Siem Reap Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Siem Reap, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Angkor in Cambodia, is served by one major international airport. As tourism has grown, the airport has undergone significant upgrades to handle the influx of visitors from around the world. Understanding the airport layout and transportation options is the first step in a seamless journey to explore the ancient Khmer empire.

This guide details Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), the new airport that replaced the old one in late 2023, including terminal information, ground transport, and practical advice for travelers beginning their Cambodian adventure.

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI)

Overview: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is a brand new, modern airport that opened on October 16, 2023, replacing the old, capacity-constrained Siem Reap International Airport (REP). Located approximately 50 km (31 miles) east of Siem Reap city and the Angkor temple complex, in the Sotr Nikum district, it was built to accommodate future tourism growth with significantly larger capacity and longer runways. The airport now handles all international and domestic flights to the region.

Terminals:

• Single Integrated Terminal: A large, modern terminal building designed with Khmer architectural motifs, handling both international and domestic arrivals and departures under one roof. The terminal is spacious, with separate levels for arrivals and departures.

The airport is far more efficient than its predecessor but is located much farther from the city, making ground transportation planning essential.

Getting to and from SAI Airport:

• Pre-booked Hotel/Resort Transfer (Tuk-tuk or Car):
  The most recommended and common method. Virtually all hotels, guesthouses, and tour operators in Siem Reap offer airport transfer services. This can be arranged when you book your accommodation. Upon exiting baggage claim, look for a driver holding a sign with your name or hotel logo. Transfers are typically included in package tours or offered for a reasonable fee ($15-25 for a private car, $8-15 for a tuk-tuk).
• Official Airport Taxi:
  Official taxis are available at a counter inside the arrivals hall. You purchase a fixed-price voucher before exiting. A trip to central Siem Reap (Pub Street area) costs approximately $30-35 USD and takes 45-60 minutes. This is a reliable, air-conditioned option.
• Tuk-tuk (Remork):
  The iconic local three-wheeled taxi. You can negotiate directly with drivers outside the terminal. A fare to the city center should be around $20-25 for the 60+ minute journey. Be prepared for a windy and dusty ride, but it’s a classic Cambodian experience. Suitable for those with light luggage.
• Private Car/Van Transfer (Pre-booked online):
  Several companies offer online booking for private transfers. This can be more affordable than the official airport taxi and ensures a driver is waiting.
• Car Rental:
  International and local rental companies have desks in arrivals. Renting a car with a driver is a popular and affordable way to explore the Angkor temples over multiple days. Self-driving is not recommended for tourists due to unfamiliar road conditions and signage.
• Public Bus:
  As of early 2025, scheduled public bus services from the new airport to the city center are limited or in planning stages. Local minibuses (vans) may operate, but they are not tourist-friendly with luggage. Not recommended for most visitors.

Best for: All travelers visiting Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Important Note: The Old Siem Reap Airport (REP)

Attention: The old Siem Reap International Airport, with the IATA code REP, closed to commercial flights on October 15, 2023. All flight schedules and bookings now use the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport with the new IATA code SAI.

Ensure your flight itinerary shows SAI. Do not go to the old airport location near the city.

Transportation to Siem Reap City & Key Destinations

To Siem Reap City Center (Pub Street, Old Market): The journey is now 45-60 minutes by road. The route is a straight shot on National Road 6.

To Angkor Wat Temple Complex: The new airport is actually closer to the eastern gate of Angkor Wat than the old airport was. A transfer from SAI to the main temple entrance (Angkor Wat West Gate) takes about 30-40 minutes.

To Major Hotel Zones:

• City Center (Pub Street): 45-60 mins.
• Road 6/Victory Gate Area: 40-50 mins.
• Airport Road (near old airport): 50-60 mins (ironically, hotels on “Airport Road” are now far from the new airport).

Practical Tips for Siem Reap Airport (SAI):

• Visa on Arrival / E-Visa:
  • E-Visa: Highly recommended. Apply online at the official Cambodian e-Visa website before travel. Print out the approval. This allows you to bypass the visa-on-arrival counter and go straight to immigration.
  • Visa on Arrival: Available for most nationalities. Have a passport photo ready, fill out the application form, pay the fee ($30 USD for tourist visa), and queue. Have crisp, new US dollar bills as they often reject old or damaged notes. The process at the new airport is more efficient but can still be slow when flights arrive.
• Currency: US Dollar (USD) is the de facto currency and is used more than the Cambodian Riel (KHR) for tourism. Have small denomination USD ($1, $5, $10) for taxis, tips, and small purchases. ATMs dispense USD. Riel is given as change for amounts less than $1.
• Arrival Process: After disembarking, you will go through visa on arrival (if needed), then passport control, then baggage claim, then customs. The arrivals hall is spacious. If you have a pre-booked transfer, your driver will be waiting just outside the customs exit.
• SIM Cards: Kiosks for major providers (Smart, Cellcard, Metfone) are in the arrivals hall. Buying a local SIM with data is cheap and highly recommended for navigation and communication. Expect to pay $5-7 for a tourist package.
• Baggage: Use the free luggage trolleys. Porters may offer assistance; a small tip ($1-2) is appropriate if you use their service.
• Departure: Allow ample time. The drive from the city is long, and check-in/security lines can build up. A departure tax is included in your airline ticket.

Temple Tours & Getting Around Siem Reap

Once in Siem Reap, the primary activity is visiting the temples. Your airport transfer driver may offer temple tour services, or you can arrange through your hotel:

• Tuk-tuk: The standard way to visit the temples for a day or multiple days. Agree on a price for a circuit (e.g., Small Circuit, Grand Circuit) in advance ($15-25 per day).
• Private Car with Driver: More comfortable, with air conditioning. ($25-40 per day).
• E-bike/Bicycle: For the adventurous, renting an e-bike or bicycle is a great way to explore at your own pace.
• Angkor Pass: You must purchase an entrance pass to the Angkor Archaeological Park. This is NOT sold at the airport. You buy it at the official Angkor Ticket Counter on the road to the temples. Your driver will take you there. Passes are 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), or 7-day ($72). A passport photo is required for the 3 & 7-day passes, or they will take your photo on-site.

Bottom line: All travelers to Siem Reap now arrive at the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). The most important steps are to pre-arrange your hotel transfer (due to the 50km distance) and to apply for an e-Visa in advance. Have US dollars in small bills ready. The journey to the city is longer than before, but the modern airport facilities mark a significant upgrade for Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure. Enjoy your visit to the magnificent temples of Angkor.