Angkor International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Angkor International Airport SAI

Cambodia

Siem Reap-Angkor Airport serves the city of Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest attractions of Southeast Asia, approximately 50 km from the city center.

A new airport (Siem Reap Angkor International, opened in 2023) has replaced the old central hub, increasing the transfer distance to the city.

Content verified on 03/09/2026
Official source: english.sai-airport.com

How to get to Angkor International Airport

Siem Reap city center is about 50 km from the new airport: transfer takes approximately 60-75 minutes by taxi, much longer than the old airport (only 7 km from the city).

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Siem Reap in approximately 60-75 minutes along the new dedicated road.

By Train

Cambodia does not have a direct railway connection between the airport and Siem Reap.

By Bus

A shuttle bus service connects the new airport to downtown Siem Reap, with departures coordinated with flight times.
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Tips The new airport is much more distant from the city compared to the old airport that was closed in 2023: allow about an hour for the transfer, not just a few minutes. Many hotels offer an organized transfer, often convenient given the distance.

Average travel time to SAI

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus60-75 minutes
Taxi / Private hire60-75 minutes

Parking near Angkor International Airport

The official parking is located in front of the new terminal.

The parking is not staffed but is monitored by cameras, with moderate costs.

How to get to Siem Reap from SAI

By Train

Cambodia does not have a direct rail connection between the airport and Siem Reap.

By Bus

A shuttle bus service connects the airport to central Siem Reap, coordinated with flight schedules.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area at the dedicated counter; approximately 25-35 USD to the city center, given the approximately 50 km distance from the new airport (fixed fare per destination, agreed at the counter).

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Angkor International Airport

Some car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, although self-drive rentals are uncommon; most visitors explore temples with a tuk-tuk or private driver booked for the full day.

Bring a driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit if you choose self-drive; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also generally required.

 

Hotels near Angkor International Airport

The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, operating since late 2023, is about 45-50 km east of the city: a 50-60 minute drive, much longer than the old airport offered, which is now closed to regular traffic and was much closer to the centre. Private taxis and shuttles need to be booked or paid for on arrival, and the distance from the new airport is practically the same whether you choose a hotel in the centre or one near the temples, so the choice depends more on the type of stay than on proximity to the airport. Those who want Pub Street's nightlife should head for the city centre, while those who prefer daily access to the temples can stay along Vithei Charles de Gaulle, a few minutes from Angkor Wat.
City centre

Siem Reap city centre and Pub Street

About 45-50 km from the new airport, 50-60 minutes by car; to be booked as a private taxi or shared shuttle, as there is no rail link.

Best for: For those who want restaurants, bars and the night market within walking distance, with the temples still 15-20 minutes away by car.

Pros
  • The Old Market and Pub Street are within walking distance of hotels in the area
  • More restaurants and nightlife options independent of the resorts
Cons
  • The transfer from the new airport is long for the whole city, not just this area
  • Angkor Wat still requires a 15-20 minute drive on every day of visits
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Vithei Charles de Gaulle, towards the temples

Same distance from the new airport as the city centre (about 45-50 km, 50-60 minutes); from here, however, Angkor Wat is only 10-15 minutes by car, against 20 from the centre.

Best for: For those visiting the Angkor temples several days running who want to cut down the daily trip to the park entrance.

Pros
  • Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom just 10-15 minutes away, closer than from the city centre
  • Resorts with large gardens and pools, useful in the hottest hours between temple visits
Cons
  • Pub Street and the night market still require a tuk-tuk or car ride
  • Less walkable area, designed for guests with their own transport or hotel shuttle
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport provides essential services befitting its role as the air gateway to one of Southeast Asia's leading tourist attractions.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area features a selection of Kampot pepper, Cambodian coffee, and silk and stone crafts inspired by Angkor sculptures.

Lounges & relaxation

A business lounge reserved for premium passengers is available during flight times, accessible by day-pass (fee required).

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Local SIM cards can be purchased from Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone desks at the airport.

Families & Children

The airport offers basic services for travelers with children, focused in waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The new terminal, opened in 2023, is modern and spacious, designed to absorb future tourism growth toward Angkor. From check-in to gate typically takes 10–15 minutes of walking.

Customs and security checks are generally quick thanks to the modern facility; however, for international flights, arriving at least 3 hours early is still advised, considering the long transfer from the city.

Map of Angkor International Airport

Map of Angkor International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is Siem Reap's new airport so far from the city?

The old airport, just 7 km from the centre, was decommissioned in 2023 in favour of a larger new airport about 50 km away: an important change to keep in mind when planning transfer times.

Q. How many days are needed to visit Angkor?

Generally at least 2-3 days are recommended for the main temples (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm); tickets are available for 1, 3 or 7 days of visits.

Q. Is a tuk-tuk or a car with driver better for visiting the temples?

The tuk-tuk is the classic, economical option for the short circuit; for the long circuit or during the hottest hours, a car with driver offers more comfort at a slightly higher cost.

Q. Do I need a visa for Cambodia when arriving in Siem Reap?

The same rules apply to all entries into the country: an e-visa or visa on arrival for most nationalities, generally valid for 30 days.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Siem Reap

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