Phnom Penh Layover Guide (PNH)

What are you looking for in PNH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) is an international airport located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It’s situated about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1955. Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital and largest city, known for its rich history and rapid development. The city offers a mix of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and riverside charm, making it a cultural and economic hub of the country.

Can you leave Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Phnom Penh International Airport during a layover, but you must hold a valid entry visa or e-Visa before clearing immigration. Cambodia grants visas on arrival for US$30 (tourist) or you can apply for an e-Visa online up to three days before arrival. Plan ahead to avoid delays. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda Marvel at stunning Khmer architecture, ornate gilded pavilions, and revered Silver Pagoda housing priceless Buddha statues and silver-tiled floors, set within lush gardens overlooking the Mekong River during brief escapes. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 20 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk)
• National Museum of Cambodia Explore Southeast Asia’s largest collection of Khmer art, including intricately carved statues, ancient artifacts, and traditional exhibits, all housed in a striking red sandstone building reflecting classical Khmer design elegance. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15 minutes by taxi)
• Wat Phnom Climb the winding staircase to Phnom Penh’s iconic hilltop temple, surrounded by ancient trees and peaceful gardens, offering panoramic city views and insight into local legends and spiritual traditions richly. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 25 minutes by taxi)
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) Visit the haunting former prison-turned-museum documenting Cambodia’s tragic Khmer Rouge era through chilling photographs, cell exhibits, and survivor stories, fostering remembrance and understanding of the nation’s resilience and history respectfully. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 20 minutes by taxi)
• Choeung Ek Memorial (Killing Fields) Pay respects at the solemn memorial stupa filled with skulls, walk through landscaped grounds where mass graves once lay, and reflect on history amidst explanatory plaques and a serene atmosphere. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: 30 minutes by taxi)
• Central Market (Phsar Thmei) Browse the iconic art deco market’s bustling stalls for jewelry, handicrafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs, soaking up lively local commerce, colorful sights, and friendly vendor interactions in a historic setting. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk)
• Riverside Promenade (Sisowath Quay) Stroll along the vibrant riverfront lined with colonial buildings, cafes, and street vendors at sunset, enjoying cool breezes, charming architecture, and glimpses of local life against the Tonlé Sap river. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 20 minutes by taxi)
• Mekong River Boat Ride Embark on a scenic river cruise along the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, observing riverside villages, floating markets, and golden sunsets while relaxing onboard with light refreshments and informative commentary. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15 minutes by taxi to river port)

Things to Do in Phnom Penh Airport (PNH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Phnom Penh International Airport features two airside lounges in the International Departure area. Plaza Premium Lounge operates daily from 06:00 to midnight offering buffet dining, comfortable seating, showers and business facilities. Bangkok Airways Boutique Lounges (04:15–20:00) welcome business class and membership guests with hot meals, drinks and free Wi-Fi. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site hotels at PNH, but several nearby properties offer shuttle service and flexible day-use rooms. You Eng Hotel and Bali Resort provide basic accommodation within 5–10 minutes of the terminal. Many city-centre hotels also run paid airport transfers for early-morning departures and late arrivals. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Phnom Penh Airport terminals close nightly between 02:00 and 06:00, so overnight stays within the building are not permitted. Limited seating areas are available throughout both terminals, but these feature hard benches and minimal reclining options. For uninterrupted rest, travellers should book a nearby hotel or guesthouse.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout PNH’s arrival and departure areas. To connect, select the ‘VINCI Airports wifi’ network, open any browser and register with a valid email address and country. Speeds are sufficient for browsing, email and messaging, with power outlets and charging stations conveniently located nearby.

SIM/eSIM Card: Local SIM cards from Cellcard, SMART and Metfone are sold at kiosks in the arrivals hall, with plans starting around $2 for 1–2GB of 4G data. Top-up vouchers are widely available across town. For eSIM travellers, providers like Airalo and Nomad offer Cambodian data bundles that can be activated before arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi association counters are located just outside the arrivals hall offering metered rides to the city center for around $10–12. Grab is also widely available and often cheaper, while tuk-tuks wait nearby for shorter, more adventurous trips. Always confirm the fare or ensure the meter is on before boarding.

Train: Royal Railway Cambodia operates an airport express train from PNH’s parking area to Phnom Penh Railway Station every 30 minutes. The 8 km journey takes roughly 30 minutes with single-fare tickets priced at about $2.50. Trains run daily from early morning until evening. (more info)

Bus: City buses connect the airport with Phnom Penh’s downtown via Line 02 and the Airport Express Bus. Departure bays are located outside the arrivals terminal, with fares under $1. Service runs from around 06:00 to 20:00 daily. (more info)

Shuttle: Several mid-range and budget hotels offer paid shared shuttle services between PNH and key city districts. Bookings can be made in advance or at the hotel desk, with fees typically ranging from $5 to $8 per trip. Shuttle vans depart after flights land and align with major arrival times.

Car rentals: International and local car-rental agencies including Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Cambocar maintain counters in the arrivals hall. Pre-booking online is recommended for best rates and vehicle choice. Drivers must present a valid passport, Cambodian driving permit or international driving licence, plus a major credit card for deposit. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking zones are available adjacent to both domestic and international terminals. Hourly rates start at approximately $1, with daily maximums around $10. Secure covered parking is offered in long-stay lots, while short-stay spots provide immediate terminal access for quick drop-offs and pick-ups.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Coin-operated lockers are located near the information desk in the international terminal, offering secure storage for small bags and valuables. Rates typically start at $1 per 3 hours. A staffed baggage holding service is not available, so travellers should plan to retrieve items before closing times. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks