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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

South Coast, Cambodia

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

The nearest international airports are Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), approximately 160 km northeast of Kep, and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), about 100 km west. PNH is the most common entry point for travelers visiting Kep.

Airline Connections

  • PNH: Many airlines serve Phnom Penh, including Cambodia Angkor Air, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.
  • KOS: Mainly serves domestic flights from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Some regional flights from China also arrive here.
  • No direct flights connect North America, Europe, or Australia to PNH or KOS. Connections occur via major Asian hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hong Kong.

Seasonal Flights & Transfers

Flight prices tend to be higher during the peak dry season (November-February) and major holidays. The low season (wet season) generally displays lower fares. Booking flights in advance, especially for high season travel, is a good idea. Both airports offer ATMs, currency exchange, and SIM card vendors. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are options for finding deals.

Airport Transfers

  • From PNH to Kep: Taxi/Private Car (2.5-3 hours, USD 60-80). Buses to Kep or Kampot from Phnom Penh's Southern Bus Station (USD 8-10, total 4-5 hours).
  • From KOS to Kep: Taxi/Private Car (1.5-2 hours, USD 40-60). Bus services from KOS airport are less frequent.
  • Airport facilities are basic but meet travelers' initial needs.

Land Travel is Common

Land travel displays a common way to reach Kep from within Cambodia or from neighboring Vietnam.

Border Crossing Info

For travelers coming from Vietnam, the Ha Tien (Vietnam) - Prek Chak (Cambodia) border crossing is the most common.

Train Connections

A railway line connects Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, including a stop in Kampot. Kep lacks a direct train station.

Bus & Self-Driving

Long-Distance Bus Options

  • From Phnom Penh: Companies like Giant Ibis, Sorya, Capitol Tours. Journey is 3-4 hours, USD 8-10.
  • From Kampot: Frequent shared taxis and tuk-tuks (25-30 mins, USD 5-10).
  • From Sihanoukville: Minivans (2-3 hours, USD 5-8).
  • From Vietnam (Ha Tien): Shared taxis or minivans from Prek Chak border crossing.

Self-Driving Considerations

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally necessary to drive in Cambodia.
  • Driving standards vary greatly. Roads can be in poor condition. Traffic can be chaotic.
  • Main highways are generally good. Rural roads can be unpaved and dusty. Drive cautiously. DiscoverCars.com has rental options.
  • Renting a car for self-drive is not common for tourists. Motorbikes or scooters are frequently rented.

Sea/River & Departure Info

Sea/River Arrivals

Kep mainly displays a departure point for local islands rather than an international sea arrival point. No major ferry services or cruise ports directly serve Kep. Local boats connect Kep to nearby islands like Koh Tonsay from Kep's pier.

Departure Procedures

Separate airport departure taxes are no longer common; they are typically included in your airfare. For land border crossings, confirm all visa requirements. Allow sufficient time for immigration procedures.

Airport/Station Facilities

Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville airports offer facilities for departing travelers. These include lounges, dining options, and duty-free shopping. Bus stations generally display waiting areas and small shops selling snacks.

Image Gallery for Transportation

Overland Transport

Getting to Kep is part of the adventure. This gallery shows common transportation methods you might use. These modes of travel allow for scenic views and local interactions on your journey.

Bus and Tuk-tuk

  • Cambodian Bus: Long-distance travel between cities.
  • Tuk-tuk in Cambodia: Common local transport for short distances and tours.
  • Road travel offers a glimpse into local life.

Local & Island Transport

Once in Kep, local travel is often by scooter or boat. These choices allow for flexible exploration of the town and nearby islands, contributing to the laid-back coastal experience.

Scooters and Boats

  • Scooter Rental: Ideal for independent exploration.
  • Boat to Koh Tonsay: For island hopping and beach visits.
  • Water transport from Kep's pier is for island access.

Departure Planning

Plan your departure from Kep with similar care to your arrival. Confirm flight or bus timings. Consider traffic conditions, especially for airport transfers. This ensures a smooth exit from your Cambodian adventure.

Departure Essentials

  • Confirm flight or bus departure times well in advance.
  • Allow ample time for airport check-in (2-3 hours for international, 1-2 for domestic).
  • Ensure luggage meets airline requirements.

Border Crossing Details

If departing via a land border, double-check visa re-entry requirements for your next destination. Have all necessary documentation and any exit fees ready to speed up the process. The Ha Tien border crossing is a frequent choice for those moving to Vietnam.

Land Exit Tips

  • Ensure your Cambodian visa is complete for exit.
  • Carry small denominations for any border crossing fees.
  • Keep your passport readily accessible for inspection.

Road Conditions & Safety on Departure

  • Main highways connecting to airports are generally in good condition.
  • Rural roads can be unpaved and dusty, or muddy in the wet season.
  • Traffic outside of cities can be less chaotic, but remain alert for livestock on roads.
  • Avoid traveling on unlit roads at night due to limited visibility.
  • Pre-arranging transport for early morning or late-night departures is a good idea.
  • Confirm your pick-up location with your driver before setting off.

Transportation Gallery Overview

Visuals of Your Journey

This gallery visually displays the common methods of getting to and from Kep. It also showcases ways to get around once you arrive. These images provide a realistic look at your travel options.

Modes of Arrival

  • Air travel via Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville airports.
  • Comfortable long-distance buses connecting major cities.
  • Limited but scenic train routes to nearby Kampot.

Getting Around Kep

Once you arrive in Kep, local transport options reflect the town's relaxed atmosphere. Scooters and bicycles offer personal freedom, while tuk-tuks display convenience for shorter rides. Boat trips are specific to island visits.

Local Movement

  • Scooter rentals provide independent exploration.
  • Bicycle rentals for leisurely rides around town.
  • Tuk-tuks as the main local motorized transport.

Cambodian Bus

An economical choice for inter-city travel.

Tuk-tuk in Cambodia

The iconic local transport for short trips.

Scooter Rental

Freedom to explore at your own pace.

Additional Transport Considerations

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville airports offer facilities for departing travelers. These include lounges, dining options, and duty-free shopping. Bus stations generally have waiting areas and often small shops selling snacks and drinks.

Amenities Available

  • Wi-Fi access available at airports.
  • ATMs and currency exchange are present.
  • Food and beverage options for pre-flight meals.

Train Travel Details

A railway line connects Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, including a stop in Kampot. Kep does not have a direct train station. You can take the train to Kampot from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville. From Kampot, a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride covers the approximate 25 kilometers to Kep.

Train Service Specifics

  • Train service is limited, often operating on a Friday-Sunday schedule.
  • Check the current timetable before planning your journey.
  • The Kampot train station links to Kep via local transport.

Sea/River Arrival Clarifications

No International Sea Arrivals

Kep does not have major ferry services or cruise ports that function as international arrival points. All international arrivals occur via air or land borders.

Local Boat Connections

Local boats connect Kep to nearby islands, specifically Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island). These boats depart from Kep's pier, near the Crab Market.

River Transport Absence

No significant river transportation options lead directly to Kep. The town sits on the coast, not a major river, making river travel irrelevant for direct access.

Final Departure Reminder

Confirm your transport arrangements the day before departure. Double-check your passport and visa. This helps with a stress-free journey out of Kep.