How to get from Siem Reap to Kep
Why visit Kep?
Kep is the smallest region in Cambodia, yet it offers plenty to spend a few exciting days in this small beach town. At its peak, the French’s enthusiasm for luxury made it one of the most inviting destinations in Cambodia.
See what all the fuss was about and try some of the tastiest and freshest seafood at Kep Crab Market, relax on Kep Beach or spend the day discovering the nearby town of Kampot.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Siem Reap to Kep?
There are 4 ways to travel the 475 kilometre (295 miles) distance from Siem Reap to Kep. You can choose between the bus, taxi, flight + taxi and indirect bus. The journey takes 4 hours 55 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight + taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by indirect bus with tickets starting at 75,000 KHR ($18.60).
Siem Reap to Kep by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Siem Reap to Kep, with bus fares starting from 100,000 KHR ($25). Keep in mind, though, that this is a long journey and travel time takes around 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours.
Olongpich Transport and Go Ho Travel operate on this route.
We recommend booking with Go Ho Travel because they offer a sleeper bus. You can also save money on one night of accommodation by travelling overnight.
Bus schedule from Siem Reap to Kep
Siem Reap to Kep by Indirect Bus
If a 12-hour direct bus ride from Siem Reap to Kep sounds a bit too much, you can break up the journey. Start by taking a bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, then hop on another bus from Phnom Penh to Kep.
This way, you can rest in between or even spend some time exploring Phnom Penh. The total journey takes around 8 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes, and bus fares start from 75,000 KHR ($18.60).
Step 1: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Bus
You have several options when travelling by bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Depending on the operator and bus type, your journey takes between 5h - 7h 45m. Bus fares start from 32,000 KHR ($7.90).
For a more comfortable ride, we recommend booking a VIP or first-class bus with Cambolink21 Express, Airbus, or Giant Ibis.
Among these, Cambolink21 Express often offers the best value for money. It gets good reviews, and the fare is usually much lower than the others.
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See our Siem Reap to Phnom Penh guide for more info about this route.
Step 2: Phnom Penh to Kep by Bus
Bus fares to Kep from Phnom Penh start from 43,000 KHR ($10.70), and the journey takes 3h 30m - 4h 30m.
You can choose the departure time that best fits your schedule from the bus companies listed below.
You can also check other transport options from Phnom Penh to Kep.
Siem Reap to Kep by Flight + Taxi
Kep doesn’t have its own airport, so if you’re coming from Siem Reap, you’ll need to fly to either Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville first.
Flying to Sihanoukville is the quicker option and gets you closer to Kep.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Siem Reap city centre to Siem Reap Airport
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is about 45 kilometres away from the city centre. Depending on traffic and your choice of transport, the trip can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
You have three main ways to get there: shuttle bus, tuk-tuk, or private taxi.
The cheapest option is the airport shuttle bus, with tickets starting from 32,000 KHR ($8). Buses leave from 7 Makara Street, around two kilometres from the main tourist area.
Tuk-tuks are a fun and local way to reach the airport, with fares starting from 60,000 KHR ($15). They’re not the fastest or most comfortable in bad weather, but they get you there. For better rates, try booking through apps like Grab or PassApp instead of agreeing to prices on the street.
The fastest and most comfortable way is to book a private transfer. You can grab a taxi, use a ride-hailing app, or pre-book a car through services like BookAway. Prices usually range from 100,000 KHR ($25) to 180,000 KHR ($45).
Step 2: Siem Reap to Sihanoukville by Flight
Air Cambodia operates two flights a day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Flight ticket prices start from 237,000 KHR ($59), and the journey takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
See the page about Siem Reap to Sihanoukville for more info about the flights on this route.
Step 3: Sihanoukville Airport to Kep by Taxi
From Sihanoukville International Airport, taxi fares to Kep are around 200,000 KHR ($50) if you find one on your own. However, taxi drivers often ask for a higher rate, so be ready to negotiate.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, you can pre-book a taxi online via 12Go.Asia. Fares start at 265,000 KHR ($66).
Siem Reap to Kep by Taxi
A private transfer from Siem Reap to Kep is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 8 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 642,000 KHR ($160) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 160,000 KHR ($40) each.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Siem Reap to Kep. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Siem Reap to Kep
What is the distance from Siem Reap to Kep?
The distance from Siem Reap to Kep is 475 kilometre (295 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Siem Reap to Kep?
The fastest way to get from Siem Reap to Kep is by flight + taxi and takes 4 hours 55 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Siem Reap to Kep?
The cheapest way to get from Siem Reap to Kep is by indirect bus with ticket costs starting from 75,000 KHR ($18.60).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
