Getting around Sihanoukville — tuk-tuk, ferry and airport
Transport in Sihanoukville for expats — PassApp, tuk-tuk, bus to Phnom Penh, ferries to the islands and Sihanoukville Airport (KOS).
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 5 min
In 3 bullets
- PassApp and Grab available for local trips — prefer them to street tuk-tuks for transparent pricing.
- Bus to Phnom Penh: 4–5h, Giant Ibis or Mekong Express recommended. The main link with the capital.
- Ferries to the islands (Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem) from Ochheuteal Pier — check weather conditions in the rainy season.
Local transport
PassApp and Grab
Both apps work in Sihanoukville. Transparent pricing before confirmation.
- Tuk-tuk in the city centre: 2–5 USD
- Car in the city centre: 4–8 USD
- Trip to Otres Beach: 4–7 USD from the centre
Street tuk-tuks
Available everywhere but unregulated prices. Always agree on the price before getting in. Expect 3–6 USD for a centre-to-beach trip.
Moto and scooter
Useful for long-term residents. Second-hand 125cc scooter: 500–1,000 USD. Cambodian driving licence required. Roads can be in poor condition in some outlying areas.
Bus and long-distance transport
| Destination | Duration | Indicative price | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 4–5h | 10–15 USD | Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham |
| Kampot | 2h | 5–8 USD | Local buses, shared taxi |
| Kep | 2h30 | 6–10 USD | Local buses, shared taxi |
| Bangkok | ~8–9h | 20–35 USD | Via Koh Kong border, international companies |
Indicative 2025 fares and durations — book in advance for Phnom Penh in high season.
Airport
Sihanoukville Airport (KOS)
Sihanoukville International Airport is located approximately 20 km from the city centre. Domestic flights to Phnom Penh are available (~45 min) as well as some international connections. Check airlines and schedules when booking — the offering is variable.
- Taxi to the airport: 15–25 USD from the centre or Otres Beach.
- No direct public transport.
Ferries to the islands
From Ochheuteal Pier (main jetty):
| Destination | Duration | Indicative price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Rong (Koh Touch) | 30–45 min | 10–15 USD | Speed Ferry Cambodia, GTVC Speedboat |
| Koh Rong Samloem | 35–50 min | 12–18 USD | Several departures per day |
| Koh Ta Kiev | ~1h | 12–20 USD | Fewer departures |
Indicative 2025 fares and durations — prices vary by operator and season.
In the rainy season (June–October), check weather conditions before boarding. Frequent last-minute cancellations in bad weather.
FAQ
How do I get to Phnom Penh from Sihanoukville?
Bus with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express (4–5h, 10–15 USD) — the most practical option. Morning departures from each company’s agency. Book online the day before in high season.
Can I rent a car in Sihanoukville?
Yes, via local agencies or private drivers. Expect 40–80 USD/day with a driver. Self-drive rental is possible but not recommended for new arrivals (roads sometimes in poor condition, limited signage).
Does PassApp work at Otres Beach?
Yes — PassApp covers the Otres Beach area. Late in the evening, the number of available drivers decreases. Allow extra time after 10 pm or arrange directly with a local driver.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.