Phnom Penh Transport

Getting to Phnom Penh The majority of visitors to Cambodia fly into Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh. A growing number however also arrive over-land. Phnom Penh has direct international service from Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, Kuala Lumpur, Hon Kong and Guangzhou.

Airport Departure Tax International US$20, domestic US$10

Transportation to/from the Airport Taxis may be hired in the airport lobby. For the budget-minded, motorcycle taxis can be hired for the trip into town.The fare for a taxi from Phnom Penh's Pochentong International Airport is about US$ 7 and a ride on a motorbike will cost around US$ 1 to 2.

Taxis The one, regular meter taxi service in town is Bailey's Taxi, tel: 012-890000. More common are the un-metered, un-marked taxis that can be arranged through your hotel. They can also be found clustered outside hotels along Monivong near the intersection of Kampuchea Krom and along Sisowath Quay in front of the Hotel Cambodiana.

Car Hire A car with driver can be hired for a few dollars a day such as 4WD vehicles and smaller ordinary cars. They can also be hired for half-days and shorter jaunts but you need to negotiate the price. A company that is fairly renowned is Asia Trade and Travel Auto Rental located at 166, Norodom. Give them a call on 012-809192

Motorcycle Taxi 'Motos' (motodups) are cheap and plentiful, though not the safest form of transportation. Motos are more prone to accidents and robberies than cars. and cost from 500R-3000R for a trip in town or around US$ 1 and up to US$10 per day. Prices tend to go up at night.

Cyclos The humble cyclo can be a romantic and practical form of transportation though not as safe as a car or as fast as a moto. Practically speaking, cyclos are easier on the nerves than motos and during a rain storm they offer a drier ride. They cost a bit more than a moto but are still a cheap form of transport.

Buses Ho Wah Genting offers local service utilizing modern buses. Buses leave from the south-west corner of the Central Market for Kien Svay (Route 1), Takhmao (Route 2), Oudong (Route 5) and Kampong Speu (Route 4), hourly, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., everyday.

Motorbike Rental Motorcycles can be rented for the day. 400cc machines are available as well as 250cc. Locals ride 50-100cc bikes. 250cc is perfect for travelling outside Phnom Penh. Two places that have reliable motorbikes are the Angkor Motorcycle Rent and Sale located at 92, Street 51 (near Walkabout) Tel: 012-916824 and Lucky! Lucky! Motorcycles at 413, Monivong (near Street 182) Tel: (23) 212788. Tip: Drive slowly, keep to the right, wear a helmet and remember that medical services are limited.

Bicycle Rental A few guest houses, rent bicycles and visitors will find bicycle stores clustered near the intersection of Streets 182 and 107. They do not rent bikes, but a used mountain bike can be bought for about $50 and resold for around $30

Note: Norodom Boulevard is closed for cyclos and motorbikes. If fined for disobeying the rules, the official fine is 2000 Riels, but the police will probably ask you for USD 20. In effect, the driver should pay, but the police of course goes for the rich foreigner. You can try to bargain, and a price of US$ 5 is generally possible. Another option is to just walk away, but the police often have some means to enforce their demands...

If you go on a tour or arrange transportation, deal directly with the local operators. One company with an especially bad reputation is Hanuman Travel.