Siem Reap New Airport (SAI) — Transfers, Visa on Arrival & Facilities Guide

The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is Cambodia's modern gateway to Angkor Wat and the vibrant city of Siem Reap. Opened in October 2023, it replaced the old city-center airport with a world-class facility serving millions of international passengers annually.

This guide covers everything you need for a smooth arrival or departure: airport location, airline routes, visa on arrival procedures, transport options to the city, airport facilities, and practical tips to make your journey seamless.

SAI

IATA Code

50km

From city center

$35-40

Taxi to city

Airport Overview

The new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport represents a major upgrade for the region. Here are the key facts.

Brand new international terminal with modern facilities, air conditioning, duty-free shopping, lounges, and efficient immigration processing.

Opened on October 16, 2023, replacing the former Siem Reap International Airport (REP) which was located in the city center.

The old airport (REP) is permanently closed for commercial flights. All flights now operate from the new SAI airport, 50km southeast of the city.

Location & Getting There

The new airport is located significantly further from the city center than the old one. Planning your transport in advance is essential.

Distance

50 kilometers from Siem Reap city center. Located southeast of the city near Sotr Nikum district.

Travel Time

45-60 minutes by car depending on traffic. The access road is a modern 4-lane highway in good condition.

Road Quality

The airport access highway is brand new, well-maintained, and well-lit. A smooth, direct drive from the city to the terminal.

Direction

Head southeast from Siem Reap on National Road 6 toward Phnom Penh, then follow the clearly signposted airport turnoff.

Airlines & Destinations

The new SAI airport serves a growing number of international routes. Direct flights connect Siem Reap to major Asian cities.

Destination	Airlines
Bangkok (BKK/DMK)	AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile
Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines
Singapore (SIN)	Scoot, Singapore Airlines
Seoul (ICN)	Korean Air, Jin Air
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)	VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines
Hanoi (HAN)	VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines

Visa on Arrival

Cambodia offers visa on arrival at the new SAI airport for most nationalities. Here are the details.

Tourist Visa (T)

$30, valid 30 days, single entry. Extendable once for an additional 30 days.

Business Visa (E)

$35, valid 30 days, single entry. Extendable for 1-12 months. Required for long-term stays.

e-Visa

Apply online at evisa.gov.kh before travel. $30 + $6 processing fee. Tourist visa only. Accepted at SAI airport.

Documents Needed

Passport (6+ months validity), 1 passport photo (4x6 cm), cash in USD for visa fee. Completed arrival card (provided on flight or at immigration).

Transport to Siem Reap City

Several transport options connect the new airport to the city center, 50km away.

Private Taxi

$35 - $40

Official taxi counter in the arrivals hall. Fixed price to city center. Comfortable air-conditioned sedan. Travel time 45-60 minutes. Payment in USD.

Shared Shuttle

$10 - $15

Shared minibus service to main hotels and city center. Departs when full (usually 6-10 passengers). Travel time 60-75 minutes with stops.

Hotel Pickup

$25 - $45

Many hotels offer airport pickup service, often included with your booking or available for a fee. Arrange in advance for a smooth arrival.

Airport Facilities

The new SAI terminal offers modern amenities for travelers.

Duty-Free Shopping

Departure area features duty-free shops with local products, spirits, tobacco, perfumes and souvenirs. Competitive prices on Angkor-themed items.

Airport Lounges

Business and premium lounges available in the departure area. Complimentary WiFi, snacks, drinks, and shower facilities. Access via lounge pass or premium airline status.

ATMs & Currency

ATMs in the arrivals hall dispense USD. Currency exchange counters available (rates better in the city). USD is widely accepted throughout Cambodia.

SIM Cards

SIM card counters in the arrivals hall. Cellcard, Smart and Metfone offer tourist SIM packs ($5-10) with data, calls and SMS. Passport required for registration.

Practical Tips

Arrive 2 hours before your flight for international departures. Immigration and security can have queues during peak hours.

Carry USD in small denominations ($1, $5, $10). The visa counter requires exact payment. ATMs in the terminal dispense only larger bills.

Buy your SIM card at the airport. The convenience is worth the slightly higher price. You will need mobile data for maps and communication from day one.

There is no departure tax at the new airport. It is included in your airline ticket price. Budget $5-10 for food and drinks in the departure area.

Plan Your Cambodia Trip

Read our complete visa guide to prepare your entry documents before arrival

Cambodia Visa Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Siem Reap airport?

The new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located 50km southeast of Siem Reap city center, near Sotr Nikum district. It replaced the old REP airport in October 2023.

How much does a taxi cost from the airport to Siem Reap?

Official taxis from the airport to Siem Reap city center cost $35-40 (fixed price). The journey takes 45-60 minutes. Shared shuttles cost $10-15 per person.

Can I get a visa on arrival at SAI airport?

Yes, Cambodia offers visa on arrival at SAI airport for most nationalities. Tourist visa: $30, business visa: $35. Bring a passport photo and USD cash. e-Visas applied online are also accepted.

Is the old Siem Reap airport still operating?

The old Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is permanently closed for commercial flights since October 2023. All flights now operate from the new SAI airport.

Are there direct flights from Europe to Siem Reap?

Currently, there are limited direct long-haul routes. Most European travelers connect through Bangkok (1h flight), Singapore (2.5h), Kuala Lumpur (2h), or Seoul (5.5h). New routes are being added regularly as the airport grows.

Is Grab or PassApp available at Siem Reap airport?

PassApp is the primary ride-hailing app in Cambodia and works at the new SAI airport. Grab has limited coverage in Siem Reap. Download PassApp before your trip. However, official airport taxis and hotel shuttles are the most common transport options from SAI due to the 50km distance to the city. PassApp rides from the airport can be significantly cheaper ($20-30) than official taxis ($35-40).

Can I buy a SIM card at Siem Reap airport?

Yes, SIM card vendors (Smart, Cellcard, Metfone) are available in the arrivals hall of SAI airport. Tourist SIM packages with 10-30GB of data and local calls start at $3-8. Smart and Cellcard offer the best coverage in Siem Reap province. Bring your passport for registration. Activation is immediate. You can also purchase an eSIM before departure if your phone supports it.

What is the money exchange rate at Siem Reap airport?

Airport exchange counters offer slightly lower rates than city banks and exchange shops. ATMs in the airport hall dispense US dollars directly — this is usually the best option. Cambodia runs on a dual currency system (USD and Riel), so US dollars are accepted everywhere. Bring some small US bills for immediate expenses. For the best exchange rates, visit ABA or ACLEDA bank branches in town.

Is there luggage storage at SAI airport?

The new SAI airport has a luggage storage facility in the departures area. Rates are approximately $5-10 per bag per day. For longer storage, hotels in Siem Reap city typically offer free luggage storage for guests, even after check-out. Some travel agencies near Pub Street also provide storage for a small daily fee.

What should I know about early morning flights from SAI?

For early morning departures (6-8 AM), plan to leave your Siem Reap hotel by 4:00-4:30 AM to allow for the 50-minute drive. Book your airport taxi the evening before — most hotels arrange this at the front desk. The airport check-in counters open 3 hours before departure. Cafes and food outlets at SAI are open from early morning. The road to the airport is well-lit and in excellent condition.

Are there domestic flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?

Yes, several airlines operate the Siem Reap-Phnom Penh route with multiple daily flights. Cambodia Angkor Air and Lanmei Airlines are the main carriers. Flight time is 45 minutes. Tickets range from $50-120 one-way depending on booking time. The alternative is a 6-hour bus ride ($10-18) or a shared taxi ($15-25). Flights operate from the new SAI airport.

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