How to Get From Siem Reap Airport (SAI) to the City - Taxi, Shuttle or Private Transfer – 2026 Guide

Updated October 2026

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located around 45–50 km from central Siem Reap, and the journey to most hotels takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

There are several ways to get from Siem Reap Airport to the city, including a pre-booked private transfer, Grab, an airport taxi and shuttle services.

We are a locally based Siem Reap team and provide airport transfers from SAI every day. Our drivers regularly travel between the airport, Siem Reap hotels and destinations around the city, so the information in this guide is based on our first-hand experience of the journey. We keep it updated with current prices, realistic journey times and practical information about what to expect when you arrive at SAI, including where to find your transport after leaving Arrivals.

Siem Reap Airport to Siem Reap City: Quick Facts

Distance: Around 45–50 km to central Siem Reap

Journey time: Usually 45–60 minutes

Private transfer: From $30

Airport taxi: Available at SAI

Grab: Available from the designated Grab pickup area

Shuttle: Lower-cost option with scheduled departures

Transport options from Siem Reap Airport to the city

There are four main ways to travel from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) to Siem Reap city: a pre-booked private transfer, Grab, an airport taxi or the airport shuttle. A private transfer can be arranged before arrival, while Grab and airport taxis can be arranged after landing. The airport shuttle is a lower-cost shared option, with departures based on its operating schedule.

Option Typical price Best for
Private transfer From $30 per vehicle Pre-booked, driver waiting on arrival
Grab Around 128,000 KHR for a car; 180,000–200,000 KHR for larger vehicles App-based booking after arrival
Airport taxi Around $25–$35 per vehicle Booking a car after arrival
Airport shuttle $8 per person* Lower-cost travel for solo passengers
 

Private Airport Transfer

A private Siem Reap airport transfer is booked before you arrive at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel or accommodation in Siem Reap.

At Siem Reap Airport Transfers, we monitor your flight and your driver waits in the Arrivals Area with a sign displaying your name. If your flight is delayed, there is no need to arrange a new pickup time.

Our current one-way prices from SAI Airport to Siem Reap city are:

SUV, 1–3 passengers: $30
Minivan, up to 5 passengers: $40

The price is per vehicle, not per passenger, and is fixed when you book. It includes pickup at SAI and the journey directly to your hotel or accommodation in Siem Reap.

A pre-booked transfer can be particularly useful for families, groups, passengers with luggage and late arrivals, or if you prefer to have your transport arranged before landing in Cambodia.

Prices updated: October 2026.

Using Grab at Siem Reap Airport

Grab operates at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) and can be booked through the Grab app after you arrive.

SAI has a designated Grab pickup area outside the terminal. After booking through the app, follow the pickup instructions and meet your assigned driver at the designated pickup point.

Grab waiting area at SAI Siem Reap International Airport
Grab pickup area at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).

Grab vehicles do not necessarily wait at the pickup area. Grab is an app-based booking service, so an available driver accepts your booking and then travels to the airport pickup point. Waiting times therefore depend on driver availability.

Typical Grab fares from SAI to Siem Reap are around 128,000 KHR (about $32) for a car and approximately 180,000–200,000 KHR (about $45–$50) for a larger vehicle such as a minivan. Fares vary according to vehicle type, driver availability, demand and any promotions available through the Grab app, so the price shown when you book may be higher or lower.

Grab fares checked: October 2026. Fares can vary depending on vehicle type, availability, demand and promotions.

Airport Taxis at SAI

Another option is to arrange an airport taxi after you arrive at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). Taxis are available for passengers who have not booked transport before arrival and prefer to arrange a vehicle at the airport.

A taxi from SAI to central Siem Reap typically costs around $25–$35 per vehicle. Drivers may initially quote around $35, while fares closer to $25 can sometimes be negotiated. The final price should be agreed with the driver before starting your journey.

Arrivals area at SAI Siem Reap International Airport
Arrivals area at SAI Siem Reap International Airport

Taxi availability can vary, so there may not always be a vehicle immediately available when you arrive. Before leaving the airport, confirm your hotel name and location with the driver, particularly if you are staying at a smaller hotel, villa or guesthouse.

The journey from SAI to central Siem Reap usually takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.

An airport taxi can be a practical option if you haven’t arranged transport in advance and don’t want to use an app. If you prefer to have your price, vehicle and pickup arrangements confirmed before you land, a pre-booked transfer provides those details in advance.

Typical taxi fares checked: October 2026. Fares may vary and should be agreed with the driver before departure.

Airport Shuttle to Siem Reap

The official airport shuttle bus costs $8 per person for travel from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) to Siem Reap city.

After leaving Arrivals, look for the Airport Bus sign on the left-hand side. Staff at the counter can direct you to the bus and waiting area, where free Wi-Fi is available.

The shuttle operates on a fixed schedule, so depending on your flight arrival time, you may need to wait for the next departure. The journey to Siem Reap typically takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

In Siem Reap, the shuttle terminates at the airport bus station on 7 Makara Road, in front of ACE School. Hotel drop-off is not included, so you will need to arrange transport from the bus station to your accommodation.

At $8 per person, the shuttle can be a lower-cost option for solo travellers. For two passengers the fare is $16, while four passengers would pay $32 in total, so couples, families and groups may want to compare the total cost with a direct private transfer to their hotel.

We filmed the Siem Reap Airport Bus at the town bus stop on 7 Makara Road. This short video shows the exact bus stop location, the airport bus and the waiting area, helping you recognise where to go when travelling from Siem Reap to SAI Airport.

Shuttle fare and service information checked: October 2026. Timetables and fares can change, so check the current schedule before travelling.

How Far is Siem Reap Airport From the City Centre?

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is approximately 45–50 km from central Siem Reap.

This is important because some older information online still refers to Siem Reap’s former airport.

The old Siem Reap International Airport (REP) was only a few kilometres from the centre of town. It closed to commercial flights when the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) opened in October 2023.

If you see a website claiming that Siem Reap Airport is only 5–10 km from the city centre, it is almost certainly referring to the old airport.

The current airport is much farther east of Siem Reap, so make sure any transport information you use refers specifically to SAI.

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is approximately 45–50 km from central Siem Reap, but the distance and journey time to your hotel depend on where in the city you are staying.

Some hotels require you to travel through or across Siem Reap after arriving from SAI, while others can be reached before entering the busiest parts of the city. Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap, for example, is on the eastern side of the city and can sometimes be reached from SAI in around 35 minutes, depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.

See our SAI Airport to Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap transfer guide for more information about this route.

Some older information online still refers to Siem Reap’s former airport. The old Siem Reap International Airport (REP) was only a few kilometres from the centre of town and closed to commercial flights when the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) opened in October 2023.

If you see information claiming that Siem Reap Airport is only 5–10 km from the city centre, it is almost certainly referring to the old airport. The current airport is much farther east of Siem Reap, so make sure any transport information you use refers specifically to SAI.

For more information about Siem Reap Airport (SAI), see our Siem Reap International Airport Guide.

How Long Does It Take From SAI Airport to Siem Reap?

For most visitors, the journey from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) to Siem Reap takes around 45–60 minutes by car.

Journey time depends on the location of your hotel, as well as traffic, weather and road conditions. Hotels on the eastern side of Siem Reap can sometimes be reached more quickly, while hotels that require travelling through or across the city may take longer.

Most hotels around central Siem Reap, including the Old Market, Pub Street and Wat Bo areas, are typically within the 45–60 minute range.

During periods of light traffic the journey can be faster, while heavy rain or busy traffic can increase the travel time. For this reason, we recommend allowing some flexibility rather than relying on an exact arrival time at your hotel.

SAI is considerably farther from Siem Reap than the former airport, so older websites may still show much shorter journey times that do not apply to the current airport.

Siem Reap Airport to Angkor Wat

It is possible to travel directly from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) to Angkor Wat, although most visitors arriving at the airport travel to their hotel in Siem Reap first.

A direct journey can be useful if your itinerary is limited or you want to begin sightseeing soon after arriving. Allow around 60–75 minutes for the journey from SAI to Angkor Wat, depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.

You will need a valid Angkor Archaeological Park ticket before entering the temple area. If you do not already have a valid pass, allow additional time to arrange your ticket before visiting Angkor Wat.

If you are travelling with luggage, this should also be arranged in advance so that a suitable vehicle can be provided and your belongings can remain secure while you visit the temples.

We can arrange a private transfer from SAI Airport directly to Angkor Wat, including onward transport to your hotel afterwards if required.

If you are planning your first visit, our Angkor Wat Guide covers visiting the temples, tickets, sunrise, transport and practical advice.

What Happens When You Arrive at SAI?

After immigration, baggage collection and customs, you enter the public Arrivals area at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.

Siem Reap Airport arrivals area at SAI Airport

If you have booked a private transfer, this is where you should look for your driver and name sign. With Siem Reap Airport Transfers, your driver waits for you in the Arrivals Hall and we monitor your flight in case the arrival time changes.

Siem Reap AIrport Transfer driver waiting in arrivals area at SAI SIem Reap International Airport with a name sign

If you are using Grab, continue outside and follow the directions to the designated Grab pickup area.

Grab waiting area at SAI Siem Reap International Airport-2
Grab waiting area at SAI Siem Reap International Airport-

If you are arranging transport at the airport, follow the official signs for the available taxi and transport services.

Having a photograph of the area or knowing what to look for before you land can make the process considerably easier, particularly if this is your first visit to Cambodia.

For more detail on exactly where your driver will be waiting, including photos of the pickup area, see our guide: What’s it like arriving at SAI airport?

Which Airport Transfer Option Is Best?

The best way to get from Siem Reap Airport to the city depends on your budget, group size and whether you want to arrange transport before or after you arrive.

Choose a private SAI transfer if: you want your vehicle arranged before arrival, a driver waiting for you, a fixed price and direct transport to your hotel. Private transfers currently start from $30 per vehicle.

Choose Grab if: you already use the app, have mobile data and are happy to arrange your vehicle after landing. Typical car fares are around 128,000 KHR (about $32), although prices vary with availability, demand and promotions.

Choose an airport taxi if: you haven’t booked in advance and prefer to arrange a car after you arrive. Typical fares to Siem Reap are around $25–$35, and the price should be agreed before starting your journey.

Choose the airport shuttle if: keeping the cost down is your priority and the timetable and city drop-off point work for you. The shuttle currently costs $8 per person.

For solo travellers, the shuttle can be the lowest-cost option. For couples, families and groups, it is worth comparing the total price for all passengers as well as where you will be dropped off and whether you want your transport arranged before arrival.

Why Book With Siem Reap Airport Transfers?

We are a locally based Siem Reap airport transfer service, and our team regularly collects passengers from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). We know the airport, the pickup arrangements and the routes to hotels throughout Siem Reap.

  • Fixed prices confirmed before arrival
  • Flight monitoring
  • Driver waiting with your name
  • Air-conditioned private vehicle
  • English-speaking driver
  • Direct transport to your hotel
  • Cash or card payment

We can also arrange your return journey from your hotel to SAI, as well as Angkor Wat tours and private intercity transport throughout Cambodia.

Siem Reap Airport Transfers driver with guests at SAI Arrivals area
Siem Reap Airport Transfers driver meeting passengers at SAI. Our transfer services are operated by Connect Cambodia.

What Our Guests Say

“We booked a private airport transfer from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport to our hotel in Siem Reap. The booking was easy, communication was quick, and our driver was waiting for us at the airport when we arrived. The vehicle was clean and comfortable, and the journey into Siem Reap was smooth. A very convenient Siem Reap airport transfer service and I would happily use them again.”

Book Your Siem Reap Airport Transfer

If you would prefer to have your transport arranged before you arrive, you can book your Siem Reap airport transfer directly with us.

SAI Airport → Siem Reap

SUV, 1–3 passengers: $30 one way
Minivan, up to 5 passengers: $40 one way

Enter your flight number, arrival date and hotel when booking. We will confirm your transfer and your driver will be waiting when you arrive.

Payment can be made in cash (USD or Cambodian Riel) or by credit/debit card when you arrive at the airport (SAI).

More Siem Reap airport transfer guides

Planning your journey through Siem Reap Angkor International Airport? Explore our practical guides to airport pickups, private transfers and routes from SAI to hotels and destinations around Siem Reap.