Phnom Penh is one of the more affordable capital cities in Southeast Asia, and airport transport reflects that. You can get to the center of the city for under $15 in most cases.
Metered taxi fares
The official taxi counter inside the arrivals hall dispatches metered taxis. The meter starts at $7, and the total fare to central Phnom Penh (Riverside, BKK1, Russian Market area) is typically $9-15 depending on exact destination and traffic. This is the simplest official option -- you pay at the counter, get a receipt, and are assigned a car.
Tuk-tuk fares
Tuk-tuks offer a cheaper ride at $7-12 to central areas. Fares are negotiated, not metered. Start by asking the price, then counter at about 60-70% of what the driver quotes. Most drivers settle somewhere in between. Tuk-tuks are slower than cars (open to traffic, smaller, and drivers tend to use side roads), so factor in a longer trip time.
Ride-hailing app fares
Grab and PassApp consistently offer competitive pricing:
- GrabCar to Riverside/BKK1: $7-12
- GrabTukTuk: $4-8
- PassApp car: $6-11
- PassApp tuk-tuk: $4-7
Private transfer costs
- Sedan to city center: $15-25
- SUV to city center: $25-40
- Van (for groups): $30-50
Destinations and their costs
| Destination | Taxi | Tuk-tuk | Grab Car | Private Transfer | |-------------|------|---------|----------|------------------| | Riverside | $10-15 | $8-12 | $8-12 | $15-25 | | BKK1 | $9-14 | $7-11 | $7-11 | $15-22 | | Russian Market | $10-15 | $8-12 | $8-13 | $15-25 | | Koh Pich | $10-15 | $8-12 | $9-13 | $15-25 | | Chroy Changvar | $12-18 | $10-14 | $10-15 | $18-30 |
Currency and payment
US dollars are the practical currency for transport in Cambodia. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and private transfers all accept USD. Grab and PassApp can be paid by cash (USD or Riel) or linked card. ATMs at the airport dispense US dollars. Small change may come back in Cambodian Riel at the rate of approximately 4,000 Riel to $1.
What affects pricing
Traffic is the main variable for metered taxis -- a clear run takes 20 minutes, while rush hour can triple the time and add to the fare. Tuk-tuk and app fares are less affected since they are typically fixed or zone-based. Rain during monsoon season (May-October) can cause flooding on some roads and increase both travel time and prices slightly.
Bottom line
Transport from PNH to the city is affordable across all options. The cheapest ride (Grab tuk-tuk) can be under $5. The most comfortable (private SUV) tops out around $40. For most travelers, a Grab car at $8-12 hits the sweet spot of price, comfort, and convenience.