Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s lively capital — a city of riverside sunsets, temples, markets, and powerful history sites. Getting around is generally easy once you understand the local system: tuk-tuks (the most common choice for visitors), car taxis, and ride-hailing apps that let you book rides without bargaining. This Phnom Penh Taxi Guide covers the best transport options, airport transfers, how prices work, what to use for sightseeing, and how to travel safely and comfortably in Phnom Penh.
Overview of Transport Options in Phnom Penh
Main Types of Transport
- Tuk-tuks (Remorque) – the most popular way for visitors to move around the city: open-air, flexible, and great for short rides.
- Car taxis – more comfort and air-conditioning; best in hot afternoons, rainy season, or when you have luggage.
- Ride-hailing apps – book tuk-tuks or cars with pickup + destination inside the app, often reducing negotiation.
- Motorbike taxis (motodop) – very common locally, but less ideal for travelers with bags or for longer distances.
- Public city buses – the budget option for simple routes if you don’t mind slower travel and fixed stops.
- Private cars/vans with driver – best for families, groups, and day trips outside the center.
Good to know: Phnom Penh can feel chaotic at first (traffic, heat, quick turns). The easiest approach is to use a ride-hailing app for point-to-point rides, and hire a tuk-tuk or private car for sightseeing days.
Quick Decision Guide: What Should You Use?
- Riverside (Sisowath Quay), Royal Palace, National Museum: Tuk-tuk or app ride.
- Night markets and dinner areas: Tuk-tuk (easy + fun) or app ride for smoother pickup.
- Russian Market (Tuol Tompoung) and local neighborhoods: App ride if you want clear pickup points.
- Hot season / rainy season: Car taxi for air-conditioning and comfort.
- Day trips (Killing Fields, Silk Island, Oudong, countryside): Private car/van or full-day tuk-tuk hire.
- Airport transfer: Pre-booked transfer or ride-hailing pickup (simpler than negotiating on arrival).
Phnom Penh Airport Transfers
Which Airport Are You Using?
Phnom Penh now has a major new airport serving the capital area (Techo International Airport – KTI). Depending on your flight and timing, you may also see references to the older Phnom Penh airport (PNH). Always double-check your ticket and your hotel pickup message so your driver goes to the correct airport.
Option 1: App Pickup (Best Mix of Clarity + Convenience)
- Open your ride-hailing app, set your destination, and follow the app instructions to the pickup point.
- Great when you want the destination locked in and the driver details visible.
- Ideal for solo travelers and couples with normal luggage.
Option 2: Official Airport Taxi / Transfer Counter (Easy After Long Flights)
- Look for official taxi counters or the organized taxi line outside arrivals.
- Confirm the total price (or meter rules, if used) before you leave.
- Best when you want a quick, no-app solution.
Option 3: Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Best for Families + Groups)
- Choose a sedan/SUV/van based on group size and luggage.
- Driver meets you at arrivals with a sign, and you go door-to-door.
- Best for late-night arrivals, tight check-ins, or if you simply want zero stress.
Ride-Hailing Apps in Phnom Penh (Recommended)
PassApp (Cambodia’s Local Favorite)
PassApp is widely used across Cambodia and is one of the easiest ways to book a tuk-tuk or car in Phnom Penh. It’s especially useful for quick city rides and airport transfers when you want clear pickup + destination inside the app.
Grab (Good Coverage + Clear Pickup)
Grab is also used in Phnom Penh and can be a reliable choice for tourists who already have it installed from other Southeast Asian trips. It’s convenient for city rides and can also work for airport pickups depending on pickup zones and availability.
App Booking Tips That Save Time
- Choose a clean pickup point: hotel lobby, a big cafe entrance, a convenience store, or a main-road landmark.
- If drivers are canceling, walk 2–5 minutes to a main road away from crowds and try again.
- Add a short note: “I’m at the front gate / lobby / riverside entrance.”
- During rain or big events, book earlier than you think you need.
Tuk-Tuks in Phnom Penh: How They Work
What a Phnom Penh Tuk-Tuk Is
Most Phnom Penh tuk-tuks are remorques (a covered carriage pulled by a motorbike). They’re a classic way to explore: breezy, photogenic, and perfect for short rides. Many drivers also offer half-day and full-day “city tours” with flexible stops.
When Tuk-Tuks Are the Best Choice
- Short rides in central areas (riverside, markets, cafes).
- Sightseeing when you want frequent stops and an open-air feel.
- Evening rides when you want a simple door-to-door trip without parking stress.
How to Avoid Overpaying (Simple Method)
- For street tuk-tuks: ask the price before you get in.
- Confirm whether the price is total (for the whole vehicle) or per person.
- If the price feels high, compare with an app fare (or politely ask another driver).
Car Taxis in Phnom Penh
When a Car Taxi Is Better Than a Tuk-Tuk
- Midday heat or rainy season (air-conditioning matters).
- Traveling with kids, seniors, or heavy bags.
- Longer cross-city rides where comfort and speed matter.
- Airport transfers and late-night travel when you want a closed vehicle.
Best Booking Options
- Ride-hailing app for fixed routing and easier communication.
- Hotel desk for trusted drivers and fixed transfers.
- Pre-booked private transfer for groups and long routes.
Public City Bus (Budget Transport)
Phnom Penh has a public city bus network with a low fixed fare per trip. It can be a useful budget option if you’re staying in the city for longer and don’t mind fixed routes and slower travel compared to taxis and tuk-tuks.
When the Bus Makes Sense
- You’re traveling on a tight budget.
- Your hotel is near a bus route and your destination is also near a stop.
- You want a simple daytime ride and you’re not in a rush.
Best Ways to Explore Phnom Penh by Taxi or Tuk-Tuk
Classic Half-Day City Loop
- Royal Palace area → National Museum → riverside walk → cafe stop → Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
History Day (Emotional + Important)
- Tuol Sleng (S-21) → Choeung Ek Killing Fields → lunch break → riverside sunset
Local Market + Food Day
- Russian Market → coffee + shops → local lunch → night market / riverside dinner
Tip: For these routes, a tuk-tuk is usually the best value and most flexible. For the history day in the heat, a car is a comfortable upgrade.
Money, Etiquette, and Practical Tips
Cash and Currency
- US dollars are commonly used in tourist areas, and you may receive change in Cambodian riel.
- Carry small notes to make payment easy and avoid “no change” situations.
Communication Tips
- Save your destination as a map pin and show it to the driver.
- If your hotel has a Khmer name card, keep a photo of it on your phone.
- Confirm return rides clearly: “one-way” vs “wait and return.”
Tipping
- Tipping is not required, but rounding up or giving a small extra amount is appreciated for great service, especially on long rides or day hires.
Safety Tips for Phnom Penh Taxis and Tuk-Tuks
- Use reputable drivers (apps, hotel, or recommended drivers) for late-night rides and longer routes.
- Keep your phone and wallet secure, especially around busy markets and crowded riverside areas.
- At night, pick up from well-lit places (hotel lobby, busy restaurant entrance) instead of quiet side streets.
- If you’re carrying a bag in a tuk-tuk, keep it in your lap or strapped across your body.
- In rain, prefer a car — wet roads + open tuk-tuks can be uncomfortable and slower.
Frequently Asked Questions (Phnom Penh Taxi Guide)
Is there Uber in Phnom Penh?
Uber is not the standard in Cambodia. Most travelers use PassApp, Grab, hotel-arranged drivers, and independent tuk-tuks.
What is the best way to get around Phnom Penh?
For most visitors: use a tuk-tuk for short city rides and sightseeing, and use a car (or app car) when you want air-conditioning or you’re traveling farther across town.
How do I avoid overpaying?
Use an app when possible (clear pickup + destination), and for street tuk-tuks/taxis, confirm the total price before starting the ride.
Are city buses useful for tourists?
They can be useful if your hotel and destination sit near the same route. Otherwise, tuk-tuks and app rides are usually faster and simpler.
Quick Checklist Before You Ride
- Is your destination pinned correctly on the map?
- Did you confirm the total price (or book in an app)?
- Do you have small cash ready?
- For airport: do you know which airport (KTI vs PNH)?
- At night: are you picking up from a well-lit, clear spot?
Phnom Penh is a city you can explore smoothly with the right transport choices. Use PassApp or Grab when you want a simple, no-bargaining ride, take a tuk-tuk for classic open-air city travel, and choose a car taxi for comfort in heat, rain, or longer routes. Plan airport transfers carefully, keep small cash ready, and you’ll move around Phnom Penh easily and confidently.
