Siem Reap Airport
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport opened on 16 October 2023, replacing the old airport which sat just seven kilometres from the city centre. The new airport is a significant upgrade in facilities and a significant increase in distance. It is located approximately 45 to 50 kilometres east of Siem Reap city, around one hour by road. Plan for this. If you are arriving on a tight schedule or with an early temple visit the following morning, factor in the transfer time before you book accommodation or plan your first day.
The IATA code is SAI. If your flight itinerary shows REP, that is the old airport which is permanently closed. Contact your airline.
Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is available at SAI for most nationalities. A tourist visa costs $30 USD, a business visa $35 USD. Bring a passport-size photo and exact cash in USD. The process is generally straightforward and takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the queue. If you want to avoid the queue entirely, apply for an e-Visa before you travel at evisa.gov.kh. The e-Visa costs $36 and is accepted at the airport.
Getting from the Airport to the City
The distance from the airport to central Siem Reap is the most important practical fact to know before you arrive. Here are your options.
Official taxi: Fixed price counters are inside the arrivals hall. The official rate is $35 to $40 for a sedan to anywhere in Siem Reap city. The journey takes 45 to 60 minutes in normal traffic. This is the most straightforward option, particularly if you are arriving with luggage, arriving late at night, or travelling with a group. No negotiation required. Pay at the counter, collect your receipt, meet your driver outside.
Shuttle bus: The cheapest option at $9 per person one way. The shuttle runs multiple times daily and drops at 7 Makara Road in the Wat Bo area of central Siem Reap, from where a tuk-tuk to your hotel costs around $1. The shuttle is clean, air-conditioned, and takes around one hour. The downside is that it runs on a fixed schedule so you may wait up to an hour depending on when your flight lands. Look for the Airport Bus sign on the left side of the arrivals hall as you exit. Buy your ticket at the counter in cash.
Grab or PassApp: Ride-hailing apps work at SAI but availability varies, particularly late at night or during quiet periods. If you use Grab or PassApp, expect to pay around $25 to $30 for a car. A tuk-tuk via Grab costs less but takes significantly longer, 75 to 90 minutes, and is not recommended for the full distance with luggage.
Pre-arranged hotel transfer: Many hotels and guesthouses offer airport pickup. Prices vary but generally fall between $30 and $45. The advantage is a driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign and no need to navigate the taxi queue or find the shuttle counter when you are tired and jet-lagged. Worth booking if your hotel offers it at a reasonable rate.
At the Airport
The terminal is modern and well laid out. The two most useful things to do on arrival before you leave the building are get a SIM card and use the ATM.
SIM card counters from Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone are in the arrivals hall. Tourist packs cost $5 to $10 and include data, calls, and SMS. Buy one here. Having a working local SIM before you leave the airport makes everything easier including booking rides, navigating, and contacting your accommodation. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal if you need it while you sort out transport.
ATMs in the arrivals hall dispense USD. Currency exchange is available but rates are better in the city. Carry small denomination USD bills, ones, fives, and tens, as many transport options and small purchases require exact or near-exact change.
The departure area has duty-free with local products including Sombai rice wine, Cambodian coffee, and silk goods. Lounge access is available for premium passengers or via lounge pass.
The Angkor Pass is Not Sold at the Airport
This catches people out every week. The Angkor Archaeological Park pass is not available at SAI airport, at your hotel, or from tuk-tuk drivers. Buy it online at the official Angkor Enterprise portal before you travel, or at the ticket office on Road 60 on your way to the temples. Passes cost $37 for one day, $62 for three days, and $72 for seven days. Do not buy from any other source.
Departing
Arrive two hours before your flight for international departures. Immigration and security can have queues during peak morning hours. Carry USD in small denominations as some airport outlets prefer cash. The duty-free shop sells Sombai rice wine, Cambodian coffee, silk products, and Angkor-themed gifts if you have last-minute shopping to do.
Airlines and Routes
Direct routes currently operate from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Guangzhou, and several other Asian cities. Domestic flights between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh take under an hour and are operated primarily by Cambodia Angkor Air. New international routes are being added as the airport grows. Check current schedules directly with airlines or booking platforms as the route network is expanding.
