The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is incredibly popular among travelers exploring Southeast Asia, linking the vibrant metropolis of Saigon with the emerging capital city of Cambodia.
Covering a distance of just 140 miles (~225 kilometers), the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is relatively straightforward despite the international border crossing. The travel time between these two cities is only about 6 hours, depending on the immigration queue at the border. [Check out our list of the best things to do in Sihanoukville]
The quickest method to reach Phnom Penh from HCMC is by air, with a mere 50-minute flight duration. However, it’s important to note that this option tends to be the most expensive. When factoring in the time required to reach the airport and complete the check-in process, the time savings compared to other modes of transport are actually quite minimal.
How to Get FROM HO CHI MINH City to Phnom Penh by bus?
Time needed: 6 hours and 30 minutes
How to Get to Phnom Penh from Ho Chi Minh by bus?
- Buy your bus ticket
You can either buy your ticket online or buy it from the hotel or hostel you are staying in. The most popular bus company is Giant Ibis.
- Check if you need a visa
You should check if you need a visa to Cambodia. If you do, we highly suggest you get a visa in advance online so you can easily cross the border. Filipinos do not require a visa to enter Cambodia.
- Check the bus terminal
Most bus companies will arrange a pick-up from your hotel so you should not worry about transportation. If your ticket does not include a hotel pick-up, you should know where the terminal is so you can easily go there.
- Arrive at the bus terminal early
Make sure you arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before your departure time to avoid missing the bus.
- Get on the bus
Get on the bus and start your 6-7 hours journey to Phnom Penh
- Get off the bus at the border
Get off the bus and bring your passport and other important stuff.
- Get an exit stamp
Get an exit stamp from the Vietnam Immigration
- Get an entry stamp
Get an entry stamp from the Cambodia Immigration
- Get back on the bus
Once you get your entry stamp, go back to the bus and continue your journey to Phnom Penh!
Bus schedule from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City
Bus schedule from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
- 4:30 am
- 5:15 am
- 5:30 am
- 7:00 am
- 7:30 am
- 8:00 am
- 8:30 am
- 9:00 am
- 9:45 am
- 10:00 am
- 10:30 am
- 11:00 am
- 11:30 am
- 12:00 nn
- 1:30 pm
- 2:30 pm
- 3:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
- Book your ticket at bit.ly/buyferryticket
Bus schedule from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City
- First trip: 4:30 am
- Last trip: 3:30 pm
- Trip interval: 15 minutes to an hour
- Book your ticket at bit.ly/buyferryticket
Travel time
The travel time between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Phnom Penh, Cambodia by bus is around 6 hours.
Information on this Bus route
| Daily Bus Trips | 20+ |
| Bus Departures from Ho Chi Minh City (First/Last Trip) | 4:30 am / 3:30 pm |
| Bus Departures from Phnom Penh (First/Last Trip) | 4:30 am / 3:30 pm |
| Cheapest fare | Php1,500 (USD27) |
| Average Travel Time | 6 hours |
| Bus Companies on This Route | Giant Ibis, Danh Danh, Khai Nam |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a Bus ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh cost?
The average bus ticket price from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and vice-versa is Php1,500 or roughly around USD27.
Is there a train from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh?
There is no train service between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
Is there a direct flight from HCMC to Phnom Penh?
Yes, there are direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and vice-versa. You can find cheap flights here for your next trip. The best way to find cheap flight tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the Bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
The average travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh is around 6 hours depending on the traffic condition at the border.
What can I bring with me on the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
Typically, you can take a suitcase and hand luggage with you for the Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh bus route for free.
How many daily Trips are there between HHMC and Phnom Penh?
The number of bus trips from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are over 20 daily trips on this route.
Which Bus companies travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
When taking the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, you can travel comfortably and safely with Giant Ibis, Danh Danh, and Khai Nam.
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
The departure and arrival points depend on the bus or van you take. Most of the bus companies will arrange a pick-up from your hotel.
What are the best sights and things to do in Phnom Penh?
Once in Phnom Penh, you can explore the city and its interesting sights. The top attractions and things to do in Phnom Penh are Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Wat Phnom Daun Penh, and the Royal Palace. Check out the available discounted tours in Phnom Penh below.
Have you tried taking this bus service? How was your experience? Please let us know in the comment section below. Please take note that the schedule may change without prior notice, if you see any changes, please let us know to help our fellow travelers get the most accurate schedule. Thanks!
If you are traveling on a tight schedule, we highly recommend that you call the bus company to confirm the trip. Have a safe journey!
Glen Nomad is a travel blogger and the founder of Escape Manila, one of the top travel blogs in the Philippines. He has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines and has explored 53 countries across Asia, North & South America, East Africa, Europe, and Australia. Follow him on IG at @escapemanila