Siem Reap is Cambodia’s most famous travel hub — the gateway to Angkor Wat and the temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park. The city is compact and easy to navigate, but temple visits and the new airport transfer require a bit of planning. This Siem Reap Taxi Guide explains the best transport options (tuk-tuks, taxis, ride-hailing apps, private cars, and airport shuttles), how pricing works, how to choose the right option for your itinerary, and how to travel smoothly and safely in Siem Reap.
Overview of Taxi & Transport Options in Siem Reap
Main Types of Transport
- Tuk-tuks (Remorque) – the #1 choice for most visitors: open-air, affordable, perfect for temple days and short city rides.
- Car taxis – more comfort and air-conditioning; great in rainy season, for families, and for longer distances.
- Ride-hailing apps – the easiest way to avoid negotiating; useful in the city and sometimes for airport transfers.
- Private cars/vans with driver – best for groups, sunrise tours, or custom day routes (Angkor + countryside).
- Airport shuttle bus – the main budget option for the new airport (then a short ride to your hotel).
Local tip: Siem Reap is small, so most city rides are short. What really matters is choosing the right transport for Angkor temple touring and for the Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) transfer.
Quick Decision Guide: What Should You Use?
- Getting around town (Pub Street, Old Market, Night Markets): Tuk-tuk or ride-hailing app.
- Angkor Wat sunrise / day tour: Hire a tuk-tuk for the day (budget + classic) or a car (comfort + A/C).
- Airport to hotel (SAI): Private transfer (easy) or shuttle bus (budget) + short tuk-tuk/taxi.
- Families, older travelers, rainy season: Car or van with driver.
- Far sites (Banteay Srei, Kulen, Beng Mealea): Car/van recommended (distance + heat).
Siem Reap Airport Taxi & Transfer Guide (SAI)
Important: The New Airport Is Farther From Town
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is roughly 45 km from the city, and the drive is often around about 1 hour depending on traffic and your hotel location. This is why choosing the right airport transfer matters more than it used to.
Option 1: Private Airport Transfer (Most Comfortable)
- Best after a long flight, for families, and when you have large luggage.
- Driver meets you at arrivals and takes you door-to-door.
- Good for late-night arrivals or tight check-in times.
Option 2: Airport Shuttle Bus (Best Budget Choice)
- Cheapest common option from SAI to downtown pickup points.
- Works great if your hotel is in central Siem Reap and you don’t mind a short “last mile” tuk-tuk ride.
- Because bus stops can change, always check the latest pickup/drop-off point details before you rely on it.
Option 3: App Car / Taxi (Simple When Available)
- If you prefer “set destination + clear pickup,” apps can be easy (especially in the city).
- At airports, pickup processes can be different, so allow extra time and follow the app’s pickup instructions.
Ride-Hailing Apps in Siem Reap (Avoid Negotiation)
PassApp (Local Favorite)
PassApp is widely used in Cambodia and is one of the most practical choices in Siem Reap. You can book tuk-tuks and cars, see the route clearly, and reduce the stress of bargaining.
Grab (Available in Siem Reap)
Grab also operates in Siem Reap, including hourly rentals for flexible exploring. It can be helpful when you want a clear pickup point and an in-app destination.
Tips for Smooth App Pickups
- Choose a clear pickup spot: hotel lobby, a big restaurant entrance, or a main-road landmark.
- If drivers cancel, walk 2–5 minutes to a less crowded main road and try again.
- Keep your phone online and reply quickly to driver messages.
Siem Reap Tuk-Tuks (Remorque): The Classic Way to Explore
What Is a Tuk-Tuk in Siem Reap?
In Siem Reap, most “tuk-tuks” are remorques — a small trailer pulled by a motorbike. They’re comfortable for short rides, give you great airflow in the heat, and are the most common way tourists move between hotels, markets, and temples.
Best Times to Use a Tuk-Tuk
- City rides: Pub Street, Old Market, Angkor Night Market, restaurants, and cafes.
- Temple days: Angkor Wat + Angkor Thom routes.
- When you want a local-style experience and easy stops for photos and snacks.
Angkor Wat Tuk-Tuk Hire: What You’re Paying For
- Driver time (waiting at each temple and taking you to the next stop).
- Fuel and normal routes around the park.
- Basic flexibility (photo stops, water breaks, small detours).
Typical Tuk-Tuk Prices for Angkor Temple Touring (Realistic Ranges)
Prices vary by season, distance, and negotiation, but many travelers report ranges like:
- Small Circuit (full day): often around $15–$20
- Grand Circuit (full day): often around $25–$30
Important: These usually do not include Angkor entrance tickets. Always confirm what’s included before you start.
Private Car or Van With Driver (Comfort Upgrade)
When a Car Is Better Than a Tuk-Tuk
- You want air-conditioning (hot season or rainy season).
- You’re traveling with kids, seniors, or heavy luggage.
- You plan to visit farther temples (Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea) or combine temples + countryside.
- You want a quieter ride and better protection from dust and heat.
Private Driver Day Tour Ideas
- Classic Angkor Day: Sunrise at Angkor Wat → Angkor Thom → Ta Prohm → sunset viewpoint.
- Big Day: Angkor Wat + Grand Circuit + less crowded temples.
- Beyond Angkor: Banteay Srei + countryside stops + local lunch.
How to Book
- Ask your hotel (easy and reliable).
- Book directly with a local driver via WhatsApp.
- Use an app for city rides; for full-day touring, confirm total hours and route.
How to Book an Angkor Wat Taxi / Tuk-Tuk (Step-by-Step)
- Decide your route: Small Circuit, Grand Circuit, or “custom list” of temples.
- Choose vehicle: tuk-tuk (budget + open air) or car (A/C + comfort).
- Confirm timing: sunrise tours start very early; confirm pickup time clearly.
- Confirm what’s included: driver waiting time, fuel, stops, and end time.
- Agree on the total price: full day vs half day vs hourly.
- Share your hotel name + map pin for pickup and return.
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 for short rides and tips (if you choose to tip).
Talking About Price (Easy Method)
- Ask: “How much to go to…?” and show the map pin.
- Confirm: one-way or return + waiting.
- If it feels high, compare with an app price or politely ask another driver.
Tipping
- Tipping is not required, but it’s common to round up or give a small extra amount for great service or longer touring days.
Safety Tips for Taxis and Tuk-Tuks in Siem Reap
- Use reputable drivers (hotel, app, or recommended drivers) for long temple days.
- Keep your phone, cash, and passport secure — especially around crowded market areas.
- For sunrise/early rides, confirm pickup point the night before (hotel lobby is easiest).
- If you feel uncomfortable with speed or driving, ask the driver to slow down.
- In rainy season, consider a car for longer routes (slippery roads + comfort).
Common Situations (And the Best Transport Choice)
Pub Street to Your Hotel at Night
- Tuk-tuk or app ride is easiest.
- Choose a clear pickup point away from the biggest crowd if drivers are busy.
Temple Touring Without Stress
- Hire the same driver for the full day (less waiting, smoother pacing).
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a light layer for early morning.
Airport Arrival With Luggage
- Private transfer = simplest.
- Shuttle bus = cheapest (then short tuk-tuk to the hotel).
Frequently Asked Questions (Siem Reap Taxi Guide)
Is there Uber in Siem Reap?
Uber is not the standard here. Most travelers use PassApp, Grab, hotel-arranged drivers, or independent tuk-tuk drivers.
What’s the best way to get to Angkor Wat?
For most visitors, a tuk-tuk day hire is the best mix of price, comfort, and flexibility. If you want air-conditioning or you’re traveling with family, a private car is a great upgrade.
How do I avoid overpaying?
Use a ride-hailing app for city rides when possible, and for Angkor tours, agree on the full-day price + route before you start.
How long is the transfer from the new airport (SAI) to Siem Reap?
Often around about 1 hour, depending on traffic and your exact hotel location.
Quick Checklist Before You Ride
- Is your destination pinned correctly on the map?
- Did you agree on the total price (one-way vs return + waiting)?
- Do you have small cash ready?
- For temple day: did you confirm route + start time + end time?
- For airport: do you know your pickup point and driver contact?
Siem Reap is one of the easiest places in Southeast Asia to travel around — especially when you use the right transport for the right job. Use tuk-tuks for city rides and classic Angkor touring, choose a private car for comfort and long-distance routes, and consider PassApp / Grab to reduce negotiation. For the new airport (SAI), plan ahead: private transfer for convenience, or shuttle bus for budget travel.
