The Easiest Ways To Get From Phnom Penh to Koh Rong Island
Travelling from the bustling city of Phnom Penh to Koh Rong and its beautiful beaches is an adventure many travellers dream of. However, it’s not always clear how to get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong. When I did the journey, I didn’t even have a way of booking online or using my phone to find out how (2017 was a transitional time for roaming, at best). So, whether you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option or the fastest way to reach the island paradise, this guide has you covered. Here’s how to get to Koh Rong from Phnom Penh, including all you need to know about duration, ferry details, and essential travel tips. If you’re wondering if Koh Rong is worth visiting on your Cambodia trip, check out my full guide to Koh Rong here.
How To Get From Phnom Penh to Koh Rong: Bus and Ferry
Image via Visit Koh Rong
The first thing you need to know about getting from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong is that you will have to get to Sihanoukville first, before getting a ferry from there to the island.
Getting a bus and a ferry from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong is a popular option among the backpackers and budget travellers. This is what I did and I can say the time went pretty quickly considering we were in a packed minivan for 5 hours. Typically, an economy bus ticket costs between $4 and $6 and accommodates about 50 passengers. On the other hand, VIP buses, seating approximately 15 people, are slightly pricier.
How It Works: The journey begins with a 4-5 hour bus ride from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, followed by a 45-minute ferry to Koh Rong.
Pros: This option is affordable and convenient, offering a scenic bus ride.
Cons: The ferry ride can be choppy depending on the weather, and the overall journey might be slower than other methods.
Costs and Booking: Bus tickets range from $10 to $20 USD. Prices vary based on the bus company, travel date and time, bus amenities, and ferry type. You can usually book a package ticket which includes a bus and ferry fare (I’ve included some info on ferries from Sihanoukville below). Companies like Giant Ibis, Mekong Express or Cambodia Post VIP are great for booking bus and ferry packages from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong.
Giant Ibis bus stop in Phnom Penh – image via Easy Cambodia
Departure Locations: Buses depart from main stations in Phnom Penh, including the Sorya Bus Station and the Giant Ibis Station. Make sure to check with your booking provider for the correct bus station to depart from.
Bus Tips
Book in advance, especially during peak season. Compare prices to suit your budget. Make sure you bring lots of snacks, and download some movies for the ride too. Sometimes you’ll stop on the way to pick more people up and sometimes you’ll go straight through so just make sure you’re prepped.
VIP buses usually complete the journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in 4-5 hours, faster than the 5-6 hours for economy buses. They offer more convenience, for example, allowing requests for urgent toilet stops – something my weak bladder and I were grateful for. Despite Wi-Fi being advertised, any connection tends to be slow and unreliable.
Private Taxi and Ferry
If you’re feeling a bit bougie, and don’t fancy sitting on a crowded bus (trust me they will PACK you in), think about booking a private taxi. Booking a private taxi means you can go at your own pace, stopping for any toilet and snack breaks along the way.
How It Works: A private taxi takes about 4 hours from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. From there, you’ll catch a ferry to Koh Rong.
Pros: This method is faster and offers door-to-door service.
Cons: You guessed it; It’s more expensive than taking the bus.
Costs and Booking: While more expensive than the bus, it’s still Cambodia. So, unless you’re backpacking on a budget, it’s not going to massively break the bank. Fares range between $60 and $90 USD. The cost will be influenced by the vehicle type, number of passengers, and company reputation. Companies like PassApp and Grab provide various vehicle options and straightforward booking through their websites or apps.
Taxi Tips
To ensure a smooth journey, compare prices, read reviews, and confirm all details before booking. I also suggest booking booking your taxi ahead of time. It’s more affordable and, given Phnom Penh’s chaotic traffic, pre-booking can spare you from a super stressful ride. For a safe and dependable taxi driver from any location in Cambodia, please get in touch with us. Alternatively, click below to book online immediately.
Related: Phnom Penh To/From Koh Rong Island Private Care & Ferry Boat
Train and Ferry
Cambodia Royal Railway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
For those wanting a full cultural immersion, a train is the way to go. While a train takes much longer, you get to experience the journey from a Cambodian local perspective.
How It Works: The Royal Railway offers a train journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, taking about 7 hours, followed by a ferry to Koh Rong.
Pros: You’ll enjoy a scenic journey through the Cambodian countryside.
Cons: This option is slower and has a limited schedule.
Costs and Booking: Train tickets cost $9 USD for fan class and $12 USD for air-conditioned class – so super budget friendly for those backpacking Cambodia. The train departs on weekends from Phnom Penh Railway Station. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Royal Railway Timetable
Royal Railway runs trains from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville on Friday at 3pm, Saturday and Sunday at 7am, and Sunday at 4pm. Trains from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh depart on Saturday and Sunday at 7am, Sunday at 4pm, and Monday at 7am. Expect possible delays of 30 minutes to an hour. We advise booking your ticket early. Each ticket secures a specific seat number, serving as your reservation.
How To Get From Phnom Penh to Koh Rong: Ferries
You’ve probably gathered that you can only go as far as Sihanoukville via road when travelling from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong. When it comes to ferries, prices to Koh Rong start from around $25. The prices varies by ferry type, travel date, and company.
Five ferry services now operate from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Island. These are Speed Ferry Cambodia (SFC), Island Speed Boat Cambodia (ISBC), Buva Sea (BS), Angkor Speed Ferry (ASF), and GTVC. Additionally, a few slow boat services exist, costing $5-$10 and taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours, but they lack professional management and are not recommended.
These services provide modern speed boats equipped with comfortable seating, life jackets, and options to purchase food and drinks. Not all ferries offer air conditioning, yet a strong, cool breeze compensates as the boat moves.
Expect to pay around $25 for a return ticket with any of these services. However, prices may vary with the season and special promotions.
Where to Catch the Ferry: Ferries depart from Sihanoukville’s Ochheuteal – also known as Serendipity Beach Pier. You can book tickets online through companies like Speed Ferry Cambodia or at travel agencies and hotels in Sihanoukville.
Related: Kampot To/From Koh Rong Island Private Car and Ferry Boat
Ochheuteal Pier, Sihanoukville
Koh Rong Ferry Timetable
Reaching Koh Rong from Sihanoukville takes about 40 minutes if it’s the first stop. Otherwise, expect around an hour.
Sihanoukville To Koh Rong:
| Time | Boat |
|---|---|
| 7.30am | SFC |
| 8am | BS & GTVC |
| 9am | ISBC, ASF & SFC |
| 9.30am | BS |
| 11am | BS & GTVC |
| 11.30am | SFC |
| 12pm | ASF & ISBC |
| 12.30pm | BS |
| 1.30pm | SFC |
| 2pm | BS & GTVC |
| 2.30pm | ISBC |
| 3pm | SFC & ASF |
| 3.30pm | BS |
| 4pm | GTVC |
| 5pm | SFC & BS |
Ferry Tips
I would advise booking your ferry to Koh Rong in advance, especially during peak season just to ensure availability. It’s important to compare prices across different companies, considering factors like travel time, ferry type, and what’s included, to find the option that best fits your needs and budget. Finally, make sure to confirm the departure point and time, double-checking the exact pier and departure time to avoid any confusion on your travel day.
Also, know your destination – Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are both islands off the coast of Sihanoukville. However, they are very different islands. So make sure you know where you’re going before you book the ferry.
Getting From Phnom Penh To Kong Rong: Additional Tips
Book in Advance: Ensure availability and better prices by booking early, especially for the ferry.
Consider Your Preferences: Whether speed, comfort, or cost is your priority, choose the option that best fits your needs.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest travel advisories and ferry schedules to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Getting from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong offers not just a change of scenery but a shift in pace and atmosphere. From the urban craziness of Phnom Penh to the stunning white beaches of Koh Rong, each mode of transport offers its own unique experience. Whether you opt for the affordability of the bus, the comfort of a private taxi, or the scenic beauty of the train, your adventure to Koh Rong starts the moment you set out from Cambodia’s capital.
With careful planning and the right information, getting to Koh Rong from Phnom Penh can be an enjoyable part of your Cambodian adventure. Safe travels!
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