Flying to Cambodia: Airports, Routes & Arrival Tips

Cambodia’s main international airports are Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap International Airport (REP), handling most international flights, while Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) serves a limited number of routes.

Phnom Penh International Airport is Cambodia’s largest airport, located roughly 10 km from the city center near the Tonle Bassac neighborhood. It handles most international flights, including direct services from major Asian hubs such as Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Singapore Changi, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Siem Reap International Airport focuses on travelers visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park and saw passenger traffic surpass 3 million in 2023.

Sihanoukville International Airport features fewer international flights but is gaining importance due to ongoing development near Ochheuteal Beach. For most visitors to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, these two airports provide the most convenient access.

Key airlines flying to Cambodia include both budget and full-service carriers such as Cambodia Angkor Air, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, alongside low-cost airlines like AirAsia and Scoot.

Cambodia Angkor Air, the national carrier, operates regional routes linking Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with cities including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat, and Hanoi Noi Bai. For European travelers, Middle Eastern airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates offer one-stop flights via Doha Hamad International or Dubai International Airport, continuing onward to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

Budget airlines such as AirAsia and Scoot provide competitive fares from Southeast Asian cities, making multi-leg journeys affordable. Since flight frequency and availability fluctuate seasonally, booking well in advance is recommended, especially during the busy period from November to February.

Most international visitors need a tourist visa, obtainable either on arrival at Cambodian airports or online as an e-visa before traveling.

After landing, passengers proceed to immigration counters where visa-on-arrival is available for many nationalities at a fee of USD 30 (around EUR 28). Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on queues at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports. Applying for an e-visa online before arrival costs the same but can speed up entry.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date and have at least one blank visa page. Following immigration, travelers collect luggage and clear customs. There are no significant restrictions on personal items. Carrying small denominations of USD or EUR for visa fees and transport is advisable.

The primary options for traveling from Siem Reap airport to the city center are tuk-tuks or taxis, with a 15-minute trip covering about 7 kilometers.

Tuk-tuks are readily available outside arrivals, charging approximately EUR 3 to EUR 5 depending on the time of day and negotiation skills. Metered taxis or private cars cost between EUR 7 and EUR 12, providing more comfort, especially when carrying luggage. The route passes through the Svay Dangkum commune, near the Old Market area.

Some hotels close to Pub Street offer shuttle services for guests, typically arranged in advance. Public buses do not run this route. Agreeing on the fare before departure helps avoid confusion.

Phnom Penh International Airport sits about 10 km from the city center near the Russian Market (Tuol Tom Pong), reachable by taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-hailing apps within 20 to 30 minutes.

Official airport taxis charge roughly EUR 8 to EUR 12 to central Phnom Penh. Tuk-tuks are cheaper at about EUR 3 to EUR 5 but may be less comfortable with luggage. Ride-hailing services like PassApp and Grab operate in Phnom Penh and can be used for airport pickups, often offering competitive rates.

Booking a transfer through your hotel or a reputable service is recommended for convenience, especially during late-night arrivals or busy times.

Cambodian customs allow travelers to bring personal items duty-free but strictly prohibit narcotics, firearms, and products from endangered species.

Upon arrival, luggage is scanned and passengers may need to declare items if carrying commercial amounts or restricted goods. The duty-free allowance includes 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and 1 liter of alcohol for travelers over 18.

Keeping receipts for expensive items and avoiding carrying large amounts of cash is wise. Customs officers are generally professional, and having proper documentation ready can help prevent delays.

Booking flights to Cambodia 2 to 3 months ahead usually secures better prices, with the low season from May to October offering cheaper fares.

Demand peaks during the dry season from November to February, causing prices to rise by 20 to 40 percent. Airlines sometimes run promotions during regional holidays or off-peak months, so monitoring fares regularly is beneficial.

Choosing flexible travel dates and mid-week departures can lower costs. For travelers planning to attend major events or festivals, early booking is important due to limited seat availability.

Cambodian airports generally operate efficiently but can become crowded during peak seasons and holidays like Khmer New Year in April. It is helpful to have local currency (Cambodian Riel) or US dollars available for small purchases and transportation.

Locals often use tuk-tuks for short trips, a practical and affordable way to get around cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. When negotiating fares, stay courteous and confirm the price before setting off.

For longer trips, domestic flights connect Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with provinces like Battambang and Kampong Thom, while buses and minivans offer budget-friendly alternatives. Note that ride-hailing apps have limited coverage outside major urban areas.