Getting to/from Battambang Cambodia

Battambang may be approached directly from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and several international border crossings including the crossing at Poipet and at Pailin. Hourly buses ply the road between Phnom Penh and Battambang all day, everyday (5 hours). Several regularly scheduled buses also run between Siem Reap and Battambang daily, taking a route around the lake (3-4 hours). It is also still possible to take a small boat between Siem Reap and Battambang, down the Sangker River and across the Tonle Sap Lake. For more on international border crossings see the Overland page.

Phnom Penh to Battambang

Air There are currently no regularly scheduled flights to Battambang.

Road (291km, National Route #5): Most of the road is paved and in good condition. The is continuing stretches of road construction on about 15km of road near Phnom Penh, but most is easily passable. Some buses and taxies bypass the construction by taking Route #6 to the Prek Kdam Bridge then crossing back to Route #5, but this takes about the same amount of time.

Bus Several bus companies and a couple of smaller minivan operations run between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Mekong Express, Virak Buntham, Phnom Penh Sorya, Seila Angkor Khmer and Capitol Tours all offer standard buses for around $7-$38, departing as frequently as every hour all day. Mekong Express runs multiple daily deluxe buses for $12, and Virak Buntham runs multiple daily deluxe vans for $13. The deluxe buses and vans tend to be faster and more comfortable than the standard buses. The trip takes 5-6 hours. In Battambang, buses depart from the bus company offices. Some companies offer free hotel pickup.

Taxi A private taxi is $60. Shared taxi: 40,000R per person. 4-5 hours. Prices for shared local transport are very nominal, but are also crowded and uncomfortable. Buy more than one place for the extra leg room.

Siem Reap to Battambang

Air There are currently no regularly scheduled flights to Battambang.

Boat The daily ferry between Battambang and Siem Reap plies a picturesque, 6-8 hour journey across the Tonle Sap and along the Sangker River, passing through some beautiful natural areas. The trip is best in the late wet season when the river is high. During the dry season it can take considerably longer. The ferry departs in both directions at 7:00am. $20/person. The boats do not meet international safety standards. In Battambang the ferry dock is at the north end of town just off National Route #5. In Siem Reap the ferry dock is at Chong Khneas, 15km south of town.

Road (National Routes #6 and #5, via Sisophon): The road from Battambang to Siem Reap around the west side of the lake is in very good condition.
Bus: At least four bus companies (including Capitol, Phnom Penh Sorya and Rith Mony) run two or three daily A/C buses, most leaving in the morning. Buy tickets at the bus company office. $4-$5, 3 hours. 

Bus At least four bus companies (including Capitol Tours, Mekong Express and Thero Express) run two or three daily a/c buses, most leaving in the morning. Buy tickets at the bus company office. $6-$7, 2½-3 hours.

Taxi A private taxi costs $40 (+/-$5).