Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

How to Get From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

5Options
35mFastest
$11From
MaartenWritten by Maarten ·

Bus · Shared Minivan · Train · Taxi · Flight

Sihanoukville is Cambodia's main beach city on the Gulf of Thailand, 186 kilometres (116 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh. It's the gateway to islands like Koh Rong. Flying is the quickest way, taking 35 minutes. On the ground, the train is the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, at $11 (46,500 KHR).

DISTANCE

Distance from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville are about 186 km (116 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 213 km by road. The quickest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is by taking the flight, which takes around 35m.

~186 km
Straight-line distance
~213 km
Route distance
35m
Fastest
Map of Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville
Travelling the other way?Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh→

5 ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

There are five ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, train, taxi, and flight. The journey takes 35m – 6h 35m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $11 (46,500 KHR).

Busfrom$162h 45m – 4h 30m9 options to bookBus2h 45m–4h 30m$16

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Bus

The bus is an affordable way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. It is also the most popular. Bus fares start from $16 (63,000 KHR), and the journey takes about 2h 45m - 4h 30m.

You can choose from six bus companies operating on this route.

We recommend travelling with Giant Ibis and Airbus. They usually get good reviews from travellers for being comfortable and reliable.

Bus schedule from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

Airbus · Standard$16
2h 45m – 4h 30m
Phnom Penh Virak Buntham → Sihanoukville Virakbuntham
06:0006:3013:45
Tickets
Airbus · Seater$16
3h – 3h 30m
Phnom Penh Virak Buntham → Sihanoukville Virakbuntham
08:1510:1512:45
Tickets
Virak Buntham Express · Luxury Hotel$16
4h 15m – 4h 30m
Phnom Penh Virak Buntham → Sihanoukville Virakbuntham
00:4502:0002:30
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Booking tip

Each transport company departs from and arrives at its own office, so make sure to check the address in advance.

Shared Minivanfrom$153h – 3h 30m4 options to bookShared Minivan3h–3h 30m$15

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Shared Minivan

A minivan ride from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville costs around $15 (59,000 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 3h - 3h 30m, depending on traffic.

Minivans usually get you there faster than buses because they make fewer stops. The downside is that space can feel a bit cramped, with less legroom and limited room for bags.

There are four companies operating on this route: Larryta Express, Virak Buntham Express, Sovan Rithy Express and Koh Rong Island Transport.

Shared Minivan schedule from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

Larryta Express · Standard$15
3h 30m
Phnom Penh Larryta Express → Larryta Express Sihanoukville
06:3007:0008:00
Tickets
Virak Buntham Express · VIP$16
3h
Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville
Tickets
Sovan Rithy Express · Standardfrom$17
3h – 3h 30m
Sovan Rithy Express Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville Sovan Rithy Tickets Agent
02:3007:3008:30
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Booking tip

Note that many transport companies in Cambodia switch between a minibus and a van, depending on availability and how many passengers are booked.

Trainfrom$116h 35mTimes and ticketsTrain6h 35m$11Cheapest

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Train

A train ride from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville costs around $11 (46,500 KHR), and the journey takes about 6h 35m. Since buses and minivans complete the same journey in around 3 to 4 hours, many locals do not usually choose to take the train for this route.

That said, the train does have its advantages. It is one of the few transport options that allows you to bring a bicycle or motorbike on board. Tickets for vehicles start from $5 (20,400 KHR) and can be purchased at the service desk at the railway station.

The journey is also scenic, passing through rural areas and small towns along the way.

From Thursday to Sunday, Cambodia Royal Railway runs KiHa model trains, which are refurbished Japanese trains and are noticeably more comfortable than the regular service.


On other days, trains use older carriages, which are more basic and offer fewer comfort features.

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 Sihanoukville

Cambodia Royal Railway · Economy Seat$11
6h 36m
07:00
Tickets

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Stations

Map of stations
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From
To

Arrival Station

The train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville arrives at Sihanoukville Railway Station, about 6km from the main beach area. You can reach your hotel by tuk-tuk with rates starting from $5 (20,400 KHR).

Taxifrom$81per car3h5 options to bookTaxi3h$81per car

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Taxi

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

Prices for private transfer start at $81 (330,000 KHR) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $27 (110,000 KHR) each.

Private Transport options from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

3h · $81 (330,000 KHR)
SIMA Car · Comfort Car 3 PAX$80
3hper car
Any time you choose
Tickets
Golden Escape Cambodia · SUV Car 4 PAX$83
3hper car
Any time you choose
Tickets
Golden Escape Cambodia · VIP Minivan 5 PAX$130
3hper car
Any time you choose
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Flightfrom$20535mTimes and ticketsFlight35mFastest$205

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by Flight

There used to be direct flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville that took just 35 minutes and cost around $80 (325,000 KHR), but those are no longer running.

Now, Air Cambodia is the only airline flying from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, and all its flights are indirect. Prices start at around $205 (830,000 KHR), but depending on the layover, the journey can take anywhere from 5 to 17 hours.

With buses and minivans covering the same route in just 3 to 4 hours, flying really isn’t worth it anymore.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Reach out to our Community

1

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?

M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

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.

0
1

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, roughly 186 kilometres (116 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $11 (46,500 KHR). The quickest trip takes 35m.

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 Sihanoukville?

The distance from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is 186 kilometres (116 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 35m.

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 46,500 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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