Minivan / van
Fast, frequent departures, best overall choice
Private taxi/car
Door-to-door, no transfers
Bus
Lowest price, widely available
Train
Limited departures, less practical
Quick answer: If you’re travelling from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, you’ll find that the bus or minivan is the most practical choice—with multiple daily departures and reasonable fares. The train is a slower, more scenic option (only one service per day) and a private taxi offers the most flexibility but at a significantly higher cost.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately ~230-264 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~3-5.5 hours by bus/minivan | ~6-7 hours by train (limited frequency)
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan starting around US $10-20 per person | Train around US $10-12 one way.
- 🚌 Best for budget & convenience: Bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
- 🚖 Best for flexibility & comfort: Private taxi or car transfer (~2.5-3 hours) albeit at a higher cost.
Last updated in March 2026
From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by bus/van, train, taxi / car.
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- The journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in Cambodia spans approximately 230 km by land. The preferred mode of transportation for this route is by bus or minivan. Traveling by bus or minivan typically takes around 2.5-5.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $20 per person. While Sihanoukville does have an international airport situated approximately 15 km from the city, flying from Phnom Penh for such a short distance is often impractical. Alternatively, for enthusiasts of train journeys, Royal Railway provides a comfortable and refurbished train service from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, offering an intriguing travel experience.
- For a more convenient and comfortable transfer, private taxis or cars are available, with costs ranging from $85 to $500 per vehicle, including transportation from Phnom Penh Airport. Secure your bus, train tickets, or private car/taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville conveniently online. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the weather conditions in Sihanoukville by reading this informative article before your arrival: Weather in Sihanoukville.
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- Sihanoukville (Krong Preah Sihanouk) is the ultimate destination for beach relaxation in Cambodia. Situated in the southwest part of Cambodia, Sihanoukville serves as a bustling port city and a favored spot among tourists. It acts as a gateway to the stunning Cambodian beaches and exploration of islands in the Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Rong, Koh Ta Kiev, or Pineapple Island. Sihanoukville boasts excellent connectivity with Phnom Penh via a well-maintained road network, facilitating travel options such as buses, minibusses, vans, taxis, or the historic Royal Railway train.
- Bus fares to Sihanoukville start as low as $8-10 per person, making travel by tourist bus, minivan, or Royal Railway train the most economical and popular choices. Discover the detailed instructions on how to reach Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh below in this article. Additionally, travelers can explore alternative routes to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh via Kampot and Krong Kep, with available bus, train, or taxi services between these cities.
| Transfer Mode – Phnom Penh to Sihanouk | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 2.5–5.5 hours | $10–20 per person |
| Train – Royal Railway | 6 hours | $10–12 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi | 3–5.5 hours | $85–500 per vehicle |
How do I get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
1. BUS from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
👉 Bus is the most popular and cheapest way from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and most solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~3.5–5 hours (some faster options ~2.5 hours)
- ✔️ Price: $10–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern buses with seats or sleeper berths)
- ✅ Best option: Buses with companies like Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham or Airbus
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check departure/arrival points carefully.
One of the most popular low-cost transport option from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in Cambodia is by bus. At the same time, it is sometimes also a fast option, some companies run this route in 2.5 hours. On the route to Sihanoukville, several companies operate bus connections, some of them that will offer you classic larger buses are Airbus, Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham, Chan Moly Roth Transportation or Olongpich Transport.
These companies will offer you buses with sleeping berths and, to a lesser extent, with seats. The travel time by classic bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes approximately 3.5-5 hours, but it is better to expect that the buses may sometimes be late. Buses may depart from various locations in Phnom Penh and may also arrive at various locations in Sihanoukville, you will see this information when booking and searching for tickets.
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A bus transfer to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh costs approximately $10-15/pp, these prices vary by company and bus type. Bus tickets from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville are easy to find and book online in advance. Always read all transfer and ticket instructions carefully to avoid any misunderstandings.
Buses usually also accept tickets on a phone/tablet, so it is not necessary to print them, but the information provided at the time of booking always applies. Bus transfer to Sihanoukville is mainly sought by solo low-cost travelers who have a more limited budget for their trip. However, it can be suitable for all travelers, the buses are modern, well-maintained, clean and offer enough comfort for everyone.
| Bus Service | Departs in Phnom Penh | Arrival in Sihanouk |
|---|---|---|
| Chan Moly Roth | 07:30 | 12:30 |
| Chan Moly Roth | 01:45 | 06:00 |
| Chan Moly Roth | 13:45 | 17:15 |
| Chan Moly Roth | 17:30 | 21:00 |
| Olongpich | 01:30 | 07:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 01:30 | 06:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 02:00 | 06:30 |
| Virak Buntham | 05:30 | 08:30 |
| Virak Buntham | 06:30 | 09:30 |
| Virak Buntham | 07:00 | 10:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 09:00 | 12:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 10:00 | 13:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 11:00 | 14:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 12:00 | 15:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 14:00 | 17:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 15:00 | 18:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 16:00 | 19:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 17:00 | 20:00 |
| Virak Buntham | 18:00 | 21:00 |
| Larryta Express | 07:00 | 10:30 |
| Larryta Express | 08:00 | 11:30 |
| Larryta Express | 09:00 | 12:30 |
| Larryta Express | 10:00 | 13:30 |
| Larryta Express | 11:00 | 14:30 |
| Larryta Express | 12:00 | 15:30 |
| Larryta Express | 13:00 | 16:30 |
| Larryta Express | 14:00 | 17:30 |
| Larryta Express | 17:00 | 20:30 |
| Larryta Express | 18:00 | 21:30 |
| Capitol VIP | 07:15 | 09:45 |
| Capitol VIP | 08:45 | 11:45 |
| Capitol VIP | 11:45 | 14:45 |
| Capitol VIP | 14:15 | 16:45 |
| Capitol VIP | 17:30 | 20:30 |
| Airbus | 07:30 | 10:30 |
| Airbus | 08:00 | 10:30 |
| Airbus | 08:15 | 11:45 |
| Airbus | 12:45 | 16:15 |
| Vibol Express | 07:30 | 11:00 |
| Vibol Express | 13:30 | 17:00 |
| Vibol Express | 13:30 | 17:00 |
| Sovan Rithy | 07:30 | 11:00 |
| Sovan Rithy | 09:30 | 13:30 |
| Sovan Rithy | 11:00 | 14:00 |
| Sovan Rithy | 13:00 | 16:00 |
| Sovan Rithy | 15:30 | 19:00 |
2. MINIBUS / VAN from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
👉 Minibus / van is a fast and comfortable way from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want faster travel with good comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–4 hours
- ✔️ Price: $12–20 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern minivans with limited passengers)
- ✅ Best option: Minivans with companies like Virak Buntham, Larryta Express or Vibol Express
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check pickup/drop-off locations carefully.
Another popular, cheap and comfortable option for transportation to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh is a smaller minivan or minibus. It is also a suitable choice for ordinary solo travelers who travel in Cambodia on their own axis. Minivans are actually smaller buses for a limited number of passengers, they are comfortable, clean and also fast, some are faster than classic larger sleeper buses.
They are ideal on the route from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, because the minivan or minibus transfer only takes about 2.5-4 hours. Minivans to Sihanoukville are offered by companies such as Virak Buntham, Larryta Express, Capitol VIP, Vibol Express, Sovan Rithy Express, Chan Moly Roth, SIMA Express, Sakura Bus, Cambodia Post, Bayon VIP and others.
Minibuses and minivans depart from various locations or stations in Phnom Penh and also arrive at various locations in Sihanoukville. You will see this information again when booking and searching for tickets. Minivan tickets to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh cost between $12-20/pp, each company may have a different price and these prices may change slightly during the seasons.
Tickets for these minibuses to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh are easy to find and buy online ahead of time. The above companies also usually accept the ticket when presented on a smartphone/tablet, so you don’t need to print them out.
However, the information and instructions you see when booking tickets online always apply. A minivan and a minibus is not a bad way of transport at all, if you don’t want to use a sleeper bus, this is an ideal transport alternative.
BOOK VAN TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
3. TRAIN from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
👉 Train is a scenic and interesting way from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want a unique rail experience in Cambodia
- ✔️ Duration: ~6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $10–12 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (basic train seats, slower journey)
- ✅ Best option: Royal Railway train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check the limited timetable before planning your trip.
If you would like to travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by train, this transport option is also available and the Royal Railway train is in operation. The Royal Railway train used to be the only historical train in Cambodia, now it is a slightly modernized train for ordinary travelers as well.
However, a train transfer can certainly be an interesting experience and you will also see the non-touristy rural areas of Cambodia. However, Royal Railway trains have a limited timetable, are slower than buses or minivans, and there is 1 train a day on the route from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
Royal Railway trains to Sihanoukville offer you the only option and that is seats. The Royal Railway train departs from Phnom Penh Railway Station and arrives at Sihanoukville Railway Station, this station is approximately 5 km from the city center (see the Cambodia railway map).
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The train ride from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes about 6 hours and one-way train tickets are around $10-12/pp, so the price is about the same as a bus or minibus ride. You can easily search and buy train tickets to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh online and as an e-ticket in advance.
It is therefore not necessary to print it and it is enough to present it on your mobile phone, you will receive it to your specified email after ordering. However, the current transfer and ticket information always applies when booking tickets on the online platform.
A train transfer can be an interesting experience when traveling in Cambodia. However, due to the limited timetable and slower driving, the trains are not used much. However, it is definitely worth a try and the railway network in Cambodia should also be expanded in the future.
4. TAXI / CAR from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking door-to-door comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–5.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $85–500 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern air-conditioned cars, SUVs or minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like SIMA Car, Glassflower or Royal Cambodian Limousine
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and choose hotel pickup/drop-off for maximum convenience.
A very comfortable and convenient way to get to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh is by private car/taxi and with a driver. A private transfer by car and with a driver is of course the most expensive way to get to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh.
But the advantage can also be a small saving of time during the city transfer, because you can choose your departure point in Phnom Penh and your arrival point in Sihanoukville. The drivers are mostly experienced, they know the road and the cars are comfortable.
On the route from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, you can take advantage of SIMA Car, Royal Cambodian Limousine, Golden Escape Cambodia, Angkor Guide Adventure and Glassflower offers, which offer you various types of modern and air-conditioned cars. Smaller classic cars are usually a cheaper option than, for example, larger SUVs or minivans and minibuses for more people.
BOOK TAXI / CAR with 12go.asia ➜
However, if you are traveling in a group of several travelers at the same time, minivans can also be advantageous. You can then calculate the price for the entire minivan for individual passengers.
Driving time by private car/taxi to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh takes 2.5-5.5 hours and the fare ranges from $85-500/car, prices are based on the type of car and prices may change slightly during the year.
You can search and book your private car with driver from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville online well in advance. Also, always read the private transfer terms and conditions that companies have and follow all instructions to avoid any misunderstandings.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| SIMA Car | 02:30 | From $83.00 / SUV 4pax |
| SIMA Car | 02:30 | From $143.00 / Premium Van 5pax |
| SIMA Car | 02:30 | From $133.00 / Minivan 7pax |
| SIMA Car | 02:30 | From $225.00 / Van 10pax |
| SIMA Car | 02:30 | From $249.00 / VIP Alphard 5pax |
| SIMA Car | 02:30 | From $350.00 / VIP 18pax |
| Glassflower | 05:40 | From $160.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Glassflower | 05:40 | From $227.00 / Van 9pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 02:50 | From $315.00 / Van 10pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 02:50 | From $350.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 02:50 | From $440.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 02:50 | From $440.00 / SUV 3pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 02:50 | From $470.00 / Van 8pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 02:50 | From $477.00 / Van 17pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 02:50 | From $507.00 / Minibus 25pax |
| Angkor Guide Adventure | 03:05 | From $85.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Angkor Guide Adventure | 03:05 | From $130.00 / Van 7pax |
| Angkor Guide Adventure | 03:05 | From $290.00 / Minibus 20pax |
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville:
1. What is the travel time from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
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- Travel by train by Royal Railway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes about 6 hours.
- Travel by bus/minivan from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes about 2.5-5.5 hours.
- Travel by private taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes about 3-5.5 hours.
2. How to book bus/train tickets + fligths from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
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- You can book tickets from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- It is also possible to search and book another tickets, e.g. Sihanoukville > Phnom Penh…
3. What is the travel distance from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
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- Travel distance from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is about 230 km.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
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- Travel by train by Royal Railway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville costs about $10-20/pp.
- Travel by bus/van from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville costs about $10-16/pp.
- Travel by private taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville costs about $85-500/car.
5. What is the cheapest way of transport from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
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- The cheapest way of transport from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is to travel by bus or train, tickets start at $10.
6. What is the best way of getting from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
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- The best way is to travel by van or minivan (bus), vans or minivans are fast and comfortable. It is not so far from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, only about 230 km, and travel by bus/van takes only about 2.5-3 hours.
7. What is the most fastest way of transport from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
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- The most fastest way of transport from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is to travel by fast minivan or minibus.
8. Is it possible to travel by train of Royal Railway back to Phnom Penh?
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- Yes, you can travel by train of Royal Railway from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh.
9. Where to go from Sihanoukville? What to visit?
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- From Sihanoukville you can continue to Koh Rong Island by boat/ferry and you can visit also another islands nearby. You can also take a tourist bus to the less popular island in the north from Sihanoukville – Koh Kong. You can also visit Kampot, there is a bus, private car or train of Royal Railway to this town.
10. How to travel solo in Cambodia?
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- Solo travel in Cambodia offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this Southeast Asian gem. Navigate Cambodia solo by securing comfortable accommodations, exploring diverse transportation options, engaging in local activities, and fostering connections with fellow travelers for an enriching and memorable journey through the Kingdom of Wonder.
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🧭 Popular travel routes from Phnom Penh:
If you’re planning your next trip from Phnom Penh, here are other popular routes in Cambodia:
These are the most popular travel routes from Phnom Penh for visitors exploring Cambodia or neighbouring countries.
BOOK Your HOTEL in Sihanoukville ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
These practical tips offer helpful, real‑world advice for traveling from Phnom Penh in Cambodia’s capital down to the coastal city of Sihanoukville — a route popular for beach trips, island connections, and scenic landscapes along the way.
1. Choose Your Ride Based on Comfort vs Time
Buses and minivans between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville depart frequently, and the journey usually takes around three to five hours depending on traffic and stops. Minivans tend to be slightly faster and more frequent, while larger buses offer more space if you value comfort on the road.
2. Consider the Passenger Train for a Relaxed Ride
Cambodia’s Royal Railway line runs between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville and can take about seven hours. It’s slower than road but gives you a scenic, less cramped experience with opportunities to stretch your legs and enjoy countryside views. Always check the latest schedule at the station or with a local agent.
3. Flights Are Fast but Often More Expensive
Domestic flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville are available seasonally and can save travel time, though they tend to cost more than buses or trains. If you’re short on time or moving on to islands like Koh Rong shortly after, flying can be worth the extra cost.
4. Private Car or Taxi Adds Convenience
Private cars or taxis provide door‑to‑door service if you’re traveling with lots of luggage, in a group, or simply prefer flexibility. This option usually takes about four to five hours and lets you stop as needed, but it’s pricier than public transport.
5. Go Early to Avoid Congestion
Traffic can build up leaving Phnom Penh or approaching Sihanoukville — especially during Cambodian holidays or weekends. Leaving mid‑morning helps avoid rush periods and gives buses a better chance of sticking to their schedules.
6. Stay Ready for Transfers to Nearby Islands
If Sihanoukville is just a stop on the way to islands like Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, plan your connections in advance. Ferries usually depart from specific piers and sometimes require a short taxi or tuk‑tuk ride from the bus or train stations, so having local transport arranged can save stress on arrival.
Tip: Bus, train, flight, and private transfer tickets for the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville route can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure times, better prices, and often more comfortable seating — especially useful during peak travel seasons.