Kampot to Phnom Penh

How to Get From Kampot to Phnom Penh

4Options
3hFastest
$8.50From
MaartenWritten by Maarten · Updated 1 week ago

Bus · Shared Minivan · Train · Taxi

Phnom Penh is Cambodia's capital, a lively sprawl of riverfront cafés, markets and French-colonial streets, about 136 kilometres (85 miles) north of Kampot. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh at $8.50 (34,000 KHR), taking 3h - 4h 30m. The minivan holds a tighter schedule for slightly more, and there's a train if you'd rather ride the rails.

Distance from Kampot to Phnom Penh

Kampot and Phnom Penh are about 136 km (85 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 155 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 3h and 4h 30m.

~136 km
Distance
~155 km
Road distance
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4 ways to travel from Kampot to Phnom Penh

There are four ways to travel from Kampot to Phnom Penh. You can choose between the bus, minivan, train, and private transport. The journey takes 3h–4h 25m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $8.50 (34,000 KHR).

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Kampot to Phnom Penh by Bus

3h - 4h 30mFrom $8.50 (34,000 KHR)

The bus is an affordable way to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh. Bus fares start from $8.50 (34,000 KHR), and the journey takes around 3h - 4h 30m.

You can choose from six bus companies operating on this route: Virak Buntham Express, Giant Ibis, Airbus, Kimseng Express, E Booking Express and Ekareach Express.

All of them generally receive good reviews from travellers.

With roads generally in good condition, bus travel is a comfortable and reliable option for this journey.

Bus schedule from Kampot to Phnom Penh

AirbusStandard4h
08:3014:15
$8.50
34,000 KHR
Kimseng ExpressStandard3h
06:3007:0007:3008:0008:3009:00+9
$9
36,000 KHR
E Booking ExpressStandard3h
06:3007:3008:3009:3010:3011:30+9
$9
36,000 KHR
Ekareach ExpressStandard3h
06:3007:3008:3009:3010:0010:30+9
$9.60
38,000 KHR
Virak Buntham ExpressVIP3h
06:0007:0012:0013:00
$12
47,000 KHR

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

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Booking Tip

Each company uses its own office as the departure and arrival point, so make sure to check the exact location when booking.

Kampot to Phnom Penh by Shared Minivan

3hFrom $12 (47,000 KHR)

A minivan ride from Kampot to Phnom Penh costs around $12 (47,000 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 3h, depending on traffic.

There are one companies operating on this route: Virak Buntham Express.

Minivans are usually cheaper than buses. The downside is that space can feel a bit cramped, with less legroom and limited room for bags.

Shared Minivan schedule from Kampot to Phnom Penh

All services arrive at Phnom Penh
Virak Buntham ExpressLuxury3h
11:00
$12
47,000 KHR

Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

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Booking Tip

Note that in Cambodia, transport companies often adjust the vehicle type based on how many people are travelling. You might book a bus but end up in a minivan, or the other way around, depending on demand.

Kampot to Phnom Penh by Train

4h 25mFrom $19 (78,000 KHR)

There is one train operating daily from Kampot to Phnom Penh.  Train ticket prices start from $19 (78,000 KHR), and travel time takes about 4h 25m.

You can usually buy cheaper tickets from the Royal Railway website.

The train offers a slow but enjoyable ride to Phnom Penh. Its route gives a better view of the rural landscape of Cambodia, as compared to the highways taken by buses and taxis. Delays are common, though, so this option is best suited if you are not on a tight schedule.

From Thursday to Sunday, the 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 and improved onboard facilities.


On other days, trains run using older carriages, which are more basic and provide fewer amenities.

Departure Station

Trains depart from Kampot Railway Station, some 3km north of Kampot Town. You can get there by tuk-tuk or taxi for around 10 minutes. Fares start from $5.00 (20,000 KHR) for a tuk-tuk and $10 (40,000 KHR) for a taxi.

Train schedule from Kampot to Phnom Penh

All services arrive at Phnom Penh
Cambodia Royal RailwayEconomy Seat4h 24m
16:15
$19
78,000 KHR

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

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Arrival Station

Phnom Penh Railway Station is in the town centre. Tuk-tuks are waiting outside the station, but you may find lower prices when you book through Grab or PassApp.

Before heading to your accommodation, take a few minutes to explore the station itself. It’s a beautifully restored historic building and a small attraction in its own right.

Kampot to Phnom Penh by Taxi

3h 30mFrom $115 (456,000 KHR)

A private transfer from Kampot to Phnom Penh is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 3h 30m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at $115 (456,000 KHR) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $38 (152,000 KHR) each.

Private Transport options from Kampot to Phnom Penh

3h 30m$115 (456,000 KHR)
Golden Escape Cambodia
SUV Car 3 PAX
$115 (456,000 KHR)
$38 (152,000 KHR) per person
Golden Escape Cambodia
VIP Minivan 5 PAX
$160 (646,000 KHR)
$33 (129,000 KHR) per person
Golden Escape Cambodia
Standard Minivan 7 PAX
$195 (790,000 KHR)
$28 (113,000 KHR) per person
Golden Escape Cambodia
Luxury Minivan 5 PAX
$305 (1,220,000 KHR)
$61 (244,000 KHR) per person

Taxi tickets are available on Bookaway.

STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia, split into a number of districts that each offer something different. Here's a quick rundown of the best districts to stay in:
  • Daun Penh is the city centre and historic area of Phnom Penh. It's where you’ll find the Royal Palace, government buildings and the most colonial architecture. Here is the place to stay if you want to be close to the top things to do in the city.
  • BBK1 boasts a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It's close to the city centre, without being as hectic. There are plenty of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and hipsters cafes here.
  • Riverside is, as the name suggests, along the river. You'll wake up to river views and be close to plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and street food.
Check out our favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh:
Budget

White Corner Hotel

As the name suggests, White Corner Hotel has a very white colour scheme both inside and out, giving it a clean and modern feel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing everything that you need.

If you stay here, you'll be located in the BBK1 neighbourhood, a very fun place to be staying. It's also within walking distance of the must-visit S-21 prison.

  • Clean and modern
  • Great location
  • Comfortable and spacious rooms
  • Bikes are available

Private rooms start from $21 per night.

Check availability
Mid-Range

Stay Sweet Homestay

With only four rooms available in this intimate homestay, you'll need to book Stay Sweet in advance if you want to guarantee yourself a room. The almost perfect rating is mainly down to the incredible owner, Panha, who provides a friendly welcome and the best recommendations.

Staying here you'll also receive a discount at the local swimming pool and gym. The onsite restaurant is also a must-try, the food is delicious!

  • Gets booked up
  • Amazing owner
  • Access to local swimming pool and gym
  • Delicious onsite restaurant

Private rooms start from $30 per night.

Check availability
Treat Yourself

TAO Riverside Residence

TAO Riverside Residence is located right on the river offering spectacular views. Most of the rooms have private balconies where you can relax after a long day of exploring and just watch the boats gliding along the river.

The rooms are mainly studio style with most rooms having their own kitchenette and seating areas. They're beautifully designed and super modern, creating an environment you won't want to leave. On top of that, the Wi-Fi is great!

  • Amazing river views
  • Private balconies
  • Large and modern rooms
  • Great Wi-Fi

Deluxe double studios start from $60 per night.

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s buzzing capital, can feel a bit hectic at first glance. It doesn’t have the same easy-going charm as Siem Reap, but it has a character all of its own.

It’s definitely not a place you want to skip! In fact, it’s probably the most important place to learn about the country’s devastating genocide and traumatic history. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields will open your eyes to what humanity is capable of.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Kampot to Phnom Penh, roughly 136 kilometres (85 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $8.50 (34,000 KHR). The quickest trip takes 3h.

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 Kampot to Phnom Penh?

The distance from Kampot to Phnom Penh is 136 kilometres (85 miles).

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

Journey times from Kampot to Phnom Penh overlap: bus 3h - 4h 30m, shared minivan 3h, train 4h 25m, taxi 3h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

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

The cheapest way to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 34,000 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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