Phnom Penh to Kep

How to Get From Phnom Penh to Kep

4Options
3h 20mFastest
$9.10From
MaartenWritten by Maarten · Updated 3 weeks ago

Bus · Shared Minivan · Train · Taxi

Kep is a small seaside town on Cambodia's south coast, about 138 kilometres (86 miles) from Phnom Penh. It's known for its crab market and faded French-era villas. The train is the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kep, at $9.10 (37,000 KHR), and takes around 3h 40m. A private taxi is the quickest but the priciest, at $66 (265,000 KHR).

DISTANCE

Distance from Phnom Penh to Kep

Phnom Penh and Kep are about 138 km (86 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 165 km by road. The quickest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kep is by taking the taxi, which takes around 3h 20m.

~138 km
Straight-line distance
~165 km
Route distance
3h 20m
Fastest
COMPARE

4 ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Kep

There are four ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Kep. You can choose between the bus, minivan, train, and private transport. The journey takes 3h 20m–3h 45m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $9.10 (37,000 KHR).

Bus8 departuresDuration3h 45m+Pricefrom$937,500 KHR

Phnom Penh to Kep by Bus

The bus is an affordable way to get from Phnom Penh to Kep. Bus fares start from $9.30 (37,500 KHR), and the journey takes around 3h 45m - 4h 30m.

You can choose from four bus companies operating on this route: Capitol, Giant Ibis, Airbus and Virak Buntham Express.

All of them have a good reputation for reliable service and road safety.

Expect roads to be in fair condition when heading from Phnom Penh to Kep.

Bus schedule from Phnom Penh to Kep

4hCapitolVIPPhnom Penh Virak BunthamKep07:0009:0013:30$937,500 KHRTickets
4h10mGiant IbisTouristPhnom Penh Giant IbisKep Giant Ibis08:0014:45$1248,500 KHRTickets
4h30mAirbusStandardPhnom Penh Virak BunthamKep08:3014:15$1352,000 KHRTickets
3h45mVirak Buntham ExpressLuxury HotelPhnom Penh Virak BunthamKep04:00$1874,000 KHRTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Booking Tip

Transport companies in Cambodia often switch between a minibus and a van, depending on availability and the number of passengers. Each company also uses its own office as the departure and arrival point, so make sure to check the exact location when booking.
Kep
Shared Minivan6 departuresDuration3h 30mPricefrom$1040,500 KHR

Phnom Penh to Kep by Shared Minivan

A minivan ride from Phnom Penh to Kep costs around $10 (40,500 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 3h 30m, depending on traffic.

Vibol Express and Ekareach Express operate this route.

Minivans are usually quicker than buses since they make fewer stops. But departures aren’t always regular, so it’s best to check the schedule and book in advance if possible.

Shared Minivan schedule from Phnom Penh to Kep

3h30mVibol ExpressVanPhnom PenhKep07:30$1040,500 KHRTickets
3h30mEkareach ExpressStandardPhnom PenhKep06:3008:3009:3012:3016:30$1249,500 KHRTickets
Available atBookaway12Go Asia
Kep
Train1 departureDuration3h 40mPricefrom$937,000 KHR

Phnom Penh to Kep by Train

The train is a budget-friendly and scenic way to travel from Phnom Penh to Kep. Tickets start from $9.10 (37,000 KHR), and the journey takes around 3h 40m.

Cambodia Royal Railway operates on this route.

From Thursday to Sunday, 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.

Note that train travel in Cambodia is slow and delays are common, so this option is best if you are not on a tight schedule. Still, many travellers choose the train because it provides a calmer journey through rural countryside and small towns along the way.

Departure Station

Phnom Penh Railway Station is located right in the city centre, so it’s easy to reach. You can get there by hailing a tuk-tuk or taxi on the street, but using Grab or PassApp often gets you a better rate.

The station itself is a restored historic building and is frequently visited, even by people not taking the train. It has also been renovated in partnership with a mobile phone company, which is why you will find a Cellcard counter inside. Here, you can buy a SIM card, get internet access, or even purchase a phone.

Train schedule from Phnom Penh to Kep

3h40mCambodia Royal RailwayEconomy SeatPhnom PenhSangkat Prey Thum07:00$937,000 KHRTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Arrival Station

Kep Railway Station is located about 12 km north of Kep Beach. Tuk-tuks usually wait outside, and fares start from $4.90 (20,000 KHR). However, drivers are known for overcharging, so be ready to negotiate.

Note that ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp offer very limited service in Kep, so you shouldn't rely on them.

Kep
Taxi1 departureDuration3h 20mPricefrom$66265,000 KHR

Phnom Penh to Kep by Taxi

A private transfer from Phnom Penh to Kep is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 3h 20m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at $66 (265,000 KHR) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $22 (88,000 KHR) each.

You can also hail a taxi on the street, with fares starting from $50 (202,000 KHR) for a one-way trip. Make sure you agree on the rate with the driver so you don’t end up paying more.

Another option is ridesharing. It used to be a popular choice among travellers, and you can still find shared taxis at Psar Dang Kor Taxi Park along Mao Tse Toung Boulevard. A ride will cost $10 (40,500 KHR) per person, but you’ll have to wait until the taxi is full.

Private Transport options from Phnom Penh to Kep

3h 20m$66 (265,000 KHR)
SIMA Car
Comfort Car 3 PAX
$65 (265,000 KHR)
$22 (88,000 KHR) per person
SIMA Car
Comfort Minivan 6 PAX
$130 (530,000 KHR)
$22 (88,000 KHR) per person
Available atBookaway
Kep

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Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Phnom Penh to Kep, roughly 138 kilometres (86 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $9.10 (37,000 KHR). The quickest trip takes 3h 20m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Phnom Penh to Kep?

The distance from Phnom Penh to Kep is 138 kilometres (86 miles).

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

The fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kep is by private transport and takes 3h 20m.

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

The cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kep is by train with ticket costs starting from 37,000 KHR.

About the Author

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

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