Phnom Penh City Transport
Your easy-to-follow commonsense guide to help you get around the city of Phnom Penh. All modes of transport included, from walking to taking a bus or hiring a bike, it’s all here
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April 23: Although things are getting back to something like normal, post Covid, it remains important to check with transport providers for up-to-date information on their services, including fares and timetables, etc.
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This page is a general round-up of transport services in Cambodia & Phnom Penh in particular. However, more detailed information is available for Walking, Bus services, Train Services plus Ferries & Cruises, at our following page links:
Walking https://fuzzykensblog.com/walking-phnom-penh/
Buses https://fuzzykensblog.com/phnom-penh-cambodia-buses/
Trains https://fuzzykensblog.com/train-services-in-cambodia/
Ferries & cruises https://fuzzykensblog.com/phnom-penh-ferries-cruises/
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Get a Driving License
An important note for those intending to drive in Cambodia: Obtain the correct license for the class of vehicle you intend to drive. Moreover, it is against the law to drive without a license & doing so, may invalidate your vehicle insurance. There may also be issues with your travel insurance. For information and/or to obtain a license, go to the following link:
https://mpwt.gov.kh/en/public-services/driver-s-license
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Useful city map at this link: https://fuzzykensblog.com/map-phnom-penh/
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Phnom Penh city transport, Tuk-tuks
First-time visitors will most likely use Tuk-Tuks from the airport, of which there are two distinctly different types. The older style, remorque/trailer, pulled by a motorbike, gives a far better view of your surroundings when compared with the smaller “box-like” models, which often can be booked with an App.
In my experience, the latter are often slightly cheaper, but perhaps not best suited to many traveling together and/or with a lot of luggage.
I use GRAB, whose App is reasonably user-friendly for getting around Phnom Penh. They are cheaper than hailing one of the remorques, and since the ride is pre-booked, there is no language barrier, as the driver already knows where you wish to go. When you book, you agree to the displayed fare, so no misunderstandings about the price. The App will tell you the registration number of the Tuk-Tuk, displayed on a white plate on the rear of the vehicle. If the number is not the same as shown on your App, that Tuk Tuk may not be for you.
However, please note that Grab may sometimes have to substitute a different driver/vehicle. When this happens, the driver should be willing & able to show you your name and destination, on his counterpart of the App booking confirmation.
Grab also has taxies, refer to their app for details
Finally, do not expect drivers to have change for large denomination notes such as the 50 and 100-dollar bills or the 20000/50000 riel notes, particularly late at night. A little forethought will, therefore, go a long way.
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Phnom Penh city transport, Motorcycle taxis (Moto’s)
Motorcycle taxis are very common & might get you through the dense city traffic far quicker. However, it is wise to negotiate the fare when using motorbikes as this helps to ensure that the driver understands where you want to go. Offering the driver the exact negotiated fare, before setting off, may also help to concentrate the mind, and avoid misunderstandings.
Moreover, “Moto” drivers should have a spare crash helmet for their use, which by law, you must wear.
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Short journeys in good weather!
Phnom Penh city transport includes the cyclo. A delightful form of transport from days gone by, which is often seen in & around popular tourist sites & along the riverfront. Sitting up front, traveling at a leisurely pace, is certainly popular with many tourists in the dry season.
Your hosts should be able to find one for you and confirm the fare. You might be able to book one for an hour or so, or for a specific destination.
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Phnom Penh city transport, Buses
The excellent public bus service is relatively new, inexpensive & very easy to use. Go to our “Bus services” link above, for details:
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Phnom Penh city transport, Trains
The railway is another public service that has restarted after many years, offering a mixture of services. Go to our train services link above, for details
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Phnom Penh city transport, Cycling
Cycles: Many guesthouses & hotels have bikes for hire which provide an inexpensive way to get around the city. However, please, do be very careful, especially at night, and wear bright colors instead of black. Of course, always make sure that your cycle is made secure to deter theft & leave absolutely nothing in the basket, especially anything that can easily be snatched, while you pedal away. You may also consider wearing some form of head protection.
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Vehicle hire, some general advice
24 Sept.23: When away from your hometown or country, hiring a vehicle can provide convenience and freedom, without reliance on local transport.
However, it can also provide many problems, most of which though, can be avoided by familiarising yourself with local driving rules and regulations. These most likely will be quite different to your home country, and be strictly enforced. Ignorance of this shall provide no valid excuse for you to do exactly as you wish and expect to get away with it.
If you must hire a car or motorbike, read thoroughly the small print on the hire contract, especially about insurance. Moreover, make sure that you understand the road rules & have the correct driver’s license.
Before signing any hire contract, make sure that all the lights & windscreen wipers, etc. are working. Obviously, check for dents, scratches, cigarette burns, and stains on seats. Also, inspect the windscreen and plastic light covers for chips and scratches. Anything found amiss, should be properly recorded on the hire form.
Not least of which, if you are relying on your travel insurance, in case of accidents, make absolutely sure that it includes vehicle hire. The hire companies’ insurance should provide full coverage for third-party liabilities and hopefully include full health coverage for yourself and your passengers. Fully comprehensive insurance is by far the best when hiring vehicles overseas. Nonetheless, check thoroughly, all insurance exclusions and limitations.
It is extremely important, after renting, that you take the vehicle back to the exact same place that you rented it from, & during their business hours. Never, ever, leave it parked in the street or on a forecourt, even if you are told it’s OK. Should the vehicle get vandalized or “disappear”, you may be obliged to foot the bill for repairs or replacement, which might delay your departure. Never, for any reason, leave your passport with a hire company.
Never Drink &/or Take Drugs & Drive, doing so may invalidate insurance, likewise, if you and/or your motorcycle passengers are not wearing crash helmets.
The above commonsense advice applies to all countries, but always check carefully and assume nothing. How quickly the infectious smile on the face of the hire company can evaporate, should there be any problems!
And as I often say, be wise before the event.
With more than one million motorbikes in Phnom Penh, remember your registration number & exactly where you parked it!
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Never Drink &/or Take Drugs & Drive
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Air travel
If you are unable to book online, please use a travel agent or visit the airport for flight information and/or bookings. Moreover, always get a printed copy of your air ticket & if paying by card, keep a copy of the signed receipt. Nonetheless, always make sure that your name on the air ticket matches exactly, that shown in your passport. This applies to all domestic flights and international ones.
For local news: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national
Nevertheless, why not let us know your travel experiences, good or bad, funny or sad by going to this link: https://fuzzykensblog.com/have-your-say/
Our “contact us” information is on our home page
However, still can’t find what you want? Refer to the page links in the right-hand side bar
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