How to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is one of Cambodia’s most-traveled routes. Your main picks are the frequent intercity buses/minivans, a short domestic flight to Sihanouk International (KOS), a private car/driver for door-to-door comfort, or the occasionally operating passenger train. Choose by budget, time, and luggage—details and step-by-steps below.

At A Glance (Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Intercity Bus / Minivan (Direct)	~5–6.5h (traffic-dependent)	Value, frequent departures
🏷️ Cost: ~US$10–18 one-way » compare buses & vans | alt. listings
✈️ Flight (PNH → KOS) + Short Transfer	~40–50m flight + ~30–45m road	Fastest overall, minimal road time
🏷️ Cost: ~US$45–140+ one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚐 Private Car / Taxi (Door-to-Door)	~4.5–6h (direct)	Families, bulky gear, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~US$85–150 per vehicle » get quotes | prebook transfers
🚆 Passenger Train (Limited schedule)	~7–8.5h	Relaxed ride when available
🏷️ Cost: typically ~US$7–12 one-way (buy at station; check latest schedule locally)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly PNH→KOS and transfer 30–45 minutes to your beach hotel.
• Best Value + Frequent: Intercity bus/minivan—cheap, many departures daily.
• Door-to-Door Comfort: Private car/driver—no transfers, choose your departure time.
• Laid-back (when operating): Train—limited days; confirm service locally before planning.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Compare and book online: Use 12Go for buses/vans (seat choice, reviews). Flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
• Ride-hailing: PassApp and Grab operate in Phnom Penh/Sihanoukville for first/last mile. For fixed long rides, compare GetTransfer.
• Luggage storage: If sightseeing before departure, check hotel concierge or third-party storage like Radical Storage (availability varies by city).
• Seat choice: Vans are quicker but tighter; full-size coaches ride smoother. Bring a light sweater (A/C).
• Weather & roads: Heavy rain can slow traffic—build buffer time if you have a ferry/flight from Sihanoukville to the islands.

🚌 Option #1 — Intercity Bus / Minivan (Most Popular, Good Value)

Frequent Budget Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Numerous operators run Phnom Penh→Sihanoukville daily. Choose between larger coaches (more legroom) and faster minivans (quicker loading, fewer seats).
• How to book (with price): ~US$10–18 one-way. Compare departure times, seat types, and reviews on 12Go. Some providers also list on Klook and GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Cheapest and frequent; plenty of daytime choices. Cons: A/C can be cold; occasional roadworks can add time.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus / Minivan

1. Pick a departure close to your lodging and at your preferred time on 12Go (filter by coach vs. minivan).
2. Use PassApp/Grab or a hotel tuk-tuk to reach the listed Phnom Penh pickup office or station 20–30 minutes early.
3. Show e-ticket and ID; keep valuables in a small daypack onboard and larger bags in the hold.
4. On arrival at Sihanoukville (often at a central office or Bus Terminal), take a short ride to your hotel or pier for island boats.

Getting to the main embarking points (PP city depots / Sihanoukville Bus Terminal)

• Phnom Penh: Operators use various downtown offices; check your voucher for the exact pickup point.
• Sihanoukville: Drop-offs vary by company (bus terminal or office on/near NR4/Downtown).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (PNH → KOS) + Short Transfer (Fastest)

Quickest total time Avoids highway traffic Baggage fees possible

• Overview: Nonstop flights from Phnom Penh International (PNH) reach Sihanouk International (KOS) in ~45 minutes. Continue to town/beaches by taxi or prebooked transfer.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$45–140+ one-way depending on season/airline. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For the road leg, browse airport transfers or request a fixed car on GetTransfer. Official airport info is available on Cambodia Airports.
• Pros: Fast; handy if you’re connecting to island ferries the same day. Cons: Flight schedules vary by season; luggage fees may apply.

Step-by-step: Flight (PNH → KOS)

1. Book a suitable flight time on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
2. Use PassApp/Grab or hotel car to reach PNH 2 hours before departure; check in and board.
3. Arrive at KOS; meet your prebooked transfer or hire a taxi for 30–45 minutes to central Sihanoukville or the ferry piers.
4. Heading to the islands? Ask your driver for the correct pier (Serendipity/Ochheuteal or Independence depending on operator).

Getting to the main embarking points (PNH & KOS)

• PNH: ~10 km from central Phnom Penh; allow for city traffic at peak times.
• KOS: ~20–25 km from most beach areas; fixed-rate taxis are available at arrivals.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Car / Taxi (Door-to-Door, Flexible)

Comfort Custom timing Higher cost

• Overview: A sedan/van with driver collects you from your hotel in Phnom Penh and drops you at your address in Sihanoukville with breaks as needed.
• How to book (with price): ~US$85–150 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide for private options.
• Pros: Zero transfers; great with kids/elderly or bulky luggage. Cons: Costs more than bus; still traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Car / Taxi

1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and luggage count on GetTransfer.
2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time, night surcharge) and child seats if needed.
3. Meet your driver at your hotel; share your pier/hotel pin in Sihanoukville for exact drop-off.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)

• Phnom Penh pickup: Any city hotel/apartment; airport pickups also common.
• Sihanoukville drop: Beach hotels along Serendipity/Ochheuteal, Otres, or city center; drivers know the piers.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #4 — Passenger Train (Limited Schedule; Check Locally)

Relaxed Scenic Infrequent

• Overview: When operating, the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville line offers a simple, scenic ride with basic seating and snack stops. Service can be seasonal/limited; verify at the station or with your hotel.
• How to book (with price): Typically ~US$7–12 one-way. Buy at Phnom Penh Railway Station ticket window on the day or prior (carry cash). For alternatives those days, check 12Go for bus/van substitutes.
• Pros: Room to walk, photo-friendly. Cons: Longer than road; limited departures.

Step-by-step: Train (when available)

1. Visit Phnom Penh Railway Station (near Vattanac) a day before to confirm timetable and buy tickets (bring passport/ID).
2. Arrive 30–40 minutes before departure; board the coach indicated on your ticket.
3. Ride to Sihanoukville Railway Station; take a taxi/PassApp to your hotel or pier.

Getting to the main embarking points (PP Railway Station / SHV Railway Station)

• Phnom Penh Railway Station: Central and easy by tuk-tuk/ride-hail.
• Sihanoukville Railway Station: Located inland; allow 20–30 minutes by road to beach areas.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville)

Bus or van—what’s better?
Coaches are roomier and smoother; vans can be quicker with fewer stops but tighter seats. Read recent reviews on 12Go.

Is flying worth it?
Yes if you value time or are catching island boats the same day—flight is ~45 minutes versus 5–6.5 hours by road.

Are trains running?
Passenger services have been intermittent/limited. Confirm at Phnom Penh Railway Station shortly before your travel date.

How early should I book?
For weekends/holidays, book buses and flights at least 1–3 days ahead. Private cars can often be arranged the day before.

Can I continue to the islands the same day?
Often yes—aim to reach Sihanoukville by early afternoon for the widest ferry schedules. Ask your transfer driver for the correct pier.

Any safety tips?
Keep valuables on you, wear a seatbelt where available, carry small bills for rest stops, and pack a light layer for strong A/C.