Contents
- 1. Phnom Penh to Battambang by Bus
- 1.1 Daytime Buses
- 1.2 Overnight Sleeper and Hotel Buses
- 2. Phnom Penh to Battambang by Van
- 3. Phnom Penh to Battambang by Train
- 4. Phnom Penh to Battambang by Private Transfer
- 5. Comparing Your Options
- 6. Tips for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Battambang
- 7. Timetable
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions
- 9. Sources and background
Leaving the energy of Phnom Penh for the colonial charm of Battambang feels like stepping into a calmer, more artistic Cambodia. Battambang is known for its well-preserved French architecture and the bamboo train. The journey northwest takes you through rice paddies, with roadside stalls selling palm sugar and grilled corn.
You can go by bus, van, train or private car. You can book bus and van seats and private transfers on GoAsia.cc.
Phnom Penh to Battambang by Bus
Buses cost about $7 to $18 on booking platforms (October 2026) and take from about 3 hours 45 minutes, up to 6 hours 30 minutes.[1]
Daytime Buses
Daytime services include 45-seat and 28-seat buses and First Class coaches.[1] Daytime buses are a good choice if you want to watch the Cambodian countryside roll by.
Overnight Sleeper and Hotel Buses
Sleeper, hotel and luxury hotel buses run overnight, so you save a night of accommodation and arrive in Battambang in the early hours.[1]
Phnom Penh to Battambang by Van
Vans and minivans cost about $8 to $24 (October 2026) and take from about 4 hours 30 minutes, up to 5 hours. The classes range from standard 15-seat vans to VIP, Deluxe and shared 6-seat vans.[1]
Phnom Penh to Battambang by Train
Royal Railway runs a train on its northern line from Phnom Penh to Pursat, Mong Russei and Battambang.[2] In October 2026 it left Phnom Penh station at 06:40 and reached Battambang Railway Station at 13:38, a journey of 6 hours 58 minutes, and a ticket cost $10.[3] Royal Railway takes bookings from 06:00 to 20:00 every day.[2]
Phnom Penh to Battambang by Private Transfer
A private transfer gives you door-to-door service, which suits families, small groups and travelers with a lot of luggage. Prices start at about $92 on booking platforms (October 2026), and the trip takes from about 4 hours, up to 6 hours.[1]
You can choose between cars, SUVs and vans of different sizes. A private driver can stop whenever you like, for example at the pottery workshops in Kampong Chhnang, and drops you at your hotel in Battambang.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | $7 - $18 | 3h 45m - 6h 30m[1] |
| Van | $8 - $24 | 4h 30m - 5h[1] |
| Train | $10 | about 7h[3] |
| Private Transfer | from $92 | from 4h[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Battambang
- Book in advance: Popular VIP vans and sleeper buses can fill up a day or two ahead, especially at weekends and on public holidays.
- Keep valuables close: On night buses, keep your passport, phone and wallet in a small bag on your person.
- Prepare for the aircon: Bring a light jacket or a sarong, because the air conditioning on buses and vans can be strong.
- Check the arrival point: Bus companies have their own stops in Battambang. Ask where yours is, because you may need a short tuk-tuk ride to reach your hotel.
Timetable
| Bus Phnom Penh - Battambang $ 7.31–18.05 3h 45m – 6h 30m | |
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| Taxi Phnom Penh - Battambang $ 92.27–429.77 4h – 6h | |
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| Van Phnom Penh - Battambang $ 7.80–24.28 4h 30m – 5h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Phnom Penh to Battambang, including current prices and schedules.
The bus, from about $7 on booking platforms (October 2026). Vans start at about $8 and the train at $10.
Vans and private transfers, from about 4 hours, depending on traffic leaving Phnom Penh.
By road it takes between about 4 and 6 hours, and large buses can take longer. The train takes about 7 hours.
Yes. Sleeper, hotel and luxury hotel buses run overnight and reach Battambang in the early hours of the next morning.
Yes. Royal Railway runs a train on its northern line that leaves Phnom Penh station at 06:40 and reaches Battambang Railway Station at 13:38. A ticket costs $10 (October 2026).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Phnom Penh to Battambang timetable. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [2] Royal Railway Cambodia: Passenger Train. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] Royal Railway Cambodia: Train Phnom Penh to Battambang (Royal Railway online booking). Retrieved October 26, 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.