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Leaving behind the colonial charm and artistic soul of Battambang for the high-energy pulse of Phnom Penh is a journey through the heart of Cambodia. While Battambang invites you to slow down with its bamboo railway and quiet riverside cafes, the route to the capital runs through vast rice paddies and market towns.
You can choose between the national railway, a shared van, a bus or a private car. You can compare the options and book on GoAsia.cc.
Battambang to Phnom Penh by Van
Shared vans are the fastest public option listed on booking platforms and take from about 5 hours, longer with traffic.[1] On booking platforms, a van seat costs about $18 (October 2026).[1] Vans have limited space for large suitcases.
Battambang to Phnom Penh by Bus
Daytime minibuses and buses also serve this route, and they take from about 5 hours.[1] On booking platforms, tickets cost about $12 to $18 (October 2026).[1] Booking platforms also list overnight sleeper and hotel buses.[1]
Battambang to Phnom Penh by Train
Royal Railway runs the train between Battambang and Phnom Penh on its Northern Line.[2] On the operator's booking page, the train leaves Battambang station at 15:00 and arrives at Phnom Penh station at 22:42 (7 hours 42 minutes).[3] A Normal seat costs $10 and First Class costs $15.[3] In the other direction, the train leaves Phnom Penh at 06:40 and arrives in Battambang at 13:38.[3]
Battambang to Phnom Penh by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Battambang and drops you at your destination in Phnom Penh, so you do not need tuk-tuks or taxis at either end. It takes from about 6 hours, longer with stops.[1] On booking platforms, private cars and vans cost about $99 to $262 per vehicle (October 2026).[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Train | $10 (Normal), $15 (First Class)[3] | 7h 42min[3] |
| Bus / Minibus | About $12 - $18[1] | From about 5h[1] |
| Shared Van | About $18[1] | From about 5h[1] |
| Private Transfer | About $99 - $262 per vehicle[1] | From about 6h[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Battambang to Phnom Penh
- Book in Advance: Around public holidays such as Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, travel is busier, so book early.
- Luggage Space: Shared vans have limited space for bags. If you have a large suitcase, a larger bus with a luggage hold is easier.
- Arrive by Train: The train reaches Phnom Penh at 22:42, so arrange your transfer from the station in advance.[3]
- Arrival in Phnom Penh: Operators use their own arrival points, so keep your hotel address in Khmer script on your phone to show to tuk-tuk drivers.
Timetable
| Bus Battambang - Phnom Penh $ 12.16–18.25 5h 5m – 7h 35m | |
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| Taxi Battambang - Phnom Penh $ 98.32–258.74 6h | |
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| Train Battambang - Phnom Penh $ 9.31 9h 20m | |
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| Van Battambang - Phnom Penh $ 17.69 5h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Battambang to Phnom Penh, including current prices and schedules.
The Royal Railway train is the cheapest option we found, at $10 for a Normal seat. Buses cost from about $12 on booking platforms (October 2026).
Shared vans and buses take from about 5 hours and private transfers from about 6 hours. The train takes 7 hours 42 minutes.
Vans and buses take from about 5 hours, depending on traffic. The train takes 7 hours 42 minutes on the operator's timetable.
Booking platforms list overnight sleeper and hotel buses. The train leaves Battambang at 15:00 and reaches Phnom Penh at 22:42, so it is an evening arrival, not an overnight trip.
The UK FCDO notes that Cambodia has one of the highest road accident rates in south-east Asia and that travel after dark significantly increases risk. Choose licensed operators and travel in daylight where you can.
Yes. Private transfers are listed on booking platforms at about $99 to $262 per vehicle (October 2026). It is a door-to-door option that suits families.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable Battambang - Phnom Penh. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] Royal Railway Cambodia: Passenger Train. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Royal Railway Cambodia: Train Battambang to Phnom Penh (Royal Railway online booking). Retrieved October 19, 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.