How to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh

Kampot to Phnom Penh is a straight overland hop: most travelers take a minivan/bus along National Road 3 or 4, while private cars are fastest and shared taxis split the difference on price vs. time. There’s no practical flight; trains are irregular—plan on road travel. Below: your options, how to book, and step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Kampot to Phnom Penh)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Minivan / Bus (Direct)	~3.5–5h (traffic & stops)	Low cost, frequent departures
🏷️ Cost: ~US$8–15 one-way » compare departures | alt. listings
🚐 Private Car / Van (Door-to-door)	~3–3.5h (direct)	Families, comfort, tight schedules
🏷️ Cost: ~US$60–120 per vehicle » get quotes | GYG transfers
🚖 Shared Taxi (per seat)	~3.5–4.5h	Faster than bus, mid-budget
🏷️ Cost: ~US$10–20 per seat (negotiated locally)
🚘 Self-Drive (Car Rental)	~3–4h (NR3/NR4)	Flex stops & side trips
🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–65/day car + fuel » compare rentals | Trip.com cars

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest door-to-door: Private car/van (hotel pickup, minimal stops).
• Best value for most travelers: Minivan/bus—cheap, frequent, easy online booking.
• Mid-budget & quicker than bus: Shared taxi—pay per seat; leaves when full.
• Maximum flexibility: Self-drive—detour to Kep, Tonlé Bati, or Phnom Tamao.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book ahead in peak months: Seats can sell out around holidays—compare operators on 12Go Asia or Klook.
• Pickup & drop-off: Many vans offer Kampot hotel pickup; Phnom Penh drop-offs vary (Riverside/Orussey/airport—check your ticket).
• Ride-hailing in Cambodia: Grab and PassApp (tuk-tuk/cars) are common in cities; for fixed intercity pricing use GetTransfer.
• Luggage & storage: If you need to roam bag-free, check Radical Storage Phnom Penh locations.
• Road choice: NR3 is the usual route (scenic, improving surfaces); NR4 via Kampong Speu can be faster depending on works—drivers choose on the day.

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

Low cost Frequent Seat spacing varies

• Overview: Direct vans/buses connect Kampot town with Phnom Penh city throughout the day. Typical travel time is 3.5–5 hours depending on stops and traffic.
• How to book (with price): ~US$8–15 one-way. Compare departure times, pickup options, and reviews on 12Go Asia or browse Klook.
• Pros: Cheap, widely available, hotel pickups possible. Cons: Space can be tight; schedules can slip with traffic/rest stops.

Step-by-step: Minivan / Bus

1. Choose a time/operator on 12Go that matches your pickup needs (hotel vs. station).
2. Be at the pickup point 15–20 minutes early; keep your phone reachable for driver contact.
3. Have small cash for rest-stop snacks and a copy/screenshot of your e-ticket.
4. On arrival in Phnom Penh, use Grab/PassApp or your hotel’s pickup to reach your final address.

Getting to the main embarking points (Kampot Bus Areas)

• Kampot center: Many vans stage around the Durian Roundabout / Old Market area—your voucher will show exact pickup.
• Phnom Penh arrival: Common drop zones include Riverside, Orussey, and Deumkor; verify on your ticket.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Private Car / Van (Door-to-Door, Fastest Overall)

Comfort Door-to-door Higher cost

• Overview: A driver picks you up at your Kampot hotel and drives directly to your Phnom Penh address with rest stops on request.
• How to book (with price): ~US$60–120 per vehicle (sedan→van) depending on time and vehicle size. Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer or search options on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Fastest total time, flexible stops, child seats on request. Cons: More expensive than bus/shared taxi.

Step-by-step: Private Car / Van

1. Request quotes with pickup time/address and luggage count via GetTransfer.
2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time), vehicle size, and driver contact.
3. Meet your driver at the hotel; share your Phnom Penh drop-off (hotel/airport/embassy district).
4. Stop as needed along NR3/NR4; arrive directly at your final address.

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

• Kampot pickup: Any hotel/guesthouse or a central café if you’re outside the pickup zone.
• Phnom Penh drop: City hotels, riverfront, or the airport—specify in the booking.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Shared Taxi (Per Seat, Leaves When Full)

Quicker than bus Local style Variable comfort

• Overview: Shared sedans/minivans run between town stands; you pay per seat and depart when seats fill (or pay extra to depart immediately).
• How to book (with price): Usually bought on-site; expect ~US$10–20 per seat. If you prefer guaranteed pickup, book a private seat block via GetTransfer.
• Pros: Often faster than buses, frequent departures. Cons: Tight seating; less predictable schedules.

Step-by-step: Shared Taxi

1. Ask your guesthouse for the current Kampot taxi stand (often near Durian Roundabout) and typical rates.
2. Go early; confirm destination (Phnom Penh area you want) and price per seat.
3. Wait until full, or pay for extra seats to leave immediately.
4. On arrival in Phnom Penh, connect by tuk-tuk/Grab/PassApp to your final stop.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi stands)

• Kampot stand: Near central roundabout/market areas—your accommodation can point you to the current location.
• Phnom Penh: Drop-offs vary; ask to be set down near your district or a major landmark (Orussey/Riverside).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Flex Stops: Kep, Tonlé Bati, Phnom Tamao)

Flexible Scenic NR3 City traffic on arrival

• Overview: Drive NR3 most of the way (or NR4 via Kampong Speu). Roads are paved; expect mixed speeds and occasional works. Avoid night driving.
• How to book (with price): Cars from ~US$35–65/day plus fuel/deposit. Compare agencies on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire. Scooters are best kept local; long intercity rides are not recommended.
• Pros: Depart anytime, add detours (Kep crab market, pepper farms). Cons: Navigation/fatigue; Phnom Penh traffic and parking.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car in Kampot/Phnom Penh (one-way availability varies); check insurance and a spare tire.
2. Set maps to Phnom Penh via National Road 3 (optionally waypoint Takeo for services).
3. Plan two short breaks; carry cash for fuel/snacks and keep to daylight hours if possible.
4. On arrival, park at your hotel or a paid lot; use tuk-tuks/Grab for inner-city moves.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & city access)

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Airport and downtown counters (check Sunday/holiday hours).
• City driving: Watch for scooters and turns without signals; go slow near markets.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Kampot to Phnom Penh)

How long does the road trip take?
Typical vans take 3.5–5 hours; private cars can do it in ~3–3.5 hours depending on traffic and route (NR3 vs. NR4).

Is there a train?
Passenger rail service is irregular—do not rely on it. Plan on road transport (bus/van, shared taxi, or private car).

Which route is better, NR3 or NR4?
Drivers often choose NR3 for scenery and good surfaces; NR4 can be faster depending on works and traffic. Trust your driver’s local knowledge.

What’s the most comfortable option?
A private car/van is the most comfortable and fastest door-to-door. Among public options, look for minivans with fewer seats per row on 12Go Asia.

Can I use ride-hailing?
Yes—Grab and PassApp operate in cities for hotel to station/stand transfers. For the full intercity run, use a prebooked car or GetTransfer.

Where should I stay on arrival?
Riverside for museums/food, BKK1 for cafés, or near the airport for early flights. Compare options on Booking.com.