How to Get From Siem Reap Airport (SAI) to the City - Taxi, Shuttle or Private Transfer – 2026 Guide
Updated August 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 based in Siem Reap and regularly collect passengers from SAI, so this guide explains the different options based on what you can actually expect when you arrive at the airport, including current prices, journey times and 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
A pre-booked private airport transfer is the easiest option if you want a driver waiting when your flight arrives. Grab is useful if you prefer to book through an app after landing, while airport taxis allow you to arrange a car once you arrive. A shuttle service can be a lower-cost alternative if the schedule suits your arrival.
| Option | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | From $30 | Pre-booked, direct to hotel |
| Grab | Varies | App-based booking |
| Airport taxi | Varies | Arrange after arrival |
| Airport shuttle | $8 per person* | Budget / solo travellers |
Private Airport Transfer
With a private Siem Reap airport transfer, your vehicle is booked before you arrive and your driver waits for you at the airport.
At Siem Reap Airport Transfers, we monitor your flight and your driver waits in the Arrivals Hall holding a sign with your name. If your flight arrives late, 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 fixed when you book and includes the journey directly to your hotel or accommodation in Siem Reap.
Private transfers are particularly useful for families, groups, travellers with a lot of luggage, late arrivals, or anyone who would prefer to have their transport arranged before reaching Cambodia.
Using Grab at Siem Reap Airport
Grab operates at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, so you can use the Grab app to arrange transport 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 there.
Do not necessarily expect to find a line of Grab vehicles waiting in the Grab area. Grab is an app-based booking service, so your assigned driver travels to the pickup point after accepting your booking. The area can therefore appear empty when no passengers are currently being collected.
This is one reason the Grab area can look surprisingly quiet even when the service is operating normally.
Grab prices vary according to the vehicle, availability and demand, so check the app after landing for the current fare.
The main advantage is that the booking and destination are handled through the app. The disadvantage compared with a pre-booked transfer is that you still need to arrange your journey after arrival and wait for your assigned vehicle to reach the pickup area.
If you already use Grab and have mobile data when you arrive, it is a perfectly reasonable way to travel from SAI to Siem Reap.
Airport Taxis at SAI
Another option is to arrange an airport taxi after you arrive at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.
Follow the transport signs after leaving Arrivals and use the official airport transport arrangements rather than accepting unsolicited offers from individuals inside or outside the terminal.
An airport taxi can be convenient if you haven’t booked transport in advance and don’t want to use an app.
If you prefer to know the price, vehicle and pickup arrangements before your flight lands, a pre-booked transfer is the more predictable option.
Airport Shuttle to Siem Reap
The official airport shuttle bus is a lower-cost option for travelling from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport to Siem Reap.
After leaving the Arrivals terminal, look for the Airport Bus sign on the left-hand side. Staff at the counter can direct you to the bus or waiting area, where free Wi-Fi is available.
In Siem Reap, the bus 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 your own transport from the bus station to your accommodation.
The shuttle operates to a fixed schedule, so depending on your flight arrival time you may need to wait for the next departure.
For solo travellers, the shuttle can be a good-value option. For couples, families or groups, it is worth comparing the total cost and convenience with a private transfer directly to your hotel.
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.
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 Airport to the city takes around 45–60 minutes by car.
Journey time depends on your hotel’s location, traffic and road conditions. It can be faster when traffic is light and take longer during busy periods or heavy rain.
Most hotels around central Siem Reap, including the Old Market, Pub Street, Wat Bo and central hotel areas, fall within roughly this journey time.
The road journey is straightforward, but SAI is considerably farther from town than the old airport, which explains why airport transfers now take much longer than they did before 2023. Some websites still show journey times and distances for the old airport, which can be misleading when planning your transfer from SAI.
Siem Reap Airport to Angkor Wat
If you are travelling directly from Siem Reap Airport to Angkor Wat, the journey is different from travelling into central Siem Reap.
In most cases, visitors arriving at SAI go to their hotel first and visit Angkor Wat separately. However, a direct airport-to-Angkor journey can be arranged if it fits your itinerary.
Remember that you will need a valid Angkor Archaeological Park ticket to enter the temple area.
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.
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.
If you are using Grab, continue outside and follow the directions to the designated Grab pickup area.
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.
Which Airport Transfer Option Is Best?
The best way to get from Siem Reap Airport to the city depends on what matters most to you.
Choose a private transfer if: you want everything arranged before arrival, a driver waiting for you, a fixed price and direct transport to your hotel.
Choose Grab if: you already use the app, have mobile data and are happy to arrange your vehicle after landing.
Choose an airport taxi if: you haven’t booked in advance and prefer to arrange a car at the airport.
Choose the shuttle if: keeping the cost down is the priority and the timetable and drop-off arrangements work for you.
For most couples, families and groups arriving after an international flight, a pre-booked private transfer offers the simplest door-to-door option.
Why Book With Siem Reap Airport Transfers?
We are a Siem Reap-based airport transfer service, and our drivers regularly collect passengers from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.
- 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.
What Our Guests Say
“From the moment he met our party of four at the airport to the day he returned us safely for our flight, everything was handled with care and thoughtfulness. Vanthay put together a plan that suited us perfectly, taking us through the local market, sharing the stories behind everyday life, and guiding us out to the fishing village. What stood out was not only his knowledge, but the way he spoke with genuine pride about his country’s history and its people. It made the experience much richer and more personal.”
Book Your Siem Reap Airport Transfer
If you would prefer to have your transport arranged before you arrive, you can book 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).