10 km · 20-35 min · From $10-18
Phnom Penh International Airport sits 10 km west of the city's central riverside district along the Tonle Sap and Mekong confluence. The journey to Sisowath Quay and the Royal Palace area takes 20-35 minutes depending on traffic conditions along National Road 4 and Monivong Boulevard. Airport taxis operate on fixed pricing, while ride-hailing apps offer significantly cheaper metered rates for this short urban route.
| Option | Price (est.) | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked transfer | $10-18 | Fixed all-in price · meet & greet · flight tracking · ALL surcharges and tolls included · free cancellation |
| Metered taxi |
⚠ $12-15 meter ONLY + $3-6 surcharges, tolls, tip ≈ $15-21 typical total |
Meter only — airport surcharge, tolls, midnight surcharge and tip added on top. Final cost varies with traffic. |
| Ride-hailing app | $4-7 | Upfront pricing — pickup may require walking to a designated zone, surge during busy times |
Note: Pre-booked transfer prices are the all-in amount you actually pay. Metered taxi prices shown are the meter only — typical out-of-pocket cost is 20–40% higher once airport surcharges, tolls and tip are added. Compare like-for-like before deciding.
Official airport taxis charge fixed rates of 15,000-18,000 riels ($12-15) to central districts, payable at the dedicated taxi counter inside arrivals. Pre-booked private transfers cost $10-18 depending on vehicle type and typically include meet-and-greet service. Grab and PassApp dominate ride-hailing in Cambodia, with GrabCar charging 16,000-28,000 riels ($4-7) for the same route. Tuk-tuks wait outside but expect to negotiate 20,000-25,000 riels ($5-6). Remork-moto (motorcycle taxis) offer the cheapest option at 8,000-12,000 riels ($2-3) but lack luggage space. During morning rush hour (7-9 AM), add 10-15 minutes to travel time.
Airport taxis make sense for late-night arrivals after 11 PM when ride-app availability drops, or when traveling with three or more passengers splitting the fixed fare. The air-conditioned comfort and direct hotel drop-off justify the premium during Phnom Penh's humid season (March-May) or heavy afternoon rains.
Grab operates extensively throughout Phnom Penh with GrabCar and GrabTaxi options accepting both cash and in-app payment. PassApp Taxi provides local competition with similar pricing. Both apps function at the airport pickup zone located at the left side of arrivals as you exit. Download and set up payment methods before landing for fastest pickup.
A pre-booked private transfer is $10-18 all-in — the price is fixed and includes airport surcharges, tolls and meet-and-greet. A metered taxi shows $12-15 on the meter, but the actual amount you pay is typically 20-40% higher once airport surcharges, tolls and a tip are added. Ride-hailing is $4-7 where available.
The 10 km drive takes 20-35 min in normal conditions. Traffic in Phnom Penh during rush hour can add 20-30 minutes. Pre-booked transfers track your flight automatically, so a delayed arrival does not affect pickup.
Ride-hailing apps usually offer the lowest fare at $4-7, but airport pickup can require walking to a designated zone. Grab operates extensively throughout Phnom Penh with GrabCar and GrabTaxi options accepting both cash and in-app payment. PassApp Taxi provides local competition with similar pricing. Both apps function at the airport pickup zone located at the left side of arrivals as you exit. Download and set up payment methods before landing for fastest pickup. For most travelers a pre-booked transfer at $10-18 offers the best balance of price, comfort and reliability — there are no extra fees added on arrival.
Pre-booking is safer because the price is fixed in advance, your driver waits at arrivals with a name sign, and there is a record of the booking. Airport taxi counters at Phnom Penh (PNH) are legitimate but typically charge more than the running meter. Unlicensed drivers approaching arriving passengers inside the terminal should always be avoided.
Pre-booked transfer drivers are typically vetted for basic English. Metered taxi drivers' English varies — at major airports it is usually basic but functional. Have your destination written in the local script or share a Google Maps pin to avoid misunderstandings, especially for hotels on small lanes.
Pre-booked transfers include flight tracking — the driver waits regardless of how long the delay is, at no extra cost. Metered taxis are always available at Phnom Penh (PNH) but queues can be long during peak arrival times, and counters may close for late-night flights.
See our full Phnom Penh International Airport transfer guide for all destinations, local taxi tips, FAQ and booking options. For nationwide context, see our Cambodia transfer guide.