How to get from Kampot 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 4 ways to travel the 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Kampot to Sihanoukville. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, taxi and train. The journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by train. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $6.80 (27,000 KHR).

The train is the fastest way to get from Kampot to Sihanoukville. However, there is only one train operating daily. A ticket costs $6.80 (27,000 KHR) and the train journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Trains depart from Kampot Railway Station, some 3km north of Kampot Town. You can get there by tuk-tuk or taxi for around 10 minutes. Fares start from $5 (20,000 KHR).

You are to get off at Sihanoukville Train Station, 3km north of Phum Bei and 11km northwest of Otres Beach. You can reach your hotel by tuk-tuk or taxi with rates from $5 (20,000 KHR).

TOP TIP: It is common for trains in Cambodia to be behind schedule. Still, it’s best to arrive on time at the railway station. Just manage your expectations to avoid stress on your train travel!

Kate's experience

I took a shared minivan from Kampot to Sihanoukville without doing any prior research. I had no clue how bad the road was! There is a 22km stretch covered in potholes, making the journey very bumpy and painfully slow. To avoid this, I recommend taking the train instead.

A minivan ride from Kampot to Sihanoukville costs around $8.30 (33,000 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic.

Vibol Express operates on this route.

When the train departure does not align with your schedule, you can also take a minibus from Kampot to Sihanoukville. Ticket prices start from $9.30 (37,000 KHR) and travel time is around 2 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes.

There are four companies you can choose from: Champa Mekong Express, Kampot Express, Kampot Transports and Rith Travel Tour.

Kate's none

I took a shared minivan from Kampot to Sihanoukville without doing any prior research. I had no clue how bad the road was! There is a 22km stretch covered in potholes, making the journey very bumpy and painfully slow. To avoid this, I recommend taking the train instead.

Kampot

Standard

Sihanoukville Virakbuntham

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3h 30m

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Kampot Transports

From $9.30 (37,000 KHR)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

$9.30 (37,000 KHR)

08:30

3h 30m

12:00

10:30

3h 30m

14:00

13:45

3h 30m

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Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

$9.30 (37,000 KHR)

08:30

3h

11:30

10:30

3h

13:30

Check on BookAway

Travelling in a group to Sihanoukville from Kampot? You can also take a taxi. Prices start from $61 (244,000 KHR) for the entire journey that will take 3 hours. We recommend booking your private transfer online through BookAway, which offers spacious cars that come with trusted drivers.

You can also hail a taxi from the street, but note that regular taxi drivers often quote a higher price. Always try to haggle for a lower rate!

Another option is to book a ride through your hotel, but don’t be surprised if they add $5 (20,000 KHR) to the taxi fare.

Shared Taxi

When on a strict budget, you can find shared taxis along Kampot Bus Station near National Road 33, about 250 metres from the Durian Roundabout. It costs $5 (20,000 KHR) per seat. Shared taxis usually carry 6-7 passengers so be prepared to wait for the taxi to be filled.