Phnom Penh Airport Guide: Arrival, Transport and Hotels

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Phnom Penh’s air gateway changed in September 2025, when Techo International Airport (KTI) opened roughly 30km south of the city, replacing the old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) that had served the capital for decades. The new airport sits considerably farther from downtown than its predecessor did, so transfer times and planning look a bit different than they used to.

This mirrors what happened in Siem Reap, where Angkor International Airport also moved farther from the city back in 2023. Both moves reflect a push toward larger, more modern facilities built to handle more international traffic, even at the cost of a longer ride into town. Airport signage in English is clear, and the new terminal has a straightforward layout from arrivals to the taxi rank.

Here’s what to expect from touchdown to your hotel. From touchdown to baggage claim and passport control, procedures are generally straightforward. After arrival, you can select from taxis, ride-hailing, or hotel transfers at clearly marked desks.

Immigration and visa processing on arrival

Visa-on-arrival counters are available, though travelers with a pre-arranged e-visa (the recommended option, $36 online in advance) move through considerably faster by heading straight to the immigration desks rather than the visa application counter. Peak arrival periods, particularly late morning and early evening when multiple international flights land close together, can see queues build — having your e-visa ready cuts this wait significantly.

Getting from the airport into the city

The official airport taxi counter just past arrivals offers fixed-price transfers into town. Given the airport’s greater distance from the city, prices run higher than they used to — typically $20–25 for a car to BKK1 or the riverside, with the ride taking 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Tuk-tuks aren’t a practical option over this distance, so a car is the realistic choice after landing, especially with luggage. Grab, the regional ride-hailing app, also operates from the airport and often offers better pricing with transparent fare estimates shown upfront — worth checking before joining the taxi queue.

SIM cards and connectivity

Mobile carrier counters within arrivals sell tourist SIM cards with data packages, typically $5 to $10 for a week or two of data — a quick way to connect right after landing, which is especially handy for booking a car or confirming pickup details given the longer ride ahead.

Additionally, this is useful for booking a Grab ride or confirming your hotel address with a driver. If you plan to travel further, compare data limits and validity at the counter. Staff can help activate the SIM and explain roaming options.

Where to stay based on your flight timing

With the airport now roughly 45-60 minutes from downtown rather than a short hop, staying near the airport makes sense for a wider range of situations than before — not just genuine pre-dawn departures, but any early-morning flight or very late arrival where a long transfer would eat into sleep. See our dedicated Phnom Penh Airport Hotels guide for the specifics; for a daytime flight with a comfortable buffer, a central BKK1 or riverside hotel with a car booked in advance is still usually the better choice, or see our Best Hotels in Phnom Penh and Best Budget Guesthouses in Phnom Penh guides for central options across every price tier.

Where to Stay for Phnom Penh Airport: Map

Departure tips

For departures, budget at least 3 hours before an international flight to allow for the longer drive out to Techo International plus check-in, security, and immigration — more if you’re traveling during a busier period or coming from a hotel in the city center. That’s a meaningfully bigger buffer than the old airport required, so build the extra transfer time into your morning rather than assuming a quick hop will get you there. Duty-free and dining options past security are still filling in at the new terminal, so eating beforehand if you have a specific craving is worth planning for.

Continuing on to Siem Reap

If Phnom Penh is a stopover before Angkor, our Phnom Penh to Siem Reap guide covers the bus, boat, and flight options for that onward leg, including realistic timing if you want to continue the same day you land.

First impressions and what to expect outside the terminal

The new terminal at Techo International is considerably larger and more modern than the old airport was, though amenities are still filling in — don’t expect extensive shopping or dining once through immigration just yet, and budget accordingly if you have a specific meal or purchase in mind before heading into the city.

A realistic timeline for your first hour

Immigration and baggage claim together typically take 20-40 minutes depending on how many flights have landed recently, followed by a 45-60 minute transfer into the city — most travelers can realistically expect to be checked into a central hotel within 90-120 minutes of touchdown.

Duty-free and last-minute shopping

Duty-free options past security are limited compared to larger regional hubs like Bangkok or Singapore — if you have a specific souvenir or gift in mind, buying it in the city before your departure day is more reliable than counting on finding it at the airport.

Lounge access and layover comfort

A small number of lounges are available for eligible cardholders or through paid day passes, offering a quieter space and basic refreshments if you have a longer layover or an early arrival before a flight — worth checking availability in advance if this matters to your travel style.

Whichever way you arrive, building the longer transfer time into your plans is the main adjustment travelers need to make at Phnom Penh’s new airport — beyond that, it remains a straightforward start to a Cambodia trip.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Phnom Penh Airport from the city center?

About 30km, typically a 45-60 minute drive depending on traffic. This changed in September 2025, when Techo International Airport (KTI) opened and replaced the old, closer-in Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).

Can I get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh Airport?

Yes, though prearranging an e-visa online before your flight is faster and avoids the on-arrival application queue.

Is there an airport shuttle bus into the city?

Public bus options exist but are limited and slower than a taxi or Grab ride; most travelers use a car, tuk-tuk, or ride-hailing app for the short transfer.

Do I need to book an airport transfer in advance?

Not strictly necessary given reliable on-site taxi and Grab availability, though pre-booking through your hotel adds certainty, particularly for a late-night arrival.