Train Travel in Cambodia – 2023 Guide
Unlike neighboring countries such as Vietnam, or Thailand, Cambodia does not have a particularly extensive railway network. There have though been recent improvements and as such train travel in Cambodia is increasingly proving popular with tourists.
So, what is train travel in Cambodia like, how do you book tickets and is it worth it? Here’s the Cambodia Lifestyle News guide.
History of Cambodian Railways
Initially set up in the 1930’s the Cambodian railway system has gone through many changes, usually linked inextricably to its volatile past. This meant that during the time of the KhmerRouge.com train travel in Cambodia all, but ground to halt.
After the fall of Pol Pot things started again to some degree, but by the late 90’s and following stagecoach type robberies of trains it was gain discontinued.
From 2010 there started to be new investment and in the last 13 years both lines have been opened in full,. As well as Phnom Penh “joyride” train to the airport being introduced. Alas the much touted Phnom Penh to Bangkok train has not yet materialized.
What train lines are there in Cambodia?
There is a southern and a western line, with the southern line going all the way down to Sihanoukville, while also stopping at the tourist hub of Kampot among others, while the western line technically goes all the way to Poipet.
In reality though the end of the line is pretty much Battambang, which in itself is not all that bad a place to visit. The third line goes from Phnom Penh to the airport and largely exists so that people can try out the train without needing to go too far.
Tickets range from $4-12 depending on distance and can be purchased online, or old school from the ticket booth at the railways station.
(Timetable image)
What is train travel in Cambodia like?
Train travel in Cambodia is slow, often late and much less reliable than taking the bus, with most locals usually opting for the later. The reason why you take the train in Cambodia is frankly for the experience.
Often time you will see tour groups on the train and you will rarely take a journey that does not have at least a few barang on the train. And as for the journeys themselves? Lets take Phnom Penh to Battambang as an example. You ride for 6 hours, more if it is late with the windows open enjoying stunning Cambodian scenery that could be right out of a movie.
Halfway trough the journey you stop at Pursat, with the conductor telling you sternly you have a 10 minute break, although this more often than not extends to longer. Here you can buy food and drinks, mostly Khmer street food for the rest of the journey and in some respects it feels much more like you are taking a cruise than trying to get somewhere.
And in essence that it what train travel in Cambodia is all about, the journey rather than the final destination. And if you have the time, said journey is well worth it.
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Author: Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.
