How to get from Kep 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 5 ways to travel from Kep to Kampot?
There are 5 ways to travel the 22 kilometre (14 miles) distance from Kep to Kampot. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, taxi, train and ferry*. The journey takes 30 minutes - 3 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 18,000 KHR ($4.60).
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.
Kep to Kampot by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Kep to Kampot. Bus fares start from 20,000 KHR ($5), and the journey takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
There are four companies operating on this route: Kampot Express, Airbus, Rith Travel Tour and Virak Buntham Express.
Most of them receive solid reviews from travellers. The main exception is Rith Travel and Tour, which tends to receive more mixed feedback. We suggest choosing one of the other bus operators for a smoother journey.
Bus schedule from Kep to Kampot
Each company operates from its own office rather than a central station, so double-check the departure and arrival location when booking.
Kep to Kampot by Shared Minivan
If you want to get to Kampot from Kep fast, you can take a minivan. They usually make fewer stops than buses, so the journey takes only about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
A minivan ride costs around 21,000 KHR ($5.20).
You can choose from two companies on this route: Kampot Transports and Ekareach Express.
Note that in Cambodia, transport companies often adjust the vehicle type based on how many people are travelling. You might book a minivan but end up in a bus, or the other way around, depending on demand.
Minivan schedule from Kep to Kampot
Kep to Kampot by Taxi
A private transfer from Kep to Kampot is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
You can hail a taxi from the street, find one through your hotel or book online in advance through Camboticket.
Prices for private transfer start at 161,000 KHR ($40) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 40,000 KHR ($10) each.
Just a heads-up: Grab and PassApp don’t really work in Kep. Service is either very limited or not available at all. They’re more reliable only once you are in Kampot.
Kep to Kampot by Ferry*
*Important update: The last time we checked (February 2026), the ferry operated by Crab Shuttle was not available for the route between Kep and Kampot. Please check the provided links to see if anything has changed.
If you’re looking for more of an experience than an efficient way to get from Kep to Kampot, consider taking a ferry.
Crab Shuttle operates a ferry that you can take to reach Rabbit Island and Kampot.
Their ferry only leaves once a day from Kep to Kampot. This ferry departs from Koh Tonsay Boat Terminal at 15:00.
They will first pick up passengers at Rabbit Island and then continue to Kampot. Expect to arrive around 18:00 at the riverside by the Rikitikitavi Hotel in Kampot.
The ferry is slow, but the great view of the sunset on the way to Kampot is a great compensation!
Kep to Kampot by Train
The train is an affordable and scenic way to get from Kep to Kampot. Fares start from 18,000 KHR ($4.60), and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Cambodia Royal Railway is operating on this route.
Just a heads-up: trains in Cambodia are often delayed. Even with a set schedule, you may have to wait for a while before it actually departs.
Departure Station
Kep Railway Station is about 12 km north of Kep Beach. It’s a quiet, remote station with little more than a basic restroom.
You can reach the station by tuk-tuk, with fares from 20,000 KHR ($5). Just be aware that drivers are known for overcharging, so be ready to negotiate.
If you’re a solo female traveller, it’s good to know that the station is isolated and there’s no security on-site. It can feel a bit uncomfortable if you’re alone, especially during early morning or evening hours.
Train options from Kep to Kampot
Arrival Station
The train arrives at Kampot Train Station. It has basic restrooms and a few snack vendors. From the station, it’s about 4 km to the town centre by tuk-tuk. There are usually a few waiting outside when the train arrives, but if not, you can try booking one through Grab or PassApp.
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 Kep 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 Kep to Kampot
What is the distance from Kep to Kampot?
The distance from Kep to Kampot is 22 kilometre (14 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kep to Kampot?
The fastest way to get from Kep to Kampot is by bus and takes 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kep to Kampot?
The cheapest way to get from Kep to Kampot is by train with ticket costs starting from 18,000 KHR ($4.60).
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.
