How to get from Kep 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.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Kep to Sihanoukville?
There are 4 ways to travel the 130 kilometre (81 miles) distance from Kep to Sihanoukville. You can choose between the bus, minivan, taxi and train. The journey takes 2 hours 55 minutes to 4 hours and the quickest way is by train. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 32,000 KHR ($8).
Kep to Sihanoukville by Minivan
A minivan ride from Kep to Sihanoukville costs around 42,000 KHR ($10.40). The minivan journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Kampot Transports operates on this route.
Departure and arrival stations
In Kep, you’ll depart from Kampot Transport ticket service and bus station or from a pick-up point along National Road 33A in the town centre.
There are two drop-off points in Sihanoukville, so make sure to check where your ride is heading:
- Sihanoukville International Airport
- Drop-off point near One Lion Roundabout in the city centre
Minivan schedule from Kep to Sihanoukville
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.
Kep to Sihanoukville by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville. Bus fares start from 34,000 KHR ($8.50), and the journey takes around 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes.
You can choose from two bus companies operating on this route: Champa Mekong* and Ekareach Express.
Between the two, Ekareach Express gets slightly better reviews. You can also book them in advance on BookAway. But like many operators in Cambodia, service can still be hit or miss.
The cheapest option is Champa Mekong, but it’s also tricky to book online. We don’t really recommend it.
Maarten’s Personal Tip: When I travelled with Champa Mekong, the minibus picked me up several hours later than expected. I also heard similar stories from other travellers. Their minibuses usually depart from the small bus station right in front of Kep Beach. If everything goes according to plan, they will drop you off in front of Golden Star Inn. This is still a 10-15 minute walk to the centre of Sihanoukville.
If you don’t want to deal with delays, it’s worth booking a private taxi instead. If you split the fare with other people, the taxi ride will not cost a lot more.
Bus schedule from Kep to Sihanoukville
Kep to Sihanoukville by Taxi
The quickest way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville is by hailing a taxi on the road or ordering one from your hotel. This will cost around 202,000 KHR ($50), but always make sure you agree on the price and drop-off point in advance.
Booking a taxi online is a little bit more expensive, but you will get better taxis and more leg space. Also, the prices are fixed, so you won’t have to bother about negotiating.
Prices for private transfer start at 266,000 KHR ($66) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 67,000 KHR ($16.50) each.
The highway from Kep to Sihanoukville is in good condition, so the ride should be quite comfortable.
Kep to Sihanoukville by Train
The train is an affordable way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville. Train fares start from 32,000 KHR ($8), and the journey takes around 2 hours 55 minutes.
From Thursday to Sunday, Cambodia Royal Railway operates KiHa model trains on this route. These are refurbished Japanese trains and are noticeably more comfortable than the regular service, with better seating, stronger air conditioning, and improved onboard facilities.
On days when the KiHa train does not operate, passenger services continue to use older carriages, which are less comfortable and offer fewer amenities.
Keep in mind, though, that trains in Cambodia are often delayed. Even if there’s a scheduled departure, you’ll most likely end up waiting a while.
Departure station
Kep Railway Station sits about 12 km north of Kep Beach and is part of the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville route. It’s a quiet, remote station with nothing but a basic restroom. You can get there by tuk-tuk, with fares from 20,000 KHR ($5). However, 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 Sihanoukville
Arrival station
The train from Kep to Sihanoukville arrives at Sihanoukville Railway Station, about 6km from the main beach area.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kep to Sihanoukville. 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 Sihanoukville
What is the distance from Kep to Sihanoukville?
The distance from Kep to Sihanoukville is 130 kilometre (81 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville?
The fastest way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville is by train and takes 2 hours 55 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville?
The cheapest way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville is by train with ticket costs starting from 32,000 KHR ($8).
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.
