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Leaving the chaotic energy of Phnom Penh behind for the sleepy, salt-scented air of Kampot feels like exhaling after a long day. While the capital hums with the sound of a million motorbikes and the glint of gold-roofed pagodas, Kampot offers a slower pace of life defined by crumbling French colonial architecture, riverside sunsets, and the world-famous pepper plantations that cling to the nearby hills.
The journey south is a transition from urban sprawl to the emerald landscapes of southern Cambodia. Depending on your budget and preference for adventure, you can travel by train, by shared van or bus, or by private car. You can compare the options and book on GoAsia.cc.
Phnom Penh to Kampot by Van
Shared vans and minibuses are the most common way to make this trip, and they take from about 3 hours, longer with traffic.[1] On booking platforms, a van seat costs about $7 to $9 (October 2026).[1] Luggage space in vans can be tight, so pack light.
Phnom Penh to Kampot by Train
Royal Railway runs the train from Phnom Penh station to Kampot station on its Southern Line.[2] On the operator's booking page, the train leaves Phnom Penh at 07:00 and arrives in Kampot at 10:51 (3 hours 51 minutes).[3] A Normal seat costs $10 and First Class costs $17.[3] In the other direction, the train leaves Kampot at 16:15 and arrives in Phnom Penh at 20:39.[3]
Phnom Penh to Kampot by Bus
Giant Ibis runs a bus from its terminal on Street 106 in Phnom Penh (Night Market area) to its ticket office on Street 724 in Kampot, and lists the trip at 4 hours for 150 km.[4] Its schedule lists departures from Phnom Penh at 08:00 and 14:45.[5] A baggage allowance of 20 kg, a pastry and water are included.[4] On booking platforms, bus tickets from other operators cost about $7 to $12 (October 2026).[1]
Phnom Penh to Kampot by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Phnom Penh and drops you at your accommodation in Kampot, so you do not need tuk-tuks to and from stations. It takes from about 2 hours 30 minutes, longer with traffic.[1] On booking platforms, private cars start at about $57 and large minibuses cost up to about $333 per vehicle (October 2026).[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van | About $7 - $9[1] | From about 3h[1] |
| Train | $10 (Normal), $17 (First Class)[3] | 3h 51min[3] |
| Bus | About $7 - $12[1] | About 3h - 4h[4] |
| Private Transfer | About $57 - $333 per vehicle[1] | From about 2h 30min[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Kampot
- Book Ahead: The train runs once a day in each direction on the dates we checked, so plan around the 07:00 departure.[3]
- Departure Points: Giant Ibis buses leave from Street 106 near the Night Market.[4] Other operators use their own offices, so check the departure address on your ticket.
- Arrival in Kampot: The Giant Ibis bus stops at its ticket office on Street 724, opposite Kampot Park, where tuk-tuks wait.[4]
Timetable
| Bus Phnom Penh - Kampot $ 6.73–12.02 3h – 4h | |
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| Taxi Phnom Penh - Kampot $ 56.82–329.75 2h 30m – 3h 45m | |
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| Train Phnom Penh - Kampot $ 9.31–11.18 3h 51m – 4h | |
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| Van Phnom Penh - Kampot $ 7.27–8.85 3h – 3h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Phnom Penh to Kampot, including current prices and schedules.
Vans and buses are the cheapest, from about $7 on booking platforms (October 2026). The Royal Railway train costs $10 in Normal class.
A private transfer is generally the fastest, from about 2 hours 30 minutes. Vans take from about 3 hours, depending on traffic.
The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours by van or bus. The train takes 3 hours 51 minutes and Giant Ibis lists its bus at 4 hours.
The train is a little slower than a van, but you travel without road traffic and see the countryside from the window. It leaves Phnom Penh at 07:00 and costs $10 in Normal class.
Luggage space in minivans is limited. If you have large suitcases, a bus with a luggage hold is easier. Giant Ibis includes a 20 kg baggage allowance.
Most services run during the day. Giant Ibis lists departures from Phnom Penh at 08:00 and 14:45, and the train leaves at 07:00.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable Phnom Penh - Kampot. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] Royal Railway Cambodia: Passenger Train. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Royal Railway Cambodia: Train Phnom Penh to Kampot (Royal Railway online booking). Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [4] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [5] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus Schedule. Retrieved October 15, 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.