How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat come hand in hand with each other. Almost everyone who visits Siem Reap also explores the extensive and remarkable temples of Angkor Wat – the largest religious monument in the world.
Some visitors spend an entire week discovering every corner and carving of the temples, but here’s your reminder to explore beyond Angkor Wat. The city also has cute cafes, a nightly circus that will leave you stunned, never-ending markets, and a lively Pub Street. For many, it exceeds expectations.
What are the 5 ways to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
There are 5 ways to travel the 400 kilometre (249 miles) distance from Bangkok to Siem Reap. You can choose between the bus*, shared minivan*, private transport*, train* and flight. The journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train* with tickets starting at 49,000 KHR ($12.30).
Bangkok to Siem Reap by Flight
The best way to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap is by flight.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Bangkok city centre to Don Mueang Airport
You can take a taxi from Bangkok city centre to Don Mueang International Airport. Fares start from 28,000 KHR ($7). And if the driver uses the expressway, you’ll also need to cover the toll fees.
Remember that Bangkok gets very busy between 06:00 and 09:00, and again from 16:00 to 20:00. Traffic can be heavy during these hours, which means your journey might take longer than 1h.
Step 2: Flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap
AirAsia usually offers the cheapest flights between these two destinations, with one-way fares starting from around 345,000 KHR ($86). The flight time is just 1h.
You can also fly with Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways. These airlines operate direct flights as well, but they depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport and tend to be more expensive. Fares start from 446,000 KHR ($110).
Keep an eye out for promotions, as all three airlines regularly offer special deals. For the best flight prices, try to book as early as possible.
Step 3: Siem Reap Airport to the city centre
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located about 45 km east of the city centre. Since replacing the old airport in 2023, it now takes longer to reach town — around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your transport choice.
The cheapest option is the airport shuttle bus, with fares from 32,000 KHR ($8). It drops you off along 7 Makara Street, about 2 km from the tourist centre. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your hotel.
Private transfers are the most comfortable and fastest option, though they’re also the most expensive. You can choose between airport taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp, or pre-booked cars through BookAway. Prices range from 100,000 KHR ($25) to 181,000 KHR ($45).
There are also tuk-tuks from the airport, but they’re slower and not ideal in bad weather. You can read more about all the transport options on our Siem Reap airport page.
Bangkok to Siem Reap by Bus*
If you are looking to save money and experience the true local life of both Thailand and Cambodia, then taking the bus is a good option for border crossing. But consider this only if you have a lot of time, as the bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap takes around 9 hours.
Go Ho Travel are one of the most highly-rated bus companies operating this route. You can check their schedules in the table below.
Bus schedules from Bangkok to Siem Reap
This route requires an on-land border crossing, which involves disembarking the bus when you reach the border in Aranyaprathet. The bus staff will instruct you on what to do, and you will need to leave your belongings in the bus in order to go through immigration. For those needing a visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia, make sure you secure one before you travel.
You need to pay a fee at the counter to enter the country. Once you’ve completed immigration, simply locate your bus and make your way back to your seat. The bus will then depart for Siem Reap. It will take another 2-3 hours from this point.
Bangkok to Siem Reap by Shared Minivan*
A minivan ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap costs around 136,000 KHR ($34). The minivan journey takes about 9 hours, depending on traffic.
There are one companies operating on this route: Go Ho Travel.
Minivan schedules from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Bangkok to Siem Reap by Train*
You can travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap by train. If you do, you’ll enjoy some lovely countryside views along the way.
Just keep in mind that the train doesn’t go all the way to Siem Reap. You’ll still need to cross the border at Poipet and arrange onward transport in Cambodia.
The journey looks like this:
- Travel from Bangkok city centre to Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
- Take the train to Ban Klong Luk Border Station and walk across the Poipet border.
- Continue from Poipet to Siem Reap by taxi or shared ride.
Total travel time takes about 9 hours 30 minutes and costs around 49,000 KHR ($12.30).
Step 1: Bangkok city centre to Hua Lamphong Railway Station
From Bangkok city centre, you can take the MRT (underground train) to Hua Lamphong for 20 THB ($0.60).
The MRT is directly connected to Hua Lamphong Railway Station and serves nearby stations in the following areas: Bang Rak, Lumphini, Khlong Toei, Din Daeng, Huai Khwang, Samsen Nok (Ratchadaphisek area), and Chatuchak.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from your hotel, with fares starting from 70 THB ($2.20).
Step 2: Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Ban Klong Luk Border Station
The train to the Thai–Cambodian border departs Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 05:55 and 13:05.
The journey takes around 6h and runs in a 3rd class carriage. It’s basic and not the most comfortable, but it’s generally clean and fine for a daytime trip.
Tickets cost about 50 THB ($1.50) per person, which you can buy at the station.
Stay on the train until the final stop, Ban Klong Luk Border Station. This station is located right next to the Poipet border crossing, so there’s no need to get off earlier at Aranyaprathet Station (if you do, you’ll have to take a tuk-tuk to the border).
Once you arrive, walk to immigration to exit Thailand, then continue through the border process to enter Poipet, Cambodia.
Step 3: Poipet to Siem Reap by Taxi
Once you’ve entered Poipet, you’ll find taxis waiting to take you to Siem Reap. Make sure to agree on the price before getting in.
If you walk a bit further past the main border area, you can usually find shared taxis (rideshare) with fares from 40,000 KHR ($10) per person.
If you prefer to book your taxi in advance, you can do so via BookAway. Fares start from 201,000 KHR ($50), and travel time takes about 3h.
Bangkok to Siem Reap by Private Transport*
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Rates start from 1,646,000 KHR ($410) for a 9-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 183,000 KHR ($45.50) per person.
Private transport from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Siem Reap
What is the distance from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
The distance from Bangkok to Siem Reap is 400 kilometre (249 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is by flight and takes 2 hours 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is by train* with ticket costs starting from 49,000 KHR ($12.30).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
