How Much Does It Cost to Get from Siem Reap Airport to the City?

Siem Reap is one of the more affordable airport transfer destinations in Southeast Asia. The short distance from the airport to town keeps costs low across all transport types.

Prices by Transport Type (2026)

All prices are in US dollars, which is the standard currency used in Siem Reap for tourist transactions.

To town center / Pub Street area (8 km, 15-25 min):

• Pre-booked private transfer: $8-15
• Official taxi: $10-15
• Tuk-tuk: $5-8 (negotiated)
• Grab/PassApp: $4-7
• Hotel pickup: Often free (confirm in advance)

To hotels on the outskirts / resort areas (10-15 km):

• Pre-booked transfer: $12-20
• Taxi: $12-18
• Tuk-tuk: $7-10

To Angkor Wat area (7 km from airport, but not a direct trip): Note: You cannot go directly to Angkor Wat from the airport without first purchasing an Angkor Pass at the ticket office. Most travelers check into their hotel first and visit the temples the next day.

Why Prices Vary

Tuk-tuk pricing is negotiable — what you pay depends partly on your negotiation skills and the time of day. Drivers waiting at the airport tend to charge more than drivers you would hail from a street in town. This is normal and expected.

Grab and PassApp show the fare before you confirm, removing the negotiation element. These apps consistently offer the lowest prices, but require a working data connection.

Pre-booked transfers have a fixed rate set at booking time. You pay more than a Grab ride, but the driver is waiting for you, tracks your flight, and includes meet-and-greet service.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not traditional in Cambodia but has become common in tourist areas. For tuk-tuk drivers, rounding up by $1-2 is appreciated. For private transfer drivers, a $2-3 tip is a generous gesture. Nobody will be offended if you do not tip, but it goes a long way in a country where average wages are modest.

Money Tips for the Airport

ATMs at the airport dispense US dollars and Cambodian riel. Withdraw dollars — they are accepted everywhere. Keep small bills ($1 and $5) for tuk-tuks and small purchases. Drivers may not have change for a $50 or $100 bill.

Do not exchange currency at the airport counter — the rates are poor and you simply do not need riel for most tourist transactions.

Our Take

The cost difference between transport options at Siem Reap Airport is small in absolute terms — we are talking about $3-10 USD separating the cheapest from the most expensive option. For that modest difference, a pre-booked transfer provides guaranteed service and zero hassle. But if you enjoy the tuk-tuk experience and are traveling light, negotiating a fair fare is straightforward.