Arriving at Techo International Airport (KTI): Phnom Penh's New Airport, Step by Step

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh — about 30 km north of your touchdown at Techo International.

If your guidebook or flight app still describes Phnom Penh's small city airport, it is out of date. Phnom Penh now lands at a brand-new airport well south of the city. Here is what happens from touchdown to the city centre — and how to get in without overpaying.

Last updated: October 23, 2026

Quick answer

Look for code KTI, not PNH. Techo International Airport (KTI) became operational on 9 September 2025 and replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) as the city's main airport, with its official inauguration on 20 October 2025. It is Cambodia's largest airport, in Kandal province roughly 30 km south of central Phnom Penh — about 40–90 minutes by road depending on traffic. Cheapest ride in: the Airport Express Bus, 05:30–23:30, flat 1,500 riel. Before you land, have your e-Arrival QR code ready.

A new airport — and a longer ride in

The biggest change is distance. The old airport sat inside the city; Techo sits roughly 30 km south, so the transfer is now part of your arrival day. Build that 40–90 minutes into your plans — do not assume the old short hop. Our Phnom Penh guide picks up once you reach the city.

Arriving, step by step

  1. Before you land: e-Arrival ready. Complete the free e-Arrival within 7 days before arrival and save the QR code offline — screenshot it. See our e-Arrival guide for the full walkthrough.
  2. Follow the signs to immigration and visas. If you need a visa on arrival, go to those counters first and get the visa sticker. If you already hold an eVisa, follow the eVisa lane instead — our eVisa guide explains that route.
  3. Immigration. Show your passport, visa and e-Arrival QR code — keep the QR on screen, not in an app that needs Wi-Fi.
  4. Baggage, then customs. Collect your bags and clear customs.
  5. Then transport. Head to the buses, taxis and pick-up area once you are fully through — decide your ride before you exit, especially late at night.

Getting into Phnom Penh: your three real options

Airport Express Bus — the bargain. The bus runs 05:30–23:30 for a flat fare of 1,500 riel. Have exact riel ready — no change is given. The city stop is at the Canadia Park area; from there, take a short onward tuk-tuk to your hotel.

Taxi, tuk-tuk or Grab — door to door. Taxis and tuk-tuks cost much more than the bus — around $15 by taxi/tuk-tuk is a fair approximate guide to the centre — and Grab ride-hailing fixes the price in the app before you set off. Our guide to tuk-tuks and Grab in Cambodia covers fares in town. Land connected: an Airalo eSIM set up before you fly means data from the moment you land.

Pre-booked transfer — the zero-hassle option. Late at night, with kids or heavy bags, a driver waiting with a fixed price beats haggling at midnight. Pre-booking a fixed-price Kiwitaxi transfer means you pay in advance and the ride is simply handled.

Mistakes to avoid

Frequently asked questions

What is the airport code for Phnom Penh's new airport?

KTI — Techo International Airport. It became operational on 9 September 2025 and replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) as the city's main airport. If a booking or flight app still says PNH, check carefully — the flight will use KTI.

How far is Techo International Airport from central Phnom Penh?

Roughly 30 km south of the centre, in Kandal province. By road it takes roughly 40 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.

Is there a cheap bus from Techo International Airport into Phnom Penh?

Yes. The Airport Express Bus runs 05:30–23:30 for a flat fare of 1,500 riel. Have exact riel ready as no change is given. The city stop is at the Canadia Park area, then take an onward tuk-tuk.

How much is a taxi from Techo International Airport to the centre?

Around $15 by taxi or tuk-tuk is a fair approximate guide, much more than the bus. Ride-hailing with Grab is also available. A pre-booked fixed-price transfer is the zero-hassle option late at night.

Do I still need the e-Arrival at Techo International Airport?

Yes. Have your e-Arrival QR code ready before you land, then follow the visa on arrival counters or the eVisa lane, collect baggage and clear customs before heading to transport.

Next, settle in with our Phnom Penh guide — and welcome to Cambodia.

One surprise at the KTI immigration desks: no passport stamp. Your entry is issued digitally as a v-Pass — our v-Pass explainer shows where to find yours.

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