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 Krong Kep you can get by bus, minivan, train, taxi.
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- Travel distance from Phnom Penh to Krong Kep in Cambodia is about 170 km by bus/taxi or train. There are 3 options how you can get to Kep from Phnom Penh: travel by tourist bus/minivan, train of Royal Railway of Cambodia or you can book your private taxi. The most popular and cheap way of transfer to Kep from Phnom Penh is to travel by minivan, minibus. Transfer by minibus or van from Phnom Penh to Krong Kampot takes about 3-4 hours and bus tickets cost about $7-13/pp. These minibuses or minivans are fast and also comfortable option of transport. You can use reliable bus companies: Cambodia Post, Ekareach Express or Kim Seng Express.
- Another option how you can reach Kep from Phnom Penh is to travel by train of Royal Railway. Train departs from Phnom Penh Royal Railway Station, the major train station in Cambodia. Transfer by train of Royal Railway from Phnom Penh to Krong Kep takes about 4-5 hours and train tickets cost about $8-9/pp. These train also go to Sihanoukville via Kep. The last option how you can go to Kep from Phnom Penh is to book a private car. Transfer by private taxi/car from Phnom Penh to Kep takes about 3.5 hours and it costs about $70-360 (vehicle). You can book a modern car to Kep online. You can search and book bus, train tickets or taxi to Kep online.
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- There are no flights to Kep from Phnom Penh because Kep has no airport. The closest airport is in Sihanoukville, it is about 120 km from Kep town. So, you can take a direct flight from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, visit this beautiful beach area and then you can travel by bus, van, train or taxi to Krong Kep. Kep in Cambodia’s was a top seaside destination until eclipsed in the 1960s by Sihanoukville (and, soon after, decades of civil war). The town is full of ruined shells of old villas, destroyed in the Khmer Rouge days and during the subsequent Civil War and stripped down by the leaving Vietnamese army. Today’s Kep has recently become established as a Khmer holiday spot and is slowly being rediscovered by tourists. If you are already in Kep, you can also travel to Kampot, it is about 25 km from this town. Read the instructions how you can reach Krong Kep from Phnom Penh below in this article. From Phnom Penh you can also go to Siem Reap – one of the most visited cities in Cambodia.
| 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 used and cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Kep is by bus, minivan or minibus. On this route to and from Kep, you can use bus services from various companies such as Capitol VIP, Champa Tourist Bus, Vibol Express, Cambodia Post, Ekareach Express, Kim Seng Express, Giant Ibis and others.
These companies will offer you mostly classic large buses with seats or even smaller minivans and minibuses for a limited number of passengers. The transfer by bus or minivan is relatively fast and the travel time from Phnom Penh to the city of Kep is about 3-4 hours.
However, it is better to take into account the fact that buses can be late and the exact travel time may not be observed, so take it as an average. Bus tickets to Kep from Phnom Penh cost between $7-13/pp, larger classic buses are usually cheaper options, minivans or minibuses are usually more expensive.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
But this may not be the case in all cases. You can search and buy your Phnom Penh to Kep bus tickets online well in advance. Always read all additional information and instructions for transfers and bus tickets when searching and booking, follow all company instructions.
Companies usually also accept tickets on a mobile phone, it is not necessary to print them, but the current information provided when booking the ticket always applies. Buses or minivans can depart from various locations in Phnom Penh and arrive at various locations in Kep.
You will see this information when searching for tickets on online platforms, so read everything carefully. A transfer by bus or minivan / minibus is sought after mainly by ordinary solo travelers in Cambodia and is also suitable for low-cost travelers, it usually belongs to the cheapest transport option.
| 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 cheap and interesting transport option from Phnom Penh to Krong Kep is the Royal Railway train. The Royal Railway is the only train running in Cambodia and it can be used by ordinary tourists for transfers on various routes. However, the disadvantage is the more limited railway network and also limited timetables on most routes.
Usually there is only 1 train connection per day from Phnom Penh to Kep, so it is also the case on other routes in Cambodia. You can also continue with this train to cities like Kampot or Sihanoukville, which is then the final station. Transfer by Royal Railway train from Phnom Penh to Kampot takes about 4-5 hours, usually this time is respected.
The train departs from Phnom Penh Railway Station (Cambodia Train Station) and arrives at Kep Railway Station (Sangkat Prey Thum, Kep), see Cambodia Railway Map. Kep Railway Station is approximately 8 km from the center of Kep, so it is necessary to use a transfer, e.g. by tuk-tuk or private taxi.
Train transfer is usually very cheap and train tickets from Phnom Penh to Kep cities cost between $7-8/pp. The prices are therefore almost comparable to a bus transfer. You can easily search and buy train tickets from Phnom Penh to Krong Kep easily online in advance.
Always read the up-to-date transfer information and follow the instructions given at the time of booking. Royal Railway trains also accept mobile phone tickets, so there is no need to print them out. You will receive the ordered tickets to your e-mail address, which you entered during the reservation.
Traveling by train in Cambodia can be an interesting way to diversify your travel, and on this occasion you will also see Cambodia from a different perspective. However, it is not as sought after due to more limited train timetables.
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 convenient, but at the same time the most expensive transfer option from the city of Phnom Penh to the city of Kep is a trip by private car/taxi with a driver. The advantage of a private transfer is that you can choose your departure point in Phnom Penh and your arrival point in Kep, thus you can save more of your time.
On the route between Phnom Penh and Kep, you can use the services of SIMA Car, Royal Cambodian Limousine, Golden Escape Cambodia, Angkor Wat Private Day Tours or Angkor Guide Adventure which offer you classic cars, SUVs and even minivans for groups of travelers. SIMA Car is a well-known company in Cambodia and will offer you a private transfer on other popular routes as well. Minivans are mainly suitable for those travelers who travel in one group at a time.
The travel time by private car/taxi from Phnom Penh to Kep is approximately 3.5 hours, but it is better to take this time as an average, which may vary according to your chosen route. Private transfers are usually the most expensive transportation option and the trip from Phnom Penh to Krong Kep costs between $70-360/car, prices vary by car type.
Smaller cars are usually cheaper options, SUVs or minivans are usually more expensive options. You can easily find and book your private car from Phnom Penh to Kep online even in advance. Always read all transfer terms and follow all company instructions to avoid any misunderstandings.
Transfer by private car is suitable for travelers who have a larger financial budget for their travel, it is not suitable for low-cost travelers due to the higher price for the transfer.
| 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 Krong Kep:
1. How to book bus tickets / private car from Kep to Phnom Penh?
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- Book bus/train + minivan from Phnom Penh to Kep on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can change your travel route, e.g. Phnom Penh to Kampot, Kampot to Kep…
2. What is the travel time from Phnom Penh to Kep?
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- Transfer by bus/minivan from Phnom Penh to Kep takes about 3-4 hours.
- Transfer by train of Royal Railway from Phnom Penh to Kep 4-5 hours.
- Transfer private taxi/car from Phnom Penh to Kep takes about 3-3.5 hours.
3. How far is Krong Kep from Phnom Penh?
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- Travel distance from Phnom Penh to Krong Kep in Cambodia is about 170 km by bus/train.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Phnom Penh to Kep?
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- Travel by bus/minivan from Phnom Penh to Kep costs about $7-13/pp.
- Travel by train of Royal Railway from Phnom Penh to Kep costs about $8-9/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/car from Phnom Penh to Kep costs about $70-360/car.
5. What is the cheapest way of transport from Phnom Penh to Kep?
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- The most cheapest way of transport to Krong Kep from Phnom Penh is to travel by tourist minivan or train.
6. What is the fastest way of transfer from Phnom Penh to Kep?
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- The most fastest way of transfer to Krong Kep from Phnom Penh is to travel by private taxi/car.
7. Is there a direct flight from Phnom Penh to Kep?
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- No, there are no direct flights from Phnom Penh to Krong Kep. There are direct flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, there is the closest airport, about 120 km from Krong Kep.
8. Is there a direct train from Phnom Penh to Kep?
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- Yes, there is a train of Royal Railway of Cambodia to Kep from Phnom Penh. It is the old and refurbished train available also for tourists from Phnom Penh Royal Railway Station. Travel by train is another opportunity how to see Cambodia from the railway.
9. Where to stay in Krong Kampot?
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- Krong Kep has mainly cheap hotels or guesthouses for tourists. There are also various private and modern cheap resorts. You can search and book your accommodation in Krong Kep online: Book your hotel in Kep online ➜.
10. Where to go and travel from Kep?
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- From Krong Kep in Cambodia you can travel by bus, van, train, taxi to Krong Kampot. Kampot is a good starting point if you want to explore Bokor National Park, the most attractive nature site in Kampot province. You can also go to Sihanoukville, the most popular place for beach relax in Cambodia.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phnom Penh to Kep
These practical tips are based on firsthand travel experience and common considerations for the roughly 170 km journey from Cambodia’s bustling capital Phnom Penh down to the relaxed seaside town of Kep. Whether you’re on a budget or prefer comfort, this stretch is straightforward but has a few key details worth knowing.
1. Pick Your Transport Based on Comfort & Timing
The route offers several transport options: buses and shared minivans, the slow but scenic train, or private taxis/cars. Buses and vans typically take about 3–4 hours, the train closer to 4–5 hours, and a private taxi around 3–3.5 hours — so match your choice to how much time and comfort you want.
2. Book Tickets Ahead for Best Seats
If you’re travelling by bus or van, booking a seat online in advance helps ensure you don’t get stuck with a middle seat on a crowded vehicle — especially important in peak season or during holidays. Many services allow advance booking with seat confirmation.
3. Expect a Mix of Road Conditions
Most of the drive uses National Highway 3 and parts of No. 31 — generally paved and in decent condition — but occasional bumps or slower traffic near towns is normal. Adjust expectations if you’re sensitive to long road journeys.
4. Consider the Train for a Relaxed Pace
Cambodia’s Royal Railway offers a slower but scenic alternative to road transport, with routes from Phnom Penh to Kep (and onward to Kampot/Sihanoukville) that let you stretch out rather than sit in a bus. Keep in mind trains run less frequently and schedules can change.
5. Plan Your Arrival in Kep Town
Kep’s main attractions — the crab market, beaches and seafood shacks — are within walking or short tuk-tuk distance of most drop-off points, but confirm exactly where your bus/train stops and how you’ll reach your accommodation.
6. Time Your Trip for Light Traffic
Leaving earlier in the morning helps you avoid Phnom Penh’s heavier traffic and gives you more daylight once you reach Kep to explore the coastline or visit nearby pepper farms and fishing villages.
Tip: Bus, train or private taxi/car tickets from Phnom Penh to Kep can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time and desired level of comfort — particularly useful during weekends, Cambodian holidays and busy travel seasons.