How to Get to Sihanoukville. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Routes

Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) serves the city. Domestic airlines include Cambodia Airways, Lanmei Airlines, AirAsia, and Cambodia Angkor Air, operating routes to Phnom Penh (PNH) and Siem Reap (REP). Internationally, KOS mainly sees flights from mainland China (e.g., Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen), Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia), and some flights from Bangkok (Cambodia Airways, Bangkok Airways).

Flight Considerations

Direct flights from major global hubs are limited. Most international travelers connect via regional aviation hubs like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok.
Flight frequency and prices vary seasonally. Higher demand and prices are typical during the dry season (November to February) and major holidays like Chinese New Year.
KOS is a small but modern airport with currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, cafes, and SIM card vendors upon arrival.

Airport Transfers

Upon arrival at KOS, several options are available for transfer to Sihanoukville city or Otres Beach. These typically take 30-45 minutes. Confirm the price before starting your journey to avoid unexpected fares.

Transfer Choices

Taxi: Official airport taxis are available. Fares usually cost US$15-25.
Ride-hailing Apps: Grab and PassApp offer competitive rates for cars and tuk-tuks. Book via the app upon arrival for transparent pricing.
Hotel Transfers: Many hotels and resorts arrange transfers. They are often more expensive than a taxi but offer convenience.

Minivan/Bus

Shared minivans are available. A cheaper, slower option. Inquire at the airport's transport desk.

Land Routes

Land routes connect Sihanoukville to neighboring countries and other Cambodian cities.

Sea Travel

Sea travel mainly serves the islands near Sihanoukville.

Land Transportation Details

Border Crossings & Train

Thailand Border: Hat Lek (Thailand) / Koh Kong (Cambodia) connects to Trat. Buses/minivans from Koh Kong to Sihanoukville (4-6 hours). E-Visa or Visa on Arrival here.
Vietnam Border: Ha Tien (Vietnam) / Prek Chak (Cambodia). Often used for Phu Quoc Island travel. Minivans from Ha Tien to Sihanoukville (3-4 hours).
Royal Railway: Passenger train service between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Operates Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays (check schedule). Journey takes 6-7 hours, a scenic but slower option. Fares are around US$10-15.
Road Conditions: Major roads to Phnom Penh and Kampot are generally well-maintained. Local Sihanoukville roads vary, some unpaved or under construction. Night driving holds hazards.

Bus Options & Self-Driving

Long-distance Buses: Frequent services to Phnom Penh (4-6 hours), Kampot (1.5-2 hours), and Kep (2-2.5 hours). Companies: Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham, Capitol Tours, Mekong Express.
Booking: Tickets online, through guesthouses, or at bus terminals. Book in advance during holidays. Types: standard buses, minivans (faster, less comfortable), sleeper buses for overnight routes.
Self-driving: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally necessary. Self-driving is generally not a suggestion for tourists due to chaotic traffic and variable road conditions. Motorbike accidents are common.
It is more common to hire a car with a driver for longer distances if private transport is your preference. For car rentals, DiscoverCars.com is an option.

Sea Travel & Departure

Ferry Services

Fast ferries are the main sea transport, connecting Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem from Serendipity Pier. Companies like GTVC, Speed Ferry Cambodia, and Buva Sea operate these routes (45-60 minutes).

Immigration & Connections

For international cruise arrivals, immigration mirrors airport entry. Serendipity Pier is central, with tuk-tuks and ride-hailing services for onward city travel.

Departure Planning

No specific departure tax at KOS or borders. For flights, arrive 2-3 hours before international departures, 1.5-2 hours for domestic. Buses/trains: 30 minutes prior. Ferries: 30 minutes prior. Confirm bookings the day before.

Local Transportation

Public Transit & Taxis

Sihanoukville does not feature a formal public transportation system like a metro, city bus network, or trams. Local transport hinges on private operators.

Getting Around

Taxis: Traditional metered taxis are rare. Most are private cars for hire. Negotiate fare before starting.
Tuk-tuks: Three-wheeled vehicles, abundant, can be hailed. Always negotiate fare before boarding.
Moto-dops: Motorbike taxis for solo passengers. Cheaper but less safe. Negotiate fare.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Ride-sharing apps offer a convenient and transparent way to book private vehicles. Grab and PassApp are popular local ride-hailing apps for cars and tuk-tuks.

App Benefits & Safety

App Benefits: Fixed pricing, GPS tracking, and both cash and card payment options. Download and set up the app before arrival.
Safety: Apps generally offer increased safety due to driver details, route tracking, and set fares.
Safety Concerns: For hailed tuk-tuks/moto-dops, agree on fare before departure. Bag snatching occurs from open-sided vehicles. Keep belongings secure. Motorbike rental carries high accident risk.

Rental Options

Rental options present greater independence, but awareness of risks is wise. For car rentals, DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates.

Car & Motorbike Rentals

Car Rental: Self-drive car rental is uncommon and not typically suggested for tourists due to challenging driving conditions. Hiring a car with a driver is more common. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally necessary.
Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Widely available from guesthouses and shops (US$5-10/day). Technically, an IDP is necessary, but often unchecked. High accident rates; Helmets are legally needed.
Bicycle Rentals: Limited sharing programs. Some guesthouses offer bikes. Cycling is not practical for long distances due to traffic/road conditions. Best for short rides on quieter beach roads.

Walking & Specialized Transport

Walking and cycling offer ways to experience Sihanoukville's local atmosphere, specifically in specific areas. Sihanoukville's infrastructure is generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas & Unique Transport

Walking: Otres Beach and parts of Serendipity Beach are pleasant for walking. City center sidewalks are often poor, posing challenges. Avoid walking/cycling on main roads during peak hours.
Boat Taxis/Water Transport: Primarily for island transfers. Local boat taxis for short coastal distances are less common than land options.
Tour Buses: For organized group tours to attractions or long-distance travel between cities. No hop-on-hop-off services exist.

Road Safety and Driving Laws

Driving laws exist but often find loose observance.
Drive on the right side of the road.
Traffic is chaotic, and aggressive driving is common.

Road conditions vary; many side roads are unpaved or under construction.
Night driving has particular hazards due to poor lighting.
Parking is generally informal. Park securely, especially if leaving a rented vehicle.

Local Transport Rates

Taxi & Ride-Hailing Fares

Typical fares for local transport using cash (US dollars) as the preferred payment method.

Cost Examples

Short Tuk-tuk Ride (within a beach area): US$2-3
Longer Tuk-tuk Ride (e.g., city center to Otres Beach): US$5-10
Airport Transfer: US$15-25

Motorbike & Ferry Costs

Pricing Overview

Motorbike rental (daily): US$5-10
Fast Ferry to Koh Rong/Koh Rong Sanloem (return): US$25-35
Bus from Phnom Penh: US$10-15

Tuk-tuk: $2-10

Widely available, convenient, open-air. Price negotiation sometimes needed.

Ride-hailing: $2-15

Fixed price, GPS tracking, safer. Phone and data are necessary.

Motorbike Taxi: $1-5

Cheapest for solo, fast in traffic. Least safe, often no helmet.

Rental & Long-Distance Transport

Self-drive Rentals

Motorbike rental offers freedom to explore, but high accident risks exist. An IDP is necessary, and insurance issues may arise.

Cost and Risks

Motorbike Rental (Self-drive): $5-10 per day.
High accident risk: Traffic is chaotic, and enforcement is inconsistent.
An International Driving Permit is legally necessary.

Long-distance Options

For travel between cities, various bus options provide economical transport with frequent schedules. The Royal Railway Train offers a scenic and unique journey.

Bus & Train Travel

Long-distance Bus: $10-15 (S'ville-PP). Economical for long distances, frequent schedules. Can be crowded, less legroom.
Royal Railway Train: $10-15 (S'ville-PP). 6-7 hours travel time. Scenic, unique experience, comfortable for long trips. Infrequent schedule, slow.
Fast Ferry (to Islands): $25-35 (return). 45-60 minutes one way. Fastest way to islands, scenic. Can be rough in wet season, fixed schedules.

Local Transportation Summary

Tuk-tuk

Versatile and readily available, but fare negotiation or app usage is good for price clarity.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Offer transparency and safety for booking cars and tuk-tuks via smartphone.

Motorbike Taxis

The most economical option for solo travelers, but with higher safety risks.

Final Travel Tip

Confirm your departure details and transport bookings the day before you plan to leave. Schedules sometimes change, and confirmation brings peace of mind.

How to Get to Sihanoukville