Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s premier beach destination, is known for its white-sand beaches, island getaways, and lively nightlife. Located 225 km (140 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville is accessible by bus, minivan, train, flight, or private car. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville:
- By Bus or Minivan: The most affordable and widely used option.
- By Train: A scenic but slower alternative.
- By Flight: The fastest but least practical choice.
- By Private Car or Taxi: The most comfortable and flexible option.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
Timetable
| Flight Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville ¥ 13,314–32,875 3h 55m – 1d 8h 14m | |
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| Bus Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville ¥ 1,801–3,110 2h 45m – 6h | |
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| Taxi Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville ¥ 11,966–72,598 2h 30m – 5h 40m | |
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| Train Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville ¥ 1,658–2,372 7h | |
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| Van Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville ¥ 2,022–2,444 3h – 3h 30m | |
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By Bus or Minivan: The Most Affordable and Widely Used Option
For most travelers, taking a bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is the most budget-friendly and convenient way to travel.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Phnom Penh city center (bus stations vary by company).
- Arrival Point:
- Sihanoukville city center or the ferry terminal (depending on operator).
- Duration: 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Price: $9–$16 USD, depending on the operator and bus type.
- Bus & Minivan Operators:
- Giant Ibis (most reliable, comfortable VIP buses).
- Virak Buntham (budget option, mixed reviews).
- Cambodia Post VIP Van (fastest minivan service, fewer stops).
- Bus Types:
- VIP Bus (Larger seats, A/C, onboard WiFi, toilet available).
- Standard Bus (Cheaper, may lack onboard amenities).
- Minivan (Faster but less spacious, direct routes).
- Departure Frequency: Every 1–2 hours from morning to evening.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option (~$9 USD for budget buses, $16 USD for VIP buses).
- Multiple departures throughout the day.
- Some VIP services include hotel pickup.
Cons:
- Cambodian roads can be bumpy and prone to delays.
- Minivans can feel cramped.
Booking Tip:
For better comfort, book a VIP bus with reclining seats. Use our online search form to check bus schedules and book your ticket.
By Train: A Scenic but Slower Alternative
For travelers who enjoy a relaxing and scenic journey, taking the train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is an option, though not the fastest.
Key Details:
- Departure Station: Phnom Penh Royal Railway Station.
- Arrival Station: Sihanoukville Railway Station.
- Duration: 6.5 to 7.5 hours.
- Price: $8–$10 USD.
- Train Operator: Royal Railway Cambodia.
- Seating Options:
- Standard Seating (Air-conditioned, basic but comfortable).
- Soft Seats (More legroom, slightly more expensive).
- Departure Frequency: Only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Pros:
- More comfortable than buses on bumpy roads.
- Scenic views of the Cambodian countryside.
- No risk of traffic delays.
Cons:
- Slower than buses (~7 hours).
- Limited departure days (only on weekends).
- No onboard dining, so bring snacks and drinks.
Booking Tip:
For best comfort, choose soft seats. Use our online search form to check train schedules and book your ticket.
By Flight: The Fastest but Least Practical Choice
For travelers who prefer speed over cost, taking a flight from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is the quickest option, but with limited availability.
Key Details:
- Departure Airport: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).
- Arrival Airport: Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS).
- Duration: 45 minutes (excluding airport transfers).
- Price: $80–$150 USD, depending on airline and booking time.
- Airlines:
- Cambodia Angkor Air.
- Lanmei Airlines (low-cost carrier).
- Flight Frequency: Limited flights per week.
Additional Airport Transfers:
- Sihanoukville Airport to City Center: ~30 minutes by taxi, ~$20 USD.
Pros:
- Fastest option (~45 minutes flight time).
Cons:
- Expensive compared to bus or train.
- Limited flight availability.
- Still requires taxi transfer from the airport to town.
Booking Tip:
For lower fares, book flights at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Use our online search form to compare flight options.
By Private Car or Taxi: The Most Comfortable and Flexible Option
For travelers who prefer a direct and hassle-free journey, hiring a private car or taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is the most comfortable choice.
Key Details:
- Departure Point: Pickup from your hotel in Phnom Penh.
- Arrival Point: Drop-off at your hotel or ferry terminal in Sihanoukville.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Price: $60–$120 USD, depending on car type.
- Taxi & Private Car Services:
- PassApp (local ride-hailing app, sometimes cheaper than taxis).
- Hotel-arranged private drivers.
- Local taxi companies.
Pros:
- Faster than buses or trains (~4–5 hours).
- Door-to-door service, no need for transfers.
- More comfortable than a bus or minivan.
Cons:
- More expensive than other options.
- Roads can be rough, especially during rainy season.
Booking Tip:
For better rates, book your private car in advance using our online search form.
Final Tips for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
- Best Option for Budget Travelers: Bus or Minivan (~$9 USD, 4.5+ hours).
- Best Option for Comfort & Scenic Views: Train (~$8 USD, 7+ hours, weekend only).
- Best Option for Speed: Flight (~$80 USD, 45 minutes + airport transfer).
- Best Option for Direct & Private Travel: Private Car (~$80 USD, 4+ hours).
- Book Early for Peak Season: Trains, buses, and flights sell out quickly during high season (November–March).
