Are you traveling to Cambodia soon? Did you know that Techo International Airport (KTI) has officially replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) from 9 September 2025 onward? If this is news to you, then this article will come in handy.
Located in Krong Takhmau, Kandal Province, Techo International Airport is approximately 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. That makes the journey about 50 minutes without traffic.
But where exactly is Phnom Penh City Center? Good question.
Technically, Wat Phnom is considered the center of Phnom Penh. But if we look at it from a traveler’s perspective, the riverside area and Boeung Keng Kang (BKK) are what most visitors consider the “city center.” These are the spots where most people stay and from where exploring attractions is easy.
So, how do we get from the new Techo International Airport to our hotels in the city center, and how much does it cost?
There are currently 3 main ways (plus one extra option) to reach the city center from Techo International Airport and vice versa.
#1. Airport Express Bus
Phnom Penh City Bus announced on 6 September 2025 that, starting 9 September, the Airport Express Bus now connects the city center with Techo International Airport. The buses run daily from 5:30AM – 11:30PM, and the ticket costs only 1,500 Riels (~$0.37) one way.
Here are the routes:
- City → Airport: Cannon Rifle Roundabout → Monivong Blvd → Morodok Techo Sky Bridge → Hun Sen Blvd (60m) → Techo International Airport
- Airport → City: Techo International Airport → Hun Sen Blvd (60m) → Morodok Techo Sky Bridge → Monivong Blvd → Cannon Rifle Roundabout
And these are the bus stops with their code names:
- Canadia Park (in front of Railway Station) – AEB01 / AEB02
- Royal University of Law and Economics – AEB03 / AEB04
- Bred Bank (Hun Sen Blvd) – AEB05 / AEB06
- AEON Mean Chey (AEON Mall 3) – AEB07 / AEB08
Best stops for travelers:
- Riverside Area: Canadia Park (about 1km from Phnom Penh Night Market)
- Boeung Keng Kang: Royal University of Law and Economics (about 1.6km away from BKK)
Spending just 1,500 Riels comes with its pros and cons. The obvious pro is that this is probably the cheapest airport transfer fare you’ll ever find. The con, however, is that the journey could take up to 2 hours. There’s no official travel time confirmed at the time of writing, but considering Phnom Penh traffic, the number of stops, and the distance, I’d say you should expect at least 2 hours.
This option is best if you’re not in a rush and don’t mind spending the extra time on the bus.
#2. Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-hailing is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get to and from the airport. The most popular apps in Phnom Penh are Grab, Move, WowNow, and PassApp.
You can choose between tuk-tuk or car. Tuk-tuk is cheaper and best if you’re traveling alone or as a couple without much luggage. A ride from the riverside area to the airport costs around 30,000 Riels (~$7.5) one way.
If you’re traveling with more than two people or have a lot of luggage, a car is the better option. A Grab car ride from the riverside area to the airport costs about 62,500 Riels (~$15.5) one way.
Prices may vary slightly depending on your pickup point and time of day. Expect higher fares during rush hours (8:00-9:00AM, 11:00AM-12:00PM, and 5:00PM-6:00PM).
Travel Tip: These apps often offer discounts for new users. Some promos show up directly in the app, while others require promo codes. It’s worth checking their official Facebook pages for codes before booking—you might save a few dollars! 😉
#3. Airport Car Rental Service
I haven’t tried this myself yet, but according to Techo International Airport’s website, there are car rental counters inside the Arrival Hall.
No price details are available at the moment. I’ll update this once I know more. In the meantime, you can check their official website for the latest info.
#4. Pre-Booked Taxi
There isn’t much information online yet about private taxi transfers, but most hotels work with taxi companies.
If you prefer a smooth, no-hassle arrival, pre-booking a taxi through your hotel is a solid option. Below is the estimated rate from Techo International Airport to a hotel in the riverside area.
Current rates:
- 4-Seat Car: $28 one way (before 10PM)
- 7-Seat Van: $35 one way (before 10PM)
- Late-Night Travel: +$10 surcharge after 10PM
And that’s it for now. I’ll keep updating this article as I try these options myself or as more official details come out.
Here are some photos of Techo International Airport captured by OCIC Group.
