Soursdey! (That means “hello” in Khmer) 👋
Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia! If it’s your first time here, don’t worry — we know it might feel a bit overwhelming when you first land, but we’re here to help. As locals, we’ve seen all kinds of travelers arrive, and we’re excited to guide you on how to get started smoothly.
✈️ First things first — where are you landing?
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is located about 10 km (6 miles) west of the city center. Depending on traffic and how you choose to travel, you’ll reach downtown in 20 to 45 minutes.
🚨 Note: A new airport — Techo International Airport — is expected to open in July 2025. Be sure to double-check your flight details if you're arriving after that date.
Option 1: Taxi or Airport Taxi
This option is more common for tourists than locals (we usually use other methods below), but it’s still convenient.
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Cost: ~$12–$15 USD (fixed rate)
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Best for: Travelers with luggage who want an easy, air-conditioned ride
You’ll find an official taxi desk inside the airport. Pay there and a driver will be assigned to you.
Option 2: Grab App (Southeast Asia’s Uber)
Everyone in Cambodia uses Grab — it’s like Uber and works across many Southeast Asian countries. Locals use it all the time!
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Cost: ~$7–$10 USD depending on distance and car size
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Best for: Travelers with mobile data
With Grab, you can choose a car or a tuk tuk (3-wheel ride). Prices are shown in the app, so no need to negotiate.
Option 3: Tuk Tuk (Traditional & Budget-Friendly)
- Cost: ~$4–$6 USD
- Best for: Light travelers who want a local experience
Tuk tuks are a fun way to see the city from the start. You can:
- Use Grab to book one (highly recommended)
- Or walk a bit outside the airport to find one manually (we don’t suggest this — prices can vary and safety may be a concern)
Locals used to hail tuk tuks like this, but now most of us just use Grab.
Option 4: Airport Shuttle Bus
- Cost: ~$2 USD
- Best for: Budget travelers with time and light luggage
There’s a public shuttle that goes to main areas like Central Market and Riverside. It’s not frequent, but it’s safe and affordable.
Locals don’t use it much, but it’s great if you’re traveling on a budget.
Other Options
- Hotel Pickup: Many hotels offer airport transfer — book in advance
- Private Driver: You can arrange this online or through your hotel. (Need help with this? We’re happy to assist!)
Where’s the City Center?
Most travelers stay in:
- Riverside (near Wat Phnom) – lively, scenic, and near top attractions
- BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) – trendy cafes, boutique hotels, expat vibes
- Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung) – great food, markets, and local life
Let your driver know your hotel or show them a map if you’re unsure.
💬 Local Phrases That Might Help
- Soursdey! – Hello
- Arkun. – Thank you
- Jom Reap Lea. – Goodbye
Final Tips
- Carry small change in USD or Khmer Riel
- Be careful when using your phone in tuk tuks — hold it tight
- Save your hotel’s name and address in Khmer if possible
Welcome to Phnom Penh!
Now that you’ve made it into the city, check out our guide to your first day in Phnom Penh for must-see spots and tasty eats.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your friends or let us know how we can make it better!
Photo by: arcibald pawelblaszak