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Banteay Meanchey sits in the quiet rice country of the northwest, close to the Thai border at Poipet. The road south to Phnom Penh runs through paddies, stilt houses and roadside markets that sell fruit and snacks, and most travellers see it from a bus window.
The route follows National Highway 5. Sisophon, the provincial capital, lies about 359 km from Phnom Penh on this road.[1] You can compare schedules and book your seat on GoAsia.cc.
Banteay Meanchey to Phnom Penh by Bus
Buses are the most common way to cover the distance, with daytime coaches and night services. On booking platforms, bus tickets start at about $12 (October 2026). The journey takes from about 5 hours 30 minutes, and up to about 9 hours on slower services or in heavy traffic.[2]
Sleeper Buses
Sleeper buses have bunks instead of seats and leave in the evening, so you arrive in Phnom Penh early in the morning. You save a night's accommodation and have the whole day in the capital.
Minibuses
Minibuses run through the day if you prefer to watch the countryside.
Banteay Meanchey to Phnom Penh by Van
Many travellers leave from Sisophon by minivan. On booking platforms, a seat costs about $17 (October 2026). Vans leave frequently from early morning until late in the day, and the trip takes from about 5 hours 30 minutes.[2] Vans have less space for bags than coaches.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus or sleeper bus | From about $12[2] | From about 5h 30min, up to about 9h |
| Minivan from Sisophon | About $17[2] | From about 5h 30min |
Tips for Traveling from Banteay Meanchey to Phnom Penh
- Book in Advance: Popular sleeper buses and morning vans fill up on weekends and during Khmer festivals. Book a day or two ahead.
- Luggage Space: With a large suitcase, a full-sized bus is the better choice. Minivans have little cargo space.
- Pick-up Points: Check your departure point when you book. Some operators leave from an office in Sisophon, others pick up along the highway.
- Snacks and Water: Carry water and a snack for the rest stops.
- Air Conditioning: Buses and vans are often strongly air-conditioned, so keep a light layer in your hand luggage.
- Arrival in Phnom Penh: Services drop you at the operator's terminal. Check the drop-off point on your ticket and take a tuk-tuk from there.
Timetable
| Bus Banteay Meanchey - Phnom Penh $ 11.46–13.29 5h 30m – 7h 40m | |
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| Van Sisophon - Phnom Penh $ 12.82 5h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Banteay Meanchey to Phnom Penh, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets from about $12 on booking platforms in October 2026.
Minivans from Sisophon and some minibus services are the fastest, taking from about 5 hours 30 minutes.
From about 5 hours 30 minutes. Slower buses and heavy traffic can stretch the trip to about 9 hours.
Yes. Sleeper buses leave in the evening and arrive in Phnom Penh early the next morning.
About 359 km by National Highway 5.
Minivans are a normal way to travel in Cambodia. They can be crowded, so if you prefer a calmer ride, take a larger bus.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Tourism of Cambodia: Banteay Meanchey Province Travel Guides. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Banteay Meanchey and Sisophon to Phnom Penh. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.