How to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by train, plane, bus, cab

Cambodia's capital and largest city, Phnom Penh boasts many attractions, from French colonial architecture to beautiful pagodas and temples; it's a bustling city where you'll be on your toes throughout your stay!

For a change of pace after the busy city streets, head southwest towards the coast and another of Cambodia's top tourist destinations, Sihanoukville. Gorgeous beaches and attractive islands make it the perfect place if you just want to relax and soak up the sun for a few days!

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville options

Traveling by car is the most popular among tourists wishing to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, and the shortest route by road is about 230 kilometers (143 miles).

Thus, it is not a very long distance, but the mode of transport you choose will affect the time and quality of the journey. Buses run frequently and are the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. For a little more money there are minibuses. Private taxis have also become quite a popular way to travel, and if you're going by road, taxis are of course the fastest.

However, the road is not the only option. Despite the short distance between destinations, there are several planes that you can catch - this is the fastest mode of transport. And if you want a leisurely ride, you can also take the train.

Bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

Let's start with the buses as this is the tried and tested way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. You may have heard bad things about buses and road conditions in Cambodia. It is true that the roads were in poor condition a few years ago, but lately the government has been working hard to improve traffic conditions and safety so that tourists like you can reach their destination safely and on schedule. However, buses traveling this route still have a rather bad reputation, so you should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding which bus company to use.

We recommend Giant Ibis Transport because they have an excellent safety record and the buses are comfortable and well equipped. There are no toilets on board, but there is wi-fi, air conditioning and snacks, and the buses make a 10-minute stop along the way so you can stretch your legs and relax! Ibis has two to three buses a day and the journey takes about 4.5 hours.

From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by minibus

Tourists who have already traveled from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in the past will tell you that buses are not the most convenient way to travel and will recommend taking a minibus. Most of the reviews do state that minivans are more comfortable and they offer more comfort, which is especially good if you are traveling in a group as you can take the whole bus. A minibus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is quite comparable in price to a bus, its price is only a few dollars more. And many tourists will argue that it's worth it!

There are several minibus companies you can choose from depending on where you are leaving from in Phnom Penh. Travel times will also vary from 4 to 10 hours, so be sure to keep this in mind when booking your tickets. You can look at Mekong Express, Thero Express or Virak Buntham Express.

Taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

The last option for traveling by car from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is a taxi. Despite the added cost, taxi travel between the two cities has become quite popular for a number of reasons.

• First, taxis can leave any time you want, so you don't have to stick to schedules that may not work for you.
• The second is speed and comfort: taxis can travel a little faster than buses and minibuses, and seats can be more comfortable.
• Thirdly, there is added flexibility: a taxi can take you door-to-door, so you arrive directly at your hotel in Sihanoukville without worrying about transfers or long walks, and you can always stop along the way when you want to stretch your legs or see some of the attractions nearby.

Train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

If you're not in a hurry and your schedule is right, getting from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by train can be a great option. After a years-long hiatus, Royal Railways has relaunched a train service from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.

Trains run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The train is incredibly cheap, so perfect if you're traveling on a budget. In addition, you will get the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery while driving through the countryside.

The main downside to the train is that it only runs three times a week, so it might just not fit into your schedule. In addition, trains on Saturday and Sunday depart early in the morning - at 7 am to be exact - which may also not suit you. But the carriages are quite comfortable for about a 6.5-hour trip.

Planes from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

The last way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is by flight. The fastest and most expensive option, it is ideal if you are in a hurry and would like to get to Sihanoukville as quickly as possible. It's only a 35 minute flight. It currently only takes place 4 times a week. This is a direct flight with Cambodia Bayon Airlines. Book your seats as early as possible for the best prices.