Getting around Kampot — bicycle, tuk-tuk and bus to Phnom Penh
Transport in Kampot for expats — bicycle, tuk-tuk, bus to Phnom Penh (3h), link to Kep (30 min) and Sihanoukville (2h).
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 4 min
In 3 bullets
- Very flat city: the bicycle is the ideal way to get around Kampot for daily life — compact city, short distances, light traffic.
- Bus to Phnom Penh: 3h, with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express — the main link to the capital.
- Kep is 30 min away by motorbike or shared taxi — a natural day trip from Kampot for beach and crab.
Local transport
Bicycle
The preferred mode of transport for resident expats. Kampot is flat, compact (the centre can be crossed in 10 min) and lightly trafficked. Quality second-hand bicycle: 40–100 USD via Facebook. Rental: 1–3 USD/day.
Tuk-tuks
Available throughout the city, prices are unregulated. Expect 2–4 USD for a trip within the city. Useful for errands or evening rides.
PassApp
Available in Kampot with a more limited network than larger cities. Useful for planned trips.
Motorbike and scooter
Useful for long-term residents and for exploring the province (river, caves, Bokor Park, Kep). Second-hand 125cc scooter: 400–900 USD. Cambodian driving licence required. The country roads to Bokor and Kep are in good condition.
Bus and long-distance transport
| Destination | Duration | Indicative price | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 3h | 8–12 USD | Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham |
| Kep | 30–40 min | 5–8 USD | Shared taxi, moto-taxi |
| Sihanoukville | 2h | 5–8 USD | Local buses, shared taxi |
| Siem Reap | ~6h | 12–18 USD | Via Phnom Penh or direct bus |
| Bangkok | ~10–11h | 20–35 USD | Via Koh Kong or Poipet border |
Indicative fares and durations 2025 — Giant Ibis recommended for Phnom Penh.
To Kep (30–40 min)
Kep is the natural neighbouring destination from Kampot. Options:
- Moto-taxi or tuk-tuk from the centre of Kampot: 5–8 USD one way.
- Personal motorbike: National Road 33, in good condition, 25 km.
- No direct Kampot–Kep bus — shared taxi is the standard solution.
Bokor National Park (1h)
The road to Bokor National Park is accessible by motorbike or car from Kampot. Paved road to the summit (1,080 m). Allow 1h each way from the centre.
FAQ
How do I get to Phnom Penh from Kampot?
Bus with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express (3h, 8–12 USD) — the most practical option. Morning departures from agencies in the town centre. Shared taxi is also possible (~2h30, slightly more expensive).
Can I get to Thailand from Kampot?
Yes — via Sihanoukville (2h) and the Koh Kong border, or via Phnom Penh (3h) and Poipet. International buses cover these routes. Allow 10–12h total travel time to Bangkok.
Is there an airport nearby?
There is no airport in Kampot. Sihanoukville airport (KOS) is 2h away — domestic flights to Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) remains the reference for international flights.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.