Cambodia
Trains in Cambodia: tickets, passes and routes
Take the train only on the Phnom Penh–Kampot–Sihanoukville southern line, where it is calm, cheap (US$7–10) and slow at 4–5 hours; skip it for Siem Reap, Battambang and the north, which have no working passenger service. There is no national rail pass — buy single tickets, and book 1–3 days ahead around holidays.
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GuideCambodia
Key facts
- Useful line
- Phnom Penh – Kampot – Sihanoukville (Royal Railway), roughly 4–5 h to Kampot
- Typical farecheck
- US$7–10 Phnom Penh – Kampot (2026 estimate)
- Rail pass
- None. Single tickets only
- No passenger trains
- Siem Reap, Battambang, Poipet and the northern network — bus or car instead
- Frequencycheck
- Few departures a week on some days — check the timetable before you plan a leg
- Book ahead
- 1–3 days is usually enough; longer around Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben
- Best for
- Travellers with a spare half-day between Phnom Penh and the coast who value space over speed
Quick answer
Yes on one route, no on the rest. Cambodia's passenger rail is a single southern line linking Phnom Penh with Kampot and Sihanoukville. It is slow, cheap and rarely full, and it beats a minivan on comfort if not on time. Everything else — Siem Reap, Battambang, Poipet, the north-east — is bus, minivan or private car.
If your trip is the classic Siem Reap–Angkor loop, the train will not help you. If you are moving between the capital and the coast and have a spare half-day, it is a reasonable, calm choice.
Details
Cambodia's network was rebuilt and reopened in stages, and passenger service is limited to the south. Royal Railway runs the trains; the operator's own timetable is the only reliable source for departure days, because service has changed repeatedly since reopening.
Fares are low and paid in US dollars or riel. Seats are unassigned on some services, so arriving 20–30 minutes early gets you a better spot. Air-conditioned and fan carriages may be priced differently — confirm at the counter or on the operator's site.
Buy at the station ticket window, through the operator's online channel, or via a hotel or agent for a small markup. There is no national rail pass and no multi-day ticket; each leg is a separate ticket. For the rest of the country, see the bus and minivan options in getting around Cambodia.
| Route | Time | Cost (2026 estimate) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh – Kampot | ~4–5 h | US$7–10 | Worth it: calm, cheap, scenic southern run |
| Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville | ~6–8 h | US$10–15 (check) | Only if you have the time; bus is faster |
| Kampot – Sihanoukville | ~2–3 h | US$5–8 (check) | Short coastal hop, few departures — check |
| Siem Reap, Battambang, Poipet, north-east | — | — | No passenger service; take a bus or car |
Times and fares are 2026 estimates and change with the timetable; confirm with the operator before you build a day around a train.
Tips
- Check the departure days first — some services do not run daily, and a missed train can cost you a day.
- Buy 1–3 days ahead in normal weeks; book earlier around Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, when trains and buses fill.
- Carry water and snacks; station and onboard catering is limited.
- Keep your ticket for the whole journey — it may be checked again near arrival.
- Allow a tuk-tuk margin at both ends; stations sit outside the town centres.
- If a leg matters, have a bus backup in mind: express buses run the same corridor in 5–6 hours.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is the train a good way to get around Cambodia?
Only on the southern line between Phnom Penh, Kampot and Sihanoukville. It is cheap (US$7–10 to Kampot), calm and slow at 4–5 hours. For Siem Reap, Battambang and the north there is no passenger service — take a bus, minivan or car.
Do I need a rail pass for Cambodia?
No. Cambodia has no national rail pass or multi-day ticket. You buy a single ticket for each leg, at the station, through the operator, or via an agent for a small markup.
How far in advance should I book trains in Cambodia?
One to three days is usually enough outside holidays. Book earlier around Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, when trains and buses fill. Departure days are limited, so check the timetable before planning a leg.
Can I get to Siem Reap by train?
No. There is no working passenger service to Siem Reap, Battambang or Poipet. The practical options are express bus or minivan (5–6 hours) or a private car with driver.
Is the train cheaper than the bus?
Similar. The train runs about US$7–10 to Kampot against US$10–18 for an express bus, but the bus is usually faster and runs more often.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialRoyal Railway Cambodia
- officialMinistry of Tourism, Cambodia
- secondaryWikivoyage – Cambodia