour
- Tuk-tuk: Traditional tuk-tuks charge around US$8 for airport trips
- Taxi: Non-metered taxis require negotiating fares in advance. Visitors paying in US dollars should use smaller denomination notes and inspect them carefully before handing them over to avoid taxi driver scams involving ripped notes
- Ride-hailing apps: Grab and PassApp services operate from the airport
Rail Services
Phnom Penh currently has no operational urban rail or metro system. An airport shuttle train previously operated between Phnom Penh International Airport and the city center but ceased service in 2020. The government has commissioned feasibility studies on potential automated guideway transit, metro, and light rail systems, but these remain in planning stages.