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Updated April 2020.
Getting around Phnom Penh is never a dull experience. Considering the perilous traffic conditions and the lack of infrastructure upkeep, the best way to get around Phnom Penh is by car.
But that’s not the only way to get around the capital city! Motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and rickshaws can be found on almost every street corner, and there are multiple apps that let you call transportation to your doorstep.
Phnom Penh can feel like a big small city and a small big city. But that means nothing in the noonday sun. A meter can feel like a mile and I’m pretty sure that math is exactly right.
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Type of Transport | Cost | Pros | Cons | App |
---|---|---|---|---|
Walking | Free | It's free! | It's hot! | A step-counter? |
Tuk-tuk | $1-5 (4,000-20,000 Riel) | The quintessential Cambodian experience | Open-air, slow | PassApp and Grab |
Rickshaw | $1-5 (4,000-20,000 Riel) | Runs on CNG, good for the environment and your wallet | Open-air | PassApp and Grab |
Car | $2+ (8,000+ Riel) | Aircon, thank goodness | Traffic | PassApp and Grab |
SUV | $2+ (8,000+ Riel) | Aircon, thank goodness | Traffic | PassApp and Grab |
Bus | 1500 Riel (~$0.40) | Aircon | Traffic, not direct | Stops Near Me Phnom Penh Bus |
Walking
Good for a stroll through your neighborhood or down by the Riverside, but its best to keep your outings short. If the sun doesn’t get you, an unexpected rainstorm probably will.
Phnom Penh has many districts, and walking between destinations can be a bear. But if you really enjoy sweating, you’ve come to the right place!
Getting out of Phnom Penh? Check out the Best Bus Companies in Cambodia!
Tuk-tuk
Not hard to find anywhere in the city, but can be elusive when you’re running late and have to find one right now. Like true love, you’ll always find the one when you stop looking.
A typical ride will be at least $1USD (4000 Riel) per person and the most you should reasonably pay is around $5USD (20,000 Riel).
Tuk-tuks comfortably fit four, but if your group is bigger than that, worry not. A tuk-tuk can easily deliver an entire family reunion in one trip, and should still only cost $5USD (20,000 Riel).
PassApp Taxi
In 2017, PassApp Taxi came to Cambodia. A helpful Cambodia taxi app, the company is a cash-based service offering rickshaws, private cars, SUVs, and tuk-tuks. You input your pick up point and destination in the app, and a driver will come and get you.
The price of taking a rickshaw is typically half of what it costs to take a tuk-tuk because the rickshaws run on cheaper compressed natural gas (CNG).
Another plus is not having to negotiate with the driver. At the end of the ride what you owe comes up on both your phone and the driver’s phone, and a receipt is sent to your email.
It is best to have exact change in smaller bills as drivers don’t always have change.
Download PassApp(Android) I PassApp(Apple)
Grab Taxi Cambodia
In 2018, Grab Taxi came to Phnom Penh. Fares are very reasonable, especially considering the luxury of traveling in air-conditioning. Through the Grab app, you can book a car, an SUV, a rickshaw, motorbike, or tuk-tuk.
The cost of your ride will show up on both your phone and the driver’s phone at the end of the ride. Payment is made in cash, so try to have exact change in small bills in case the driver doesn’t have change. It is also possible to link your account to a credit or debit card.
Download the Grab(Android) I Grab(Apple)
Motorbike
Moto drivers patrol the city all hours of the day. Unlike in Thailand, where the motorbike drivers are easily identified by their fluorescent vests, these guys are just dudes who own motorbikes and hang out on street corners.
The drivers typically do not have helmets for their passengers and only sometimes for themselves. But it is cheap, so there’s that. A typical moto ride in the city is $1USD (4000 Riel) and shouldn’t be more than $3USD (12,000 Riel).
Bicycle
For the brave. Bicycles are available to rent at Mad Monkey ($5/day) and Vicious Cycle ($4/day). If you want to buy a bike, there are dozens of bicycle shops on Street 113 near Orussey Market.
You can get a used one with all the fixins’ (lock, basket, bell) for around $40-70USD.
Bicycles are inexpensive to repair. There are a few mobile bicycle repair shops in every district throughout the city, but the majority of bicycle repairs can be done near Orussey Market.
Biking is a good way to save yourself a few bucks on transportation and lose a few kilos in water weight.
Riding a bicycle is also a great way to explore outside of Phnom Penh. You can take a day trip on a mountain bike to Oudong Mountain, Silk Island or Phnom Chisor.
Biking is a great way to see the countryside and adventure off the beaten path.
Read: The Coolest Things to do in Phnom Penh
Cyclo
This iconic Phnom Penh mode of transport first came on the scene in the 1930s. Cyclos are a great way to take it slow and soak in the sights.
They can be found throughout the city, but are much rarer than they used to be. Cyclos are mainly concentrated by the Riverside or Orussey Market. The Cyclo Center also offers cyclo tours of Phnom Penh.
Your own motorbike
For the crazy brave. Many guesthouses offer motorbike rentals for the day, usually $5-$10USD (20,000-40,000 Riel).
Buying a new motorbike should cost $500-$2000USD and up, but it’s easy to find used motorbikes online or on fliers in businesses, mainly near the Riverside.
Guesthouses can also provide leads on where to buy a cheap motorbike. There are repair shops all over the city if something goes wrong.
Phnom Penh Taxi
Just a few years ago, it was hard to find a taxi in Cambodia. But with the arrival of PassApp and Grab, getting a taxi in Phnom Penh is just a few clicks away. A Cambodia taxi is usually a Prius so you’re saving the world and money!
The other Phnom Penh taxi services are typically used to get to and from the airport and to other parts of Cambodia.
Check out: 10 Awesome places to visit in Cambodia
Private Taxi Driver in Phnom Penh
You can hire a private driver who can take you around Phnom Penh or even to other cities like Kampot and Kep for multi-day trips. Check out the online booking site CamboTicket to book a private taxi driver.
You can also check out the Facebook group Taxi Share Cambodia to see if other people are going to the same destination as you from Phnom Penh and split the cost.
Friends of ours highly recommend their driver John, who they used for four years while living in Phnom Penh. They say “If you are and you are in need of a driver who is very safe and kind, please consider calling John. In four years of living in Cambodia, he was the best driver we’ve had in terms of safety (And very good stories!) His phone number/WhatsApp is +855 89 883 309 or his Facebook page JS Taxi Service.”
Your Own Car
If you’re balling out of control and love sitting in traffic, consider getting your own car! Most people survive in Phnom Penh without a personal vehicle, but if you really need one, take note that all cars come with a 110% tax levy.
Keep that in mind every time you see someone driving a Rolls-Royce. Feel free to gawk.
If you’re looking for a car rental, Phnom Penh has a few options through travel agencies and at car rental dealerships near the Phnom Penh International Airport. Make sure to specify that you want to drive the car yourself.
You can do the paperwork to obtain a Cambodian Driver’s license at most car rental agencies in Phnom Penh, but it will take about three weeks for it to come through. Driving in Cambodia is not for the faint of heart.
The Bus in Phnom Penh
Riding the bus in Phnom Penh is still a relatively new option. Most have been donated by China Aid and China really knows how to build an air-conditioned and comfy bus.
Phnom Penh is a hot city on a normal day so having an air-conditioned bus to take you on eight different routes around the city for only 1500 Riel (~$0.40) is quite nice.
You can check out the routes here and download the Stops Near Me app to find a bus stop near you. One of the routes even goes to the Phnom Penh International Airport.
Download Stops Near Me(Android) I Stops Near Me(Apple)
Now that you know your transportation options, here are some more nuggets of wisdom from our experience to help get you where you’re going.
Finding Your Destination
It’s important to note that some moto and tuk-tuk drivers may not be Phnom Penh locals and know the city only a little better than you.
The driver will try to assure you that they know the way. But unless you are going to a major landmark, that may not be the case.
Phnom Penh is not a very big city, so do some research on Google Maps about what major landmark is near your destination before you set off. At least one of you will know where you’re going.
If you do get lost and find yourself mapless, you have a few options. Off-duty drivers tend to congregate on busy corners. Stop by one of these groups and ask them about your destination. Someone should be able to help you out. If that fails, stop into a hotel or guesthouse and ask the receptionist for some help.
The typical Phnom Penh taxi driver will use their phones to help you find your destination, but it’s better to know where you’re going before you head out.
Costs
Transportation can become expensive surprisingly quick. There are no standard fares and, in our experience, it is best not to bargain at the front-end of a tuk-tuk or moto ride. Rather, have a reasonable amount that you’re willing to pay based on how far you’re going.
A moto ride within the city typically ranges from $1-$3USD (4,000-12,000 Riel), and you can get to most places by tuk-tuk for $2-$5USD (8,000-20,000 Riel).
Once you arrive at your destination, hand the driver the money and walk away, stifling any chance for haggling. Be sure to have exact change.
You can also take a Grab or PassApp. With pre-arranged fees, you’ll avoid any awkward arguments over 1000 Riel (~$0.25).
Driving in Cambodia
Although roads are slowly being repaved throughout the city, the infrastructure in Cambodia can be a bit bumpy at times, so be prepared to get a bit shaken up on your ride.
It’s a great way to stay alert and, if you’re on the back of a motorbike, a chance to work on your core strength without breaking a sweat! Just kidding, you’ll be sweating. It’s Cambodia.
Safety
The whole point of finding transportation in Phnom Penh is to arrive safely at your destination in one piece. In a tuk-tuk, never let go of your bags or valuables and try to keep them near the center of the tuk-tuk to make them harder for any passing rapscallion to grab.
Don’t flaunt your gadgets, they can and will get snatched right out of your hands. That means no tuk-tuk selfies.
If you’re on the back of a motorbike, put your bag on your front and keep it between you and the driver so thieves can’t snatch your bag (with you still attached!).
If you plan to ride a bicycle or moto, get a helmet. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Transportation in Phnom Penh can be a bit daunting at times, but if you go with the flow every ride will be an adventure, and chances are you’ll make it out just fine.
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Have you taken any of these methods of transportation in Phnom Penh? What’s your preferred way to get around cities when traveling?
Stephanie Raley says
Great article about transport in Phnom Phen! When I visited I mostly walked or took tuk tuks. I didn’t try your method of not haggling before the ride though, I would be scared that the driver would get angry and ask for more!
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks Stephanie! I realize based on several responses that it’s a controversial method! I think because we live here and know the city well now, we know how much certain rides should cost. Agreeing on a price beforehand is a good idea too. In hindsight we’ve had both methods work and backfire!
Cynthia says
Love the article! Brought me back to my first tuk tuk ride and my first time crossing the street in Phnom Penh. 😬Oh how I miss it! Hope you are doing well. I will bookmark this article for future reference…hopefully.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks Cynthia! Hope you can make it back here soon. The tuk tuks will be waiting 🙂
anneklien (meanne ) says
The cyclo looks fun never heard or tried it before, but is it safe?
Jennifer Joslin says
Honestly, I don’t prefer taking cyclos as I always end up feeling bad for the driver! It is safe as you’re moving super slowly and other vehicles can easily avoid you.
Mar Pages says
I have never seen a cyclo before, now I know I need to! It looks so interesting, and quite a clever addition for added bulk. I would definitely take a tour on those! Also love the photo of you both on the tuk tuk 🙂
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks Mar 🙂 I want to do the cyclo tour here as well!
Jennifer Joslin says
Update: We took a cyclo tour with The Cyclo Center and it was good fun! Would recommend for a unique way to see the sights. http://www.tourismcambodia.com/activities/cycling-and-biking/the-cyclo-centre.htm
The London Mum says
Phnom Penh certainly is chaotic! I loved getting around by tuck tuk. I just love the novelty and cheapness of them!
Jennifer Joslin says
Yes! We love taking tuk tuks too. The feeling of the wind rushing by you and being open to the outdoors. That to me is freedom!
Rosemary says
Can’t wait to go to Cambodia later this year. This post does a great job of describing the different options for getting around. I’m exciting about trying of the tuk-tuks!! A great read!
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks Rosemary! Let us know when you are here if you’d like to meet up 🙂
melody pittman says
Great suggestions. The tuktuk is $1..that is criminal! 😉
Jennifer Joslin says
Transport can be quite inexpensive, especially if you have several people. On a night out we take tuk tuks along with friends and each person usually pays just $1 per journey. And I’m sure that’s the foreigner price!
Tess Andrade says
If we didn’t walk in Phnom Penh, we travelled by Tuk Tuk and we were warned that bags could be sntached off you by Tuk Tuk approaching from the right or the left – I was holding on to my bag for dear life, I’m telling you 🙂 I found Siem Reap was much easier to navigate by bike – somehow I felt PP’s traffic was a bit much to get around by bicycle – but by the looks of it, I needn’t have worried 🙂
Jennifer Joslin says
Bag snatching has sadly become more of a problem recently. Though we’ve been lucky so far, we have several friends who’ve been victims of petty theft, getting their phones or bags snatched while riding in a tuk tuk or on a moto. Another friend was walking in a group late at night and had her purse pulled off by the passenger on a passing moto. Luckily the strap broke easily and she wasn’t hurt. The most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings and hold onto your belongings.
I agree, bicycling is a lovely way to get around in Siem Reap, and even to tour the temples if it isn’t too hot. We also bike everywhere in Phnom Penh, but have sadly had one bicycle stolen each 🙁 Not that bike snatching is unique to Phnom Penh!
Meg Jerrard says
I would love to take a tuk tuk just for the experience, though thankyou for the note on safety – I never would have thought anything of just leaving my bag loose. I know that this happens a lot throughout Europe too – people will fly by on motorcycles even and grab loose bags from people’s hands as they pass. So thanks for the tip! ANd noted to travel with an umbrella if walking :D!
Jennifer Joslin says
Agreed, I don’t think bag snatching is unique to Phnom Penh! The city used to be much safer, but as tourism increases here travelers need to be more aware of their surroundings and belongings. Tuk tuks are now required to be enclosed on the back to help prevent anyone reaching in, which has helped. An umbrella is definitely a good idea in the rainy season 😀
Holly says
It seems so hectic to get around or even walk across a street. This is some great info to keep in mind whenever I do get that way.
Jennifer Joslin says
It is hectic, but in a fun way! (in my opinion 🙂 )
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie says
Terrific transportation guide! Tuk-tuk all the way for me! It’s the best balance of quickness, cost-effectiveness, and sweat-wicking of all the above options. Totally agree, need exact change and to keep bags and belongings in front of you. Not only will this reduce the chances something is swiped, your bag will be key when battling (and defeating!) the flying cockroach who tries to bum a ride!!
Jennifer Joslin says
Haha, damn cockroaches! Somewhat off topic, but we were studying insects in my Grade One class last week and learned that cockroaches can live for up to a month if their heads get chopped off. Isn’t that terrifying?! And yes, back on track, tuk tuks are awesome!!
Bernard Tan says
Very informative post! You covered everything in cambodia. i have been to cambodia and frequently takes the tuk tuk. Maybe i should try other form of transportation the next time i go there.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks Bernard! Yes, why not? Motos are a lot of fun 🙂
sabrina says
Thank you for the very detailed advices! The city looke quite cahotic but I suppose that a tuk tuk would make a trip more peculiar, though very turistic. Do people drive safe, in your opinion?
Thank you for sharing and… in case, I’d be plesed to have a map for London 😉
Jennifer Joslin says
Locals take tuk tuks as a primary mode of transportation too. We really enjoy them, quite relaxing 🙂 As for safe driving, no. It’s extremely hectic, but everyone is very alert and aren’t going too fast. You definitely need to be in the moment when you’re on the road.
Julie says
When I was in Cambodia, it was between visiting Thailand and Vietnam. I mention that because moving back to USD after having a nice currency conversion rate in the other countries made Cambodia feel surprisingly expensive. I mean, $1 isn’t that much money of course, but for many rides I took, drivers didn’t want riel, they just wanted $, or the equivalent of at least $1. I found that so hard to adjust to! Once we got into Vietnam, for example, and back to a different currency, prices went down noticeably!
Jennifer Joslin says
Hi Julie, I totally agree! At least for me, using other currencies in Asia can feel like spending fun money, but using USD you are much more aware of how much you are spending!
Laura says
Wow, you really captured the whole scene there! It takes me right back to finding our way around there for the first time. I’ll always remember the tuk tuk rides!
Jennifer Joslin says
There’s just something about a Cambodian tuk tuk that is so fun and memorable!
LeAnna says
Interesting that you say not to bargain at the front end. We NEVER get into a Tuk Tuk without negotiating the price first. What a great round-up of transport options and really they all can apply to SE Asia in general! Makes me want to hop in an tuk tuk now!
Jennifer Joslin says
I think bargaining on the front end is a good idea too if you know where you’re going and how much it should cost. Now we employ the strategy of knowing how much we should be paying based on the distance and give the driver just that. Both are good as long as no one (driver nor passengers) feels burned in the end. 🙂 You three might be hopping into a tuk tuk sooner than later 😉
Bernard Tan says
Very informative guide! Thanks!
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Linda says
Great article; lots of info. Thank you!
Jennifer Joslin says
Glad you found it useful! Thanks for entering the contest 🙂