Transport and Driving in Cambodia

One of the first challenges that expats moving to Cambodia will have to deal with is transport – indeed, one might say that getting around Cambodia is something of an adventure.

Improvements to the national highway network have made driving easier than it once was, with the building of new highways and the surfacing of many dirt roads. However, getting from A to B can still be time-consuming and dangerous, and expat-friendly public transport options are limited.

Public transport in Cambodia

There aren’t many options for expats to get around in Cambodia. Many local forms of transport are seen as dangerous, and there are very few bus networks in Cambodia, with only a handful of routes in Phnom Penh (which aren’t widely used by expats).

When it comes to travelling from one city to another, often the best option is a domestic flight or a luxury bus service. Within the capital city, many expats rely on taxis.

Trains

Train services in Cambodia are very limited, run by Royal Railway. Stops include Kampot, Phnom Penh, Takeo and Sihanoukville, and tickets can be purchased online.

Buses

Buses are the cheapest way to get around Cambodia, and they connect all major cities and towns. Popular bus companies include Giant Ibis and Mekong Express, both of which operate luxury buses on the most popular intercity routes. Fares are generally very affordable, although rides may be hot and overcrowded.

Minibuses

Minibuses are the main alternative to buses at a similar price point. They usually serve the same routes as buses and also go to smaller destinations that are unreachable by bus. They tend to be slightly faster but can also suffer from overcrowding.

Cyclos and motos

As in Vietnam and Laos, the cyclo is a cheap way to get around cities. These are the Cambodian take on the bicycle rickshaw, but they are becoming less common. Motos are more prevalent on Cambodian roads. These small motorcycle taxis are a quick way of making short trips around towns and cities. Not many moto drivers and cyclo riders speak English, so it’s best to have your destination written down in Khmer. Make sure you settle on the fare with the driver before setting off.

Useful links

• Royal Railway Online Booking

Taxis in Cambodia

Hiring private taxis in Cambodia is getting easier, but there are still very few metered taxis, with just a handful of operators in Phnom Penh. Other taxi options include shared taxis and minibuses. Ride-hailing applications are becoming more prevalent, though, and are ideal for expats.

These days, Grab is the predominant ride-hailing service in Cambodia after acquiring Uber a few years ago. PassApp is another good option.

Useful links

• Grab
• PassApp

Driving in Cambodia

You’ll need a local licence to drive in Cambodia. To exchange your foreign licence for a local one, you’ll need to visit an office of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT). The resulting driver’s licence is usually granted quickly and is valid for one year.

Expats may enjoy driving themselves around and exploring Cambodia, but there are certain considerations they should make. For example, many roads are in poor condition, local driving behaviour can be erratic and dangerous, and finding parking is a challenge.

Useful links

• MPWT – Driver’s Licence

Air travel in Cambodia

Phnom Penh International Airport is the largest airport in Cambodia, although the country’s busiest airport is Angkor International Airport in the tourist hub of Siem Reap. Numerous international and regional airlines operate at these airports, including the national carrier, Air Cambodia.

Useful links

• Air Cambodia