Bangkok to Siem Reap: Bus vs. Train, the Aranyaprathet Border Guide (2026)
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The overland crossing from Bangkok to Siem Reap via Aranyaprathet and Poipet is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic budget travel routes. Around 465 kilometres of countryside, a genuine land border crossing, and the first glimpse of Cambodia. For years, it was the rite of passage for anyone heading to Angkor Wat on a shoestring. All prices in this guide use a rate of 35 THB = $1 USD.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how the route works, how the bus compares to the train, what the crossing actually looks like on the ground, and, crucially, which scams to sidestep before you even reach the border gates.
Important Update: Land Border Status as of June 2026
All land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia, including the Aranyaprathet-Poipet route, have been closed to tourists since late June 2025 due to an escalating territorial conflict. A ceasefire was declared on December 27, 2025, but it remains fragile. As of the time of writing, the only way to travel between Bangkok and Siem Reap is by air. Check your government’s foreign travel advisory before booking. This guide covers the full overland route as it operates when the border is open, so you have everything ready when it reopens.
Quick Answer: Which Option Is Right For You?
The route currently requires flying, but when the land border reopens, your two main options are:
- Direct tourist bus (Bangkok to Siem Reap): 9 to 12 hours, roughly 300 to 600 THB (~$8.60 to $17) depending on operator and seat class. Best for those who want a single ticket from door to door.
- Train plus bus (DIY route): 5.5 hour train to Aranyaprathet from 48 THB (~$1.40), then a local bus or taxi from Poipet to Siem Reap for $5 to $10. Cheaper, slower, and more flexible.
- Flying (current only option): 1 hour 15 minutes with Thai AirAsia from around $99 one-way from Don Mueang. Zero border stress and no scam exposure.
Budget tip: The flight is currently cheaper in real terms once you factor in the full overland cost, the visa fee, and the time. When the land border reopens, the train-plus-bus route saves the most money at under 500 THB (~$14) total before the Cambodia visa. The direct tourist bus sits in the middle at 300 to 600 THB (~$8.60 to $17).
Full Route Comparison at a Glance:
| Option | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Total Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Tourist Bus | 300 to 600 THB | ~$8.60 to $17 | 9 to 12 hours | Budget / Convenience |
| Train + Local Bus (DIY) | From ~390 THB | ~$11+ | 10 to 13 hours | Cheapest / Adventure |
| Private Minivan | 700 to 1,050 THB | ~$20 to $30 | 8 to 10 hours | Groups / Speed |
| Private Taxi (Bangkok to border) | ~3,000 THB | ~$86 | 4 to 5 hours to border | Families / Comfort |
| Flight (Bangkok to Siem Reap) | ~3,465 THB+ | ~$99+ | 1 hour 15 min | Current Only Option |
Note: The Cambodia tourist visa costs an additional $30 USD for all overland options. The e-visa (applied for in advance at evisa.gov.kh) costs $36 USD and is strongly recommended to avoid queues.
Flying Bangkok to Siem Reap: The Current Option
Until the Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing reopens, the only realistic way between Bangkok and Siem Reap is a direct flight. Thai AirAsia operates the route from Don Mueang (DMK), with one-way fares starting at around $99 when booked a few weeks in advance. The flight itself is just 75 minutes.
For families and travellers with limited time, the flight is genuinely the better choice even when the land border is open. You avoid the $30 Cambodia visa-on-arrival queue, skip the notorious Poipet scam gauntlet, and land at Siem Reap Angkor Airport with energy to spare for the temples.
- Thai AirAsia from Don Mueang (DMK): from $99 one-way, book 2 to 3 weeks ahead for the best fares
- Bangkok Airways from Suvarnabhumi (BKK): from around $180, includes baggage and meals
- Cambodia Angkor Air: from around $120, baggage included, check their website for package deals
- Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare across all carriers before committing
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The Direct Tourist Bus (Bangkok to Siem Reap):
When the border is open, the direct tourist bus is the most popular overland choice. Operators like Go Ho Travel run air-conditioned coaches departing from Khao San Road and Sukhumvit pickup points, covering the full Bangkok to Siem Reap journey with a guided stop at the Poipet border crossing.
Tickets on Khao San Road typically cost 300 to 600 THB (~$8.60 to $17). Sukhumvit operators often charge up to 1,000 THB (~$28.60) for the same product. The difference is mostly in the pickup point, not the bus. Lock in your seat through 12GO to compare operators, confirm schedules ahead of national holiday surges, and avoid arriving at the stop to find the bus already full.
The bus will stop at the border. You get off, clear Thai immigration, walk across, handle Cambodian immigration, then reboard (or transfer to a Cambodian side vehicle) for the onward leg to Siem Reap. Total journey time: 9 to 12 hours depending on border queues and traffic.
The Train to Aranyaprathet (DIY Route):
Two ordinary third-class trains depart daily from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station toward the eastern border, with a third-class ticket costing just 48 THB (~$1.40). The journey takes around 5.5 hours through flat rice fields and provincial towns.
An important note: the line was extended to Ban Klong Luk station in 2019, placing it just 200 metres from the Thai immigration checkpoint. If the extended service is running, you can skip the tuk-tuk altogether. If the train terminates at Aranyaprathet station (roughly 7 kilometres from the border), take a tuk-tuk (100 THB / ~$2.85), motorbike taxi (60 THB / ~$1.70), or shared songthaew (15 THB per person / ~$0.43) to reach the Rong Khlua border market and immigration.
The train is genuinely charming: vendors walk the carriages selling grilled corn and iced coffee, the countryside flattens out into an almost meditative stillness, and the ticket price is barely real. However, the train timetable is limited and the carriages are basic. It is the choice of the slow traveller, not the one rushing to Angkor Wat by sunset.
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Pro Tips For the Journey:
eSIM before you go: Grab handles ride-hailing from Siem Reap and both Grab and PassApp require a working mobile number to complete network SMS verification the moment you land or cross the border. Activate your Airalo, Yesim, or Saily eSIM data plan before departure in Bangkok so it is already live when you arrive in Cambodia. Relying on airport or border Wi-Fi for this is unreliable.
NordVPN: Cambodia’s public Wi-Fi at border cafes and guesthouses in Poipet and Siem Reap is notoriously unsecured. A VPN keeps your home banking and streaming services accessible throughout the trip.
Cash: The Cambodia visa-on-arrival costs $30 USD in exact cash. Cambodian ATMs dispense USD (not riel) and most charge a flat fee of around $5 per withdrawal. Bring sufficient USD from Bangkok where exchange rates are more competitive.
Crossing the Aranyaprathet-Poipet Border: Step by Step
When the crossing is operational, this is how it works. The border opens daily between 06:00 and 22:00 (reduced hours were in effect during the 2025 tensions). Budget 1 to 3 hours at the crossing itself depending on queue length.
- Step 1: Clear Thai immigration at Aranyaprathet and receive your exit stamp
- Step 2: Walk across the short bridge into Poipet, Cambodia
- Step 3: Go directly to the official Cambodian immigration building (clearly marked). Do not hand your passport to anyone outside
- Step 4: Pay $30 USD for a visa on arrival, or present your pre-approved e-visa (recommended)
- Step 5: Clear Cambodian immigration and collect your entry stamp
- Step 6: Take the free shuttle to the transport depot. From there, board a government bus to Siem Reap ($10 USD) or find a shared taxi ($10 to $15 per person)
Apply for the e-visa in advance at evisa.gov.kh for $36 USD. It eliminates the visa queue entirely and is worth the extra $6 for the time it saves on a busy day at Poipet.
The Scams at Poipet (And How to Beat Every One):
The Poipet crossing has a well-earned reputation for tourist scams. Knowing what to expect removes 90% of the risk. These play out in very predictable ways.
The “Palace Is Closed” redirect: Someone outside your Aranyaprathet transport will claim the border or a nearby attraction is closed today. They offer to help you book something else. It is a lie. Walk on.
The unofficial visa office: Near the Cambodian immigration building you will find unofficial “visa assistance” desks, often staffed by people in semi-official-looking clothing. They will process your visa for a fee of 100 to 200 THB above the official price. The official window is clearly signed. Queue there only.
The fake health certificate: Officials may claim you need a health certificate to enter and direct you to a nearby booth charging $5 to $10. This is not a legitimate entry requirement for most nationalities. Decline and walk directly to the immigration building.
The tuk-tuk tout detour: Tuk-tuk drivers from Aranyaprathet station frequently take a detour via a “travel agent” en route to the border. This is a commission stop. State clearly before you get in that you want to go directly to the immigration gates, and confirm the price: 100 THB (~$2.85) by tuk-tuk, 60 THB (~$1.70) by motorbike.
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Poipet to Siem Reap: The Cambodia Side
Once you clear Cambodian immigration, take the free shuttle bus to the central transport depot. This is where almost every traveller gets confused. Do not accept transport from touts in the immigration hall itself: walk through and board the free shuttle.
From the depot, you have three options to cover the final 150 kilometres to Siem Reap:
- Government bus: $10 USD, the most popular and reliable option for solo travellers and budget backpackers
- Shared taxi: $10 to $15 USD per person, faster at 2 to 3 hours, good for finding fellow travellers to fill seats
- Private taxi: $35 to $55 USD per vehicle, suited to families or small groups splitting the cost. Walk slightly past the main depot area to find better fares
Private operators on the Thai side, including bus companies on Khao San Road, sometimes sell “through tickets” to Siem Reap. These are legitimate, but they often involve a transfer to a different vehicle on the Cambodian side. Confirm exactly what is included before paying.
Accommodation Near the Border (If You Need to Stop):
Most travellers push through the crossing in a single day, but arriving in Aranyaprathet the night before gives you a much calmer start and first pick of the morning’s transport connections to the border.
Aranyaprathet is a genuine provincial Thai town with budget guesthouses available from 400 to 800 THB (~$11 to $23) per night. Compare options on Agoda or Booking.com for the best local rates. Siem Reap itself has an excellent spread across every budget tier, from $10-per-night hostels in the Pub Street area to boutique riverfront properties. Search Agoda for real-time pricing across all neighbourhood options before you book.
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Angkor Wat: What to Book Before You Arrive
Once you are in Siem Reap, the Angkor Archaeological Park is the main event. An Angkor temple pass must be purchased in advance or on arrival at the official APSARA Authority ticket booth, not from touts or guesthouses. Pricing as of 2026:
- 1-day pass: $37 USD
- 3-day pass: $62 USD
- 7-day pass: $72 USD
For guided tours within Angkor, Klook and Get Your Guide both list vetted sunrise temple tours, private tuk-tuk day passes, and specialist archaeological guides. Booking ahead locks in availability and removes the guesswork from negotiating at the temple gates when you are already hot and exhausted from the journey.
Group airport and hotel transfers in Siem Reap are handled well by Welcome Pickups, particularly useful for families arriving at odd hours or with a lot of luggage who do not want to navigate the tuk-tuk scrum outside arrivals alone.
Total Cost Breakdown Per Person:
| Expense | Budget Route (THB/USD) | Direct Bus Route (THB/USD) | Flight Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok to border / airport | 48 THB / ~$1.40 (train) | Included in bus ticket | BTS to Don Mueang: 45 THB / ~$1.30 |
| Border transfer (tuk-tuk) | 100 THB / ~$2.85 | Included | N/A |
| Cambodia visa | $30 USD (VoA) or $36 USD (e-visa) | $30 USD (VoA) or $36 USD (e-visa) | $30 to $36 USD |
| Poipet to Siem Reap | $10 USD (govt bus) | Included in through ticket | N/A |
| Flight (Don Mueang to Siem Reap) | N/A | N/A | From $99 USD |
| Total (excl. visa) | From ~$11.50 USD | $8.60 to $17 USD | From ~$100 USD |
Visa cost is the same whichever route you take. The flight route saves 8 to 12 hours of travel time and removes all border exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the Aranyaprathet-Poipet land border open in 2026?
As of June 2026, all land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia remain closed to tourists following the escalation of territorial tensions in mid-2025. A ceasefire was declared in December 2025 but remains fragile. The only current option is to fly. Check your government’s official foreign travel advisory for the latest status before booking any travel.
How long does the overland journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap take when the border is open?
Total travel time ranges from 9 to 13 hours depending on your transport choice and border queue length. The direct tourist bus takes 9 to 12 hours. The DIY train-plus-local-bus route typically runs 10 to 13 hours. Budget 1 to 3 hours for the border crossing itself on a typical day.
How much does the Cambodia tourist visa cost at the Poipet border?
A tourist visa on arrival at Poipet costs $30 USD in exact cash. Some unofficial agents near the border request an additional 100 to 200 THB as a so-called processing fee. This is not an official charge. Always use the clearly marked official Cambodian immigration counter. The e-visa, applied for in advance at evisa.gov.kh, costs $36 USD and eliminates the queue entirely. Bring one passport photograph for the visa on arrival application.
Is the direct tourist bus or the train plus DIY route cheaper?
The train-plus-local-bus route is marginally cheaper at around $11 to $14 USD before the visa, versus $8.60 to $17 for a direct tourist bus ticket. However, the direct bus saves considerable planning effort. The train option suits slow travellers who enjoy the journey itself. The direct bus is better for those who simply want to arrive. Both cost far less than flying, but the flight saves up to 12 hours.
Can I take a tuk-tuk from Aranyaprathet train station directly to the border?
Yes. From Aranyaprathet station, the border market and immigration gates are roughly 7 kilometres away. A tuk-tuk costs around 100 THB (~$2.85), a motorbike taxi around 60 THB (~$1.70), and a shared songthaew around 15 THB (~$0.43) per person. Agree on the price and destination before you get in, and be direct about wanting to go straight to immigration without detours.
What is the most common scam at the Poipet crossing?
The most prevalent scams are unofficial visa offices charging inflated fees, tuk-tuk drivers diverting to commission-earning travel agents, and fake health certificate booths near the immigration building. None of these are official requirements. Go directly to the marked Cambodian immigration building, pay the $30 USD visa on arrival at the official counter, and decline all unsolicited assistance. Pre-applying for the e-visa removes almost all of this exposure.
Do I need mobile data at the Thailand-Cambodia border crossing?
Yes, and specifically before you leave Bangkok. Ride-hailing apps including Grab and PassApp, which operate in both countries, require an SMS verification code during setup. This code comes via your mobile number and needs a live data connection to process. Activate your Airalo, Yesim, or Saily eSIM plan in Bangkok before departure to ensure you have working data from the moment you cross into Cambodia.
Where is the best place to book a direct bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
Use 12GO to compare all available operators, confirm departure times, and book in advance, particularly around Thai public holidays when buses sell out quickly. Tourist buses depart from Khao San Road and various Sukhumvit pickup points. Tickets on Khao San Road typically cost 300 to 600 THB (~$8.60 to $17). Prices at Sukhumvit agencies can be significantly higher for the same product.
Is Siem Reap safe for solo travellers and families?
Yes. Siem Reap is one of the most visited cities in Southeast Asia and is generally safe for solo travellers, couples, and families alike. Standard precautions apply: use Grab for rides rather than negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers, keep valuables secured, and book accommodation in the central districts around Pub Street or the Old Market area for the best access to restaurants and transport. Families with children are well catered for at most hotels.
What is the fastest way from Bangkok to Siem Reap right now?
Flying is both the fastest and currently the only option, with Thai AirAsia operating direct flights from Don Mueang (DMK) to Siem Reap Angkor Airport (SAI) in around 75 minutes. Fares start at around $99 one-way when booked a few weeks ahead. Bangkok Airways operates from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) from around $180, including baggage. Compare both carriers on Skyscanner or Google Flights before booking.
