Transportation - Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phom Penh can be reached by either domestic flights, international flights or overland and speedboat from neighbouring provinces and countries. Phnom Penh is a fairly easy city to get around. Though traffic is getting more congested these days, you can still travel the length of the city in less than 40 minutes. Regarding the economical boom these days, the traffic increases significantly.
Phnom Penh International Airport
On arrival, taxis and motorcycle taxis (motodups) can be hired just outside the arrival lobby. There are no meter taxis (just developing this service). Taxis cost $7.00 for the 20-30 minute ride into the city centre. Cheaper, slower and less comfortable, motorcycle taxis can be hired for $3.00 into town. A usual taxi to the airport from town costs about $7-$10. Allow a minimum of 30-40 minutes to get to the airport, as you might get into some traffic jams during the rush hour.
Cambodia Angkor Airways offer several daily flights to/from Phnom Penh, another cheap opportunity is Bassaca Air or Bayon Airlines. Tourists can be arrival by Vietnam Airline with daily flight to/from Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi, Singapore Airlines to/from Singapore and Loas Airlines to/from Vientianem Qata Airways to/from Doha. Malaysia Airline to/from Kuala Lumpur. You can make your flight booking throught http://www.tourismcambodia.com/flights/.
Buses or Vans
Cars and Taxis
More common are un-metered, unmarked taxis, which can be arranged through your hotel or travel agent, and can also be found outside hotels along the Monivong Blvd. near Kampuchea Krom. A car plus driver costs you $20-$30/day. Shorter jaunts, for a minimum of $2-$3. 4WD vehicles will give you a ride for $60/day and up.
Port of Phnom Penh
The ferry port in Phnom Penh is on Sisowath Quay (the riverfront road) at Street 104, just north of the main riverfront park/restaurant area. If you are arriving in Phnom Penh, there are always motor taxis and car taxis waiting for fares. Motorcycle taxis run about R3000-R5000 and car taxis about $3-$5 to downtown hotels.
Motorcycle Taxis (Motodup)
The omnipresent motos are the most common and fastest form of public transportation but are certainly not the safest. They are more prone to accidents and robberies than cars. Motos cost from 1000R-4000R for a trip in town and $6-$10 per day. Prices go surely up at night.
Bicycle Rental
A few guesthouses, hotels and travel agency have bicycles for rent for around $3-5/day. Bicycle stores are do not rent bikes, but a used bike can be bought for about $30-40 and resold for around $20.
Cyclos
The humble cyclo can be a romantic and practical form of transport though not as safe as a car or fast as a motor. Cyclos are easier than motors and during a rain they offer a drier ride. They often charge twice as much as a motos and are notorious for overcharging tourists, but keep in mind that’s physical work.
Motorcycle Rental
Motorcycles (100cc – 125cc) can be rented for $3 – $5/day. Tourists often rent 250cc dirt bikes, even if it’s a bit too much power and weight for the slow city traffic (250cc for $10-13). For in-city driving, a 100cc is recommended. A 250cc is perfect for the poor roads outside Phnom Penh. Chaotic traffic makes cycling in the city challenging in the extreme. Roads outside the city vary dramatically in condition. If you do decide to ride, drive slowly, stay right, wear a helmet and remember that medical services are quite limited.
