Bus / minivan
Cheap, frequent, easy to book
Private car/taxi
Door-to-door, flexible, no stops
Train
Scenic ride, limited departures
Multiple transfers
Unnecessary, direct options available
Quick answer: Travelling from Phnom Penh to Kep is a straightforward journey with reliable transport options. The most budget-friendly choice is a tourist bus or shared minivan. For more comfort and flexibility choose a private taxi or car with driver. It is possible to book tickets or car to Kep easily online.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. ~170 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~3–4 hours. | Train ~4–5 hours. | Private taxi/car ~3–3.5 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~US$7-13 per person. | Train ~US$8-9 per person. | Taxi/car from ~US$70+.
- 🚌 Best for budget & availability: Bus or shared minivan from Phnom Penh → Kep.
- 🚆 Best for experience or slower pace: Train journey – more relaxed but less frequent.
- 🚖 Best for comfort & flexibility: Private car or taxi with your own schedule.
Last updated in March 2026
From Phnom Penh to Kep you can travel by bus, train or private taxi.
The distance from Phnom Penh to Kep is about 170 km. Travelers can choose between tourist buses and minivans, Royal Railway trains or private taxis. The most popular option is a bus or minivan, taking about 3–4 hours and costing around $7–13/pp.
You can also travel by Royal Railway train from Phnom Penh Railway Station. The journey takes about 4–5 hours and tickets cost around $8–9/pp. These trains also continue to Sihanoukville.
Private taxis offer the fastest and most comfortable transfer, taking about 3.5 hours and costing from $70–360 per vehicle. There are no direct flights to Kep, as the nearest airport is in Sihanoukville. From Kep you can also travel to Kampot, or from Phnom Penh continue to Siem Reap.
| Transfer Mode – Phnom Penh to Kep | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 3–4 hours | $7–13 per person |
| Train (Royal Railway) | 4–5 hours | $8–9 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car | 3–3.5 hours | $70–360 per vehicle |
How do you get from Phnom Penh to Kep?
1. BUS / MINIVAN from Phnom Penh to Kep
👉 Bus or minivan is the most affordable and popular way from Phnom Penh to Kep.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and solo visitors
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~3–4 hours (may vary slightly)
- ✔️ Cost: $7–13 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: low to medium (standard buses or smaller vans)
- ✅ Best Option: Reliable bus or minivan with flexible departures
- 💡 Tip: Check departure points and book tickets online in advance
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Phnom Penh to Kep is by bus, minivan or minibus. Companies such as Capitol VIP, Cambodia Post, Ekareach Express, Kim Seng Express and Giant Ibis operate on this route. Travel time is about 3–4 hours and tickets cost around $7–13/pp.
Travelers can choose between larger buses with seats or comfortable minivans for smaller groups. Departure and arrival points may vary, so always check the latest details when booking your tickets.
Bus tickets can be easily booked online in advance and most companies accept mobile e-tickets. This is a fast, affordable and popular transport option for traveling across Cambodia.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
| Bus Operator: | Departs in Phnom Penh | Arrival in Krong Kep |
|---|---|---|
| Vibol Express | 07:30 | 11:00 |
| Vibol Express | 08:00 | 11:30 |
| Vibol Express | 09:00 | 12:30 |
| Vibol Express | 12:00 | 15:30 |
| Vibol Express | 14:00 | 17:30 |
| Vibol Express | 17:30 | 21:00 |
| Capitol VIP | 07:00 | 11:00 |
| Capitol VIP | 13:30 | 17:30 |
| Giant Ibis | 08:00 | 12:10 |
| Giant Ibis | 14:45 | 18:55 |
| Cambodia Post | 07:30 | 12:00 |
| Ekareach Express | 08:30 | 12:00 |
| Ekareach Express | 09:30 | 12:30 |
| Ekareach Express | 12:30 | 16:00 |
| Ekareach Express | 16:30 | 20:00 |
| Kim Seng | 08:30 | 12:15 |
| Kim Seng | 12:30 | 16:15 |
2. TRAIN from Phnom Penh to Krong Kep
👉 Train is a scenic and low-cost way from Phnom Penh to Kep.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who enjoy relaxed journeys and countryside views
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~4–5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $7–8 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: medium (basic seating on Royal Railway trains)
- ✅ Best Option: Royal Railway train from Phnom Penh to Kep
- 💡 Tip: Check timetable in advance and arrange transport from the station to town
Another affordable way to travel from Phnom Penh to Kep is by the Royal Railway train, the only passenger train service in Cambodia. The journey takes about 4–5 hours and offers a scenic alternative to bus travel.
The train departs from Phnom Penh Railway Station and arrives at Kep Railway Station, about 8 km from the town center. You can also continue on the same train to Kampot or Sihanoukville. Check the Cambodia Railway Map before traveling.
Train tickets cost about $7–8/pp and can be booked online in advance. Mobile e-tickets are accepted, so there is usually no need to print your ticket. Although train schedules are limited, this route is a pleasant and budget-friendly way to see more of Cambodia.
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Phnom Penh to Kep
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and fastest way from Phnom Penh to Kep.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers seeking convenience, privacy and flexible departure
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~3.5 hours (direct transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $70–360 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car with hotel pickup and drop-off
- 💡 Tip: Split the fare in a group and book online in advance
The most comfortable way to travel from Phnom Penh to Kep is by private car or taxi with a driver. The main advantage is a flexible departure point in Phnom Penh and direct drop-off at your hotel or destination in Kep.
Companies such as SIMA Car, Golden Escape Cambodia, Royal Cambodian Limousine and Angkor Guide Adventure operate on this route. They offer modern cars, SUVs and larger minivans for families or groups.
The journey takes about 3.5 hours and prices range from $70–360 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. Smaller cars are usually the cheapest option, while SUVs and minivans cost more.
Private transfers can be booked online in advance and are ideal for travelers looking for convenience, privacy and a direct door-to-door service.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Angkor Guide Adventure | 03:15 | From $70.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Angkor Guide Adventure | 03:15 | From $110.00 / Van 7pax |
| Angkor Guide Adventure | 03:15 | From $260.00 / Minibus 20pax |
| SIMA Car | 03:30 | From $112.00 / Minivan 7pax |
| SIMA Car | 03:30 | From $70.00 / SUV 4pax |
| SIMA Car | 03:30 | From $117.00 / Premium Van 5pax |
| Angkor Wat Private Day Tours | 03:45 | From $110.00 / SUV 3pax |
| Angkor Wat Private Day Tours | 03:45 | From $150.00 / Minivan 7pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 03:10 | From $233.00 / Van 10pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 03:10 | From $251.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 03:10 | From $339.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 03:10 | From $339.00 / Van 17pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 03:10 | From $339.00 / SUV 3pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 03:10 | From $369.00 / Van 8pax |
| Royal Cambodian Limous. | 03:10 | From $369.00 / Minibus 25pax |
| Golden Escape | 03:00 | From $96.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Golden Escape | 03:00 | From $144.00 / Minivan 7pax |
| Golden Escape | 03:00 | From $150.00 / VIP Van 5pax |
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Phnom Penh to Kep:
How to book tickets from Phnom Penh to Kep?
Book bus, train or private car tickets online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
What is the best way to travel from Phnom Penh to Kep?
Most travelers choose a bus or minivan because it is affordable, comfortable and widely available.
How long does it take to get from Phnom Penh to Kep?
Bus or minivan takes about 3–4 hours, the train about 4–5 hours and a private taxi around 3–3.5 hours.
How much does travel from Phnom Penh to Kep cost?
Bus tickets cost about $7–13/pp, train tickets $8–9/pp and private cars around $70–360 per vehicle.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest options are usually tourist minivans and Royal Railway trains.
Is there a direct flight from Phnom Penh to Kep?
No. Kep has no airport. The nearest airport is in Sihanoukville, about 120 km away.
Is there a direct train to Kep?
Yes, Royal Railway operates direct trains between Phnom Penh and Kep, with limited departures.
Where to stay in Kep?
Kep offers budget hotels, guesthouses and beach resorts. You can book accommodation in Kep online ➜.
Where can you travel from Kep?
From Kep you can travel to Kampot or continue to Sihanoukville by bus, train or taxi.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phnom Penh to Kep
Traveling from Phnom Penh to Kep covers about 170 km and you can travel by bus, minivan, train or private taxi.
- Choose Minivans for Speed: Most minivans reach Kep in about 3–4 hours and run throughout the day.
- Try the Royal Railway: Trains are slower but offer a more relaxed and scenic journey.
- Book Early: Advance booking is recommended during weekends and public holidays.
- Travel in the Morning: Early departures help avoid heavier traffic around Phnom Penh.
- Check Arrival Locations: Bus, train and taxi services may arrive at different places in Kep.
- Bring Some Cash: Useful for tuk-tuks, local markets and small restaurants.
- Consider a Private Taxi: Ideal for families, groups or travelers seeking extra comfort.
Tip: Bus, train and private taxi tickets from Phnom Penh to Kep can be searched and booked online in advance.