Cambodia River Express: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Cambodia River Express runs a direct Phnom Penh to Siem Reap boat again after a six-year gap. It costs about $49 one way, takes roughly 6 to 7 hours with no mid-journey bus transfer, and runs on set days. It is scenic rather than the fastest or cheapest option, so book ahead at cambodiariverexpress.com.
Last updated: 16th January, 2026 - This article has been updated to reflect timings and changes to the service.
New Cambodia River Express service to/from Phnom Penh/Siem Reap
The original article in December on Kiri Post confirmed a new express Phnom Penh-Siem Reap boat service has started up again. It comes after a 6 year break in service. There are many options for road travel to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh with many overnight services. Compared to air travel it is much cheaper to take a bus, there are also river boats you can take but these can take around 7-8 hours so it's more of a day trip rather than a method of getting A to B. The new express service is $49 one way and offers a scenic trip up.
BudgetBro is confirming the details of the service and will update soon. Whilst it is not cheap it quick option for those travelling North in Cambodia and similarly the South and onwards to Vietnam.
One month on, Cambodia River Express announced an update on Facebook confirming a revised service launching from 16th January. The new service removes the need to transfer to a bus mid-journey, making it a fully direct river connection of about 6/7 hours.
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Full timings of the service will be announced after a few trips. You can book tickets on the website >
It will run on Saturday's and Tuesday's 8.30am from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Wednesday's and Sunday's.
The Facebook account has speculated they may have to suspend the route at the end of February due to water levels and would then look to re-start in July/August.
Bookmark or save this page for updates.
The express ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Keep the planning going with our guides to New Phnom Penh-Yangon Flight, Cambodia Visa-Free Trial for China and Air Cambodia Phnom Penh to Da Nang Direct Flight.
Planning the rest of your trip? We also cover Cambodia River Express, from the BudgetBro blog.
Costing up a Cambodia trip? Our Cambodia travel budget guide breaks down what you will spend each day on the road.
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