Siem Reap Airport Guide (SAI): Navigating Your Siem Reap Airport Transfer
Planning your Siem Reap airport transfer from the new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) can be tricky since the new terminal is roughly 50 km from downtown. As a local driver team based right here in town, we created this guide to break down every option – from private cars to shuttle buses – so you can get to your hotel stress-free
Table of Contents
SAI Airport: Key Facts
Opened
16 October 2023
Location
Around 50 km east of Siem Reap
Journey Time To Siem Reap City
Around 45–60 minutes by car
Runway
3,605 metres, suitable for wide-body aircraft
Terminal
Single integrated domestic and international terminal
Airport Code
SAI
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 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 meter 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 two different things travellers often confuse: the Cambodia e-Arrival Card and a Cambodian visa. They are not the same thing.
Cambodia e-Arrival Card
All air travellers should complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card. This is a free digital arrival form, not a visa. It contains the information previously collected on paper immigration, customs and health declaration forms.
The e-Arrival Card can be completed online within 7 days before you arrive in Cambodia. After submitting it, save the generated QR code on your phone so you have it available when you arrive at SAI Airport.
If you forget to complete it before travelling, you can still complete the e-Arrival Card when you arrive at SAI. You do not need to cancel your trip or obtain a visa online because you missed the e-Arrival form. Completing it before you fly will simply make your arrival easier.
Do I Need a Visa Before Flying to Cambodia?
Most tourists do not need to obtain a Cambodian tourist visa before they fly if their nationality is eligible for visa on arrival.
You have two options:
Option 1: Get a visa on arrival at SAI Airport
Travel to Cambodia without obtaining a tourist visa beforehand. After landing at SAI, eligible travellers can apply for a tourist visa on arrival for USD $30 before passing through immigration. The tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Option 2: Get an e-Visa before travelling
If you prefer to arrange your visa in advance, you can apply online through Cambodia’s official e-Visa website. This is an actual Cambodian tourist visa and is different from the free e-Arrival Card.
e-Arrival Card vs e-Visa: What’s the difference?
e-Arrival Card: Free digital arrival declaration. It is not a visa. Complete it online within 7 days before arrival. If you haven’t completed it before travelling, you can complete it digitally when you arrive at SAI Airport.
Visa on Arrival: An actual Cambodian tourist visa obtained after landing at SAI. USD $30 for eligible travellers.
e-Visa: An actual Cambodian tourist visa obtained online before travelling. This is an alternative to getting your visa on arrival.
In simple terms: If you’re eligible for visa on arrival, you can complete the free e-Arrival Card before your trip, fly to Cambodia without already having a visa, and obtain your tourist visa when you land at SAI.
Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities can obtain a Cambodian tourist visa on arrival at SAI Airport, which means eligible travellers do not need to arrange a visa before flying to Cambodia. After landing, you apply for the tourist visa at the airport before proceeding through immigration.
The tourist visa costs USD $30 and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Your passport should generally have at least six months’ validity remaining when you enter Cambodia.
Cambodia’s arrival system is increasingly digital, so travellers should not necessarily expect the traditional visa sticker in their passport. Visa and entry information may instead be processed electronically.
If you prefer to arrange your visa before travelling, you can apply through Cambodia’s official e-Visa website. The e-Visa is an alternative to obtaining a visa on arrival and is separate from the free Cambodia e-Arrival Card.
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?
Choosing the Best Siem Reap Airport Transfer Option
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.
Pre-Booked Private Siem Reap Airport 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 $80 for 6-8 passengers (minibus). Booking takes two minutes via our booking form and you pay cash on arrival.
Want a private car waiting for you when you land? Book your Siem Reap airport transfers directly with us
SAI Official Airport Shuttle Bus to Siem Reap
Siem Reap bus station: 7 Makara Road, in front of ACE School – View on Google Maps
Fare: $8 per person
Journey time: Around 1 hour
Last airport → city bus: 10:00pm
Door-to-door: No
The official SAI airport shuttle bus runs between Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and Siem Reap city, with tickets costing around $8 per person. The bus is air-conditioned and is one of the cheapest ways to travel between SAI Airport and Siem Reap.
Services run at scheduled times throughout the day, with the last departures at around 10pm. If your flight arrives late at night, the shuttle bus may no longer be operating.
The Siem Reap bus stop is not at your hotel. The shuttle terminates at its designated bus station in Siem Reap, so most travellers will need a tuk-tuk or other local transport for the final journey to their accommodation.
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.
Grab App Rides
Grab operates in Siem Reap city, but does not reliably service SAI due to the 50km distance. Drivers rarely position themselves at the airport, and additional road toll fees 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 $80 for 6-8.
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) | $80 (6-8 passengers)
Siem Reap Airport Transfer Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Siem Reap airport transfer option to the city?
Pre-booking a private car is the most reliable option because SAI airport sits 45–60 minutes outside the city. Having a local driver waiting at arrivals eliminates haggling, wait times, and highway taxi markups
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 much does a private Siem Reap airport transfer cost?
A private Siem Reap airport transfer costs around $30 for an SUV (1–3 passengers), $40 for a minivan (4–5 passengers), and $80 for a minibus (6–8 passengers), including all toll fees.
Prices can change depending on the season.
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.
Where Can I Find A Local Guide To Angkor Wat?
If you’re planning to visit Angkor after arriving in Siem Reap, Connect Cambodia’s complete Angkor Wat Guide covers tickets, sunrise, transport, temple opening times, suggested itineraries and practical advice.