How to Get from Koh Rong Samloem to Kep
Get from Koh Rong Samloem to Kep by ferry and minivan from about 4h 30m, or by ferry and train via Sihanoukville. Tickets from about $26.
Last updated: October 29, 2026
Contents
Leaving the turquoise water and white sand of Koh Rong Samloem for Kep means swapping island time for a sleepy coastal town of crumbling colonial villas, sea breezes and crab stalls. Kep is known for fresh seafood at the Psar Kdam Crab Market and for the Kampot pepper crab.[1]
The island has no road to the mainland, so every trip starts with a boat to Sihanoukville and continues by road or rail along the coast. Most travelers buy one combined ferry and minivan ticket, or take the ferry and the train as two separate legs.
Koh Rong Samloem to Kep by Ferry and Van
The simplest option is a combined ticket: a morning boat to the mainland and a minivan straight on to Kep. You board at a pier on the island, such as M'Pai Bay,[2] and the van waits on the mainland side. The whole journey takes from about 4 hours 30 minutes, longer with sea conditions or traffic.[3]
On booking platforms, combined ferry and van tickets cost about $26 to $27 (October 2026). Departures run from early morning to the afternoon.[3]
Koh Rong Samloem to Kep by Ferry and Train
If you prefer rails to roads, take the ferry to Sihanoukville and continue on the southern line of Royal Railway, which also stops at Kep.[4] The train leaves Sihanoukville at 14:00 and reaches Kep station at 16:34 on the schedule shown for October 2026; a standard seat costs $9 and first class $17.[5] Ferries from Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville leave at 11:00 and 14:15 and take about 45 minutes, so only the earlier boat connects with this train.[6]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + van (combined ticket) | About $26 to $27[3] | From about 4h 30m[3] |
| Ferry + train | $9 for the train, plus the ferry fare[5] | About 5 hours 30 minutes from the 11:00 ferry[6][5] |
Tips for Traveling from Koh Rong Samloem to Kep
- Check your departure pier: The island has several piers, so confirm which one your boat leaves from. Getting between bays often means a private longtail boat.
- Sea conditions: The crossing to Sihanoukville can be choppy when the wind is up, so sit towards the back and keep your valuables dry.
- Water and snacks: Bring water and something to eat for the mainland leg. Shops on the island cost more.
- Luggage: Space in minivans is limited. Tell the operator in advance if you carry surfboards or other bulky gear.
- Arriving in Kep: Tuk-tuks and local drivers take you on to your guesthouse or to the Crab Market.
Timetable
| Van Koh Rong Samloem - Kep $ 26.35–26.86 4h 30m – 5h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Koh Rong Samloem to Kep, including current prices and schedules.
A combined ferry and van ticket is the cheapest option, at about $26 to $27 on booking platforms (October 2026). The train from Sihanoukville to Kep costs $9 but you pay the ferry separately.
The journey takes from about 4 hours 30 minutes with a combined ferry and van ticket, longer with sea conditions or traffic.
No. Boats go to Sihanoukville, and you continue by minivan or train.
Yes. Royal Railway runs a train from Sihanoukville to Kep station that leaves at 14:00 on the October 2026 schedule. Only the 11:00 ferry from Koh Rong Samloem connects with it.
Not with a combined ticket, which covers the boat and the van. For the train option you buy the ferry and the train ticket separately.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Cambodia Coastal Master Plan, MPSEZ (Preah Sihanouk Provincial Special Economic Zone): Kep Tourism. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] GTVC Speedboat: GTVC Speedboat. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: Koh Rong Samloem to Kep timetable. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [4] Royal Railway Cambodia: Passenger Train. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [5] Royal Railway Cambodia: Train Kep to Sihanoukville (Royal Railway online booking). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [6] Romny Tour Express Ferry: Romny Tour Express Ferry. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.