Night Buses Become a Time Saving Choice for Cambodian Travellers
As Cambodia’s road network continues to improve, travelling long distances has become faster and more affordable, encouraging more people to choose night buses as a practical way to move between provinces. For many Cambodians, overnight travel offers a way to avoid daytime traffic while arriving early and rested. Business owners, civil servants and tourists alike are increasingly opting for sleeper buses that allow them to maximise productivity without losing a full day on the road, even as public debate continues around safety standards and driver fatigue.
Busy Lifestyles Drive Demand for Overnight Travel
For passengers with demanding schedules, night buses fit naturally into daily routines. Phoeng Phannary, a 42 year old fruit vendor from Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district, travels to the provinces twice a month to manage her customers. She said overnight trips save valuable daytime hours and allow her to start work immediately upon arrival. “I have been travelling by night bus for more than 10 years,” Phannary said. “I choose night buses because I am busy during the day with my business, and I can save time by sleeping on the bus. When I arrive the next morning, I can immediately start work,” she added. When travelling to destinations such as Siem Reap or Banteay Meanchey, she prefers well known operators like Capitol, citing trust in experienced drivers.
Comfort and Convenience Appeal to Professionals and Families
Night travel also appeals to government officials and families who regularly commute to the provinces. Chuon Saveth, a senior officer at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said he and his colleagues travel every three months to conduct training sessions. Cooler temperatures and quieter roads make night journeys more comfortable, and they often return to Phnom Penh the same way. Similarly, Keo Bunsoeun, a resident of Por Senchey district, said he and his wife frequently travelled overnight to visit relatives in Mondulkiri to avoid traffic congestion, choosing operators that provide insurance and skilled drivers.
Safety Concerns Temper Confidence After Fatal Crashes
Despite the convenience, confidence in night buses has been shaken by deadly accidents. Bunsoeun said a fatal crash in Kampong Thom last November left him fearful of overnight travel. “However, after seeing 16 people killed and 24 others injured in a night bus crash in Kampong Thom province last November due to a sleepy driver, we are now afraid to travel by night bus,” he said. He urged drivers to prioritise passenger safety, adding, “If an accident happens, passengers are in serious danger.” Such concerns highlight the ongoing tension between convenience and risk.
Tourists Praise Professional Operators
Foreign travellers have also embraced Cambodia’s night bus services, particularly when operated by reputable companies. British tourist Freja Gregor said he and his friends frequently used night buses between Thailand and Phnom Penh before recent border tensions. He praised Capitol Tours and Transport Company for its professionalism, saying, “I was very impressed with Capitol. The staff were amazing, and we were able to get our Cambodian visas at the border with minimal waiting time,” he said. “The staff guided us through security and met us on the other side, with plenty of stops along the way,” he added, noting the guide’s fluent English and attentive service.
Bus Companies Emphasise Insurance and Driver Rotation
Operators insist that safety remains a priority. Lim Seng, manager of Capitol Tours and Transport Company, said all passengers are insured and tickets are easily accessible through online platforms and phone bookings. The company operates standard and VIP services linking major cities including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and Sihanoukville. “Since operating night bus services, we have not experienced any accidents because we assign two experienced drivers to each night trip,” he said. “The drivers take turns driving so that one can rest while the other drives,” he added. Other companies, such as Rith Mony Express & Logistics, also stress the use of dual drivers, modern facilities and nationwide coverage to maintain safety standards.
Driver Fatigue Remains a Critical Risk
Recent incidents have raised alarms about inconsistent practices across the industry. Some night buses have reportedly operated with only one driver, forcing exhausted drivers to stop and sleep roadside mid journey. While this may prevent immediate accidents, it exposes deeper issues around fatigue management. These risks were tragically illustrated in the November 20 2025 crash involving a Kia Grand Bird night bus in Kampong Thom, where 16 people died and 24 were injured after the bus plunged into a stream. Investigations found that a driver’s assistant was driving while fatigued, leading to speeding and loss of control.
Authorities Call for Strict Compliance With the Law
In response, transport authorities have reiterated the need for strict adherence to safety regulations. Phan Rim, spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, stressed that all private transport companies must comply with insurance and traffic laws. “On behalf of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, I would like to appeal to all road users to strictly comply with traffic laws in order to prevent road accidents,” Rim said. He added that decisions on driver numbers rest with private companies, which must manage rotations responsibly to ensure safety.
Road Safety Trends Show Improvement but Vigilance Is Needed
Official statistics show that traffic crashes in Cambodia declined in 2025, with total accidents falling to 2,345 cases from 2,844 the previous year. Authorities credit stronger enforcement, improved infrastructure and greater public awareness. Although the report did not specify night bus related crashes, it noted a decrease in incidents caused by drowsy driving. Frequent traveller Saveth said he continues to use accredited night bus services for efficiency and rest. “Although travelling at night carries risks—especially due to driver fatigue or speeding—we still prefer night buses because we can rest and sleep during the journey,” he said.
Conclusion
Night buses have become an essential part of Cambodia’s transport landscape, offering convenience, affordability and time savings for busy travellers. While reputable operators and improved infrastructure have enhanced comfort and reliability, safety concerns linked to driver fatigue remain a serious challenge. As demand continues to grow, stricter enforcement, responsible management by bus companies and informed choices by passengers will be crucial to ensuring that overnight travel remains both efficient and safe.