How to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot
Why visit Kampot?
Kampot is a laid-back riverside town with touches of French influence. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Spend your days relaxing by the river (there are some really cool riverside accommodations), kayaking, exploring the countryside by bike and learning about how pepper is made. Visiting a pepper plantation is one of the top things to do, Kampot pepper is world-renowned and a must-try!
What are the 4 ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Kampot?
There are 4 ways to travel the 154 kilometre (96 miles) distance from Phnom Penh to Kampot. You can choose between the bus, minivan, taxi and train. The journey takes 2 hours 25 minutes to 4 hours and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at 32,000 KHR ($8).
Where to stay in Kampot?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Kampot at the bottom of this page.
Phnom Penh to Kampot by Bus
Since Phnom Penh is a transport hub for all destinations across Cambodia, it’s easy to arrange transport from here.
The bus is an affordable way to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot. Bus fares start from 40,000 KHR ($10), and the journey takes around 3 to 4 hours.
You can choose from three bus companies operating on this route: Giant Ibis, Airbus and Virak Buntham Express.
All of them generally receive good reviews from travellers.
Bus schedule from Phnom Penh to Kampot
Transport companies in Cambodia often switch between a minibus and a van, depending on availability and the number of passengers. Each company also uses its own office as the departure and arrival point, so make sure to check the exact location when booking.
Phnom Penh to Kampot by Minivan
A minivan ride from Phnom Penh to Kampot costs around 32,000 KHR ($8). The minivan journey takes about 2 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Minivans usually offer limited legroom, but they are often faster than buses on this route.
There are five companies operating on this route: Vibol Express, Ekareach Express, Virak Buntham Express, Pacific Express and Kim Seng Express.
Minivan schedule from Phnom Penh to Kampot
Phnom Penh to Kampot by Train
Taking the train is a good option for travellers who are not on a strict itinerary. The journey takes around 3 hours 50 minutes and offers countryside views that give you a glimpse of rural life in Cambodia.
A train ticket costs 69,000 KHR ($17.10) per person when booked through BookAway. Cheaper tickets are often available on the Royal Railway website.
The train also allows you to transport a car, motorbike, or bicycle. You will pay additional tickets for the vehicles with prices ranging from 20,000 KHR ($5) to 56,000 KHR ($14). These tickets can only be purchased at the railway station.
Departure Station
Phnom Penh Railway Station is located right in the city centre. You can get there by hailing a tuk-tuk or taxi on the street, but using Grab or PassApp often gets you a better rate.
The station itself is a restored historic building and is frequently visited, even by people not taking the train. It has also been renovated in partnership with a mobile phone company, which is why you will find a Cellcard counter inside. Here, you can buy a SIM card, get internet access, or even purchase a phone.
Train schedule from Phnom Penh to Kampot
Arrival Station
The train arrives at Kampot Railway Station, some 3km north of Kampot Town. From here, you can continue to your accommodation by tuk-tuk or taxi. Fares start from around 20,000 KHR ($5) for a tuk-tuk and 40,000 KHR ($10) for a taxi.
Phnom Penh to Kampot by Taxi
A private transfer from Phnom Penh to Kampot is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 243,000 KHR ($61) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 81,000 KHR ($20) each.
Private Transport options from Phnom Penh to Kampot
Best places to stay in Kampot
Kampot is a relatively small town, but there are still a number of areas you can choose to stay in. Here’s a quick run down of the different areas:
- The town centre is where you’ll find a lot of the best Western and Khmer restaurants, bars, pubs and general nightlife. The streets are also dotted with remnants of the French colonial period.
- Thvi is on the opposite side of the Entanou Bridge and has everything that the town centre has, just on a slightly smaller scale and with less noise.
- North of Kampot is all about nature. You’ll discover a number of cool accommodations here that are surrounded by nature or are directly on the river.
Check out our favourite places to stay in Kampot:
The Magic Sponge - Budget Friendly
If you want to stay in the city centre, The Magic Sponge is perfect. Plus there are tons to keep you entertained here, including a mini golf course, pool tables, and a pub with live entertainment. It’s almost impossible to get bored here.
The owner, William, really knows how to create a welcoming ambience and ensure that everyone has a memorable stay. The onsite restaurant also serves some delicious food. There’s nothing bad to say about this place!
- Central location
- Mini gold, pool table and pub
- Amazing owner
- Delicious onsite restaurant
Double rooms start from $20 per night.
Kampot Riverfront Boutique - Mid Range
If you love unique accommodations, then you’ll want to stay at Kampot Riverfront Boutique. Every room comes has its own balcony, with some of them directly on the waterfront. Can you think of a better place to sit and relax?
Completely surrounded by nature here, you’re in no way compromising on comfort. The rooms are spacious and luxurious with air conditioning for those hot Cambodian days.
- Private balcony with river views
- Surrounded by nature
- Luxurious rooms
- Air conditioning
Private rooms start from $32 per night.
Kampot Sweet Boutique - Treating Yourself
With its outdoor swimming pool and beautifully designed rooms, Kampot Sweet Boutique feels like an intimate luxury resort. They even have a villa for up to 8 people with its own private pool! This place is special.
The beds are incredibly comfortable and the complimentary breakfast is delicious. The hotel is located slightly north of Kampot, but don’t worry they have a free shuttle to take you into town. Without a doubt, this is one of the best places to stay in Kampot.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Private villa available
- Free shuttle to town
- Delicious free breakfast
Double rooms with a pool view start from $75 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot. 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 Phnom Penh to Kampot
What is the distance from Phnom Penh to Kampot?
The distance from Phnom Penh to Kampot is 154 kilometre (96 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot?
The fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot is by minivan and takes 2 hours 25 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot?
The cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 32,000 KHR ($8).
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.
