A long layover in Kratie is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Kratie Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside KTI
A few things to sort out before you leave KTI:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Cambodia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Kratie takes about 30 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Kratie, here are two things worth checking out:
City Center Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Local Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
If you’d rather stay inside KTI — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport Lounge
- Duty Free Shopping
Getting to Kratie from the Airport
From KTI, the local transport gets you to Kratie in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Local Restaurant and Popular Eatery are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Kratie.
- At the airport: Airport Cafe and Terminal Restaurant will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Kratie:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at KTI, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Kratie itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Cambodia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at KTI may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Kratie’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, KTI has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Kratie with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Kratie may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.