What to expect when visiting 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.
4 ways to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
There are four ways to travel the distance of 215 km (134 miles) from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: by bus (4h-6h30m), taxi (4 hours), train (7 hours) and flight (35 minutes). The journey takes between 35 minutes - 7h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €6.50 ($8) for the train.Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Train
Trains are not the most common mode of transport in Cambodia as there are not many trains operating in this country. For this route, trains only operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The advantage of taking the train is that you can also bring your bicycle or motorbike. You can buy the additional tickets for $5 from the service desk at the railway station.
See the schedules below:
Train schedule from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
| Day | Departure Time (Phnom Penh) |
Arrival Time (Sihanoukville) |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 07:00 | 14:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00 | 14:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00 16:00 |
14:00 23:00 |
The train makes two 10-minute stops in Takeo & Kampot. This is a good moment to buy some food and drinks at the station.
The complete route goes as follows:
Phnom Penh Railway Station – Takeo Train Station – Kampot Train Station – Sihanoukville Railway Station
From this railway station, you will have to take a 20min tuk-tuk or taxi ride to the centre. Expect to pay around $10 to Sihanoukville and $15 to Otres village.
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Bus
Taking a bus to travel through this route is the cheapest option. You can book a ride with Giant Ibis or Kumho Samco.
Bus schedule from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
Another option is to take a van to Sihanoukville. We suggest booking with the companies listed in the table.
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Van
When you reach Sihanoukville, you may have to arrange for another transfer to get to your hotel or end location.
Bear in mind that there are a lot of trucks using this route and there tends to be a lot of traffic jam around Phnom Penh during peak hours.
We also recommend travelling during the day, since roads on this route are not well-lit and accidents happen more often at night.
Giant Ibis
Kumho Samco
Mekong Express
Bayon VIP
Larryta Express
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Taxi
If you choose to hail a taxi on the road, expect to pay around $45-$60. Make sure you agree on the price and drop-off point in advance.
You can also book your taxi online through the button below. The taxis you can book here are SUV or vans with more legroom compared to the 4-seater taxis you see on the street. Fares for online bookings range from $85 to $130, depending on the number of seats.
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Flight
Want to get to Sihanoukville fast? Then it’s best for you to book a flight. Flights in this route can be quite expensive so it’s best to book your plane ride way in advance. The price of a one-way ticket starts at $80. During peak season, the price can double.
To check the latest schedules and book your flight, you can go ahead and click the button provided below.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
What is the distance from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
The distance from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is 215 km (134 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
The fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is by flight and takes 35 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
The cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is by train with ticket costs starting from €6.50 ($8).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phnom Penh 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!
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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.
Thank you so much for this overview! We are thinking of taking the train, but it takes much longer than the bus. Is it worth the extra time?
The train takes indeed about 3 hours more, but is a great experience if you want to travel Cambodia in a local way. You will be sitting among locals and can enjoy the views on the countryside. If your purpose is just to get from A to B, you can better take the bus and spend more time at one of the beaches in Sihanoukville.