Bus / minivan (via Phnom Penh)
Most practical and cheapest, standard route with transfer
Private taxi/car
Door-to-door, flexible but expensive
Bus + flight (via Siem Reap)
Faster but requires extra transfer and higher cost
Train
Indirect, long and often unavailable
Quick answer: There are 3 ways to travel from Battambang to Koh Rong: bus/minivan + ferry, train + ferry, or private car + ferry via Sihanoukville. The most popular and affordable option is a bus/minivan and ferry combination. Tickets and ferry transfers can be booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~530 km via Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan + ferry: 9–15 hours | Train + ferry: 15–16 hours | Private car + ferry: 9–10 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan + ferry: US$35–50 pp | Train + ferry: US$30–40 pp | Private car + ferry: US$180–385 per vehicle
- 🚌 Best budget option: Bus or minivan + ferry via Phnom Penh
- 🚆 Best for rail travel: Royal Railway train + ferry via Phnom Penh
- 🚖 Best for comfort: Private car + ferry via Sihanoukville
Last updated in June 2026
From Poipet to Sihanoukville you can travel by bus, train or private taxi.
Travel distance from Poipet border to Sihanoukville in Cambodia is about 500 km via Phnom Penh. The most popular and cheapest option is a bus or minivan, taking about 11–15 hours and costing around $20–40 per person.
You can also travel by Royal Railway train via Phnom Penh, taking about 16–18 hours. The most comfortable option is a private taxi or car, with travel times of about 15 hours.
From Sihanoukville, you can travel to Koh Rong or continue by van, train or taxi to Kampot.
Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s main coastal city and gateway to islands such as Koh Rong. It is known for beaches, island trips, diving and ferry connections.
| Transfer Mode – Poipet to Sihanoukville | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van (via Phnom Penh) | 11–15 hours | $20–40 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car | 15 hours | $230–310 per vehicle |
| Train (via Phnom Penh) (Temporarily suspended) | 16–18 hours | $17–20 per person |
How do you get from Poipet to Sihanoukville?
1. BUS from Poipet to Sihanoukville (via Phnom Penh)
👉 Bus / Minivan is the most popular and cheapest way from Poipet to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~11–15 hours (with transfer in Phnom Penh)
- ✔️ Price: $20–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (seat buses, sleeper buses or minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Use an overnight sleeper bus to Phnom Penh and continue by a daytime bus to Sihanoukville
- 💡 Tip: Book both tickets in advance online and check arrival/departure stations in Phnom Penh.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Poipet to Sihanoukville is by bus or minivan with a transfer in Phnom Penh. First travel from Poipet to Phnom Penh and then continue to Sihanoukville.
Total travel time is about 11–15 hours, depending on the connection in Phnom Penh. Bus tickets for the whole route cost about $20–40 per person.
Popular operators include Virak Buntham, Giant Ibis, Capitol VIP, Saly Express, Cambotra Express and other local companies.
1. BOOK TICKETS to Phnom Penh ➜
Travelers can choose from sleeper buses, standard coaches, minivans and minibuses. Tickets for both route sections should be booked separately.
Bus travel is the best option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a reliable transfer across Cambodia.
2. BOOK TICKETS to Sihanoukville ➜
2. PRIVATE TAXI/CAR from Poipet to Sihanoukville
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable but most expensive way from Poipet to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: groups, families, and travelers seeking privacy and flexibility
- ✔️ Duration: ~14–16 hours
- ✔️ Price: $230–310 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Book a direct private transfer with flexible stops and hotel pickup/drop-off
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and consider breaking the journey with a stop in Phnom Penh.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable but also the most expensive transport option from Poipet to Sihanoukville. The advantage is a flexible departure and arrival location.
Private transfers are offered by SIMA Car, Golden Escape Cambodia and other companies. Modern cars, SUVs and minivans are available for individuals and groups.
The journey takes about 15 hours and prices range from $230–310 per vehicle, depending on the selected car type.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR on 12go.asia ➜
Private cars can be booked online in advance and some transfers also operate via Phnom Penh. This option is best suited for travelers seeking comfort, privacy and door-to-door service.
3. TRAIN from Poipet to Sihanoukville (Suspended)
👉 Train is currently not available from Poipet, but can be partly used from Battambang via Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: low-budget travelers with flexible schedules
- ✔️ Duration: ~16–18 hours (via Battambang & Phnom Penh)
- ✔️ Price: $17–20 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: basic (seats only, limited schedule)
- ✅ Best option: Travel by bus to Battambang first, then continue by train via Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
- 💡 Tip: Check current train availability and timetables carefully, as services are limited or suspended.
UPDATE: The train from Poipet is currently not operating. Travelers can take a train from Battambang to Phnom Penh and continue by train to Sihanoukville.
A train transfer via Phnom Penh is the cheapest way to travel to Sihanoukville. The journey takes about 16–18 hours and requires a train change in Phnom Penh.
The route is operated by Royal Railway. Trains depart from Poipet Railway Station and continue via Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, see the Cambodia Railway Map.
1. BOOK TICKETS to Phnom Penh ➜
Train tickets cost about $17–20 per person. Royal Railway accepts mobile tickets, so printing is usually not required.
Train schedules are limited, often with only one departure per day. This option is best for travelers who have more time and prefer scenic rail travel.
2. BOOK TICKETS to Sihanoukville ➜
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Poipet to Sihanoukville
How to book tickets or a private car from Poipet to Sihanoukville?
How long does it take to travel from Poipet to Sihanoukville?
Travel takes about 11–15 hours by bus, 15 hours by private car, or 16–18 hours by train.
How far is Sihanoukville from Poipet?
The travel distance is approximately 500 km via Phnom Penh.
How much does travel from Poipet to Sihanoukville cost?
Bus tickets cost $20–40, train tickets $17–20, and private cars about $230–310 per vehicle.
What is the cheapest way to get to Sihanoukville?
The cheapest option is usually the Royal Railway train via Phnom Penh.
What is the fastest way to travel from Poipet?
Buses and minivans via Phnom Penh are typically the fastest public transport option.
Are there direct flights from Poipet to Sihanoukville?
No, there are currently no direct flights on this route.
Where to stay in Sihanoukville?
Sihanoukville and nearby Koh Rong offer hotels, resorts and guesthouses. Book accommodation online.
Where can you travel from Sihanoukville?
Travel to Koh Kong or visit Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam.
Is Cambodia suitable for solo travel?
Solo travel in Cambodia is popular, affordable and easy thanks to good transport and tourist facilities.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Poipet to Sihanoukville
Traveling from Poipet to Sihanoukville covers about 500 km across Cambodia and can be done by bus, train or private car.
- Use Buses for Best Value: Buses and minivans via Phnom Penh are the most popular and affordable option.
- Allow Enough Time: Travel by bus usually takes about 11–15 hours, depending on transfers.
- Consider a Stop in Phnom Penh: Breaking the journey in the capital can make the trip more comfortable.
- Train Travel Is Limited: Royal Railway trains are cheap but schedules are limited and journeys are longer.
- Private Cars Offer Comfort: A private taxi provides door-to-door service and greater flexibility.
- Pack Travel Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers and a light jacket for air-conditioned vehicles.
- Book Early: Tickets can sell out during weekends, holidays and peak travel periods.
Tip: Bus, train and private car transfers from Poipet to Sihanoukville can be searched and booked online in advance.