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Leaving Phnom Penh for Kratie feels like stepping into a slower, more rhythmic Cambodia. In Kratie the Mekong runs wide and quiet, Irrawaddy dolphins surface in the river and the sunsets turn the sky purple. The road follows the river north toward the border with Laos, past garment factories on the edge of the capital and then rubber plantations and fruit orchards around Kampong Cham.
Buses and vans serve Kratie town from early morning until midnight, with departures every 15 minutes to 1 hour.[1] You can choose between a public bus, a shared van and a private transfer.
Phnom Penh to Kratie by Van
Vans are smaller and nimbler than coaches, so they often save time. On booking platforms, a seat costs about $10 to $19 (October 2026).[2] The trip takes from about 3 hours 30 minutes and up to 6 hours, depending on stops and operator.[2]
VIP and Luxury vans have air conditioning and more modern seating. Shared vans and standard minivans sit at the lower end of the price range. Pack in a soft bag if you can, because storage space in a van is limited.
Phnom Penh to Kratie by Bus
Buses feel stable and give you a higher view over the Mekong. Tickets cost about $11 to $15 on booking platforms (October 2026).[2] The ride takes from about 4 hours 30 minutes and up to 5 hours 45 minutes.[2]
Daytime Seater buses let you watch the scenery unfold. Hotel Bus, Luxury Hotel and Sleeper services run in the evening and get you to Kratie early in the morning, ready to head to the river for dolphins.
Phnom Penh to Kratie by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Phnom Penh and drops you at your guesthouse in Kratie. On booking platforms, prices run from about $145 to $463 depending on the vehicle, from a sedan up to a 25-seat minibus (October 2026).[2] The drive takes from about 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours.[2] It is a good choice if you want to stop for photos or a meal in Kampong Cham.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van | $10 - $19 | From about 3h 30min to 6h | Medium[2] |
| Bus | $11 - $15 | From about 4h 30min to 5h 45min | Medium to High[2] |
| Private Transfer | $145 - $463 | From about 4h 35min to 5h | High[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Kratie
- Book in Advance: Kratie is a popular stop on the northeast loop. At weekends and on public holidays, book a few days ahead to get the departure you want.
- Morning or Overnight: A morning van gets you to Kratie in time for lunch and a sunset bike ride on Koh Trong island. A sleeper bus arrives early, when many guesthouses are not open yet.
- The Dolphins: Come early on your first full day to see the Irrawaddy dolphins in the river north of town.
Timetable
| Bus Phnom Penh - Kratie $ 10.56–15.39 4h 30m – 5h 45m | |
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| Taxi Phnom Penh - Kratie $ 144.34–460.51 4h 35m – 5h | |
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| Van Phnom Penh - Kratie $ 10.09–19.11 3h 30m – 6h | |
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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 Kratie, including current prices and schedules.
Vans and buses are the cheapest, with seats from about $10 on booking platforms.
Vans can take as little as 3 hours 30 minutes. A private transfer takes from about 4 hours 35 minutes and skips the stops for other passengers.
Plan on 4 to 6 hours. Vans start at about 3 hours 30 minutes, while buses and overnight sleepers take closer to 5 or 6 hours.
Yes. Hotel Bus, Luxury Hotel and Sleeper services leave Phnom Penh in the evening and arrive in Kratie early the next morning.
Vans are the most common way to get around Cambodia. VIP and Luxury operators usually run newer vehicles. Avoid travel after dark where you can, because road accidents are common in Cambodia.
Yes. Private transfers range from sedans and SUVs to 7-seat minivans and larger vans, so a family can travel together in one vehicle.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, TourismCambodia.com: Transportation - Kratie. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Phnom Penh - Kratie timetable. Retrieved October 20, 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.