How to Get from Koh Rong Samloem to Phnom Penh
Ferry from Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville, then van or bus to Phnom Penh: from about 6 hours 30 minutes and about $46. Piers, times and tips.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Contents
Koh Rong Samloem is all turquoise water and slow beach days, and the way back to Phnom Penh starts with a boat. The island has no airport, so every route begins with a crossing to Sihanoukville on the mainland. From there the road leads to the capital, a trip many travelers make on their way to an international flight or to the temples of Siem Reap.
Koh Rong Samloem to Phnom Penh by Ferry and Van
The simplest option is a through ticket that covers the boat and the van, so one operator hands you over at the pier in Sihanoukville. On booking platforms the combined ferry and van ticket costs about $46 (October 2026), and the journey takes from about 6 hours 30 minutes.[1]
The Island Departure
The boat crosses to Sihanoukville in 45 minutes. If you book the boat on its own, Romny Tour Express sails from Koh Rong Samloem at 11:00 and 14:15.[2] Koh Rong Samloem has several landing spots, so ask your guesthouse which pier your boat leaves from.
The Land Transfer
From Sihanoukville the expressway runs 240 km to Phnom Penh. If you book the bus yourself, Giant Ibis takes 4 hours from its office on Phe Street next to the Autonomous Port, with a 30-minute stop at the rest area on the expressway, and arrives at its station on Street 106 near the Night Market.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + van (through ticket) | About $46 | From about 6h 30min[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Koh Rong Samloem to Phnom Penh
- Book in Advance: In the busy dry season, book your through ticket a few days ahead.
- Check Your Pier: Confirm the exact pier with your guesthouse before the day of travel, so you are not waiting on the wrong beach.
- Check the Boat and the Weather: The UK Foreign Office warns of overloaded or poorly maintained boats and says tourist boats sometimes sail despite weather warnings between Sihanoukville and the nearby islands. Look for life jackets and skip a crossing in bad weather.[4]
Timetable
| Ferry Koh Rong Samloem - Phnom Penh $ 46.41 6h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Koh Rong Samloem to Phnom Penh, including current prices and schedules.
Booked as one through ticket, the ferry and van cost about $46 on booking platforms (October 2026). You can also book the Romny Tour Express ferry and a Giant Ibis bus separately.
Every option starts with the 45-minute boat to Sihanoukville. The Giant Ibis bus then takes 4 hours to Phnom Penh, so a separate booking with a good connection takes about 4 hours 45 minutes plus waiting time, while the through ticket takes from about 6 hours 30 minutes.
The through ticket takes from about 6 hours 30 minutes, including the boat crossing to Sihanoukville and the drive to the capital.
No, there is no airport on Koh Rong Samloem. Take a boat to Sihanoukville and continue by road.
Koh Rong Samloem has several landing spots. Ask your guesthouse or check your ticket for the pier your boat uses.
Yes. The Giant Ibis bus from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh stops for 30 minutes at the rest area on the expressway.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Koh Rong Samloem - Phnom Penh timetable. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [2] Romny Tour Express Ferry: Romny Tour Express Ferry. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [4] UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): Safety and security - Cambodia travel advice. Retrieved October 19, 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.