Getting There and Around in Phnom Penh

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Phnom Penh has a new main airport. Techo International Airport opened on 9 September 2025 and replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport for international flights. It lies about 20 km south of the city. Inside the city, ride-hailing apps have made tuk-tuk trips easy, with the price shown before you ride. This guide covers the airport, the transfer into town, and how to get around once you arrive.

Techo International Airport

Techo International Airport, code KTI, opened on 9 September 2025. It is now the main airport for Phnom Penh and the busiest in the country. It is about 20 km south of the city, in Kandal province. The old Phnom Penh International Airport, close to the city, no longer handles the main international flights. Always check that your ticket says KTI. Inside the terminal you find ATMs, money exchange, SIM card counters and cafés. Cambodia offers an e-visa for many nationalities, and some can get a visa on arrival. Rules change, so check the official rules for your passport before you fly.

From the airport to the city

A new road links the airport with the south of the city. The trip takes about 45 to 60 minutes by road, but traffic can make it longer at busy times. The Airport Express Bus runs daily from about 5:30 am to 11:30 pm and takes about one hour to the city centre. It is the cheapest option. Taxis wait outside the terminal, and you can also book a car through a ride-hailing app. Follow the signs to the pick-up area. Many hotels offer a transfer if you book ahead. Ask your hotel for the best option for your arrival time, as late flights have fewer choices.

PassApp, Grab and tuk-tuks

Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to move around the city. PassApp and Grab both work well in Phnom Penh. You can book a small three-wheeled tuk-tuk, a larger tuk-tuk or a car. The app shows the price before you ride, so there is no bargaining. Drivers do not always read maps well, so share your pin and keep the map open. Classic tuk-tuks with a trailer also wait outside hotels and markets. For these, agree the price before you get in. Short trips in the centre take about 10 to 20 minutes. Hold your phone and bag inside the tuk-tuk, away from the street side.

City buses and walking

Phnom Penh has air-conditioned public city buses run by the city. They are very cheap and follow main roads, but they can be slow in traffic. Ask at your hotel or check the routes online before you ride. The old centre near the riverside is easy to explore on foot in the morning or evening. Pavements are often blocked by parked motorbikes and food stalls, so you sometimes need to walk on the road edge. Cross busy roads slowly and steadily, so drivers can see you. The midday heat is strong, so plan short walks and use a tuk-tuk between areas.

Money and phones

Cambodia uses two currencies. US dollars are used for most prices, and Cambodian riel is used for small change. ATMs are common in the city and usually give US dollars. Carry small notes, as tuk-tuk drivers and street sellers often have little change. Damaged or torn dollar notes may be refused. A local SIM card with data is cheap and easy to buy at the airport or in phone shops. You need your passport to register it. With data, you can use the ride-hailing apps and maps everywhere in the city. Many cafés and hotels also have free Wi-Fi.

Getting There and Around at a glance

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