How to get from Kep to Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat come hand in hand with each other. Almost everyone who visits Siem Reap also explores the extensive and remarkable temples of Angkor Wat – the largest religious monument in the world.
Some visitors spend an entire week discovering every corner and carving of the temples, but here’s your reminder to explore beyond Angkor Wat. The city also has cute cafes, a nightly circus that will leave you stunned, never-ending markets, and a lively Pub Street. For many, it exceeds expectations.
What are the 5 ways to travel from Kep to Siem Reap?
There are 5 ways to travel the 465 kilometre (289 miles) distance from Kep to Siem Reap. You can choose between the bus, taxi, flight via Phnom Penh, flight via Sihanoukville and indirect bus + minivan. The journey takes 5 hours 5 minutes to 10 hours and the quickest way is by flight via Sihanoukville. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by indirect bus + minivan with tickets starting at 83,000 KHR ($20.50).
Kep to Siem Reap by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Kep to Siem Reap. Bus fares start from 116,000 KHR ($29), and the journey takes around 9 hours 30 minutes.
Giant Ibis operates on this route.
Since it’s a long journey, it can get pretty tiring. Luckily, there are a few rest stops along the way where you can stretch your legs and grab some snacks. There’s also Wi-Fi on board, although the connection can be spotty in some areas.
Bus schedule from Kep to Siem Reap
Kep to Siem Reap by Indirect Bus + Minivan
If the 9.5-hour direct bus ride feels too long, you can break up the journey by taking two buses with a transfer in Phnom Penh.
See the step-by-step guide below for how to do it.
Step 1: Kep to Phnom Penh by Bus
Giant Ibis is a trusted bus operator in Cambodia. Tickets cost 43,000 KHR ($10.70), and the journey takes around 4h 10m.
You can check the page from Kep to Phnom Penh for other transport options.
Step 2: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Minivan
Once you arrive in Phnom Penh, you can take one of the many minivans heading to Siem Reap. Fares start from 40,000 KHR ($10).
All minivan companies on this route get good reviews. We recommend booking your ticket online in advance so you can plan your trip more smoothly.
You might want to stop for a meal in Phnom Penh before continuing your journey. The ride to Siem Reap usually takes about 5h 30m - 6h.
You can also check the page from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for other options.
Kep to Siem Reap by Flight via Phnom Penh
You can get from Kep to Siem Reap by combining a bus and a flight.
First, take a bus from Kep to Phnom Penh. Once you arrive in the capital, head to Phnom Penh Airport and catch a flight to Siem Reap.
Keep in mind that the new airports in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are located far from the city centre. Because of this, you won’t save much time compared to travelling overland. This option is also more expensive.
Check the details below to see if this option works for you.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Kep to Phnom Penh by Bus
Book a minibus ride online from Kep to Phnom Penh for 43,000 KHR ($10.70). From the bus station, take a taxi to the new Phnom Penh Airport (Techo International Airport).
The new airport is located quite far from the city centre, so make sure to add at least an extra hour to your travel time. See our page on Phnom Penh International Airport for more details.
Step 2: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Flight
Flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap cost around 373,000 KHR ($93), and the flight takes just 55 minutes.
Air Cambodia operates two direct flights daily on this route.
Step 3: Siem Reap Airport to the city centre
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located about 45 km east of the city centre. Since replacing the old airport in 2023, it now takes longer to reach town — around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your transport choice.
The cheapest option is the airport shuttle bus, with fares from 32,000 KHR ($8). It drops you off along 7 Makara Street, about 2 km from the tourist centre. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your hotel.
Private transfers are the most comfortable and fastest option, though they’re also the most expensive. You can choose between airport taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp, or pre-booked cars through BookAway. Prices range from 100,000 KHR ($25) to 181,000 KHR ($45).
There are also tuk-tuks from the airport, but they’re slower and not ideal in bad weather. You can read more about all the transport options on our Siem Reap airport page.
Kep to Siem Reap by Taxi
A private transfer from Kep to Siem Reap is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 8 to 9 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 622,000 KHR ($155) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 156,000 KHR ($39) each.
Some travellers prefer to make the trip at night to save on a night’s accommodation.
Kep to Siem Reap by Flight via Sihanoukville
The fastest way to travel from Kep to Siem Reap is by taking a flight via Sihanoukville. It’s also the most expensive option.
Step 1: Kep to Sihanoukville Airport by Taxi
You can hail a taxi or arrange a taxi ride from your hotel straight to Sihanoukville Airport. This ride will cost around 281,000 KHR ($70), and the travel time takes 3 hours.
You can also book a shared minivan to the airport through BookAway. Make sure the departure time matches your flight schedule.
Step 2: Sihanoukville to Siem Reap by Flight
Air Cambodia operates one daily flight from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap.
The flight takes around 1h 05m, and fares start from 421,000 KHR ($105).
Step 3: Siem Reap Airport to the city centre by Taxi
From Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), you can take an airport taxi, use ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp, or pre-book a private car.
Prices range from 100,000 KHR ($25) to 181,000 KHR ($45).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kep to Siem Reap. 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 Siem Reap
What is the distance from Kep to Siem Reap?
The distance from Kep to Siem Reap is 465 kilometre (289 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kep to Siem Reap?
The fastest way to get from Kep to Siem Reap is by flight via Sihanoukville and takes 5 hours 5 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kep to Siem Reap?
The cheapest way to get from Kep to Siem Reap is by indirect bus + minivan with ticket costs starting from 83,000 KHR ($20.50).
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.
