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Banlung, the capital of Ratanakiri province in the far northeast of Cambodia, is reached from Phnom Penh by road. Booking platforms list buses, vans and private transfers for the trip, with journeys of roughly 8 to 11 hours by public transport.[1]
Phnom Penh to Ratanakiri by Bus
Booking platforms list a daytime seater bus and several overnight sleeper and hotel buses on this route. Journeys take about 8.5 to 10 hours and fares are about $12 to $16 (October 2026).[1] The listed departures are one morning service and several evening services between 19:30 and 21:00, so the night buses reach Banlung early the next day.[1]
Phnom Penh to Ratanakiri by Van
Vans are listed with journey times of about 8 to 8.5 hours and fares of about $17 to $18, with departures in the morning and around midday (October 2026).[1] A shared van to Banlung is listed separately at about 10 hours 25 minutes for about $24, leaving in the early morning.[1] Vans have less legroom than buses, so they suit travelers who value the shorter journey over space to stretch out.
Phnom Penh to Ratanakiri by Private Transfer
Private transfers are listed at about 5.5 to 11 hours, depending on vehicle and stops. Prices are about $271 to $621 per vehicle, depending on size, from a 3-seat car to a 25-seat minibus (October 2026).[1] Split between a group, the cost per person becomes much more reasonable, and a transfer lets you set your own schedule.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (seater or sleeper) | $12 to $16[1] | 8h 30m to 10h | Moderate |
| Van (luxury or minivan) | $17 to $18[1] | 8h to 8h 30m | Moderate |
| Shared van | $24[1] | 10h 25m | Basic |
| Private transfer (per vehicle) | $271 to $621[1] | 5h 30m to 11h | High |
Tips for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Ratanakiri
- Book in advance: Ratanakiri is popular with international and domestic travelers during holidays, so reserve a few days early, especially for a specific bunk on a sleeper bus.
- Check the stop: The ticket names the arrival point in Banlung, so check it against your guesthouse before you travel.
Timetable
| Bus Phnom Penh - Ratanakiri $ 12.16–16.07 8h 30m – 10h | |
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| Taxi Phnom Penh - Ratanakiri $ 269.47–617.58 5h 25m – 11h | |
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| Van Phnom Penh - Banlung $ 24.32 10h 25m | |
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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 Ratanakiri, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option, with fares of about $12 to $16 on booking platforms in October 2026. Vans cost about $17 to $18, and private transfers cost about $271 to $621 per vehicle.
A private transfer is the fastest, listed at about 5.5 hours at best. Among public options, vans are listed at about 8 to 8.5 hours, slightly quicker than buses at 8.5 to 10 hours.
By public transport it takes about 8 to 10 hours, up to about 10 hours 25 minutes on the shared van. Private transfers are listed at 5.5 to 11 hours depending on the vehicle and stops.
Yes. Booking platforms list sleeper and hotel buses leaving Phnom Penh in the evening, between 19:30 and 21:00, and arriving in Banlung the next morning.
Vans are a little faster and leave in the morning or around midday, but they have less legroom. Buses take longer, and the overnight sleepers let you lie down and save a night of accommodation.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Phnom Penh - Ratanakiri (Banlung) timetable. Retrieved October 15, 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.