Siem Reap Airport Guide (SAI)
Table of Contents
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (IATA: SAI) is the gateway to Angkor Wat and the only commercial airport serving Siem Reap province. It opened on 16 October 2023, replacing the old Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which is now permanently closed. SAI is located 50km east of the city centre, so every arrival and departure involves a transfer. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get here, what to expect on arrival, transport options, costs, and practical tips from a local operator who picks up at SAI every week.
SAI Airport: Key Facts
SAI is built on 700 hectares in the Sotr Nikum district, roughly 50km east of Siem Reap city and about 30-40 minutes from the Angkor Wat temple complex. The airport was financed and built by China’s Yunnan Investment Holdings Group on a 55-year concession, and designed with Khmer architectural influences throughout the terminal. It has a single integrated terminal handling both international and domestic arrivals and departures, with 15 jet bridges and a 3,605 metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft. Phase 1 capacity is 7 million passengers annually, a significant upgrade from the old REP airport which was severely constrained in both size and runway length.
One important note for returning visitors: the old REP airport sits 6-8km from the city centre and is completely disused for commercial flights. If you flew to Siem Reap before October 2023, you used REP. The two airports have no connection. Do not go to the old airport location.
Airlines and Routes at SAI
SAI currently serves 16 airlines with direct connections to major Asian hubs. The busiest routes are Bangkok (served by Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and AirAsia), Singapore (Singapore Airlines, twice daily), and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (Vietnam Airlines and VietJet). Emirates operates three flights per week from Dubai, making SAI directly accessible from Europe and the Middle East via a single connection. Other carriers include Air Cambodia, IndiGo (Kolkata, three times weekly), and Firefly (Kuala Lumpur).
Domestic connections link SAI to Phnom Penh via Air Cambodia. If you are connecting from Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport (KTI), the domestic flight takes around 45 minutes and is often a practical alternative to the overland transfer.
All flights to and from Siem Reap now use SAI exclusively. If your itinerary or booking still shows the old code REP, contact your airline to confirm the correct airport. Arriving at the wrong location is not a mistake you want to make given the distances involved.
Arriving at SAI: What to Expect
The arrivals process at SAI is straightforward, but there are a few things worth knowing before you land. The terminal is modern, air-conditioned, and well-signposted in English.
e-Arrival Card
Before your flight, you need to complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card, which has been mandatory for all air arrivals since 1 September 2024. It replaced the old paper arrival card and covers immigration, customs, and health declarations in a single form. Complete it free at arrival.gov.kh before you board. You cannot complete it on arrival, so do it the night before or at the departure gate.
Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities can obtain a Cambodian tourist visa on arrival at SAI. The fee is USD $30 and you will need a passport photo and cash in US dollars. The process is efficient at SAI and rarely takes more than 15-20 minutes outside of peak arrival times. You can also apply in advance via the official e-visa portal at evisa.gov.kh for USD $36, which saves time at immigration if you prefer to have it sorted before you travel.
Baggage Claim
After immigration, baggage claim is located directly ahead. Once you have your bags and clear customs, you exit into the arrivals hall, where drivers holding name boards wait for pre-booked passengers. Your driver will be waiting here with a sign showing your name. The exit is a single point, so it is easy to find your driver without any confusion.
Want to know what it’s like arriving at SAI? See our guide: What is it like arriving at Siem Reap Airport?
Getting from SAI to Siem Reap City
This is the section most travellers need most. SAI is 50km from the city centre, which means transport is not optional and the options matter. Here is what is actually available and what each one means in practice.
Private Transfer (Recommended)
A pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable way to get from SAI to your hotel. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board, the vehicle is waiting outside, and you go directly to your destination with no stops, no shared passengers, and no negotiating prices after a long flight. The toll road fee is included in the fixed price, so there are no surprises on arrival.
Prices with Siem Reap Airport Transfers are $30 for 1-3 passengers (SUV), $40 for 4-5 passengers (minivan), and $70 for 6-8 passengers (minibus). Booking takes two minutes via our booking form and you pay cash on arrival.
Airport Shuttle Bus
An official shuttle bus runs between SAI and Siem Reap city for around $8 per person. It is air-conditioned, reasonably comfortable, and a practical option for solo budget travellers. Departures from the airport run at set times throughout the day, with the last service at around 10pm. If your flight arrives late at night, the shuttle may not be running. The drop-off point in town is not door-to-door, so you will need a tuk-tuk for the last stretch to your hotel.
Grab and PassApp
Both Grab and PassApp operate in Siem Reap city, but neither reliably services SAI due to the 50km distance. Drivers rarely position themselves at the airport, and surge pricing when they do can make the fare comparable to a private transfer anyway. Do not count on being able to open an app and get a ride when you land. It occasionally works, but it is not something to rely on, particularly late at night or during busy arrival periods.
Hotel Shuttles
Some of the larger hotels and resorts offer their own shuttle service from SAI. Check with your hotel before you travel, as availability, timing, and cost vary widely. Boutique hotels typically do not run their own transfers, in which case a pre-booked private transfer is the practical default.
Want to know more about getting to Siem Reap from SAI? See our in depth guide: How to get from SAI to Siem Reap
The Journey from SAI to Siem Reap
The drive from SAI to Siem Reap city is 45-60 minutes under normal conditions. The airport access road connects to National Road 6, which runs straight into the city. The road is modern, well-lit, and in good condition, making for a comfortable and straightforward drive.
A few things affect journey time in practice. Morning rush hour (7-9am) and evening traffic (5-7pm) can add 10-15 minutes on the city end of the journey. Wet season rain (June to October) occasionally slows things down but rarely causes serious delays on this route. Late night arrivals, which are common on some Asian routes, are typically the fastest runs with almost no traffic.
One thing worth knowing for guests staying near the old airport area: hotels on “Airport Road” in central Siem Reap are named after the old REP airport and are now actually quite far from SAI. The journey to these hotels is the same as anywhere else in the city centre, roughly 50 minutes.
SAI Airport Facilities
SAI is a modern, well-equipped terminal and a significant upgrade on the old REP airport. Here is what you will find inside.
Arrivals
The arrivals hall is spacious, air-conditioned, and well-signposted in English. There is a currency exchange counter after customs if you need US dollars or Cambodian riel before heading into the city. ATMs are also available in the arrivals area. A small convenience store and cafe options are accessible once you are through.
Departures
The departures terminal has a solid range of facilities for an airport of its size. There is a duty-free shop (CDF Angkor Duty Free), several cafe and restaurant options, and souvenir shops for any last-minute gifts. A Circle K convenience store is available if you want snacks or drinks before your flight. Seating is comfortable and the terminal does not feel cramped even during busy departure periods.
SIM Cards
If you need a local Cambodian SIM card, you can pick one up in the arrivals area. Smart and Cellcard are the main carriers with the best coverage across Siem Reap and Cambodia generally. A tourist SIM with data costs around $3-5 and is worth getting if you plan to use maps or messaging apps during your stay.
Airport Lounges
SAI has lounge facilities available to business class passengers and eligible frequent flyers. Independent lounge access may also be available for purchase, so check with your airline or lounge network before your departure if this is relevant to you.
Departing from SAI
If you are departing Siem Reap from SAI, the same 50km distance applies in reverse. Allow enough time to get to the airport comfortably, particularly if your flight is early morning or during peak traffic hours.
How Early Should You Arrive?
For international flights, plan to be at the airport at least 2.5 to 3 hours before departure. SAI is not an enormous airport but check-in queues, security, and immigration can take longer than expected during busy periods. For domestic flights to Phnom Penh, 90 minutes is generally sufficient.
Factor in the 45-60 minute drive from the city centre when working out what time your transfer needs to leave. If your flight is at 7am, you need to be on the road by 4am at the latest. A pre-booked departure transfer means your driver is confirmed and waiting, so there is no scrambling for a ride in the early hours.
Booking a Departure Transfer
Departure transfers work exactly the same way as arrival transfers. Give us your flight details, hotel address, and preferred pickup time and we will confirm everything by WhatsApp. We monitor flight schedules and will adjust pickup time if there are any changes. Prices are the same as arrival transfers: $30 for 1-3 passengers, $40 for 4-5, and $70 for 6-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grab available at SAI airport?
Grab and PassApp rarely service SAI due to the distance from the city. Do not rely on ride-hailing apps at SAI. Drivers are unlikely to be waiting and availability is unpredictable, particularly for late night arrivals. A pre-booked private transfer is the reliable alternative.
How far is SAI from Angkor Wat?
SAI is actually closer to the Angkor temple complex than it is to Siem Reap city centre. The drive from the airport to the main Angkor Wat entrance is around 30-40 minutes, making it possible to visit the temples directly from the airport if your timing works out.
How far is SAI from Siem Reap city centre?
50km, which takes 45-60 minutes by road under normal traffic conditions.
Is the old Siem Reap airport (REP) still open?
No. The old Siem Reap International Airport (IATA: REP) permanently closed on 15 October 2023. All flights now operate exclusively from SAI. If you see REP referenced anywhere in your booking or itinerary, contact your airline to confirm.
Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia?
Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at SAI for USD $30. You can also apply in advance via the official e-visa portal at evisa.gov.kh for USD $36. Make sure you also complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card at arrival.gov.kh before you board your flight.
Can I book a return transfer for both arrival and departure?
Yes. A return transfer can be booked in a single booking, covering both your arrival pickup and your departure from your hotel to SAI. Just provide both sets of details when you get in touch and we will confirm everything at once.
Book Your Siem Reap Airport Transfer
We run private airport transfers between SAI and hotels, resorts, and private addresses across Siem Reap every day. Fixed prices, English-speaking drivers, and direct pickup in the arrivals hall with a name board. No hidden fees, no shared vehicles, and no deposit required. You pay cash on arrival.
Getting in touch takes two minutes. Send us your arrival or departure details via WhatsApp and we will confirm your booking promptly. If you have any questions about your transfer or anything covered in this guide, we are happy to help.
Transfer prices:
$30 (1-3 passengers) | $40 (4-5 passengers) | $70 (6-8 passengers)