Phnom Penh to Kep

How to Get From Phnom Penh to Kep

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

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
Map of Phnom Penh – Kep

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, shared minivan, train, and taxi. The journey takes 3h 20m – 4h 30m and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $9.10 (37,000 KHR).

Busfrom$9.303h 45m – 4h 30m4 options to bookBus3h 45m–4h 30m$9.30

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 (38,000 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

Capitol · VIP$9.30
4h
Phnom Penh Virak Buntham → Kep
07:0009:0013:30
Tickets
Giant Ibis · Tourist$12
4h 10m
Phnom Penh Giant Ibis → Kep Giant Ibis
08:0014:45
Tickets
Airbus · Standard$13
4h 30m
Phnom Penh Virak Buntham → Kep
08:3014:15
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

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.
Shared Minivanfrom$103h 30m2 options to bookShared Minivan3h 30m$10

Phnom Penh to Kep by Shared Minivan

A minivan ride from Phnom Penh to Kep costs around $10 (41,000 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

Vibol Express · Van$10
3h 30m
07:30
Tickets
Ekareach Express · Standard$12
3h 30m
06:3008:3009:30
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway and 12Go Asia

Trainfrom$9.103h 40mTimes and ticketsTrain3h 40m$9.10Cheapest

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

Cambodia Royal Railway · Economy Seat$9.10
3h 40m
07:00
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

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.

Taxifrom$66per car3h 20m2 options to bookTaxi3h 20mFastest$66per car

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 (89,000 KHR) each.

You can also hail a taxi on the street, with fares starting from $50 (204,000 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 (41,000 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
3h 20mper car
Any time you choose
Tickets
SIMA Car · Comfort Minivan 6 PAX$130
3h 20mper car
Any time you choose
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Reach out to our Community

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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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