How to get from Sihanoukville Airport to the city centre

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.

Sihanoukville Airport

Sihanoukville Airport, also known as the Sihanouk International Airport (KOS), is Cambodia’s third-largest international airport. The airport, like the province itself, is named after King Norodom Sihano, who reigned between 1941 and 1955.

The airport is about 25 km east of Sihanoukville’s city centre and handles domestic flights along with a few regional routes. Most travellers use it for short connections to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

There are 2 ways to travel the 25 kilometre (16 miles) distance from Sihanoukville Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the private transport and tuk-tuk. The journey takes 35 minutes - 1 hour and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by tuk-tuk with tickets starting at 28,000 KHR ($6.90) - 80,000 KHR ($20).

No public buses or airport shuttles operate between Sihanoukville International Airport and the city centre.

Your main options are:

• Airport taxi
• Ride-hailing apps
• Pre-booked private transfer

Airport taxis are the most straightforward choice. The ride from Sihanoukville Airport to the city centre takes around 35 minutes, and fares start from 100,000 KHR ($25). You’ll find the taxi service counter in the arrivals area, just before exiting the terminal.

Grab and PassApp are available in Sihanoukville, but their service at the airport is not always reliable, and wait times can be unpredictable. Their prices are often lower than taxi rates, though, starting from 60,000 KHR ($15). It’s worth checking out these apps if you’re on a budget.

For a smoother experience, you can book your transport in advance through platforms like BookAway and Camboticket. Rates start from 121,000 KHR ($30.50) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 40,000 KHR ($10.10) per person.

Private Transport options from Sihanoukville Airport to the city centre

If you’re up for a local experience, you can take a tuk-tuk from Sihanoukville Airport to the city centre. Note that travel time with a tuk-tuk takes 45 minutes - 1 hour. It’s also more exposed and bumpier than a car, so it’s not the most comfortable choice after a flight.

You have 2 options when taking a tuk-tuk:

• Tuk-tuk booked via Grab
• Tuk-tuks waiting outside the terminal

Grab tuk-tuks are usually cheaper, with fares from 28,000 KHR ($6.90). The only catch is that Grab availability at the airport isn’t always consistent.

If there are no Grab tuk-tuks nearby, you’ll find tuk-tuks waiting outside the terminal. Fares range from 48,000 KHR ($12) to 80,000 KHR ($20), and prices aren’t fixed. Drivers often quote higher rates to tourists, so make sure to agree on the fare before hopping in.