13/12/2022
Bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot: All you need to know
There is plenty to do in Cambodia's vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, including Royal temples, bustling markets, and museums. However, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the stunning Cambodian countryside, there is no better place to visit than Kampot. The 136 km (85 miles) journey from Phnom Penh to Kampot takes three to four hours. You can travel this distance by bus, minivan, or private car transfer. Travelling by bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot is quick and easy because it is one of the closest destinations. So below is all you need to know about taking a bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot: where to book the ticket, how long it costs, what to do in Kampot and more!
Learn more:
- Bus from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham: The guide from A-Z
- The ultimate guide on how get to Phnom Penh from Kampong Thom by bus
- The ultimate guide on how to get to Vietnam from Phnom Penh by bus
Where to Book Bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot?
Generally, an economy bus costs between $4 and $6 and seats approximately 50 people. VIP buses are smaller and more comfortable, seating approximately 15 passengers. They are slightly more expensive, costing between $6 and $10 one way. VIP buses are usually faster (4 hours) and more convenient than economy buses (4.5 hours) (e.g. you can ask the driver to stop if you desperately need to go to the toilet). Both types will make temporary toilet, and snack stops along the way.
Here are the schedules for some of the most popular and well-reviewed bus services to give you an idea of when they run (Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, Ekareach Express, and Kampot Express).
Mekong Express Timetable
- Phnom Penh to Kampot: 8.15 am, 1 pm, and 4.35 pm.
- Kampot to Phnom Penh: 8.15 am, 1 pm, and 4.35 pm.
Ekareach Express Timetable
- Phnom Penh to Kampot: 7.30 am, 8 am, 9 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 4.30 pm, and 6 pm.
- Kampot to Phnom Penh: 7.30 am, 8 am, 9 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 4.30 pm, and 6 pm.
Kampot Express Timetable
- Phnom Penh to Kampot: 8 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm.
- Kampot to Phnom Penh: 8 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm.
Giant Ibis Timetable
- Phnom Penh to Kampot: 8 am, and 2.45 pm.
- Kampot to Phnom Penh: 7.45 am, and 2.00 pm.
You can book the ticket and check for detailed agenda via the ticket websites: Camboticket, Bookaway, Bookmebus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get from Kampot to Kep?
A: It takes approximately 45 minutes to travel from Kampot to Kep by tuk-tuk ($20 return) or moto-tuk ($10 return). There are daily buses ($3 one-way), but they are only available in the mornings. A private taxi is more expensive, costing around $30 in return and taking about 30 minutes each way.
What should I see and do in Kampot?
A: There are numerous places to visit in Kampot. Here are some of our favourite places to visit and things to do:
- Spend a day at Kep's beach (best during peak season).
- Go to the Kep Crab Market for fresh fish and crabs of all kinds.
- Take a river cruise at night to see the fireflies.
- Go on a hike to see the waterfall (best around the rainy season).
- Travel to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay).
- Visit the pepper farms in the area.
- Sip a cocktail and watch the sunset.
Where should I go in Kep?
A: There are a few places to visit in Kep. Here are some of our favourite places to visit and things to do:
- Unwind on the soft sand beach.
- Go for a swim in the warm ocean water.
- Rent a private beach hammock area.
- Go to the Kep Crab Market for fresh fish and crabs of all kinds.
- Travel to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay).
- Visit the pepper farms in the area.
How long do you need in Kampot?
A: We recommend staying in Kampot for at least three days. An itinerary might look like this:
Day 1: Arrive in Kampot.
Day 1 - Explore Kampot during the day.
Go on a river cruise to see the fireflies on Day 1.
Travel to Kep on Day 2.
Day 2: Visit the Kep Crab Market.
Day 2: Visit Kep beach and reserve a private hammock area.
Day 2: Unwind on Kep Beach and swim in the sea.
Day 2 - Return to Kampot.
Day 2 - Spend the night in Kampot.
Day 3 - Go to the waterfall, visit Rabbit Island, or do whatever you want.
What is the best way to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot?
A: You can take a bus, a private taxi, or the train from Phnom Penh to Kampot. A private taxi is the best option if you want to be comfortable on your trip. The journey will take approximately 3 hours and will cost approximately $50.
How far is it from Phnom Penh to Kampot?
A: The calculated flying distance between Phnom Penh and Kampot is approximately 83 miles (133 km). If you want to travel by car, the distance between Phnom Penh and Kampot is 148 kilometres.
Once you get closer to Kampot, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Bokor Mountains. You will find yourself in peaceful countryside scenes surrounded by the soothing green of rice fields and swaying coconut and palm trees. Relax and enjoy the sight of locals heading to their farms to do their chores. Wave to the children, who will only smile and wave back. It's a great way to meet and interact with friendly locals. A bus service is an excellent option for travelling between Phnom Penh and Kampot. There are multiple departure times, mainly in the morning and afternoon, and you can get from A to B in less than four hours for a very reasonable price. Have fun with your journey in Kampot, and if you want to explore more activities to spend the most of your trip to Cambodia besides this, read more Blog.
