How to Get From Kep to Sihanoukville

A minivan ride from Kep to Sihanoukville costs around 42,000 KHR ($10). The minivan journey takes about 3-4h, depending on traffic.

Kampot Transports operates on this route.

Departure and arrival stations

In Kep, you'll depart from Kampot Transport ticket service and bus station or from a pick-up point along National Road 33A in the town centre.

There are two drop-off points in Sihanoukville, so make sure to check where your ride is heading:

• Sihanoukville International Airport
• Drop-off point near One Lion Roundabout in the city centre

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

You can choose from two bus companies operating on this route: Champa Mekong* and Ekareach Express.

Between the two, Ekareach Express gets slightly better reviews. You can also book them in advance on BookAway. But like many operators in Cambodia, service can still be hit or miss.

The cheapest option is Champa Mekong, but it's also tricky to book online. We don’t really recommend it.

Maarten's Personal Tip: When I travelled with Champa Mekong, the minibus picked me up several hours later than expected. I also heard similar stories from other travellers. Their minibuses usually depart from the small bus station right in front of Kep Beach. If everything goes according to plan, they will drop you off in front of Golden Star Inn. This is still a 10-15 minute walk to the centre of Sihanoukville.

If you don’t want to deal with delays, it’s worth booking a private taxi instead. If you split the fare with other people, the taxi ride will not cost a lot more.

The quickest way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville is by hailing a taxi on the road or ordering one from your hotel. This will cost around 201,000 KHR ($50), but always make sure you agree on the price and drop-off point in advance.

Booking a taxi online is a little bit more expensive, but you will get better taxis and more leg space. Also, the prices are fixed, so you won’t have to bother about negotiating.

Prices for private transfer start at 265,000 KHR ($66) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 66,000 KHR ($17) each.

The highway from Kep to Sihanoukville is in good condition, so the ride should be quite comfortable.

The train is an affordable way to get from Kep to Sihanoukville. Train fares start from 32,000 KHR ($8.00), and the journey takes around 2h 55m.

From Thursday to Sunday, Cambodia 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.

Departure station

Kep Railway Station sits about 12 km north of Kep Beach and is part of the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville route. It’s a quiet, remote station with nothing but a basic restroom. You can get there by tuk-tuk, with fares from 20,000 KHR ($5.00). However, drivers are known for overcharging, so be ready to negotiate.

If you’re a solo female traveller, it’s good to know that the station is isolated and there’s no security on-site. It can feel a bit uncomfortable if you’re alone, especially during early morning or evening hours.