Cambodia's new airports in 2026: Techo in Phnom Penh and SAI in Siem Reap have moved out of town — how to get to the centre now, and how much a taxi and a bus cost.
Why the old descriptions of Cambodia’s airports no longer work
Only a few years ago the airports of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap were conveniently located almost within the city limits — you could reach your hotel in 15–20 minutes. This changed twice in the last three years: in Siem Reap the new airport opened on 16 October 2023, in Phnom Penh on 9 September 2025, when the old Pochentong airport was closed after more than sixty-five years of operation. The reasons for both moves are similar: the old airports ran up against city boundaries and the historic protected zone of Angkor and physically could not expand for the growing flow of long-haul flights. The new terminals are roomier and more modern, but are noticeably farther from the centre — this should be taken into account when planning transfer time and choosing a hotel.
Siem Reap: a new airport 40 kilometres from the city
Siem Reap-Angkor Airport (SAI) occupies 700 hectares about 40 kilometres east of the city — compared with a 15–25-minute drive from the old airport, the road to the centre now takes 45–60 minutes along the specially built Angkor Highway. The terminal is designed to receive long-haul flights on large aircraft, which the old airport could not do, and its capacity in the first phase is seven million passengers a year with the prospect of growth to twenty million.
Ways to reach the centre of Siem Reap: a shuttle bus — the cheapest way, from 8 dollars, about an hour on the road, running daily from 9:30 to 22:00; a taxi — about 35 dollars for one to three people, though according to other data the price may be closer to 23 euros depending on the operator; a minivan — around 14 dollars; a tuk-tuk — about 15 dollars. At the terminal exit there is a transport booking desk with fixed prices — a convenient option if you don’t want to haggle on the spot with street drivers. If you book a hotel directly, many hotels in Siem Reap offer a free airport transfer — check this when booking, since the difference from a paid taxi can be significant.
Phnom Penh: Techo Airport 28 kilometres from the centre
Techo International Airport replaced the former Pochentong airport, which was only 10 kilometres from the city centre. The new terminal is about 24–28 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, and its first phase is designed for 13 million passengers a year. The official opening for regular flights took place on 9 September 2025, and the ceremonial inauguration was held on 20 October of the same year.
The journey time to the city centre is on average 45–60 minutes without traffic, though at rush hour it may stretch longer. In terms of money the options are as follows: the official airport express bus is the cheapest way, a ticket costs about 2,000 riel (around 0.4 dollars), and buses run daily from about 5:30 to 23:30; a taxi via the Grab, PassApp or WowNow apps — from 10 to 20 dollars depending on the destination and road congestion; an ordinary taxi at the terminal without an app may ask noticeably more — up to 30–40 dollars, so it is wiser to order via an app or at an airport desk with a fixed price than to bargain with a random driver at the exit.
What this means for trip planning
The main practical conclusion: allow an hour for the airport transfer in both cities, not twenty minutes as before. This is especially important with short connections, late evening flights, or if you plan to head straight to the sights after landing: an extra hour in traffic or on the road can shift the whole day’s schedule. When choosing a hotel pay attention not only to the distance to the city centre but also to the convenience of the transfer from the new airport — some hotels have already adapted their transfer services to the new logistics, others not yet. If you book a tour or excursion for the first day after arrival, add a time reserve to the schedule, allowing for the longer road from the airport.
Grab, PassApp and street drivers: how not to overpay
At both new Cambodian airports taxi-ordering apps operate — Grab and the local PassApp — which give a fixed price before the ride right in the app and remain the most transparent way to get to the city without the risk of overpaying. WowNow is another local app gaining popularity in Phnom Penh. Street drivers at the terminal exit often quote a price higher than the app shows, especially if the tourist looks bewildered after a long flight — compare the price in the app with the offer on the spot and don’t agree at once to the first sum named.
Practical checklist
- In Siem Reap the new airport is 40 km from the city, and the road takes 45–60 minutes, not 15–20 as before.
- In Phnom Penh the new Techo airport is 24–28 km from the centre, and the road is also about an hour.
- The cheapest option in both cities is the official shuttle bus, the most predictable a taxi via Grab or PassApp with a fixed price in the app.
- Ask your hotel whether it offers a free transfer — especially relevant for hotels in Siem Reap.
- Allow a time reserve for the transfer with a short connection or a tight schedule on the first day.
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that the Phnom Penh airport has moved?
Yes, since 9 September 2025 the new Techo airport has operated about 28 km from the centre, and the old Pochentong airport 10 km from the city is closed.
When did the new Siem Reap airport open?
On 16 October 2023 — it is about 40 km from the city, much farther than the old airport.
How long does it take now to get from the airport to the city centre?
In both cities on average 45–60 minutes without traffic, compared with 15–25 minutes at the former airports.
Is there a budget way to get from the airport?
Yes, both cities have official shuttle buses — the cheapest option, though not the fastest.
Is it better to order a taxi via an app or at the terminal exit?
Via an app (Grab, PassApp) — the price is fixed in advance and is usually lower than that of street drivers at the exit.
Conclusion
If you are preparing for a trip to Cambodia from articles or reviews many years old, revise your logistics: both main airports in the country have moved, and the road to the city now takes two to three times longer than before. Plan the transfer in advance, compare the price in the app with the offer on the spot and allow an hour in the schedule of the first day of the trip — then the transfer will not become an unpleasant surprise after a long flight.
