Cambodia Phnom Penh

How to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 155 kilometers (96 miles) from Kampot to Phnom Penh. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: September 15, 2024

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Why visit Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, isn’t the most enticing city. It’s busy and chaotic and doesn’t boast the same charms as Siem Reap.

But it’s not somewhere you should skip! In fact, it’s probably the most important place to learn about the country’s devastating genocide and traumatic history. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields will open your eyes to what humanity is capable of.

What are the 4 ways to travel from Kampot to Phnom Penh?

There are 4 ways to travel the 155 kilometers (96 miles) from Kampot to Phnom Penh. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, taxi and train. The journey takes 3 hours to 4 hours 40 minutes and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by shared minivan with tickets starting at $8 (32,000 KHR).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Shared Minivan

3-4h

From $8 (32,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Bus

3-4h

From $8.90 (36,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Train

4h 40m

From $10.30 (41,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Taxi

3h 20m - 4h

From $61 (242,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Phnom Penh?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh at the bottom of this page.

Kampot to Phnom Penh by Shared Minivan

Duration: 3h - 4h

Costs: $8 (32,000 KHR)

Duration: 3h - 4h

Costs: $8 (32,000 KHR)

A minivan ride from Kampot to Phnom Penh costs around $8 (32,000 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.

There are five companies operating on this route: Vibol Express, Ekareach Express, Virak Buntham Express, Pacific Express and Kim Seng Express.

Minivan schedule from Kampot to Phnom Penh

Kampot

Standard

Vibol Express Phnom Penh

08:15

11:15

08:15

3h 30m

11:45

10:30

13:30

14:00

17:00

20:00

17:00

3h 30m

20:30

Vibol Express

From $8 (32,000 KHR)

Kampot

Standard

Phnom Penh

08:15

3h 30m

11:45

10:30

13:30

14:00

17:00

3h 30m

20:30

Vibol Express

$8.30 (33,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Ekareach Express Kampot Office

Standard

Ekareach Express Phnom Penh Office

06:30

09:30

07:30

10:30

08:30

11:30

09:30

12:30

10:30

13:30

11:30

14:30

12:30

15:30

13:30

16:30

14:30

18:30

15:30

18:30

16:30

19:30

17:45

3h 45m

21:30

Ekareach Express

$9.40 (38,000 KHR)

Ekareach Express Kampot Office

Luxury

Ekareach Express Phnom Penh Office

08:00

11:00

10:00

13:00

12:00

15:00

14:00

17:00

16:00

19:00

18:00

21:00

Virak Buntham Express

$10.40 (42,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Pacific Express-Kampot Office

Standard

Pacific Express-Phnom Penh Office

12:30

15:30

16:45

19:45

Pacific Express

$10.40 (42,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Pacific Express-Kampot Office

Standard

Pacific Express Office, Phnom Penh

12:30

15:30

16:45

19:45

Pacific Express

$10.70 (43,000 KHR)

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Kim Seng Express (Kampot branch)

Tourist

Kim Seng Express (Phnom Penh branch)

06:30

09:30

07:30

10:30

08:30

11:30

09:30

12:30

10:30

13:30

11:30

14:30

12:30

15:30

13:30

16:30

14:30

17:30

15:30

18:30

16:30

19:30

17:30

20:30

18:30

21:30

Kim Seng Express

$11 (44,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Show 2 more operator(s)

Kampot to Phnom Penh by Bus

Duration: 3h - 4h

Costs: $8.90 (36,000 KHR)

Duration: 3h - 4h

Costs: $8.90 (36,000 KHR)

There are several reputable bus companies offering trips from Kampot to Phnom Penh. The roads are in good condition, which makes it a convenient option.

We advise booking with Giant Ibis as they have the best reviews. Plus, they are at the top when it comes to transport ranking.

Bus schedule from Kampot to Phnom Penh

Kampot Giant Ibis

Tourist

Phnom Penh Giant Ibis

08:30

12:30

14:45

18:45

Giant Ibis

$8.90 (36,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Kampot Giant Ibis

Hotel

Phnom Penh Giant Ibis

20:00

23:00

Virak Buntham Express

$10.40 (42,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Kampot to Phnom Penh by Train

Duration: 4h 40m

Costs: $10.30 (41,000 KHR)

Duration: 4h 40m

Costs: $10.30 (41,000 KHR)

The train offers a slow but enjoyable ride to Phnom Penh. Its route gives a better view of the rural landscape of Cambodia, as compared to highways taken by buses and taxis. This is a cheap alternative when travelling this route and only takes a little more time.

There is one train operating daily from Kampot to Phnom Penh. It departs from Kampot Railway Station and arrives at Phnom Penh Train Station after 4 hours 40 minutes.

Train ticket prices start from $10.30 (41,000 KHR).

Train schedule from Kampot to Phnom Penh

Kampot

Economy Seat

Phnom Penh

16:00

4h 40m

20:40

Cambodia Royal Railway

$10.30 (41,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Kampot to Phnom Penh by Taxi

Duration: 3h 20m - 4h

Costs: $61 (242,000 KHR)

Duration: 3h 20m - 4h

Costs: $61 (242,000 KHR)

Travelling by taxi is a good choice if you want to relax a little along the way and be brought exactly to your hotel.

Hiring a taxi normally costs $61 (242,000 KHR) when you book online.

If you’d rather test your negotiating skills, you can hail a taxi on the street or arrange one through your hotel. Don’t forget to agree on the fare beforehand as some drivers tend to charge more.

Private Transport options from Kampot to Phnom Penh

Comfort

Comfort Car 3 PAX

Price per person = $20 (81,000 KHR)

SIMA Car

$61 (242,000 KHR)

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Standard

Standard Car 4 PAX

Price per person = $17.50 (70,000 KHR)

Cambodia Private Car Service

$70 (280,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

SUV

SUV Car 6 PAX

Price per person = $16.50 (66,000 KHR)

Cambodia Private Car Service

$99 (395,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 6 PAX

Price per person = $19.50 (78,000 KHR)

Cambodia Private Car Service

$115 (467,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Comfort

Comfort Minivan 6 PAX

Price per person = $20 (81,000 KHR)

SIMA Car

$120 (483,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia, split into a number of districts that each offer something different. Here’s a quick rundown of the best districts to stay in:

Daun Penh is the city centre and historic area of Phnom Penh. It’s where you’ll find the Royal Palace, government buildings and the most colonial architecture. Here is the place to stay if you want to be close to the top things to do in the city.
BBK1 boasts a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It’s close to the city centre, without being as hectic. There are plenty of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and hipsters cafes here.
Riverside is, as the name suggests, along the river. You’ll wake up to river views and be close to plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and street food.

Check out our favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh:

White Corner Hotel - Budget Friendly

As the name suggests, White Corner Hotel has a very white colour scheme both inside and out, giving it a clean and modern feel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing everything that you need.

If you stay here, you’ll be located in the BBK1 neighbourhood, a very fun place to be staying. It’s also within walking distance of the must-visit S-21 prison.

Clean and modern
Great location
Comfortable and spacious rooms
Bikes are available

Private rooms start from $21 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Stay Sweet Homestay - Mid Range

With only four rooms available in this intimate homestay, you’ll need to book Stay Sweet in advance if you want to guarantee yourself a room. The almost perfect rating is mainly down to the incredible owner, Panha, who provides a friendly welcome and the best recommendations.

Staying here you’ll also receive a discount at the local swimming pool and gym. The onsite restaurant is also a must-try, the food is delicious!

Gets booked up
Amazing owner
Access to local swimming pool and gym
Delicious onsite restaurant

Private rooms start from $30 per night.

Check Available Rooms

TAO Riverside Residence - Treating Yourself

TAO Riverside Residence is located right on the river offering spectacular views. Most of the rooms have private balconies where you can relax after a long day of exploring and just watch the boats gliding along the river.

The rooms are mainly studio style with most rooms having their own kitchenette and seating areas. They’re beautifully designed and super modern, creating an environment you won’t want to leave. On top of that, the Wi-Fi is great!

Amazing river views
Private balconies
Large and modern rooms
Great Wi-Fi

Deluxe double studios start from $60 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Kampot to Phnom Penh

What is the distance from Kampot to Phnom Penh?

The distance from Kampot to Phnom Penh is 155 kilometers (96 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh?

The fastest way to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh is by bus and takes 3 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh?

The cheapest way to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh is by shared minivan with ticket costs starting from $8 (32,000 KHR).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh. 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!

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About the author(s)

Maarten

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.