Siem Reap Airport Transfer Guide
Everything you need to know about getting from the airport to your hotel in Siem Reap
Siem Reap's new international airport (REP) opened in October 2023, located 50 km east of the city center—a significant change from the old 7 km route. This hour-long journey to Angkor Wat's gateway means pre-booked transfers are now essential. Most hotels offer pickups, but independent taxi bookings give you fixed pricing and eliminate haggling. The city serves 2+ million annual visitors heading to the UNESCO temple complex, making reliable airport transport critical for tight itineraries.
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) — 50 km to Angkor area, travel time 45–60 min, transfers from $10.
Here are the most popular areas in Siem Reap and what to expect for the transfer from the airport:
Transfer time: 55-70 min from REP · Price: $30-38
Tourism epicenter with night markets, hostels, and restaurants. Most backpackers and budget hotels cluster within walking distance of this lively strip along Sivatha Boulevard.
Transfer time: 40-50 min from REP · Price: $28-35
Resorts near the archaeological park's ticket gates. Closer to REP than downtown, these hotels suit early-morning temple visits but require tuk-tuks for dining options.
Transfer time: 60-75 min from REP · Price: $32-40
Upscale hotel strip running north from Royal Gardens. Home to international chains like Sofitel and Park Hyatt, with riverside dining and spa facilities.
Transfer time: 58-72 min from REP · Price: $30-38
Quieter neighborhood east of Siem Reap River with guesthouses and local eateries. Popular with long-term visitors seeking authentic Khmer atmosphere away from tourist crowds.
Transfer time: 25-35 min from REP · Price: $18-25
Newly developed hotel corridor halfway to the city. Budget chains target transit passengers, but you'll be isolated from Siem Reap's attractions and restaurants.
The 50 km drive from REP requires private transport—no train or metro exists. Official airport taxis charge $32-38 to downtown with meters, while pre-booked transfers lock rates at $28-35. PassApp and Grab operate in Siem Reap city but don't service the new airport reliably. Shared minivans ($10-12) run on irregular schedules with hotel drop-off loops adding 30+ minutes. Tuk-tuks aren't permitted on the highway. Some hotels include free pickup with 3+ night stays, but confirm this covers the new airport location, not the defunct old terminal.
Pre-booked private transfer offers the best value-to-convenience ratio for REP's remote location. Fixed $28-32 pricing beats airport taxi surcharges, and your driver waits even if your AirAsia flight delays. Families of 3-4 split costs to $7-10 per person, matching minivan rates without the stops. Meet-and-greet service is crucial since REP's arrivals hall has aggressive taxi touts. Book vehicles with working AC—Cambodia's dry season hits 38°C and the highway lacks shade.
Exchange $20-30 USD at the airport for small purchases—Cambodia uses both dollars and riel, with change often given in riel at 4,100:1. Highway 64 to Siem Reap has no rest stops, so use airport facilities. Morning flights (6-9 AM) hit rush hour entering the city, adding 15 minutes. Verify your hotel's exact address—"Pub Street area" spans 2 km. Drivers rarely speak English beyond basic greetings; have your hotel name in Khmer script ready. REP's taxi stand charges $35-40; pre-booked transfers save $5-12.
A pre-booked private transfer to Siem Reap typically starts from $10 all-in — fixed price with meet-and-greet, no surprises. Transfers to popular areas like Pub Street / Old Market run around $30-38. Metered taxi prices vary; the meter shows a base figure but airport surcharges, tolls and tip are added on top, typically increasing the total by 20-40%.
Siem Reap (REP) is the only commercial airport serving Siem Reap — about 50 km to Angkor area, with a typical transfer time of 45–60 min.
The typical transfer time is 45–60 min, covering roughly 50 km to Angkor area. Allow extra time during rush hours and on weekends. Pre-booked transfers track your flight automatically — your driver waits whatever the delay.
Licensed airport taxis at Siem Reap (REP) are generally safe. The main risks are unlicensed drivers approaching arriving passengers, inflated fixed-rate quotes, and taxi cooperatives blocking ride-hailing apps. Pre-booking eliminates all three — your driver is identified by name and the price is locked in.
Pre-booking is the simpler choice for first-time visitors, late arrivals, families with children, and groups of two or more. Metered taxis can work if you are comfortable handling local cash, surcharges, and the occasional language barrier. Either way, avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal — they almost always charge more than the official options.
Ride-hailing availability at Siem Reap (REP) depends on local rules. Some Asian airports allow apps directly at arrivals; others require a walk to a designated pickup zone, and a few exclude apps entirely from the airport pickup area. Check the local taxi system on this page for specifics — pre-booking sidesteps the issue entirely.