Airport Hubs:
PNH → Riverside (Sisowath Quay) & Central Phnom Penh Updated for 2026

How to Get from Techo Phnom Penh Airport (KTI/PNH) to Riverside & City Center

Distance 25 km
Fastest 45 min
From $0.40 - $15.00 (~€0.38 - €14.00)
Top Pick GrabCar / Official Airport Sedan Taxi
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Commercial air traffic for Phnom Penh operates from the state-of-the-art Techo International Airport (KTI / PNH), located in Kandal Province approximately 25 km south of the capital (replacing the old Pochentong facility). The most economical option is the Techo Airport Express Bus, which runs to central Phnom Penh for just 1,500 KHR (~$0.40 USD). For direct door-to-door comfort, an official airport taxi or GrabCar takes 45 to 60 minutes and costs $15.00 - $25.00 USD (approx. 60,000 - 100,000 KHR), while a motorized Grab/PassApp auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) costs $10.00 - $15.00 USD.

Phnom Penh is Cambodia's royal capital, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. Commercial flights arrive at the modern Techo International Airport (KTI/PNH), connecting travelers smoothly along the new airport expressway into Sisowath Quay, BKK1, and the Royal Palace.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Techo Airport Express Public Bus Cheapest
60–75 min
1,500 KHR (~$0.40 USD)
$0.40 / €0.38
 Every 30-45 min Budget backpackers and solo travelers traveling light Explore Phnom Penh Royal Palace & Mekong Cruises
GrabCar / Official Airport Sedan Taxi Best Overall
45–60 min
$15 - $25 USD
$15.00 - $25.00 / €14.00 - €23.00
 On demand / App (2-5 min) Families, couples, and travelers seeking air-conditioned door-to-door comfort Reserve Techo Phnom Penh Private Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Cheapest

Techo Airport Express Public Bus

1,500 KHR (~$0.40 USD) $0.40 / €0.38
Travel time 60–75 min
Frequency Every 30-45 min
Operating hours 06:00 - 20:00 daily
Where to buy tickets Pay exact cash (1,500 KHR) to driver or scan via Bakong KHQR code.
Main advantage: Incredibly cheap (around $0.40); air-conditioned public transit bus direct from the new airport terminal.
Keep in mind: Takes 60-75 minutes depending on urban Phnom Penh traffic; limited luggage space.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Exit the arrivals concourse and follow signs to the public bus terminal platform.
  2. Board the Techo Airport Express bus heading toward central Phnom Penh.
  3. Alight at the central bus terminal near the Night Market / Riverside.
Explore Phnom Penh Royal Palace & Mekong Cruises
Option #2 Best Overall

GrabCar / Official Airport Sedan Taxi

$15 - $25 USD $15.00 - $25.00 / €14.00 - €23.00
Travel time 45–60 min
Frequency On demand / App (2-5 min)
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Book via Grab app or pay at the official taxi service desk in arrivals.
Main advantage: Air-conditioned private ride along the 25 km expressway; ample trunk space for luggage; fixed app or ticket counter pricing.
Keep in mind: Costs more than the public bus.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Connect to the free terminal Wi-Fi or visit the official ground transport desk.
  2. Request a GrabCar or purchase a fixed-price airport taxi voucher ($15-$25).
  3. Enjoy the smooth 45-minute expressway drive into central Phnom Penh.
Reserve Techo Phnom Penh Private Transfer
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Grab / PassApp & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Grab / PassApp pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Cambodia eSIM on Airalo →Compare Cambodia Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Phnom Penh (PNH) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Phnom Penh Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Download Grab or PassApp before arrival; US Dollars (in crisp, unblemished condition) and Cambodian Riel are universally accepted at an exchange rate of roughly 4,000 KHR per $1 USD.

Traveling with Suitcases

For comfortable transport across the 25 km distance with large luggage, choose an air-conditioned GrabCar or official airport sedan rather than an open tuk-tuk.

Arriving After Midnight

Official taxi booths outside the terminal operate 24/7 with fixed published fares to all central Phnom Penh districts.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Assuming flights still arrive at the old Pochentong airport 10 km west—all commercial operations have moved to the new Techo International Airport (KTI/PNH) 25 km south.
  • Attempting to use torn, stained, or folded US dollar bills—Cambodian businesses strictly reject imperfect US bank notes; request fresh bills from ATMs or pay in Riel.
  • Download Grab or PassApp for transparent, metered rides; official airport taxis have published flat rates ($17 - $25 USD) at the curbside transport counter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the new Techo Airport (KTI) further from Phnom Penh than the old airport?

Yes, Techo International Airport is located approximately 25 km south in Kandal Province, connected by a dedicated multi-lane expressway (45 to 60 minutes into the city).

How much is a taxi or Grab from Techo Airport to downtown Phnom Penh?

An official airport taxi or GrabCar to central districts (Riverside, Daun Penh, BKK1) typically costs $15.00 to $25.00 USD.