Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s busiest domestic air link — a quick 45-minute hop that turns a long six-hour road trip into a short flight. Both ends now use brand-new airports: Siem Reap–Angkor International (SAI), opened in October 2023, and Phnom Penh’s Techo International (KTI), which replaced the old city airport in September 2025. This guide covers who flies non-stop, what a fair fare looks like in US dollars, and how to get between the new airports and each city.
Route: Siem Reap–Angkor (SAI) → Phnom Penh, Techo (KTI)
Distance: approximately 230 km (145 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 45 minutes (roughly a 1-hour scheduled block)
Direct flights: Yes — Air Cambodia (the national flag carrier) and Cambodia Airways fly non-stop, with AirAsia Cambodia also serving the route.
Fares from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (USD)
Fares in Cambodia are almost always quoted in US dollars, which circulate alongside the riel. This domestic route is short and competitive, so prices stay low year-round, rising a little over the November–February high season and around Khmer New Year (April) and the Water Festival. The figures below are typical economy return fares.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | $120 – $190 | high (peak season) |
| February | $120 – $185 | high |
| March | $110 – $170 | medium |
| April | $120 – $190 | medium-high (Khmer New Year) |
| May | $100 – $150 | low |
| June | $95 – $145 | low |
| July | $100 – $155 | low-medium |
| August | $105 – $160 | medium |
| September | $95 – $145 | low |
| October | $100 – $155 | low-medium |
| November | $120 – $185 | high (peak season, festival) |
| December | $130 – $200 | very high (holidays) |
Reference points from current fares and our tracking: a genuinely good return lands around $90–$110, a typical fair price is roughly $140, and everyday fares often sit in the $160–$190 band. One-way tickets frequently show up near $50–$95, so a return under about $120 is a solid deal.
Airlines on this route
All the operators are Cambodian domestic carriers flying short-haul jets or turboprops on the quick leg. Non-stop is the norm — there’s no reason to connect on a 45-minute hop.
- Air Cambodia (non-stop) — the national flag carrier (formerly Cambodia Angkor Air) runs the most daily frequencies and is the backbone of the route.
- Cambodia Airways (non-stop) — a Phnom Penh–based carrier offering additional daily departures, often at competitive fares.
- AirAsia Cambodia — the newer low-cost operator also serves the market; check baggage rules, as its cheapest fares are hand-luggage only.
When to book & how to save
- Book 2–6 weeks ahead. On this short domestic route fares are lowest a few weeks out and climb close to departure, especially in peak season and around festivals.
- Avoid the November–February peak and Khmer New Year (mid-April) if you can — the green-season months of May, June and September are the cheapest.
- Weigh the flight against the road. The bus or minivan is much cheaper (around $12–$18) but takes about six hours; the flight saves most of a day for a modest premium.
- Check baggage on low-cost fares. AirAsia Cambodia’s cheapest tickets include only cabin baggage, so add the checked-bag cost before comparing.
- Fly mid-week. Tuesday to Thursday departures usually undercut weekend flights on this domestic hop.
Arriving in Phnom Penh
Since September 2025 all Phnom Penh flights use the new Techo International Airport (KTI), about 20–30 km south of the city centre in Kandal province — the old in-city airport has closed to scheduled passenger flights. There is no rail link yet, so the usual options are a metered airport taxi or a ride-hailing app (roughly $15–$25 to central Phnom Penh, agree the fare first), or a cheaper shared shuttle. Allow about 40–60 minutes by road depending on traffic, which builds at peak hours. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, with change often given in riel.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
Yes. Air Cambodia and Cambodia Airways fly non-stop between Siem Reap–Angkor (SAI) and Phnom Penh’s Techo International (KTI), with several departures a day, and AirAsia Cambodia also serves the route. It’s the busiest domestic air link in the country, so you’ll usually find a convenient time.
How long is the flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
The non-stop flight takes about 45 minutes of air time, scheduled as roughly a one-hour block. Including check-in and boarding, budget around two hours from arriving at Siem Reap airport to leaving the terminal in Phnom Penh.
How much does it cost to fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
A typical economy return runs about $110–$190. Good deals dip to around $90–$110, usually in the May–September low season, while the December holidays and peak-season festivals can push fares toward $200. One-way tickets often appear near $50–$95.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
June and September are usually the cheapest, with returns from around $95. Avoid the November–February high season, Khmer New Year in mid-April and the December holidays, which are the busiest and most expensive times to fly.
Which airlines fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
Air Cambodia (the national flag carrier) and Cambodia Airways operate the non-stop service, with AirAsia Cambodia also on the route. All are Cambodian domestic carriers, and Air Cambodia runs the most daily frequencies.
Which airport do I fly into in Phnom Penh?
You arrive at the new Techo International Airport (KTI), which opened in September 2025 about 20–30 km south of the city and replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport. All scheduled flights now use Techo, so be sure your transfer and taxi are heading to the new airport.
Is it worth flying rather than taking the bus?
It depends on your budget and time. The flight is about 45 minutes versus roughly six hours by bus or minivan, which costs only around $12–$18. If your time is tight or you’re connecting to an onward flight, the plane is well worth the modest extra cost; otherwise the road option is fine.
How far in advance should I book?
Aim for 2 to 6 weeks ahead. On this short domestic route fares are lowest a few weeks out and rise close to departure, particularly in the November–February peak season and around Cambodian festivals. Booking early is the simplest way to keep the price down.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
