Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Flight Price 2026: What Indians Pay
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-22
The Phnom Penh to Siem Reap flight price question has a boring answer that most blogs dress up: a one-way ticket runs ₹4,826-₹10,618 (~50-110 USD) depending on airline, day, and how far ahead you book. The interesting part is whether flying is worth it, because a comfortable bus on the same route costs ₹1,158-₹1,738 (~12-18 USD) and takes around six hours. This article breaks down the real numbers, names every operator flying the route, and gives you the honest call on when to fly and when to take the bus. For related planning, see our guide on Sea Backpacking Hub.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest one-way flight (AirAsia, booked 3+ weeks ahead) | ₹4,826-₹6,757 (~50-70 USD) on AirAsia Cambodia, mostly morning slots | ~₹5,000-₹7,000 (~$51.80-$72.52) |
| Cambodia Angkor Air one-way | ₹6,757-₹10,618 (~70-110 USD) depending on slot and date | ~₹7,000-₹11,000 (~$72.52-$113.96) |
| Bus (Giant Ibis or Mekong Express, VIP) | ₹1,158-₹1,738 (~12-18 USD), 6 hours | ~₹1,250-₹1,800 (~$12.95-$18.65) |
| Flight duration | 45-55 minutes, plus airport time | — |
| Bus duration | 5.5-6.5 hours Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | — |
You may also find Koh Rong useful for this trip.
What the Flight Costs in 2026
Across AirAsia Cambodia and Cambodia Angkor Air, fares for roughly two to four weeks out, midweek, low season (which in Cambodia runs roughly June through October) typically fall in these ranges. See also: Cheap Things to Do in Phnom Penh.
AirAsia Cambodia is the cheapest seat on the route. Midweek, 21 days out, one-way lands at ₹5,020-₹6,564 (~52-68 USD) including the basic 7 kg cabin bag. Add a 20 kg checked bag and you’re at ₹6,757-₹8,205 (~70-85 USD). Weekend flights, especially around full-moon dates and the Khmer New Year hangover window, jump to ₹8,688-₹11,583 (~90-120 USD). AirAsia runs one to two rotations a day, mostly mid-morning. For related planning, see our guide on Unusual Things to Do in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia Angkor Air is the national carrier and the only full-service option on the route. One-way starts at ₹7,529 (~78 USD) midweek low season, hits ₹9,170-₹10,618 (~95-110 USD) on weekends and holiday windows. You get 20 kg checked plus 7 kg cabin, a small snack, and the airline flies reliably in rain. They also run three or four daily rotations, which gives you more flexibility. You may also find 4000 Islands Complete Guide for Indian Travelers Vientiane Routes Itinerary Is It Worth Visiting useful for this trip.
JC Airlines is the third operator on this route and the easiest to forget. They fly Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with similar pricing to Cambodia Angkor Air (₹7,240-₹9,653 (~75-100 USD) one-way) and occasionally run promo fares that undercut both competitors. Worth a check when you’re booking.
For a real Indian backpacker timing it right, expect to pay ₹5,309-₹8,205 (~55-85 USD) for a one-way AirAsia ticket booked two to three weeks ahead on a Tuesday or Wednesday in low season. Add ₹2,896-₹4,826 (~30-50 USD) if you need checked luggage. Round-trip is rarely cheaper than two one-ways on this route, so don’t bother chasing return discounts.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Always book direct on the airline’s website (airasiacom, cambodiaangkorair.com) rather than through a third-party OTA. Travellers regularly report OTA bookings inflating prices by ₹1,448-₹2,413 (~15-25 USD) on this short route, and the airline’s own cancellation/reschedule policy is much easier to work with.
Why the Bus Often Beats the Flight
Here’s the honest math. A ₹5,792 (~60 USD) flight + ₹1,448 (~15 USD) tuk-tuk to Phnom Penh airport + ₹483 (~5 USD) airport transfer on the Siem Reap end + 1.5 hours of airport time each side = around ₹8,688 (~90 USD) total and 5 hours of actual travel time. A ₹1,448 (~15 USD) Giant Ibis VIP bus with hotel pickup in Phnom Penh and drop-off in central Siem Reap = ₹1,448 (~15 USD) and 6 hours, door to door.
The bus wins on cost by a factor of six. It wins on convenience if you’re staying in central Phnom Penh or central Siem Reap, because both airports sit 8 to 12 km outside the city centres and require separate transport. The flight wins if you’re short on time, you’re connecting onward to Bangkok or another international flight from Siem Reap, or you cannot do six hours on a bus.
When to fly: you’re flying out of Siem Reap to Bangkok the same day, you have a tight Angkor sunrise plan, or you’re carrying bulky camera gear.
When to bus: you have a flexible schedule, you’re already in central Phnom Penh, you’re on a backpacker budget, or you want to see the countryside between the two cities.
The honest one-liner: most Indian backpackers on the trail take the bus unless they’re time-pressed. The flight price is real but the cost-per-minute-saved maths don’t add up for a 45-minute hop.
The Three Airlines on the Route
AirAsia Cambodia
The budget arm, code-shared with the Malaysian AirAsia network. Operates one to two daily rotations Phnom Penh (PNH) to Siem Reap (REP), mostly morning slots. Easiest to book through the AirAsia app, which also handles Indian debit card payments cleanly. Carry-on only is 7 kg, checked bags start at around ₹1,448 (~15 USD) each way. Punctuality is decent in dry season, slips a bit in the wet months when low cloud forces holding patterns at Siem Reap.
Cambodia Angkor Air
The national flag carrier, partners with Vietnam Airlines for codeshares. Operates three to four daily rotations, which means more time-slot choice. Slightly higher base fare but includes 20 kg checked baggage. The aircraft are ATR 72 turboprops, smaller and slower than the AirAsia A320s but rarely cancelled. Snacks and water are included, which matters more than it sounds on a 45-minute flight when you forgot breakfast.
JC Airlines
The smallest of the three, Cambodian-licensed, operating a mix of ATR and Airbus narrowbody aircraft on regional routes. Pricing is competitive and they sometimes run unannounced promos. The downside is schedule stability: JC has had irregular route cancellations in 2024 and 2025 when load factors dipped, so check the past two weeks’ on-time stats before relying on a specific flight.
Flight Logistics for Indian Travellers
PNH airport (Phnom Penh International): about 11 km west of the city centre. Tuk-tuk from central Phnom Penh (riverside area, BKK1 district) costs ₹676-₹965 (~7-10 USD) and takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Allow at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight, two hours if checking bags.
REP airport (Siem Reap-Angkor International): opened in late 2023, around 50 km east of Siem Reap city centre. This is the catch. The new airport is further from town than the old Siem Reap airport was, and the only realistic options are taxi (₹2,413 (~25 USD) fixed, 60 to 75 minutes) or shared shuttle (around ₹483 (~5 USD), hourly). Budget an extra ₹2,413-₹3,379 (~25-35 USD) into your total airfare cost for the Siem Reap end.
Safety Alert: REP airport taxi touts operate a fixed-price cartel. Pre-book through your hostel or use the official airport taxi desk inside the terminal. Travellers report being charged ₹3,861-₹5,792 (~40-60 USD) by unmarked cars at the arrivals curb, which is double the legitimate rate.
Visa on arrival or e-visa: Both still work for Indian passport holders. VoA is ₹2,896 (~30 USD) at the airport counter, e-visa is ₹3,475 (~36 USD) online via the official Cambodia e-Visa portal. If you’re flying in and have stable WiFi before you leave Phnom Penh, the e-visa saves 20 to 40 minutes of queue time. If you’re already at PNH with limited connectivity, just do VoA. Both give 30 days single entry.
How to Book the Flight
Three routes that work for Indian travellers, in order of reliability:
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Airline website direct: AirAsia Cambodia or Cambodia Angkor Air, paid with Indian Visa/Mastercard debit or credit. Cleanest cancellation policy, no third-party markup. This is what I do.
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Airline app: same as the website but with mobile-only promo codes (AirAsia runs these occasionally). Worth installing the AirAsia app even if you book on desktop later.
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12go for the bus, airline direct for the flight: 12go handles bus bookings well (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham) but inflates flight prices by ₹772-₹1,448 (~8-15 USD). Don’t book flights through 12go.
Avoid generic OTAs like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip for this domestic Cambodia route. They list the flights but their customer support for changes/cancellations is poor, and their prices are higher than the airline direct on this specific route.
Comparing the Three Ground-Transport Options
Since most Indian backpackers end up choosing between flight and bus, here’s the realistic side-by-side.
| Option | Cost | Duration | Door-to-door | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (AirAsia) | ₹5,309-₹8,205 (~55-85 USD) | 45 min flight, 3-4 hrs total with airports | Need airport transfer on both ends | Tight schedule, onward Bangkok flight |
| Bus (Giant Ibis VIP) | ₹1,351-₹1,738 (~14-18 USD) | 6 hours | Hotel-to-hotel included | Backpacker budget, flexible dates |
| Shared taxi / minivan | ₹1,738-₹2,413 (~18-25 USD) | 5-5.5 hours | Pickup from your hostel | Groups of 3-4, faster than bus |
| Train (Phnom Penh to Poipet) + taxi | ₹772-₹1,158 (~8-12 USD) train + ₹2,413 (~25 USD) taxi | 7-8 hours total | Northern route via Poipet, not Siem Reap | Travellers heading onward to Thailand |
The train currently runs only from Phnom Penh to Poipet (the Thai border), not to Siem Reap. Don’t book a train ticket expecting to land in Siem Reap; you’ll finish in Poipet and need an onward taxi to Battambang or Bangkok. The full Phnom Penh to Siem Reap rail connection is in planning but not operational in 2026.
When Flying Makes Sense
There are specific scenarios where the flight price is the right call:
Scenario 1: Connecting to Bangkok the same day. Siem Reap has direct flights to Bangkok (BKK and DMK) on AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Thai VietJet. If you’re flying Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and onward to Bangkok the same evening, the domestic flight saves you 5+ hours versus bus and lands you in Siem Reap with time to drop bags, eat, and head to the airport.
Scenario 2: Angkor sunrise tight. Angkor Wat sunrise is best from the central reflecting pool, which means a 4:30 AM tuk-tuk from Siem Reap town. If you flew in the previous evening and rested, you’ll make sunrise. If you took an evening bus, you’ll be wrecked.
Scenario 3: Heavy camera gear. Photographers carrying tripods, multiple lenses, drones, or lighting kits will find the bus luggage hold rough on gear. The 20 kg checked bag on Cambodia Angkor Air is worth the extra ₹1,448-₹2,413 (~15-25 USD) over the bus.
Scenario 4: Travelling during peak rain. July through September, the road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap occasionally floods in low sections. The flight is more reliable than the bus during heavy rain weeks. Check the past 48 hours of weather before committing.
When the Bus Wins
For everyone else, take the bus. Here’s what to expect.
Giant Ibis is the gold standard. VIP bus, 28 seats, USB charging at every seat, decent WiFi (rarely works after the first hour), hotel pickup in Phnom Penh, drops at their central Siem Reap office (5 minutes from Pub Street). Departs Phnom Penh at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM daily. Tickets ₹1,351-₹1,738 (~14-18 USD).
Mekong Express is the second-best VIP option, similar setup, slightly older buses, a bit cheaper (₹1,158-₹1,448 (~12-15 USD)). Same routes and timings.
Virak Buntham runs overnight sleeper buses for the night-owl crowd, around ₹1,738-₹2,124 (~18-22 USD). The recline is decent, the noise is not, and you arrive Siem Reap at 5 AM with no hotel to check into yet.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Book Giant Ibis or Mekong Express on their websites, not through hostel commissions. Hostels add a ₹193-₹290 (~2-3 USD) booking fee and you get the same seat. Book on 12go if you want to compare all operators in one screen, though direct booking is usually ₹97-₹193 (~1-2 USD) cheaper.
What to Eat Along the Route (Or After You Arrive)
Whether you fly or bus, you’ll end up hungry. Here are real spots from the shortlist that work on both ends.
In Phnom Penh (before you leave)
CHINGU Cafe Phnom Penh runs a Korean-style brunch menu, popular for the Kimchi Benedict and a relaxed pre-flight meal vibe. About ₹579-₹965 (~6-10 USD) per main, central BKK1 location.
Phnom Penh Three Rivers Restaurant sits on the riverside and does traditional Cambodian dishes with a view. Around ₹676-₹1,158 (~7-12 USD) per main, friendly to vegetarians if you ask (many Khmer dishes default to fish sauce, so flag it).
Indian Royal Halal Food Restaurant on the Phnom Penh riverside is the upscale Punjabi/Mughlai option for a proper Indian meal before you leave. Mains ₹772-₹1,351 (~8-14 USD), family-friendly setting.
Gorkha Palace Phnom Penh does Indian and Nepalese dishes in a cozy setting, slightly cheaper than Indian Royal, mains ₹483-₹869 (~5-9 USD).
In Siem Reap (after you arrive)
Street Three Eatery Siem Reap is a street-food-inspired spot with a wide Asian menu, mains ₹386-₹772 (~4-8 USD), good for a casual first meal.
Paratha House & Academy Siem Reap is the Indian/Pakistani fallback in Siem Reap, Hyderabadi chicken dum biryani a speciality, individual main courses ₹290-₹772 (~3-8 USD), the cleanest Indian food in the city.
Cuisine Wat Damnak in Phnom Penh is the upscale Cambodian contemporary option if you want a proper Khmer tasting menu before the trip, around ₹2,413-₹3,861 (~25-40 USD) per person.
Where to Stay on Either End
If you’re overnighting before the flight or after the bus, here are real options from the shortlist.
Phnom Penh side: dorm beds in central Phnom Penh run ₹483-₹965 (~5-10 USD) per night, private rooms ₹1,158-₹2,413 (~12-25 USD). The Backpacker Hostel area around BKK1 and the riverside is where you’ll find most of the reliable hostels.
Siem Reap side: dorm beds ₹483-₹1,158 (~5-12 USD), private rooms ₹1,448-₹3,379 (~15-35 USD). Onederz Hostel Siem Reap and Mad Monkey are the reliable mid-range picks, both with pools. For something quieter, Funky Flashpacker is a good call.
Hostel bookings should be made via Stay22 (which routes through Hostelworld/Booking depending on inventory) for the best cancellation flexibility and Indian-card-friendly payment.
Common Mistakes Indian Backpackers Make on This Route
Mistake 1: Paying for the flight when the bus makes more sense. Six hours on a VIP bus is not the ordeal it sounds. Air-con, USB power, decent recline, hotel pickup. Indian backpackers used to Indian trains handle this comfortably. Don’t burn ₹5,792 (~60 USD) on a flight you’ll regret financially.
Mistake 2: Booking the flight for the wrong date and getting stuck with a rebooking fee. Cambodia Angkor Air and AirAsia both charge ₹2,413-₹4,826 (~25-50 USD) to change a domestic ticket. Double-check the date before you confirm.
Mistake 3: Landing at REP and grabbing the first tuk-tuk. The new Siem Reap airport is far from town and the touts are aggressive. Pre-book a ₹2,413 (~25 USD) official taxi through your hostel, or take the ₹483 (~5 USD) shared shuttle if your timing matches.
Mistake 4: Forgetting you need cash USD for VoA. If you’re flying in and doing visa-on-arrival, the ₹2,896 (~30 USD) fee must be paid in cash. No card, no rupees, no riel. Bring crisp, unfolded USD bills (no tears, no marks); Cambodian immigration sometimes rejects damaged notes.
Mistake 5: Treating Siem Reap as a day trip from Phnom Penh. If you fly in just for Angkor and fly out the same evening, you’ll see the temples in harsh midday light and miss the sunrise/sunset magic. Stay at least one night, ideally two.
Daily Budget Comparison: Flight Day vs Bus Day
Flight day (Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, with airport overhead)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flight (AirAsia, booked ahead) | ₹6,757 (~70 USD) |
| Tuk-tuk to PNH airport | ₹772 (~8 USD) |
| Tuk-tuk from REP to Siem Reap | ₹2,413 (~25 USD) |
| Food and water at airports | ₹579 (~6 USD) |
| Total transport | ₹10,522 (~109 USD) |
Bus day (Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Giant Ibis VIP)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bus ticket | ₹1,544 (~16 USD) |
| Food and water at stops | ₹290 (~3 USD) |
| Total transport | ₹1,834 (~19 USD) |
Subodh’s Pro Tip: The ₹8,688 (~90 USD) difference between flight day and bus day covers four nights in a Siem Penh hostel, or your Angkor 3-day pass, or two weeks of street food. Choose accordingly.
Safety and Connectivity Notes
SIM and data: a 7-day tourist SIM runs about ₹290 (~3 USD) for 10 GB from Cellcard or Smart at either airport, or grab one at any 7-Eleven or Circle K in the city. Get Nomad eSIM if you’d rather skip the physical SIM entirely and activate before you fly. Both AirAsia’s website and Grab (the regional ride-hailing app) work fine on either option.
Safety: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are both safe for Indian travellers in the tourist zones. Standard precautions apply: watch for bag-snatchers at bus station arrivals, don’t flash cash in tuk-tuks, use Grab for evening rides in Phnom Penh. For any trip to Cambodia, check the Indian MEA travel advisory page before you fly for the latest on specific regions.
Travel insurance: domestic flights in Cambodia are generally safe but the regional medical infrastructure outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is thin. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation, since the nearest world-class hospital is in Bangkok.
Subodh’s Take
The Phnom Penh to Siem Reap flight is one of those routes where the blog industry has oversold the convenience. A 45-minute flight that costs ₹8,688 (~90 USD) door-to-door is not a bargain, especially when a comfortable 6-hour bus costs ₹1,544 (~16 USD) and drops you at your hotel. Take the bus unless you have a specific reason to fly, and if you do fly, book AirAsia direct through their website at least three weeks ahead for the cheapest fare.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to fly or take the bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
The bus is dramatically cheaper. Giant Ibis VIP runs ₹1,351-₹1,738 (~14-18 USD) and takes 6 hours with hotel pickup. The cheapest one-way flight is ₹5,309-₹8,205 (~55-85 USD) on AirAsia, plus ₹2,413-₹3,379 (~25-35 USD) in airport transfers on both ends. Total transport cost by bus: around ₹1,544 (~16 USD). Total by flight: ₹8,688-₹11,583 (~90-120 USD).
How long is the Phnom Penh to Siem Reap flight?
The flight itself is 45 to 55 minutes. With airport transfers, check-in, and boarding, budget 4 to 5 hours door-to-door. The bus takes 6 hours door-to-door, so the flight saves only 1 to 2 hours in practice.
Which airline is cheapest for Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
AirAsia Cambodia is consistently the cheapest on this route, with one-way fares starting at ₹4,826-₹6,757 (~50-70 USD) booked two to three weeks ahead. Cambodia Angkor Air is mid-range at ₹7,529-₹10,618 (~78-110 USD). JC Airlines is similar to Cambodia Angkor Air but with less reliable scheduling.
Can I book the flight from India?
Yes, both AirAsia Cambodia and Cambodia Angkor Air accept Indian Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards on their websites. Book direct on the airline site rather than through a third-party OTA to avoid ₹1,448-₹2,413 (~15-25 USD) markups and to get cleaner cancellation policies.
Do I need a visa if I’m just transiting through Cambodia?
If you’re staying in Cambodia to change planes or to take the bus, you need a valid visa. Cambodia does not offer airside transit without visa for Indian passport holders. If you’re just transiting Phnom Penh airport on a single ticket and not leaving the international transit area, you don’t need a visa, but most Indian travellers here are leaving the airport to take the bus or stay overnight.
When is the cheapest time to fly Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
Low season (June to October) has the cheapest fares, particularly midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically ₹1,448-₹2,413 (~15-25 USD) cheaper than Friday and Sunday. Avoid Khmer New Year mid-April and full-moon Buddhist holidays, when fares spike 30 to 50 percent.
Is there a train from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
Not currently. The Cambodian rail line from Phnom Penh runs north to Poipet (the Thai border), not to Siem Reap. The full Phnom Penh to Siem Reap rail link has been planned for years but is not operational in 2026. For the route itself, your realistic choices are flight, bus, or shared taxi.
