How to get from Battambang to Sihanoukville

Why visit Sihanoukville?

Sihanoukville is a bustling coastal town in southwest Cambodia. Also called Kampong Som, it’s a tourism hotspot known for its casinos, modern hotels, and vibrant nightlife. With its strategic port and airport, the town is an ideal starting point when visiting the nearby islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

For some, Sihanoukville is no more than a transit hub. But if you have extra time, you can explore the map to find gems like the golden sands of Ochheuteal Beach and the luxury resort of Kompong Dewa. Immerse in the local culture at the market during the day. And at night, check out Sokha Hotel and Sky Bar for an electric buzz.

There are 3 ways to travel the 470 kilometre (292 miles) distance from Battambang to Sihanoukville. You can choose between the bus, taxi and flight. The journey takes 5 hours 40 minutes to 14 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 86,000 KHR ($21.50).

The bus is the most affordable way to travel from Battambang to Sihanoukville, with ticket prices starting from 86,000 KHR ($21.50). The downside is the long travel time of around 8 hours 30 minutes to 14 hours 30 minutes. This is one of the longest overland routes because buses have to detour east via Phnom Penh before continuing to Sihanoukville.

There are only three operators running this direct service: Virak Buntham Express, Saly VIP and Airbus.

Some travellers choose a night bus to save on a night of accommodation and sleep through part of the journey. Road conditions have generally improved, though a few sections can still be quite bumpy. Buses on longer routes like this one usually operate with two drivers who take turns. This helps reduce driver fatigue and is one reason overnight buses have become more popular.

Still, spending over 10 hours on the road can be exhausting. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind the longer ride, taking the bus is a practical choice. Just make use of the short stops along the way to stretch your legs.

Battambang doesn’t have its own airport, so you’ll need to fly into the nearest one in Siem Reap first. From there, it’s about a 3 to 4-hour journey by road to reach Battambang.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

There are two main ways to get from Battambang to the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI). It depends on whether you want to save money or save time.

Option 1: Bus + Taxi 

You can take a bus from Battambang to Siem Reap town for about 40,000 KHR ($10). Once you arrive in town, you will need to take a taxi to the airport. Since the new Siem Reap Airport is about 45 km away from the city centre, taxi fares on Grab start from 100,000 KHR ($25).

Check the available bus tickets here.

Option 2: Private Taxi

You can book a private taxi to take you straight from Battambang to Siem Reap Airport. Most hotels can arrange one for you, but expect to pay around 281,000 KHR ($70). Travel time takes almost 4 hours.

If you want to save a bit, try booking online. On BookAway, prices start from around 201,000 KHR ($50) for an SUV that could fit 4 people.

See our post on Siem Reap International Airport for more info.

A one-way flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville takes 1h 10m. If you book a few weeks ahead, tickets start from 277,000 KHR ($69).

There’s usually one direct flight in the morning and two more in the afternoon. Make sure to plan your transfer times carefully so you don’t risk missing your flight.

Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) is about 25 km from the city centre. There’s no public transport, so you only have 2 choices: an air-conditioned private transfer and an open-air tuk-tuk.

Private transfers are faster and more comfortable, but pricier. Here you have 3 options: airport taxi, taxi booked via Grab or PassApp, and pre-booked cars through BookAway and Camboticket. Prices range from 100,000 KHR ($25) to 120,000 KHR ($30).

Tuk-tuks are a good alternative if you’re on a budget and want a more local way to get from Sihanoukville Airport to the city centre. Expect to pay between 48,000 KHR ($12) and 80,000 KHR ($20). You’ll find tuk-tuks just outside the airport, but it’s cheaper to book them through the Grab app.

Check our Sihanoukville International Airport page for more details.

A private transfer from Battambang to Sihanoukville is the most convenient option when you’re travelling in a group. The journey takes 6 hours 35 minutes to 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 718,000 KHR ($180) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 180,000 KHR ($45) each.

Because it’s a long journey, a private car gives you more flexibility. You can take short breaks along the way or make a quick stop for photos if something catches your eye.

Another advantage of booking online is that you’ll usually get an SUV-type vehicle, which offers more space and comfort compared to the smaller 4-seater taxis commonly found on the street.