How to get from Battambang 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 3 ways to travel from Battambang to Kep?
There are 3 ways to travel the 450 kilometre (280 miles) distance from Battambang to Kep. You can choose between the bus, flight and indirect bus. The journey takes 7 hours 30 minutes to 13 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by indirect bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by indirect bus with tickets starting at 77,000 KHR ($19.20).
Battambang to Kep by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Battambang to Kep. Bus fares start from 116,000 KHR ($29), but note that this is a long journey and travel time takes around 12 hours 30 minutes to 13 hours 30 minutes.
Only one company runs direct buses on this route – Saly VIP. It operates three night sleeper buses every day, all arriving around noon. This is great if you want to save on a night’s accommodation and make the most of your day when you arrive.
Battambang to Kep by Indirect Bus
If you don’t mind taking two buses, you could go to Phnom Penh first before catching another bus to Kep. The journey takes 7 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours, excluding transfers.
This option also gives you the chance to rest in Phnom Penh or even stay a night and do some sightseeing.
Total bus fares start from 77,000 KHR ($19.20).
Step 1: Battambang to Phnom Penh
There are several buses operating between Battambang and Phnom Penh, but we recommend travelling with Giant Ibis or Airbus. They offer morning departures and generally receive better reviews than others.
Cambolink21 Express is also a good company to travel with.
Bus fares start from 34,000 KHR ($8.50), and travel time takes between 4h - 6h 15m.
See all bus options below:
You can find more details in our guide on how to get from Battambang to Phnom Penh.
Step 2: Phnom Penh to Kep
From Phnom Penh to Kep, bus fares start from 43,000 KHR ($10.70) and travel time takes 3h 30m - 4h 30m.
You’ll find more details about this part of the journey on our Phnom Penh to Kep guide.
Battambang to Kep by Flight
The fastest way to travel from Battambang to Kep is by flight. But keep in mind that Siem Reap International Airport is the closest airport to Battambang. You’ll first need to travel to Siem Reap for 3.5 hours, then catch a flight to Sihanoukville. From Sihanoukville Airport, you can hire a taxi for another 3 hours to reach Kep.
The total journey takes around 7 hours 40 minutes, and prices start from 899,000 KHR ($225).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Battambang to Siem Reap Airport by Taxi
You can hire a taxi for 281,000 KHR ($70) from Battambang to Siem Reap Airport. The ride takes around 3.5 hours.
Booking online costs more — around 506,000 KHR ($125) — but that gets you an SUV, which is ideal if you’re travelling with extra luggage or in a small group.
Step 2: Siem Reap to Sihanoukville by Flight
Air Cambodia operates flights from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville.
One-way flight tickets start at 417,000 KHR ($105), and travel time takes about 1h 10m.
Step 3: Sihanoukville Airport to Kep by Taxi
From Sihanoukville International Airport, taxi fares to Kep are around 201,000 KHR ($50) if you find one on your own. But note that taxi drivers will likely insist on a higher rate, so be ready to negotiate.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, you can book a taxi online using the button below. Fares start at 265,000 KHR ($66).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Battambang 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 Battambang to Kep
What is the distance from Battambang to Kep?
The distance from Battambang to Kep is 450 kilometre (280 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Battambang to Kep?
The fastest way to get from Battambang to Kep is by indirect bus and takes 7 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Battambang to Kep?
The cheapest way to get from Battambang to Kep is by indirect bus with ticket costs starting from 77,000 KHR ($19.20).
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.
