Getting There and Around in Battambang
Part of the Battambang travel guide — see every topic in All Battambang Guides.
Battambang is in north-west Cambodia, on the Sangkae River. It has no regular passenger flights, so most people arrive by road. Buses run from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. A daily train also links Battambang with Phnom Penh. When the water is high, a slow boat travels from Siem Reap across the Tonle Sap lake and up the river, one of the most scenic trips in the country. This guide covers all the options and how to move around town.
From Phnom Penh by bus
Many bus companies run between Phnom Penh and Battambang every day, from early morning to late afternoon. The trip takes about 5 to 6 hours by road, with a rest stop on the way. Most buses have air-conditioning, and some companies use smaller, faster minivans. Buy tickets at the bus company offices, at your hotel or online. In Battambang, buses stop at company offices near the centre, and tuk-tuk drivers wait there. Choose a well-known company, keep your valuables in your hand luggage, and bring a jacket, as the air-conditioning can be very cold.
The daily train
One passenger train a day runs between Phnom Penh and Battambang. In recent schedules, it leaves Phnom Penh at about 6:40 am and arrives in Battambang in the early afternoon, after about 6.5 to 7 hours. The return train leaves Battambang in the afternoon and arrives in Phnom Penh in the evening. The train has fans and open windows, not air-conditioning, but the views of rice fields and villages are much better than from the bus. It is often slower than the bus, but calm and safe. Book through the national railway's website, a booking site or the station. Check the current timetable before you travel.
From Siem Reap by road
Buses and minivans run several times a day between Siem Reap and Battambang. The trip takes about 3 to 4 hours. Many travellers combine Siem Reap and Battambang on the same trip, and buses are frequent in both directions. You can also hire a private car with a driver, which is faster and lets you stop on the way. Book at your hotel or a bus office in town. Some buses pick you up at your hotel in Siem Reap, so check where to wait. The road is flat and passes rice fields, small towns and roadside fruit stalls.
The river boat from Siem Reap
In the high-water season, a slow boat runs from Siem Reap to Battambang. It usually leaves in the morning, at about 7 am. It crosses part of the Tonle Sap lake, then follows narrow rivers to Battambang. On the way you pass floating villages, stilt houses, large fishing nets and many water birds. The trip can take about 6 to 12 hours, depending on the water level. When the water is low in the dry season, the boat cannot reach Battambang, and the last part is by road, or the boat may not run. Bring food, water, sun cream and a cushion. Check the current season and timetable locally.
Getting around town
Battambang's old town is small and flat, so it is easy to explore on foot. Many guesthouses rent bicycles, which are a good way to reach the riverside and nearby villages. Tuk-tuks wait outside hotels, markets and bus offices. For short trips in town, agree the price before you ride. For the countryside, the bamboo train and the bat cave, a half-day or full-day tuk-tuk hire is the most common choice. Many drivers speak some English and can suggest a route. Ride-hailing apps may work in town, but there are fewer cars and tuk-tuks than in Phnom Penh.
Getting There and Around at a glance
| Getting there | Bus from Phnom Penh about 5 to 6 hours; from Siem Reap about 3 to 4 hours |
|---|---|
| Train | One train a day from Phnom Penh, about 6:40 am, about 6.5 to 7 hours |
| Boat | Slow boat from Siem Reap in high water, about 6 to 12 hours |
| Cost | Bus and train fares are low; private cars and the boat cost more |
| Best time | About November to February, cooler and dry |