Battambang

Train

The train station is at the western edge of town. The Battambang to Phnom Penh train has long been one of the "epic" train journeys. A veritable hunk of junk, people ride the train often sitting on the roof to best take in the scenery. On a good run it takes anything from 18 to 24 hours from start to finish. The train has been running less and less frequently and there are plans to complete refurbish the line. Should that actually happen, the old-style run would terminate forever.

Bus

Transport from Battambang leaves from a couple of different points around the city

To/from Phnom Penh
The road to Phnom Penh is sealed in its entirety and is one of the best roads in the country. Share taxis takes 3-3.5 hours, buses 5-6 hours. Share taxis arrive at the taxi stand at the northern end of town.

To/from Pailin
This road is hard base about as far as Phnom Sampeau and then deteriorates. When the road is okay it takes around 2 hours by share taxi, but a bad run can take as long at 7 hours. It has never taken us more than 3 hours. Share taxis and pickups leave from Phsar Leu at the southern part of town.

To/from Sisophon
Share taxis and pickups leave from the taxi stand at the northern part of town. The trip takes 1-1.5 hours. From Sisophon you can continue onwards to either Poipet and Thailand or to Siem Reap and Angkor.

Ticketing
Gecko Café is an excellent place to book bus tickets because of their low prices and their English-speaking staff. Sample fares include:

Air-con bus
Bangkok: $14, once a day (12:00)
Ho Chi Minh: $15, twice a day (05:30 and 06:45)
Kep/Kampot: $10, once a day (07:30)
Kompong Cham: $9, once a day (09:00)
Phnom Penh: $4.25, twice a day (05:30 and 14:45)
Poipet (Thai border): $4, twice a day (12:00 and 18:00)
Siem Reap: $4.25, twice a day (08:00 and 09:30)
Sihanoukville: $10, twice a day (05:30 and 10:00)

Taxi (price for whole car)
Pailin: $40
Phnom Penh: $48
Poipet: $28
Siem Reap: $38

Paramount Angkor Express: T: (092) 575 572
Phnom Penh: $5, 5-6 hours, six times a day (07:00, 08:00, 10:00, 13:30, 14:30)
Siem Reap: $4.50, 3 hours, three times a day
Pailin: $4.00, 2 hours, once a day (13:00)
Bonvel: $2.00, 2 hours, twice a day (13:30 and 15:00)

Boat

To/from Siem Reap
Boats run from Battambang to Siem Reap across the Tonle Sap. While an incredibly beautiful trip — particularly the Battambang to Tonle Sap portion — there are significant concerns about the safety of this trip. Dodgy operators overloading non-seaworthy boats is unfortunately the norm. The trip takes 5-7 hours depending on weather, the water levels, how overloaded your boat is and the quality of the boat. They leave in the early morning and cost $20 per person. It is generally quicker, safer and more comfortable to travel between the two by road, but nowhere near as pretty.

Two companies currently offer trips to/from Siem Reap by boat. Both depart daily at 07:00 and cost $20.
Angkor Express: (012) 601 287
Chann Na: (012) 354 4344

Getting Around

Tuk tuks and motodops are abundant in the city; the fare depends on your destination, time of the day and your negotiation skills, but expect to pay 2,000 to 4,000 riel. Another option is to rent a scooter and explore the sites and attractions on your own. You can rent a scooter from Gecko Café for $8 (all day rental) or $6 (5 hours or less). They also rent bicycles out for $2 per day ($3 for a mountain bike). Discounts are offered for long-term rentals.