Cambodia Phnom Penh

How to get from Kep to Phnom Penh

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Kep 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 Expert

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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 Kep to Phnom Penh?

There are 4 ways to travel the 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Kep to Phnom Penh. You can choose between the bus, minivan, taxi and train. The journey takes 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at $9 (36,000 KHR).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Minivan

3h 30m - 4h 15m

From $9 (36,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Train

4h 10m

From $9.10 (37,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Bus

4h 10m

From $11.10 (45,000 KHR)

Book Tickets

Taxi

3h 20m

From $66 (264,000 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.

Kep to Phnom Penh by Minivan

Duration: 3h 30m - 4h 15m

Costs: $9 (36,000 KHR)

Duration: 3h 30m - 4h 15m

Costs: $9 (36,000 KHR)

A minivan ride from Kep to Phnom Penh costs around $9 (36,000 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

There are three companies operating on this route: Vibol Express, Ekareach Express and Kim Seng Express.

Minivan schedule from Kep to Phnom Penh

Kimseng Express Kep Office

Standard

Vibol Express Phnom Penh

07:30

3h 30m

11:00

09:45

3h 30m

13:15

13:30

3h 30m

17:00

16:30

3h 30m

20:00

Vibol Express

$9 (36,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Kep

Standard

Phnom Penh

07:30

4h 15m

11:45

09:45

3h 45m

13:30

3h 30m

17:00

16:30

20:30

Vibol Express

$9.40 (38,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Kep Stop

Standard

Ekareach Express Phnom Penh Office

08:00

3h 30m

11:30

09:00

3h 30m

12:30

12:00

3h 30m

15:30

13:00

3h 30m

16:30

16:00

3h 30m

19:30

Ekareach Express

$12.50 (50,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Kep Bus Station

Standard

Ekareach Express Phnom Penh Office

08:00

3h 30m

11:30

09:00

3h 30m

12:30

12:00

3h 30m

15:30

13:00

3h 30m

16:30

16:00

3h 30m

19:30

Ekareach Express

$12.90 (52,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Anny Tours & Travel

Tourist

Kim Seng Express (Phnom Penh branch)

07:45

3h 45m

11:30

11:45

3h 45m

15:30

15:45

3h 45m

19:30

Kim Seng Express

$12.90 (52,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Kep to Phnom Penh by Train

Duration: 4h 10m

Costs: $9.10 (37,000 KHR)

Duration: 4h 10m

Costs: $9.10 (37,000 KHR)

The train is another affordable way to get from Kep to Phnom Penh. Train fares start from $9.10 (37,000 KHR) and the journey takes around 4 hours 10 minutes.

Cambodia Royal Railway operates on this route.

Train schedule from Kep to Phnom Penh

Sangkat Prey Thum

Economy Seat

Phnom Penh

16:20

4h 10m

20:30

Cambodia Royal Railway

$9.10 (37,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Kep to Phnom Penh by Bus

Duration: 4h 10m

Costs: $11.10 (45,000 KHR)

Duration: 4h 10m

Costs: $11.10 (45,000 KHR)

Booking a bus is a lot cheaper than hiring a taxi and offers enough comfort for the 4-hour journey.

There are two bus companies on this route, but we only recommend booking with Cambodia Post VIP Van. This company has a good reputation when it comes to service and safety. You can book a van ride with them through BookMeBus.

See the schedule for both options below:

Bus schedule from Kep to Phnom Penh

Kep Giant Ibis

Tourist

Phnom Penh Giant Ibis

07:30

4h 10m

11:40

13:45

4h 10m

17:55

Giant Ibis

$11.10 (45,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

The Cambodia Post VIP Van departs and arrives at the Post office in Kep and Phnom Penh, respectively.

You can also book your bus tickets online by clicking the button below.

Kep to Phnom Penh by Taxi

Duration: 3h 20m

Costs: $66 (264,000 KHR)

Duration: 3h 20m

Costs: $66 (264,000 KHR)

A taxi ride offers the advantage that they will bring you from door to door. Fares start from $66 (264,000 KHR), depending on availability and your negotiating skills. Make sure to agree on the rate beforehand to avoid discussions about the price on arrival.

You can also arrange a taxi at your hotel or book one online through the button below. For taxis booked online, the fare starts at $60 (242,000 KHR).

Private Transport options from Kep to Phnom Penh

Comfort

Comfort Car 3 PAX

Price per person = $22 (88,000 KHR)

SIMA Car

$66 (264,000 KHR)

Get Your Tickets

Comfort

Comfort Minivan 6 PAX

Price per person = $22 (88,000 KHR)

SIMA Car

$130 (527,000 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 Kep to Phnom Penh

What is the distance from Kep to Phnom Penh?

The distance from Kep to Phnom Penh is 170 kilometers (106 miles).

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

The fastest way to get from Kep to Phnom Penh is by taxi and takes 3 hours 20 minutes.

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

The cheapest way to get from Kep to Phnom Penh is by minivan with ticket costs starting from $9 (36,000 KHR).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kep 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.